self-help
self-help — noun
1. The activity of improving your own life, skills, or habits through your own effo
The activity of improving your own life, skills, or habits through your own efforts rather than by getting help from a professional, such as a doctor or counsellor.
Sora read several self-help books to overcome his fear of public speaking.
collocation: self-help books
The library's self-help section was filled with people looking for advice on anxiety and relationships.
collocation: self-help section
After losing his job, Arjun practised self-help by learning new coding skills online every night.
Mei downloaded a self-help app to manage her anxiety while she saved up for therapy sessions.
- self-improvement
broader term that can include any effort to become better, not only problem-solving
- self-reliance
focuses on not depending on others, rather than on the process of improving
- personal development
more formal; often used in workplace or educational contexts
- professional help
assistance from a trained expert rather than one's own efforts
文法句型
self-help book / self-help group / self-help movement
practise self-help / turn to self-help
用法筆記
Often used as a modifier before nouns such as 'book', 'group', 'movement', or 'technique' — even though it is grammatically a noun, the compound form is common enough to be treated as a fixed phrase.
常見錯誤
self-help — adjective
1. Describing a book, method, product, or programme that is designed to help you im
Describing a book, method, product, or programme that is designed to help you improve your life, solve a personal problem, or develop a skill on your own, without a teacher or therapist.
Bilal bought a popular self-help guide for managing workplace stress.
collocation: self-help guide
The bookstore devoted an entire wall to self-help titles on mindfulness and happiness.
Nkechi followed a self-help programme that promised to build her confidence in six weeks.
Kevin started a self-help journal after his therapist suggested writing down three good things daily.
- how-to
more practical and skill-oriented; less focused on emotional well-being
- instructional
broader; can refer to any teaching material, not just self-directed improvement
- self-directed
focuses on the learner controlling the process rather than the type of material
- professional
delivered by a trained expert rather than designed for independent use
文法句型
self-help book / self-help guide / self-help programme
用法筆記
Used only before a noun (attributive position). It cannot follow a linking verb: ❌ 'This guide is self-help.' ✅ 'This is a self-help guide.'