The art of prepositions

Prepositions are small words that play a fundamental role in the structure of Spanish sentences. Although they seem simple, their correct use is essential for a clear and accurate communication.

In this blog post from our Spanish language school El Rincón del Tándem, we will explore some of the most common prepositions in Spanish.
We will learn how to use them correctly and some of the most common mistakes to avoid.

Why are prepositions and why are they important?

Prepositions are words that relate a noun or pronoun to other parts of the sentence. They show place, time and cause relationships, among others.

Proper use of prepositions helps you to express your ideas accurately and coherently.

1. A

Use: to indicate direction, destination, specific time, among others.

Examples:
– DIRECTION: “Voy a la tienda” / “I am going to the shop.”
– TIME: “: “La reunión es a las tres de la tarde” / “The meeting is at 3pm.”

2. EN

Use: to indicate place, time, or location within something.

Examples:
– PLACE: “Estamos en casa” / “We are home.”
– TIME: “La fiesta es en diciembre” / “The party is in December.”

3. DE

Use: to indicate origin, possession and characteristics.

Examples:
– ORIGIN: “Soy de España” / “I am from Spain.”
– POSSESSION: “El libro de Juan” / “John’s book.”

4. CON

Use: to indicate company or instrument.

Examples:
– COMPANY: “Voy al cine con amigos” / “I go to the movies with friends.”
– INSTRUMENT: “Escribe con un bolígrafo” / “He writes with a pen.”

5. POR

Use: to indicate cause, means, or place through which it passes.

Examples:
– CAUSE: “Lo hizo por amor” / “He did it for love.”
– MEANS: “Envié el paquete por correo” / “I sent the package by mail.”

6. PARA

Use: to indicate purpose, destination, or addressee.

Examples:
– PURPOSE: “Estudia para aprender”/ “Study to learn.”
– ADDRESSEE: “Este regalo es para ti” / “This present is for you.”

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

1.Mixing up “por” and “para”

Despite their apparent simplicity, prepositions can be confusing. Here are some common mistakes and the related right forms:

  • Wrong: “Gracias para tu ayuda en la fiesta.”
  • Right: “Gracias por tu ayuda en la fiesta.”
  • Tip: Use “por” to express cause or reason, and ‘”para” to express purpose or destination.

2. Incorrect use of “en” and “a”

  • Wrong: “Vivimos a una casa cerca del parque”
  • Right: “Vivimos en una casa cerca del parque”
  • Tip: Use “en” to indicate location or situation within a space, and “a” to indicate direction or destination.

3. Mixing up “de” and “desde”

  • Wrong: “Viajamos de Madrid hasta Barcelona”
  • Right: “Viajamos desde Madrid hasta Barcelona”
  • Tip: Use “desde” to indicate a point of departure, and “de” to indicate origin or possession.

Practice and Exercises

Practice is key to mastering the use of prepositions. Here are a couple of exercises to help you improve your skills:

1.Complete the sentences with the correct preposition:

“El libro está ___ la mesa.”
“Voy ___ la escuela ___ la mañana.”
“Hablamos ___ nuestro proyecto ___ la reunión.”

2.Correct the following sentences:

“Envié la carta por correo.”
“La tienda está en la esquina de la calle.”
“Estudio para mejorar mis habilidades.”

Solutions:

1. “El libro está en la mesa.” “Voy a la escuela en la mañana.” “Hablamos de nuestro proyecto en la reunión.”
2. “Envié la carta por correo.” (Right) “La tienda está en la esquina de la calle.” (Right) “Estudio para mejorar mis habilidades.” (Right)

Don’t be afraid to make a mistake!
The correct use of prepositions in Spanish is crucial for clear and effective communication.

Although they may seem simple, it’s important to pay attention to their nuances and avoid common mistakes.
With practice and observation, you can master the use of prepositions and significantly improve your writing and speaking skills.

Finally, we remind you that, in addition to prepositions, there are other very short but essential words in Spanish grammar. Find out all about articles in Spanish in our posts on Uses of the article: Part I and Part II!

If you’ve fallen short and want to learn more about Spanish grammar, check out our list of courses and start improving your Spanish now!

See you soon!

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