Question 1

When do I need to use the subject pronoun in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Subject pronouns (yo, tú, él, etc.) are often omitted in Spanish because the verb ending already tells you who the subject is. However, you should use them for emphasis (e.g., 'Yo prefiero el café' - I prefer coffee), to avoid ambiguity (e.g., 'él' vs. 'ella' when the verb form is the same), or after prepositions (e.g., 'para mí'). In the Edexcel GCSE exam, using subject pronouns correctly can add clarity to your writing.

Question 2

What's the difference between 'mi' and 'mí'?

Accepted Answer

'Mi' (without an accent) is a possessive determiner meaning 'my', and it always goes before a noun (e.g., 'mi casa'). 'Mí' (with an accent) is a prepositional pronoun meaning 'me', used after prepositions like 'para' (for), 'a' (to), or 'de' (of) (e.g., 'para mí' - for me). They sound the same but have different functions, so watch out for the accent in writing.

Question 3

How do I know whether to use 'lo' or 'le'?

Accepted Answer

'Lo' is a direct object pronoun meaning 'it' (masculine) or 'him' (when referring to a male person). 'Le' is an indirect object pronoun meaning 'to him/her/you (formal)'. For example, 'Veo el libro' becomes 'Lo veo' (I see it), but 'Doy el libro a Juan' becomes 'Le doy el libro' (I give the book to him). If you can replace the noun with 'it' or 'him' directly, use 'lo'; if you need 'to him/her', use 'le'.

Question 4

Can 'su' mean 'his', 'her', 'its', 'your', or 'their'? How do I know which one?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 'su' can mean all of those. The meaning is usually clear from context. For example, 'Su casa' could mean 'his house', 'her house', 'your house' (formal), or 'their house'. If the context doesn't make it clear, you can use 'de él', 'de ella', 'de usted', or 'de ellos/ellas' to specify. In the exam, make sure the surrounding sentences clarify the owner.

Question 5

What is the rule for making nouns plural in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

For nouns ending in a vowel, add -s (e.g., 'libro' -> 'libros'). For nouns ending in a consonant, add -es (e.g., 'profesor' -> 'profesores'). If a noun ends in -z, change the -z to -c before adding -es (e.g., 'lápiz' -> 'lápices'). Also, the definite article changes from 'el' to 'los' or 'la' to 'las'. Remember that the determiner must also become plural.

Question 6

When do I attach object pronouns to the end of a verb?

Accepted Answer

Object pronouns are attached to the end of infinitives (e.g., 'comprarlo' - to buy it), gerunds (e.g., 'comprándolo' - buying it), and affirmative commands (e.g., 'cómpralo' - buy it). For negative commands, the pronoun goes before the verb (e.g., 'no lo compres'). In the GCSE exam, using attached pronouns correctly shows advanced grammar skills.

Grammar: Nouns, pronouns and determiners

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Related Topics in EDEXCEL GCSE Spanish

Grammar: Adjectives and adjectival phrases

Grammar: Adverbs and adverbial phrases

Grammar: Derivational morphology

Grammar: Prepositions

How to Revise Grammar: Nouns, pronouns and determiners — Edexcel GCSE Spanish

Examiner Tips for Grammar: Nouns, pronouns and determiners

Common Mistakes in Grammar: Nouns, pronouns and determiners

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