Question 1

How do I know if a verb is radical-changing?

Accepted Answer

Radical-changing (stem-changing) verbs are usually marked in dictionaries with a pattern like (ie), (ue), or (i). Common ones include querer (ie), poder (ue), and pedir (i). In the present tense, the stem vowel changes for all persons except nosotros and vosotros. For example, 'querer' becomes 'quiero', 'quieres', 'quiere', but 'queremos', 'queréis'. The best way to learn them is to memorise the most frequent ones and practise conjugating them in sentences.

Question 2

When do I use 'tú' vs 'usted'?

Accepted Answer

Use 'tú' with friends, family, people your age, and in informal situations. Use 'usted' (often abbreviated as Ud.) with strangers, elders, authority figures, and in formal contexts like a job interview or a letter to a headteacher. In the WJEC exam, you might be asked to write an email to a friend (use tú) or a formal letter (use usted). The verb conjugations differ: for example, 'tú hablas' vs 'usted habla'.

Question 3

What's the difference between 'ser' and 'estar'?

Accepted Answer

Both mean 'to be', but they are used in different contexts. 'Ser' is for permanent or defining characteristics: identity (soy María), origin (soy de España), profession (soy profesor), time (son las dos), and possession (es mi libro). 'Estar' is for temporary states (estoy cansado), location (estoy en casa), and ongoing actions (estoy comiendo). A helpful mnemonic is 'DOCTOR' for ser (Description, Occupation, Characteristic, Time, Origin, Relation) and 'PLACE' for estar (Position, Location, Action, Condition, Emotion).

Question 4

How do I form negative sentences in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

To make a sentence negative, simply put 'no' before the conjugated verb. For example, 'Yo hablo español' becomes 'Yo no hablo español'. If there are object pronouns or reflexive pronouns, they go between 'no' and the verb: 'No me gusta el café'. In questions, the negative still comes first: '¿No tienes hermanos?' Remember that double negatives are common and correct in Spanish, e.g., 'No tengo nada' (I don't have anything).

Question 5

What are reflexive verbs and how do I use them?

Accepted Answer

Reflexive verbs indicate that the subject performs an action on itself, like 'lavarse' (to wash oneself) or 'levantarse' (to get up). They always include a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) that matches the subject. For example: 'Yo me lavo', 'Tú te lavas', 'Él se lava'. In the infinitive form, the pronoun can be attached: 'Voy a lavarme' or 'Me voy a lavar' (both correct). Common reflexive verbs include 'acostarse' (to go to bed), 'ducharse' (to shower), and 'vestirse' (to get dressed).

Question 6

How do I form questions in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

There are several ways to form questions. The simplest is to raise your intonation at the end of a statement: 'Tú hablas español' becomes a question with rising tone. You can also invert the subject and verb: '¿Hablas tú español?' Or add a question word at the beginning: '¿Dónde vives?' (Where do you live?). In writing, always use opening and closing question marks (¿?). For yes/no questions, you can also use '¿... no?' or '¿... verdad?' at the end, e.g., 'Vives en Madrid, ¿no?'

Grammar (Foundation): Verbs – regular/irregular/reflexive; all persons; tú/usted; radical-changing; negative/interrogative forms; ser/estar; tenses

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): Verbs – regular/irregular/reflexive; all persons; tú/usted; radical-changing; negative/interrogative forms; ser/estar; tenses — WJEC GCSE Spanish

Examiner Tips for Grammar (Foundation): Verbs – regular/irregular/reflexive; all persons; tú/usted; radical-changing; negative/interrogative forms; ser/estar; tenses

Common Mistakes in Grammar (Foundation): Verbs – regular/irregular/reflexive; all persons; tú/usted; radical-changing; negative/interrogative forms; ser/estar; tenses

Key Marking Points