Question 1

What is the difference between 'por' and 'para' in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

'Por' and 'para' both mean 'for' but are used differently. 'Por' is used for causes, reasons, durations, exchanges, and movement through a place. For example, 'Lo hice por ti' (I did it for you – because of you) and 'Caminé por el parque' (I walked through the park). 'Para' is used for purposes, destinations, deadlines, and recipients. For example, 'Este regalo es para ti' (This gift is for you) and 'Estudio para ser médico' (I study to be a doctor). A helpful tip: if you can replace 'for' with 'in order to', use 'para'; if it means 'because of', use 'por'.

Question 2

When do I use 'al' and 'del' in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

'Al' is a contraction of 'a' + 'el', and 'del' is a contraction of 'de' + 'el'. You must use them when the preposition 'a' or 'de' is followed by the masculine singular definite article 'el'. For example, 'Voy al cine' (I go to the cinema) not 'a el cine', and 'El libro del profesor' (the teacher's book) not 'de el profesor'. These contractions are mandatory in Spanish, so never write 'a el' or 'de el'.

Question 3

How do you say 'on' in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

The Spanish word for 'on' depends on the context. For physical location, use 'en' or 'sobre'. For example, 'El libro está en la mesa' (The book is on the table) or 'El gato está sobre el sofá' (The cat is on the sofa). For days of the week, no preposition is used: 'El lunes' (on Monday). For surfaces, you can also use 'encima de' (on top of). Avoid directly translating 'on' as 'en' in all cases; think about the specific meaning.

Question 4

What are some common Spanish verbs that require a preposition?

Accepted Answer

Many Spanish verbs are followed by a specific preposition. For example: 'pensar en' (to think about), 'soñar con' (to dream about), 'acabar de' (to have just done), 'empezar a' (to start to), 'ayudar a' (to help to), 'insistir en' (to insist on), 'consistir en' (to consist of). It's best to learn these as verb + preposition chunks. For instance, 'Acabo de llegar' means 'I have just arrived'.

Question 5

How do I use prepositions of place in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Prepositions of place describe where something is located. Common ones include: 'encima de' (on top of), 'debajo de' (under), 'delante de' (in front of), 'detrás de' (behind), 'al lado de' (next to), 'cerca de' (near), 'lejos de' (far from), 'dentro de' (inside), 'fuera de' (outside). For example, 'El perro está debajo de la mesa' (The dog is under the table). Note that these are often followed by 'de' and then a noun.

Question 6

Can I use 'en' for both 'in' and 'on' in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 'en' can mean both 'in' and 'on' in many contexts. For example, 'Estoy en la cocina' (I am in the kitchen) and 'El libro está en la mesa' (The book is on the table). However, for more specific locations, you might use 'dentro de' (inside) or 'encima de' (on top of). Also, for modes of transport, 'en' is used: 'en coche' (by car), 'en avión' (by plane). So 'en' is versatile, but be aware of exceptions.

Grammar: Prepositions

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Related Topics in EDEXCEL GCSE Spanish

Grammar: Adjectives and adjectival phrases

Grammar: Adverbs and adverbial phrases

Grammar: Derivational morphology

Grammar: Nouns, pronouns and determiners

How to Revise Grammar: Prepositions — Edexcel GCSE Spanish

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Common Mistakes in Grammar: Prepositions

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