When to use "to" in a sentence. Dear fellow English speakers. Please help me understand why the following sentence is incorrect: "Help grandma to build a house" I believe it should be "Help grandm

Daniel

When to use "to" in a sentence. Dear fellow English speakers. Please help me understand why the following sentence is incorrect: "Help grandma to build a house" I believe it should be "Help grandma build a house", but I'm not sure how to explain the rule that determines this. I know that "to" should be used to indicate an infinitive verb, but not sure why the above cannot be considered an infinitive phrase (or can it?). Likewise, I don't know why "Help grandma build a house" is correct, I just know that it is...or is it? :) Any ideas? Cheers!

Jan 25, 2013 3:53 AM

Answers · 15

I think the first error is assuming that "help grandma to build a house" is incorrect. It's perfectly fine! Did a textbook say it was not? Tsk. This is just one of the tiny exceptions in English: "help" can work as an intransitive verb (use "to"), or a causative verb (without "to"). In your example, the difference is so tiny that no-one would even bother worrying about it.

January 25, 2013

^ agreed. analyzing things like this makes language learning not fun. have fun with English, don't scrutinize over every detail. even native speakers mess up on little things like that every once in awhile. my intention and ability to communicate is most important in these instances.

January 25, 2013

I think you are overanalying something that really doesn't need to be. I think it works with and without the "to." Anyone that speaks English well would understand it with or without the "to."

January 25, 2013

"Help" can be used with a to-infinitive or with a bare infinitive (especially in American English). Don't just sit there! Go help Grandma cook dinner. / Don't just sit there! Go help Grandma to cook dinner.

January 25, 2013