Is "With Clothes" Complement Of On?

Question

He helped me on with clothes.Could I say 'with clothes' is the complement of on?Honestly, I don't see why 'with' is there.I think the following sentences also seem to be correct, considering the fact that He helped him up/down the stairs is right.He helped me on clothes.He helped me off clothes.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

anonymousHe helped me on clothes.
He helped me off clothes.

These are not grammatical.

anonymousHe helped me on with clothes.

I can't find an example of this wording online. It sounds strange to my ear. It may be a very old way of saying "He helped me put on my clothes" or "He helped me with putting on my clothes".

anonymousCould I say 'with clothes' is the complement of on?
Honestly, I don't see why 'with' is there.

No. 'help' and 'with' go together.

The research assistants helped with data collection.
She grew up in a family with servants who helped with the cooking.
The church gave people money and helped with utilities and rent.

But I don't see the prepositional phrase 'with clothes' as a complement. It's more like an adverbial of manner, an adjunct.

CJ

Is "With Clothes" Complement Of On?

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