Meaning & use
helpfully
Last updated
UK/ˈhelp.fəl.i/
US/ˈhelp.fəl.i/
Meaning
adverb
In a way that provides useful assistance or information.
Grammar: Modifies a verb or clause, e.g., 'She helpfully pointed out the error.'
Patterns
- helpfully suggest
- helpfully provide
- helpfully explain
The librarian helpfully showed me where to find the reference books.
He helpfully offered to drive me to the airport.
She helpfully pointed out that I had missed a deadline.
Common combinations
- helpfully suggest
- My colleague helpfully suggested a faster way to finish the report.
- helpfully provide
- The website helpfully provides a list of local doctors.
- helpfully explain
- The teacher helpfully explained the difficult concept again.
Synonyms and how they differ
- usefully
- Similar, but 'usefully' focuses on the practical value of the action, while 'helpfully' emphasizes the willingness to assist.
- kindly
- Often implies a friendly or generous attitude; 'helpfully' is more about providing practical aid.
Opposites
unhelpfully
Word family
- helpful adjective
- Giving or ready to give help.
- help verb
- To make it easier for someone to do something.
- helpfulness noun
- The quality of being helpful.
Commonly confused: helpfully or hopefully?
helpfully vs hopefully
Means 'in a hopeful manner' or 'it is hoped'; not related to help.
Practice
Choose the correct word: The assistant ______ guided us through the application process.
Choose one answer.
'Helpfully' is the adverb modifying 'guided'. 'Helpful' is an adjective and would incorrectly describe the assistant, not the action.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “helpfully”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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