Aid vs. Aide: How to Use Aide and Aid

Last updated on July 11, 2024 by Liam Daniel

When it comes to using “aid” and “aide,” many people get confused. This reference will guide you through the basics of “aid” and “aide,” their meanings, usage, examples in sentences, and more. By the end, you will feel more confident using “aid” and “aide” correctly in your writing.

Aid or Aide: Understanding the Basics

Aid vs. Aide
Aid vs. Aide – Created by 7ESL

Aid or Aide: Meanings

Aid Meaning

AID is a tricky word because it can be either a noun or a verb but in all of the cases, it means “help”.

Aide Meaning

AIDE, on the other hand, is always a noun that means “assistant”.

Examples:

  • The export sector will aid the economic recovery.
  • The country depends heavily on the foreign aide.
  • He served as an aide to the former president.
  • The aide reported to Daley that he was a perfect choice.

Aid or Aide: Usage and Examples

How to Use Aid

Let’s see a few examples. Take a look at James who’s coming over to visit and help his best friend who is sick. What you can say about James is, “He’s going to his best friend to aid him”. Here, aid is a verb that means “to help” or “to assist”.

When one country is sending money to a different country after a natural disaster or a war, it’s called financial aid. In this example, aid is a noun and it can be replaced with “help” or “assistance”, and that is why it is spelled without an e.

Finally, a machine that is designed to help or assist someone with someone is also called an aid, e.g. hearing aid, a mobility aid.

How to Use Aide

What about aide? Let’s say that you want to speak about something with an important political leader. However, it’s very unlikely that the politician himself will be able to find some time for this talk because he has a very tight schedule. Therefore, you’ll probably have to speak to his assistant or his aide.

Aid vs. Aide Examples in Sentences

Examples of “Aid” in Sentences

  1. The humanitarian organization provided aid to the disaster-stricken area.
  2. The first aid kit contains everything you might need in case of an emergency.
  3. She offered to aid in the search for the missing dog.
  4. Financial aid is available for students who cannot afford the tuition fees.
  5. The new software is designed to aid in the analysis of complex data.

Examples of “Aide” in Sentences

  1. The senator’s aide scheduled all of his appointments for the day.
  2. As a teacher’s aide, she helps with classroom activities and student supervision.
  3. The general’s aide-de-camp is responsible for carrying out his orders.
  4. She worked as a personal aide to the ambassador during her overseas assignment.
  5. The principal’s aide handled the administrative tasks efficiently.

Examples of Sentences that Use Both “Aid” and “Aide”

  1. The nurse’s aide was a great aid to her during the long shifts at the hospital, helping to ensure that all patients received proper care.
  2. The legal aid organization hired an additional aide to assist with the increasing number of cases.
  3. During the campaign, the candidate’s aide played a crucial role in organizing events that would aid in raising awareness for his policies.
  4. The professor enlisted the help of a research aide to aid in compiling data for the extensive study.
  5. The diplomat’s aide was instrumental in providing the aid necessary to facilitate the international negotiations.

Aid vs. Aide Practice and Exercise

Multiple Choice

For each sentence, choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

  1. The nurse is trained to provide first (A) aid (B) aide to injured patients.
  2. The senator’s (A) aid (B) aide will prepare the briefing documents.
  3. Financial (A) aid (B) aide is available for students who qualify.
  4. The general’s (A) aid (B) aide-de-camp is an officer who assists him with military duties.
  5. The charity event was organized to raise funds for medical (A) aid (B) aide in war-torn regions.
  6. After the earthquake, many countries sent (A) aid (B) aide to help with the recovery efforts.
  7. The teacher requested an (A) aid (B) aide to help with the increasing number of students.
  8. The development program aims to provide (A) aid (B) aide to small business owners.
  9. Her administrative (A) aid (B) aide handles all the paperwork for the office.
  10. The organization offers (A) aid (B) aide to those affected by the housing crisis.

Answers

  1. A) aid
  2. B) aide
  3. A) aid
  4. B) aide
  5. A) aid
  6. A) aid
  7. B) aide
  8. A) aid
  9. B) aide
  10. A) aid

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