What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
succor
Example
The Red Cross provided succor to the victims of the natural disaster. [succor: noun]
Example
The nurse offered succor to the patient by providing pain relief medication. [succoring: gerund or present participle]
help
Example
Can you help me carry these boxes to the car? [help: verb]
Example
The tutor provided help to the student struggling with math. [help: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Help is more commonly used than succor in everyday language. Help is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts and formality levels, while succor is less common and more formal, often used in more serious or urgent situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between succor and help?
Succor is a more formal and archaic word than help. While succor is typically associated with a more serious and urgent tone, help is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.