Using de tan/tanto + que/como to express a cause (subordinate causal clause) Flashcards
In Spanish we can express a cause by using the following structure:
De tan/tanto + que/como+ indicative
There are different ways to use this structure:
De tanto/a/os/as + noun + que/como + indicative
The clause introduced by “De tanto/tan poco” expresses the reason the main clause happens.
Note that que and como are interchangeable in all the above examples.
The clause can be placed at the beginning of the sentence or at the end.
We couldn’t get into the party because there were so many people.
No pudimos entrar en la fiesta de tanta gente que había.
He got a stomach ache because of all those chocolates he ate.
Le dio un dolor de barriga de tantos chocolates como comió.
I think I am going to faint because my leg is so painful.
Creo que me voy a desmayar de tanto dolor que tengo en la pierna.
The clause introduced by “De tanto/a/os/as”
De tan+ adjective/adverb + que/como + indicative
expresses the reason the main clause happens.
De tan+ adjective/adverb + que/como + indicative
He is going to get kicked out of the group because he is very dull.
Lo van a echar del grupo de tan soso como es.
He is going to be given a prize because he dances so well.
De tan bien que baila le van a dar un premio.
One of these days he will have an accident because he drives so badly.
Un día de estos tendrá un accidente de tan mal como conduce.
The clause introduced by “De tan” expresses the reason the main clause happens.
He is going to get really fat because he eats so much.
De tanto que come se va a poner gordísimo.
He’s going to get fired because he complains so much.
Lo van a echar del trabajo de tanto como se queja.
She looks 20 years older because she doesn’t look after herself at all.
Parece que tiene 20 años más de tan poco como se cuida.
You will become a loner because you hardly go out.
Te vas a convertir en un solitario de tan poco que sales.
She won’t feel lonely because she has so many friends at university.
No va a sentirse sola de tantas amigas como tiene en la facultad.
