Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most common questions. 'Por' is used for reasons, causes, duration, exchange, and movement through a place (e.g., 'Gracias por tu ayuda' – thanks for your help; 'Caminé por el parque' – I walked through the park). 'Para' is used for purposes, destinations, deadlines, and recipients (e.g., 'Estudio para ser médico' – I study to be a doctor; 'Este regalo es para ti' – this gift is for you). A helpful mnemonic: 'por' looks back (cause), 'para' looks forward (goal).

Question 2

When do I use the personal 'a' in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

The personal 'a' is used before a direct object that refers to a specific person or a pet. For example, 'Veo a María' (I see María) but 'Veo el libro' (I see the book). It is also used with pronouns like 'alguien' (someone) and 'nadie' (no one). Do not use it after the verb 'tener' (to have) unless the object is a person in a specific context (e.g., 'Tengo un hermano' – no 'a' needed).

Question 3

How do I say 'at' in Spanish for time and place?

Accepted Answer

For time, use 'a' (e.g., 'a las tres' – at three o'clock). For place, it depends: 'en' is common (e.g., 'en la escuela' – at school), but for specific events or locations like 'at the cinema', you can say 'en el cine'. For 'at someone's house', use 'en casa de' (e.g., 'en casa de Juan'). Avoid using 'a' for location unless it's part of a fixed phrase like 'al lado de'.

Question 4

What are the Spanish contractions 'al' and 'del'?

Accepted Answer

In Spanish, when the preposition 'a' is followed by the masculine singular article 'el', they combine to form 'al' (e.g., 'Voy al colegio' – I go to school). Similarly, 'de' + 'el' becomes 'del' (e.g., 'El libro del profesor' – the teacher's book). These contractions are mandatory in both writing and speech. Note that they only occur with 'el', not with 'la', 'los', or 'las'.

Question 5

How can I remember which prepositions follow certain verbs?

Accepted Answer

Many verbs in Spanish require specific prepositions, and it's best to learn them as chunks. For example, 'empezar a' (to start to), 'acabar de' (to have just), 'insistir en' (to insist on), 'pensar en' (to think about). Create flashcards with the verb + preposition + example sentence. Also, note that some verbs change meaning with different prepositions, like 'soñar con' (to dream about) vs. 'soñar en' (less common).

Question 6

What is the difference between 'en' and 'dentro de'?

Accepted Answer

'En' is a general preposition meaning 'in', 'on', or 'at' (e.g., 'en la caja' – in the box). 'Dentro de' specifically means 'inside of' and emphasises being within an enclosed space (e.g., 'dentro de la casa' – inside the house). They are often interchangeable, but 'dentro de' is more precise. Also, 'dentro de' can mean 'within' a time frame (e.g., 'dentro de una hora' – within an hour), whereas 'en' for time means 'in' (e.g., 'en una hora' – in one hour).

Vocabulary: 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 Vocabulary: Prepositions — Edexcel GCSE Spanish

Examiner Tips for Vocabulary: Prepositions

Common Mistakes in Vocabulary: Prepositions

Key Marking Points