Help and Assist
These two verbs often have the same meaning but assist is more formal and always suggests that the person being assisted is doing part of the work. For example:
The nurse assisted the doctor in performing the operation.
Sometimes, the two verbs can be used interchangeably. For example:
I can't remove the table on my own- will someone help/assist me?
But if someone is in difficulties, you cannot use assist.
Incorrect : We assisted the drowning man.
Correct : We helped the drowning man.
Incorrect : He assisted me to pass the exam.
Correct : He helped me (to) pass the exam.
Note: "Help' can be followed by a verb in the infinitive form with or without “to', but "assist' cannot be used in this way.
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