Expression: "Help in doing something"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi

None of my dictionaries shows that “help in doing something” is also a possibility like “help to do something” or “help do something” , yet I have often seen it and heard it even from a native speaker. Could you please tell me if the said expression or the following sentences sound [color=red]correct and [color=red]natural to you?

Tom

2

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Yes, they sound fine.
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3

Many thanks, MM

…but I would like to continue this discussion. There are more than 50 dictionaries in my college library, but all of them show the following in the entry of help.

None of them shows “help somebody in doing something”. My book of prepositins shows only to with help. Why?

Please see results from Ms. Google.

[color=red]“helped him in finding”
google.com/search?hl=en&q=%2 … finding%22

[color=red]“helped him to find”
google.com/search?hl=en&q=%2 … to+find%22

[color=red]“helped him find”
google.com/search?hl=en&q=%2 … m++find%22

Could you please shed some more light on this?

I would be grateful,

Tom

4

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It still sounds OK to me.
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5

Would you have a problem with these, Tom?

In doing his homework, he needs help.
In improving your vocabualry, these books will help.
In achieving her goals, she receives help.

6

Hi Tom

I’d say that you’ll hear ‘help in doing’ primarily when the word ‘help’ is a noun.
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7

As with “success in doing”.

8

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Exactly, Molly. But don’t pay too much attention to my input. It seems some people here would rather not have input about usage. :wink:
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