help
verb (used with object)
to give or provide what is necessary to accomplish a task or satisfy a need; contribute strength or means to; render assistance to; cooperate effectively with; aid; assist.
was helping
-
past progressiveof help.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Company president said the revamped burger was helping win market share; McDonald’s recently overhauled the Big Mac.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
That day, walking home from a particularly sad documentary interview, I wasn’t sure it was helping.
From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026
She added: "I looked up to her, she was helping me pay for my fees to study."
From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026
"We are first and foremost overcome with grief," said local resident Eli Zavala, who was helping with the burials.
From Barron's ● Jul. 5, 2026
Father was rushing a chair seat, and I was helping him.
From "My Brother Sam is Dead" by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
