Question 1

What's the difference between 'porque' and 'por qué'?

Accepted Answer

'Porque' is a conjunction meaning 'because' and is used to give a reason. It is one word and has no accent. For example: 'Estudio porque tengo un examen.' 'Por qué' is two words (por + qué with an accent) and means 'why' in questions. For example: '¿Por qué estudias?' Remember: if you're answering a question, use 'porque'; if you're asking, use 'por qué'.

Question 2

When do I use 'e' instead of 'y'?

Accepted Answer

Use 'e' instead of 'y' when the next word starts with an 'i' sound (spelled 'i' or 'hi'). This avoids the awkward repetition of the 'ee' sound. For example: 'padre e hijo' (father and son), not 'padre y hijo'. Also, 'agua e hielo' (water and ice). Note: this rule applies only before words starting with 'i' or 'hi', not before 'y' (the letter) or other vowels.

Question 3

Can 'como' mean 'because'?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 'como' can mean 'as' or 'since' to introduce a reason, similar to 'because'. It often comes at the beginning of a sentence. For example: 'Como no tengo dinero, no puedo ir al cine' (Since I don't have money, I can't go to the cinema). However, 'como' can also mean 'like' in comparisons (e.g., 'como un león' – like a lion). Context tells you which meaning is intended.

Question 4

Do I need to use the subjunctive after 'cuando'?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the context. Use the present subjunctive after 'cuando' when referring to a future action that hasn't happened yet. For example: 'Cuando tenga tiempo, te llamaré' (When I have time, I'll call you). But 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). For past actions, use the indicative too: 'Cuando llegué, comí' (When I arrived, I ate).

Question 5

What's the difference between 'o' and 'u'?

Accepted Answer

Use 'u' instead of 'o' when the next word starts with an 'o' sound (spelled 'o' or 'ho'). This avoids the repetition of the 'o' sound. For example: 'siete u ocho' (seven or eight), not 'siete o ocho'. Also, 'madre u hija' (mother or daughter). Note: this rule applies only before words starting with 'o' or 'ho', not before other vowels.

Question 6

How can I remember all these conjunctions for my GCSE?

Accepted Answer

Create a mnemonic or a simple phrase. For example: 'Y Pero O Porque Como Cuando' can be remembered as 'YPOPCC' – think 'You Probably Often Practice Conjunctions Carefully'. Practice by writing sentences about your daily routine using each conjunction. For instance: 'Me levanto y desayuno, pero no como mucho porque tengo prisa. Cuando salgo, voy al instituto, o a veces voy andando.' The more you use them, the more natural they become.

Grammar (Foundation): Conjunctions – y, pero, o, porque, como, cuando

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

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Related Topics in WJEC GCSE Spanish

Appendix A: Prescribed Vocabulary List (organised by theme/sub-theme)

Appendix B: Grammar Requirements – Foundation Tier

Current and Future Study and Employment

Current Study – School/College Life

How to Revise Grammar (Foundation): Conjunctions – y, pero, o, porque, como, cuando — WJEC GCSE Spanish

Examiner Tips for Grammar (Foundation): Conjunctions – y, pero, o, porque, como, cuando

Common Mistakes in Grammar (Foundation): Conjunctions – y, pero, o, porque, como, cuando

Key Marking Points