”Aid” vs. “aide”: What’s the difference?

What does “aid” mean?

When used as a noun, the word “aid” has two common definitions. Typically, “aid” refers to the help that someone or something provides. “Aid” is often used in situations describing help for a specific task. For example, it would be difficult to divide large numbers without the aid of a calculator.

Sometimes, the word is paired with another noun to describe the help devices provide, like a “hearing aid” or a “mobility aid.” “Aid” can also be used to describe the financial or humanitarian aid provided to other countries during times of disaster.

When used as a verb, “aid” functions similarly to how you use the word “help.” For example, “Nurses aided the victims of the fire,” is a grammatically correct way to use the word.

What does “aide” mean?

When spelled with an “e” at the end of the word, “aide” always refers to a specific person who assists another person with their job. “Aide” is thought to be derived from the word aide-de-camp, a French word referring to a military officer assisting a superior. Today, this noun is most commonly used when writing about someone who works for a politician, like a White House aide. Although this word is related to the help that someone provides, it can’t be used as a synonym for the word “aid.”

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How to use “aid” and “aide”

For most writing, you’ll probably use the word “aid” more frequently than “aide.” These examples show how to use the word “aid” correctly in a sentence:

• “The students completed their homework with the aid of a computer.”
• “She enlisted the aid of her older brother and his friends.”
• “Matthew navigates town easily with the aid of his service dog.”

You might also use the word “aid” as part of a common phrase or idiom. Common phrases include “to aid and abet” and “in aid of.”

When using the word “aide,” remember that it always represents a specific person. For example, “The mayor’s top aide spoke with journalists about the city’s budget cuts.”

Tips for remembering “aide” vs. “aid”

Since “aide” and “aid” look and sound very similar, it’s easy to mix them up in your writing. Try using a mnemonic device to remember which word to use correctly. “Aid” means the help someone receives, while “aide” refers to the person giving help to someone. The word “aide” ends with the letter “e,” and the word “person” also contains an “e.” By associating these two words, you’ll have an easier time remembering when to use “aid” vs. “aide.”

Whether you’re fine-tuning a research paper or perfecting your cover letter, correct spelling and grammar can make or break your writing. With the aid of this grammar overview, we know your sentences will shine.