Help plus verb? (I am used to helping them to sharpen and improve their...)

[Andreana]

Hi,

Could you please tell me if in the following sentence the 'to' after 'them' could have been left out?

I am used to helping them to sharpen and improve their written assignments.

I mean I often have read phrases like 'I help people make decisions' or 'they can help you become independent'.
So, does the verb 'help' need the 'to' before another verb?
Thank you
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A smile will open doors

[Alan]

Hi,

An interesting question. I believe that nowadays the so-called 'bare' infinitive is more common after help- that is without 'to'. This is especially the case when there is a noun/noun phrase object or if there is a 'to' before help.

So we see : We have tried very hard to help them and their friends book a good holiday.

We helped the students find accommodation

Hope this helps you see the uses!

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Word Story: Health

[Andreana]

Hi Alan, thank you for you answering so fast. Yes, your answer helped me see the use
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A smile will open doors