Question 1

Why is it la una a la otra instead of el uno al otro?

Accepted Answer

The phrase changes to match the gender and number of the subjects. Because the subject is the feminine group Ellas, you use la una a la otra. If it were a mixed or all-male group (Ellos), it would be el uno al otro.

Question 2

Why is there an a in the middle of la una a la otra?

Accepted Answer

When you use reciprocal phrases like this, you must include the preposition that the verb naturally requires. The verb ayudar requires the personal a when the object receiving the help is a person. Therefore, the a is inserted right before la otra.

Question 3

Do we really need both se and la una a la otra?

Accepted Answer

You strictly only need se, as Ellas se ayudan already translates to 'They help each other.' However, se can also mean 'themselves.' Adding la una a la otra removes any ambiguity and adds emphasis, making it perfectly clear that the action is reciprocal rather than reflexive.

Question 4

Could we use the plural las unas a las otras here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it changes the nuance. The singular la una a la otra is standard when exactly two people are helping each other. If there is a larger group where multiple women are helping various other women at the same time, the plural las unas a las otras is a better fit.

Question 5

Why do we use para instead of por before mejorar?

Accepted Answer

You use para followed by an infinitive verb when expressing a goal, purpose, or destination. It translates directly to 'in order to.' Here, their specific purpose for helping each other is in order to improve their game, so para is required.

Ellas se ayudan la una a la otra para mejorar la volea y la posición.

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