Usually, the use of prepositions with the main verb creates a lot of confusion as they keep on changing the meaning when a new preposition is added to them. If we talk about the verb “Assist”, it frequently takes the prepositions like – in, with, by, to, and at (i.e. assist in or assist with or assist by or assist to or assist at) You will be surprised to know that the verb “Assist” followed by any one of these prepositions does not change its meaning at all in a sentence. The core meaning of the verb “Assist” remains the same with each of the above propositions. Only the structure of the sentence is changed when we use any one of these prepositions with “Assist”, but there is no change in their meanings. For example:
- John assisted me in distress.
- John assisted me with all his strength in distress.
- I was assisted by John in distress.
- John assisted me to be at ease in distress.
- John assisted me at the time of distress.
In the above examples, the verb “Assist” with different prepositions is not changing the gist of the sentences at all, but it is changing the structural pattern of the sentences. In the present post, we shall discuss with examples how to use the prepositions like – in, with, by, to, and at with the verb Assist. I hope it will help you to clear your doubts and confusion.
Assist meaning and Usage
The word Assist is a transitive verb in both British and American English. It means – to help or support someone in doing something. It normally takes the prepositions – in, with, by, to, and at – with the following structures.
Assist in in a sentence
Structure 1 - Verb+Noun/Pronoun+in+Present participle(ing form of verb)
- My sons assisted me in lifting the chest.
- The professor is assisting Maria in preparing a speech for the convocation.
- We all will assist you in finding suitable accommodation.
- My friend is willing to assist the police in tracing the thief.
- Julie assists the foreign tourists in arranging the AC cabs to the spots.
Assist with in a sentence
Structure 2 - Verb+Noun/Pronoun+with+Noun
- Merrit and Monalisa are assisting the officers with their investigations.
- The client is going to assist all of us with the transport facilities.
- The teacher assisted the children with their lessons.
- I can’t assist you with your plans.
- She felt highly grateful for assisting her with correct data.
- The nurse was called to assist with the emergency surgery.
Assist by in a sentence
Structure 3 - Verb +by+Noun
- The old man was assisted by a young boy in crossing the road.
- The film was directed and assisted by Ray Johnson.
- The officer is being assisted by her attedants in the program.
- The manager has been assisted by the accountant in maintaining the record.
- Are you ever assisted by your friend in distress.
Assist to in a sentence
Structure 4 - Verb+Noun/Pronoun+infinitive(to+Verb)
- This man may assist you to obtain the no-objection certificate from the court.
- They have to file a case to assist the miners to get their rights.
- The guards are assisting the volunteers to clear the way for the minister.
- The company agreed to assist us to provide the raw material.
- You are requested to assist Mr. Duglas to prepare a fair report.
Assist at in a sentence
Structure 5 - Verb+Noun/Pronoun+at+ Noun
- We all will assist at your wedding ceremony.
- I am pretty anxious to assist you at the Christmas concert.