helps crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! If you're stuck on "helps crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the logic behind each answer. Dive in to find the perfect word to complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "helps crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
AIDS: To assist or give help to someone in need.
5 Letters
ABETS: To encourage or assist someone to do something, often something wrong.
EASES: To make something less severe, difficult, or painful; to provide relief.
6 Letters
SERVES: To be useful or act as a means to an end; to fulfill a purpose.
7 Letters
ASSISTS: To give support or help to someone or something.
SUCCORS: To give assistance and support in times of hardship and distress.
8 Letters
SUPPORTS: To bear all or part of the weight of; to give assistance to.
BENEFITS: To receive an advantage or profit from something; to be helped by.
More About "helps crossword clue"
The clue "helps" in a crossword puzzle can be surprisingly versatile, leading to a variety of answers depending on the context of other intersecting words. It primarily suggests actions of assistance, aid, or support. However, it can also subtly refer to things that make a process easier or alleviate a burden. Crossword setters love to play with synonyms and connotations, so considering the various ways something can "help" is key to unlocking the correct solution.
For instance, "helps" can be a verb in the present tense, implying ongoing assistance (e.g., ASSISTS, AIDS, SUPPORTS). But it could also hint at a noun (e.g., HANDS, as in "lends a helping hand," though less direct for this clue). Always look at the surrounding clues and the number of letters required to narrow down the possibilities. Understanding the subtle nuances of synonyms related to aid, relief, and facilitation will empower you to tackle similar clues with confidence in future puzzles.
Think about the different scenarios where "help" is provided: from directly assisting a person to indirectly contributing to an outcome. Sometimes the clue might be a bit metaphorical, such as something that "helps" a plan succeed or "helps" an engine run smoothly. This broad interpretation is precisely what makes "helps" a classic crossword clue, demanding a good grasp of vocabulary and contextual thinking.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms Broadly: Don't just think of direct synonyms like "assists." Expand your thinking to words that imply support, relief, or contribution, such as "eases," "abets," or "serves."
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most valuable hint. If you have a few possible answers, immediately check which one fits the required length. This is often the fastest way to eliminate incorrect options.
- Examine Intersecting Clues: Crosswords are interconnected. If you're stuck on "helps," solve an intersecting clue first. The letters filled in from that clue will provide crucial context and often reveal the first or last letters of "helps," making it much easier to guess.
- Look for Tense and Plurality: Pay attention to whether the clue "helps" is singular, plural, past tense, or present tense. While "helps" is a verb in present tense singular, its answers should match (e.g., ASSISTS, AIDS, SERVES).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for "helps" in crosswords?
One of the most common and versatile answers for "helps" is "AIDS" (4 letters), as it's a direct synonym for assisting. However, "ASSISTS" (7 letters) and "ABETS" (5 letters) are also very frequent, depending on the puzzle's specific letter count requirement.
How do I know if "helps" refers to positive or negative assistance?
The clue "helps" itself is neutral, but some answers carry connotations. For example, "ABETS" usually implies helping someone do something wrong. The context of other clues in the puzzle, especially those intersecting with it, can often reveal the intended nuance. If the puzzle has a theme or a specific type of wordplay, that can also be a hint.
Are there any obscure synonyms for "helps" used in crosswords?
Yes, crossword puzzles often use less common synonyms to increase difficulty. For "helps," you might encounter words like "SUCCORS" (to give assistance and support in times of hardship and distress), "RELIEVES" (to ease or alleviate), or even older or more formal terms. Always be prepared for a wide range of vocabulary.