What is assist? Pronunciation and usage in English

assist means . Learn how to pronounce and use assist through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of assist

assistverb

/əˈsɪst/
Definition & pronunciation of assist

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "assist" in English. It's a tricky one because it's commonly mispronounced! Here's a breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation:

  • ih-SIST (rhymes with "kiss")

Let's break it down further:

  1. "i": Say the short "i" sound, like in "bit."
  2. "ss": This is the key! Don't say "s" twice. It's a single "s" sound. Think of it like "sis."
  3. "ist": These letters are pronounced as a single syllable, a blend of "ih" and "sist."

Common Mispronunciations and Why They're Wrong:

  • "uh-SIST" (like "assist" in "assist with") - This is extremely common and adds an "uh" sound before the "sist" part.
  • "uh-SIST" (like "assist" in "assist someone") - Another very common mistake.
  • "a-SIST" - This is a frequent error, where people drop the "i" and say "a-sist."

Tips for Getting it Right:

Do you want me to:

  • Record an example of the pronunciation?
  • Give you some practice words to try saying?

Usage and examples with the word assist in English

Let's break down how to use the word "assist" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. Basic Meaning: To Help

At its core, "assist" means to help someone with a task or activity. It’s a polite and often formal way to say "help."

  • Example: "I'd like to assist you with your luggage." (You're offering to help carry their bags.)
  • Example: "The nurse assisted the patient with getting out of bed." (The nurse helped the patient.)

2. As a Verb – Different Forms and Meanings

  • Assist (plain form): As shown above, this is the most common usage – to help.
  • Assisting: This is the present participle (used with –ing verbs).
    • Example: "She is assisting the coach with practice drills." (She's helping the coach during practice.)
  • Assistance: This is the noun form – the act of helping or the thing that helps.
    • Example: "We received valuable assistance from the volunteers." (The volunteers provided help.)
    • Example: "He needed some technical assistance with the software." (He needed help with the software.)

3. More Specific Uses

  • Professional Assistance: "He works as a legal assistant." (A person who supports a lawyer.)
  • Technical Assistance: "The IT department provided assistance with our network problems."
  • Military Assistance: “The army provided assistance to the local community after the flood.” (Offering aid or support)
  • Helping in a Meeting: “I can assist the chairman with organizing the agenda.” (To help in the work of a role, like chairman).

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings)

Here are some words you could use instead of "assist," depending on the context:

  • Help
  • Support
  • Aid
  • Contribute
  • Collaborate
  • Facilitate

5. How to Choose the Right Word

  • Formality: "Assist" is generally more formal than “help.”
  • Specificity: "Assist" can imply a more structured or supportive role than “help.” Think about whether you’re simply providing a little help, or taking on a more active role to make something happen.

Let's look at some examples to illustrate the different ways to use "assist":

  • Simple Help: “Can you assist me with opening this jar?”
  • Providing Resources: “The library provides research assistance to students.”
  • Working Together: "We need to assist each other to meet this deadline." (Meaning to support each other)

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing a formal email, describing a job, speaking conversationally?)
  • Could you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word assist

Practice with vocabulary assist

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new software will ________ in streamlining the project management process.
  2. She decided to ________ her colleague with the presentation preparation.
  3. The manager asked the team to ________ the data analysis before the meeting.
  4. He volunteered to ________ the event coordinator with the logistics.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The intern was asked to ________ the senior analyst with the report.
    a) assist
    b) help
    c) interfere
    d) delay

  2. Which of the following words can replace "support" in this sentence: "The team will ________ the new initiative."
    a) assist
    b) hinder
    c) ignore
    d) abandon

  3. The software is designed to ________ users in completing complex tasks efficiently.
    a) confuse
    b) assist
    c) distract
    d) disrupt

  4. In the sentence "The mentor will ________ the trainee with career advice," which word is incorrect?
    a) guide
    b) assist
    c) mislead
    d) advise

  5. Which word does NOT fit in this sentence: "The volunteers will ________ the organizers during the event."
    a) assist
    b) aid
    c) obstruct
    d) support

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The teacher helped the students prepare for the exam.
    Rewrite: ___________________________________________________________

  2. Original: The IT department supported the team in fixing the software issues.
    Rewrite: ___________________________________________________________

  3. Original: The consultant provided guidance during the project setup phase.
    Rewrite: ___________________________________________________________

Answer

Exercise 1:

  1. assist
  2. assist
  3. analyze
  4. help

Exercise 2:

  1. a) assist, b) help
  2. a) assist
  3. b) assist
  4. c) mislead
  5. c) obstruct

Exercise 3:

  1. The teacher assisted the students in preparing for the exam.
  2. The IT department assisted the team in fixing the software issues.
  3. The consultant aided during the project setup phase.

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