Grammar Concepts - Semester long

Question 1

• expresses a past plan that did not materialize
• use this construction to make excuses

Answer 1

ir + a + <inf.></inf.>

Also used instead of “estaba yendo”

Question 2

Give interpretation in preterit and imperfect:

conocer (+ place/ a + person)

Answer 2

Imperfect: knew (some place/someone)

Preterit: began to know (some place/someone), met for the first time

Question 3

Give interpretation in preterit and imperfect:

no querer (+ <inf.>)</inf.>

Answer 3

Imperfect: didn’t want (to do something)

Preterit: refused and didn’t (do something)

Question 4

Give interpretation in preterit and imperfect:

saber (+ information)

Answer 4

Imperfect: knew (something)

Preterit: found out (something)

Question 5

Give interpretation in preterit and imperfect:

no poder (+ )

Answer 5

Imperfect: was/were not able (to do something)

Preterit: was/were not able and didn’t (do something) / chose not to do something and is being polite

Question 6

Give interpretation in preterit and imperfect:

tener que (+ <inf.>)</inf.>

Answer 6

Imperfect: had to / was supposed to (do something), but didn’t necessarily do it

Preterit: had to and did (do something)

Question 7

used to express abtract ideas

Answer 7

lo + <masculine></masculine>

ex. lo bueno = the good thing/part
ex. lo triste = the sad thing/part

Question 8

used to express the English idea of “what” when not phrasing a question

ex. What you propose is absurd.

Answer 8

lo que

ex. Lo que propones es absurdo.

Question 9

used to express accidental or unintentional occurences

Answer 9

se + D.O.P. + V. + N.

ex. Se le perdieron las llaves = He lost the keys.
ex. Se me había quemado la foto = I burned the picture (implied accident)

Question 10

The difference between “ya” and “todavía”

Answer 10

ya = already, yet

todavía = still, yet

“Ya” is used mainly with present perfect in affirmation, usually preceeds verb.

“Todavía” is used in negation and used with the word “no”.