assist
verb (used with object)
to give support or aid to; help.
were assisting
-
past progressiveof assist.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.
A large number of civilian vessels were assisting the "intensive search", a HM Coastguard spokesperson added.
From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026
More than 70 members of Indiana’s National Guard and dozens of other state officers were assisting with response efforts, the governor’s office said Saturday.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
Rodriguez said Laredo Police were assisting in the inquiry, but the Department of Homeland Security and Homeland Security Investigations were leading the investigation.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 16, 2026
Two suspects were arrested at the station, police said, adding that counter-terrorism units were assisting the investigation.
From Barron's ● Nov. 2, 2025
Those who were assisting at the court-martial looked indignant; the chief of them, a major of dragoons, tapped impatiently on the table with his gold pencil-case, and gave a condemnatory shake of his head.
From Jena or Sedan? by Franz Beyerlein
