Why do I need "a" here? "esta me ayuda a estar tranquila" Is it becuase it helps me, and I am a person?

Ronald M.A2Kwiziq community member

Why do I need "a" here? "esta me ayuda a estar tranquila" Is it becuase it helps me, and I am a person?

Asked 1 year ago
Marcos G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I think it’s similar to another construction that we already know:  “voy a hacer algo”, when we say we’re going to do something.  You know how we say, “Voy a estudiar” (I’m going to study), “Va a comer allá” (he’s going to eat there) and so on.  This construction is IR+a+INFINITIVE.  

We can use a similar construction with ayudar (although with a different meaning):  AYUDAR+a+INFINITIVE.  The “a” is just a part of the overall construction of the phrase. 

 There are a number of verbs that use prepositions such as “a”, “de”, or “con” in this manner.  The topic is “verbs which require prepositions”.  

InmaKwiziq team member

Hola Ronald

As Marcos said, some verbs/verbal constructions use a specific preposition. Here is a list with some verbs that use a preposition (not only "a" but others to). Have a look here

Saludos

Why do I need "a" here? "esta me ayuda a estar tranquila" Is it becuase it helps me, and I am a person?

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