Verbs — constructions (verbs + infinitive, verbs + preposition + infinitive/noun, verbs + gerund, verbs of perception); uses of ser and estar — WJEC A-Level Spanish

This topic covers the correct use of verb constructions in Spanish, including verbs followed by infinitives, prepositions plus infinitives or nouns, gerunds, and verbs of perception. It also addresses the distinction between ser and estar, two verbs meaning 'to be' that are used in different contexts. Mastering these constructions is essential for achieving fluency and accuracy in Spanish, as they are fundamental to expressing actions, states, and perceptions correctly.

In the WJEC A-Level Spanish curriculum, this topic builds on foundational grammar and is crucial for both written and spoken tasks. Understanding when to use ser (for permanent characteristics, origin, time) versus estar (for temporary states, location, ongoing actions) is a common area of difficulty. Similarly, knowing which verbs require a preposition before an infinitive (e.g., insisitir en + infinitive) or which are followed directly by a gerund (e.g., seguir + gerundio) is key to constructing natural sentences.

This knowledge directly impacts your ability to write essays, respond to oral questions, and interpret texts accurately. Examiners look for precise use of these structures, and errors can lower your marks in grammar and accuracy. By mastering these patterns, you will sound more like a native speaker and avoid common pitfalls that even advanced learners make.

• →Verbs + infinitive: Some verbs (e.g., querer, poder, deber) are followed directly by an infinitive without a preposition.
• →Verbs + preposition + infinitive/noun: Many verbs require a specific preposition (e.g., acabar de, insistir en, pensar en) before an infinitive or noun.
• →Verbs + gerund: Certain verbs (e.g., estar, seguir, continuar) are followed by the gerund to indicate ongoing action.
• →Verbs of perception: Verbs like ver, oír, and sentir can be followed by an infinitive or gerund, with subtle differences in meaning (e.g., 'I see him running' vs 'I see him run').
• →Ser vs estar: Ser is used for essential characteristics, identity, origin, time, and passive voice; estar is used for temporary states, location, and progressive tenses.

• Correct use of definite articles (el, la, los, las)
• Correct use of indefinite articles (un, una, unos, unas)
• Correct application of 'el' before feminine nouns beginning with a stressed 'a' (e.g., el agua, el alma)
• Correct use of 'lo + adjective' to express abstract concepts (e.g., lo importante, lo bueno)

• 💡Remember that 'el agua' is feminine despite the masculine article; adjectives modifying it must remain feminine (e.g., el agua fría)
• 💡Use 'lo + adjective' to add sophistication to your writing when discussing abstract concepts or opinions
• 💡Check for stressed 'a' at the start of feminine nouns to avoid the common 'la' error
• 💡When using ser and estar in your writing, always justify your choice in your mind: is it a permanent characteristic (ser) or a temporary state/condition (estar)? This will help you avoid careless errors.
• 💡For verb constructions, memorise common verb + preposition combinations as set phrases. For example, 'insistir en' (to insist on), 'acabar de' (to have just), 'dejar de' (to stop). Using these correctly shows sophistication.
• 💡In the oral exam, if you use a verb of perception, try to vary between infinitive and gerund to demonstrate range. For example, 'Veo a los niños jugar' and 'Los veo jugando' are both correct but show different nuances.

• Using 'la' instead of 'el' before feminine nouns starting with a stressed 'a'
• Confusing 'lo' with masculine articles (el/un) when referring to abstract ideas
• Incorrect agreement of articles with nouns
• Misconception: 'Ser' is always for permanent things and 'estar' for temporary. Correction: While this is a useful rule of thumb, there are exceptions. For example, location is always expressed with estar (even if permanent: 'Madrid está en España'), and events use ser ('La fiesta es en mi casa').
• Misconception: All verbs that require a preposition before an infinitive use 'a'. Correction: Different verbs take different prepositions (e.g., 'acabar de', 'insistir en', 'pensar en', 'soñar con'). You must learn each verb with its correct preposition.
• Misconception: 'Ver' and 'oír' are always followed by the infinitive. Correction: They can also be followed by the gerund to emphasise the action in progress (e.g., 'La veo cruzar la calle' vs 'La veo cruzando la calle').