Help out means to help someone, especially when they are short of money, time or people. It is usually practical help, often just once or for a short time: help out with the move, help out at a friend's café. A pronoun goes between “help” and “out”: help me out.
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help + someone + out; help out with + noun; help out at + place
- My neighbour helped me out when my car broke down and I had to get to work.
- My sister helps out at our parents' shop on busy Saturdays.
- If you're short of time this week, I can help out with the shopping.
What changed
First versionCan you save me? I've left my wallet at home and need to pay for lunch.
RevisionCan you help me out? I've left my wallet at home and need to pay for lunch.
“Save” means to rescue someone from danger, so “Can you save me?” sounds as if you are in serious trouble. When you are simply in an awkward situation and need a favour, say “Can you help me out?”. The second part, where you explain what happened, stays the same.
“Help” works for any kind of help, including advice or an explanation: Can you help me with this grammar rule? “Help out” more often means taking on part of the work when there are not enough people: Can you help out in the kitchen tonight? We're two cooks short.
Your turn
When I moved into my first flat, my friends ___ by lending me a sofa and some plates.
Show the answer
helped me out — The friends solved a practical problem by lending a sofa and plates, so “helped me out” is right. “Helped me up” means helping someone get up, for example after a fall, and that has nothing to do with furniture and plates.
Write about a time someone helped you out. Say what the problem was and what exactly this person did.
When my flight was cancelled, an old friend helped me out by letting me stay at her flat for two nights.
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