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Aid vs. Aide: Which Word Is It?

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Which is correct, “aid” or “aide”?

👍🏼Usage Note

I have known her for five years. (present perfect)
She knew the answer immediately. (simple past)
I have knew her for five years. (incorrect past participle)
She has know the answer. (incorrect verb form)

While aid and aide sound the same when spoken aloud, and are almost spelled the exact same (with the exception of the additional -e), they’re different words with different meanings. Allow us to assist in clarifying the distinction… or should I say, offer aid on the correct word choice.

When to use “aid” vs “aide”

Examples of “aide” Examples of “aid”
My aide assists with most of my work. Refugees are in need of significant aid.

Aide (pronounced aye-d) is a noun meaning assistant. Someone who acts as an assistant is an aide (and vice versa). For example, the term ‘teacher’s aide‘ shows the correct use of the noun aide. Similarly, there are nurses’ aides, political aides, and so forth.

The word aid can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, aid refers to “money, food, etc. that is sent to help countries in difficult situations”. In other words, the actual assistance that is given, or the items that provides assistance or relief are considered as aid.

As a verb, aid means to “help somebody/something to do something, especially by making it easier”. Aid can also mean to help someone accomplish something. For example, see the phrase ‘to aid and abet‘, which refers to helping someone achieve an illicit goal.

Examples using “aide” in sentences

He served as an aide to the former president.

The nurse’s aide will bring you an extra pillow.

I wasn’t able to speak with the governor, but his aide was very helpful.

Examples using “aid” in sentences

Financial foreign aid has been provided for victims of the earthquake.

Emergency aid arrived too late for many.

She walks with the aid of a stick.

💡Study Tip

Practice using the verb in different tenses with example sentences to memorize the correct forms.

Synonyms of “aide”

  • assistant
  • adjutant
  • aide-de-camp
  • helper
  • attendant
  • right-hand man/woman

Synonyms of “aid”

  • assistance
  • treatment
  • care
  • relief
  • service
  • benefit

‍Phrases with aid/aide

Phrase Meaning
To aid and abet To help someone, usually to accomplish something illicit or illegal.
To aid in doing/come to one’s aid To offer support or help when someone needs.
A band-aid approach/band-aid solution A temporary solution to a problem.
To rip the band-aid off To deal with something uncomfortable quickly rather than prolong it.
Thirst-aid station A slang term to refer to a place where one can purchase alcohol.
All in the Kool-Aid but don’t know the flavor slang for “involving oneself in something one knows little or nothing about”.

Origin of the word aid/aide

Early 15c., aide, “war-time tax,” also “help, support, assistance,” from Old French aide, earlier aiudha “aid, help, assistance,” from Late Latin adiuta, “to give help to.”

Read about other confusing words

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former vs. latter burned or burnt?
bear with vs. bare with color or colour?
breathe or breath favorite vs. favourite
assure or ensure? smelled or smelt?
effect vs. affect gray or grey?
elude or allude favor vs. favour
it’s or its analyze or analyse?

Worksheet

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are literary devices?
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Techniques writers use to enhance their writing and convey messages effectively.

How do literary devices differ from rhetorical devices?
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Literary devices are specific to creative writing, while rhetorical devices are broader.

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They help you understand and appreciate literature more deeply.

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Practice identifying them in texts you read regularly.

Sources

  1. Aide, Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, accessed on October 9, 2023. Aid, Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, accessed on October 9, 2023. Origin of aid, etymonline, accessed on October 9, 2023. “All in the Kool-Aid but don’t know the flavor.” Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. 2015. Farlex, Inc. 24 May. 2025 https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/all+in+the+Kool-Aid+but+don%27t+know+the+flavor ‍

Grammar Expert. "Aid Vs Aide Which Word Is It." GrammarFlex, May 30, 2025, http://www.grammarflex.com/aid-vs-aide-which-word-is-it/.

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