Refactor helpers for better readability

**Problem**
When working with helpers, the error messages could be more descriptive.

**Suggestion**
Improve error handling and add detailed error messages.

**Context**
This would help with debugging and maintenance.

The issue names no files, tests, or entry points. Start by locating the helper implementations and their current error handling, then identify which messages need clarification. Done means the selected helper errors are more descriptive and the relevant behavior remains covered by the project's existing checks.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.