Confusing the Subject

Dropping the 'A'

When 'ayudar' is followed by another action (a verb), Spanish usually uses the connector 'a': 'Ellos ayudan a limpiar' (They help to clean). English often drops the 'to'.

The 'A' Connector

'Ayudan' is only used when the group doing the action is 'ellos' (they, masculine/mixed), 'ellas' (they, feminine), or 'ustedes' (you all, formal).

Who is Doing the Helping?

If you are talking to a group of friends, you would likely use 'vosotros ayudáis' (in Spain) or 'ustedes ayudan' (in Latin America).

Formal vs. Informal

Extremely common. This is the third-person plural conjugation of the core verb 'to help.'

In this meaning, the subject using 'ayudan' is often not a person, but an abstract thing like 'policies,' 'reports,' or 'studies.'

Abstract Subjects

Using 'ayudan a' in this abstract way (e.g., 'el clima ayuda a la cosecha') adds a slightly more formal or analytical tone than simply using 'es bueno para' (it is good for).

Formal Tone

Commonly used in formal, academic, or professional contexts to mean 'contribute' or 'benefit.'

'Ayudan' is the 'they help' form of the verb 'ayudar' (to help). Learn its conjugation, how to use the mandatory 'a' preposition, and its figurative meaning of 'to contribute.'

ayudan

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

conditional

present

preterite

imperfect

future

imperative

affirmative

negative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations