Question 1

What is the difference between 'pero' and 'sino'?

Accepted Answer

'Pero' means 'but' and is used to contrast two ideas without negating the first. For example, 'Quiero ir pero no tengo tiempo' (I want to go but I don't have time). 'Sino' is used after a negative statement to introduce a contrasting positive alternative, and it often translates as 'but rather' or 'but instead'. For example, 'No quiero té, sino café' (I don't want tea, but coffee). Remember: 'sino' is only used when the first clause is negative and the second clause contradicts it directly.

Question 2

When do I use the subjunctive after 'cuando'?

Accepted Answer

Use the subjunctive after 'cuando' when referring to a future action that hasn't happened yet. For example, 'Cuando llegue a casa, te llamaré' (When I arrive home, I will call you) — 'llegue' is subjunctive because the arrival is in the future. If you're talking about a habitual action in the present, use the indicative: 'Cuando llego a casa, como' (When I arrive home, I eat). So the key is: future/unreal = subjunctive; habitual/real = indicative.

Question 3

Can I start a sentence with 'porque'?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can start a sentence with 'porque' in Spanish, but it's less common than in English. It's often used in response to a question or to emphasise a reason. For example, 'Porque no me gusta, no voy' (Because I don't like it, I'm not going). However, in formal writing, it's better to use 'ya que' or 'puesto que' at the start of a sentence for a more sophisticated style. In everyday speech, starting with 'porque' is perfectly fine.

Question 4

What is the difference between 'y' and 'e'?

Accepted Answer

'Y' means 'and', but it changes to 'e' before words that begin with the 'i' sound (spelled 'i' or 'hi') to avoid a clash of sounds. For example, 'padre e hijo' (father and son), not 'padre y hijo'. Note: this rule applies only before the 'i' sound, not before 'y' (which is a consonant sound). So you say 'agua y hielo' (water and ice) because 'hielo' starts with a 'ye' sound, not 'i'. Also, 'e' is used before words starting with 'hi' but only if the 'hi' is pronounced as 'i' (e.g., 'historia' → 'historia e inglés').

Question 5

How do I use 'aunque' correctly?

Accepted Answer

'Aunque' means 'although' or 'even though'. When it introduces a fact that is true, use the indicative: 'Aunque llueve, salgo' (Although it's raining, I go out). When it introduces a hypothetical or uncertain situation, use the subjunctive: 'Aunque llueva, saldré' (Even if it rains, I will go out). Also, 'aunque' can mean 'even if' when followed by the subjunctive. To achieve higher marks, use 'aunque' with the subjunctive to express concession in hypothetical contexts.

Question 6

What are some advanced conjunctions to boost my grade?

Accepted Answer

To impress examiners, use conjunctions like 'no obstante' (nevertheless), 'sin embargo' (however), 'además' (furthermore), 'incluso' (even), 'mientras que' (whereas), and 'a pesar de que' (despite the fact that). For example: 'Me gusta el campo, mientras que mi hermano prefiere la ciudad' (I like the countryside, whereas my brother prefers the city). These show a wider range of vocabulary and more complex sentence structures, which are key for top marks.

Vocabulary: Conjunctions

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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 Vocabulary: Conjunctions — Edexcel GCSE Spanish

Examiner Tips for Vocabulary: Conjunctions

Common Mistakes in Vocabulary: Conjunctions

Key Marking Points