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HELP

HELP

(OP)

I AM AN INTERSTED OBSERVER TO A LANGUAGE PHENONEMON.

People usually say “help” as it is clear and is not ambiguous.

Now, I hear locally and nationally “help out”, instead of help.
Strange!!!

I get the idea, but am puzzled by the implication of “help out” as being more meaningful than “help”.

It seems like slang.

Buy a dictionary, keep it nearby and USE it. Webster's New World Dictionary of American English is recommended, and Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.

RE: HELP

In my opinion “help out” is an abbreviated way of saying “help getting out of a situation”, or “help getting out of a problem”.  As in can I help out?  Perhaps you could give an example of a sentence that you consider strange usage of “help out”?

RE: HELP

As a quick response without pondering your question very long; I think "help" connotes to me the total doing of something like removing someone from the rooftop of a flooded house by helicopter.  (Why would I think of that today?)

Whereas, "help out" connotes to me that; you need some firewood split (garage painted, whatever), and I come over and "help out" by swinging the maul/brush for a while but never take total control of the project or process.

Just my thought.

rmw

RE: HELP

"Help out" to me means what it does to rmw, almost exactly like "pitch in".  "Help" is more generic, including that meaning but any other kind of assistance, rescue, little tips, whatever.

Hg

Eng-Tips guidelines:  FAQ731-376

RE: HELP

I'd like to help you out, which way did you come in?

joke ha ha

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