What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
assist
Example
I will assist you with your homework after I finish mine. [assist: verb]
Example
The teacher's assistant provided assistance to the students during the exam. [assistance: noun]
aid
Example
The organization provides aid to families affected by natural disasters. [aid: noun]
Example
She aided her friend in finding a job by sharing job listings. [aided: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Aid is more commonly used than assist in everyday language. Aid is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while assist is more commonly used in formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between assist and aid?
While assist is typically associated with a formal tone, aid is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.