Helping [to] + infinitive verb?

Question

What would be correct? And why?

The last one is fine: it indicates maintaining the library is a huge project, in which you're helping, perhaps temporarily. It's the third one which is awkward. — Andrew Leach, Feb 27 '20 at 13:15
(3) is out by the Doubl-ing constraint, and (4) is OK. (1) and (2) are both OK, because help can take an infinitive with or without to. — John Lawler, Feb 27 '20 at 15:43

Mr. X · Accepted Answer · 2020-02-27T14:45:23.460

2

You use the verb 'help' with or without a 'to infinitive'. The meaning remains the same.

You don't help yourself but you help others. Your third sentence sounds like you're helping yourself in maintaining the library.

I'm helping _ in maintaining the library. You don't fill in that blank. The object of help could be anything but you.

edited Feb 27 '20 at 14:45

answered Feb 27 '20 at 14:40

Mr. X

Also worth noting: While "I'm helping in maintaining the library" is not right, "I help in maintaining the library" is correct. – Farfromunique Feb 27 '20 at 15:53
So which answer would make the most sense if the question is "What have you been doing lately?" – Cristiano Coelho Feb 27 '20 at 21:02
@CristianoCoelho: I've been helping maintain the library. – Tinfoil Hat Feb 28 '20 at 00:37

1 Answers1