Using preposition "a" to indicate how/in which style something is done Flashcards
The preposition a is often used in phrases in Spanish to indicate
(i) how something is done, or in which style
Note that not all means of transport use the preposition a (en avión, a avión, en tren, a tren…)
(ii) Denoting abruptness
Used generally with a plural noun.
(iii) Expressing how an action is carried out or how it unfolds, sometimes expressing intensity.
Used generally with a plural noun.
We went to his village on horseback.
Fuimos a su pueblo a caballo.
You will have to go on foot as there are no buses today.
Tendrás que ir a pie porque hoy no hay autobuses.
The boys swam across the river in midwinter.
Los chicos cruzaron el río a nado en pleno invierno.
The shawl is hand embroidered. It is beautiful.
El mantón está bordado a mano. Es precioso.
He kicked him out of the restaurant.
Lo echó del restaurante a patadas.
The crowd managed to get out by pushing and shoving.
La multitud consiguió salir de allí a empujones.
We were walking blindly because we lost our torches.
Íbamos caminando a ciegas porque perdimos las linternas.
He gulped down the bottle of whisky. He was very drunk.
Se bebió la botella de whisky a tragos. Estaba muy borracho.
The water was pouring down and the place was flooded.
El agua caía a raudales y se inundó el lugar.
Using a + lo / a + la + adjective/noun
This is generally referring to something that is generally established as a specific way of doing something, imitating a certain way/style. It is often seen with nationality adjectives, and it is very common when talking about cooking styles.
Today we are having a quick dinner, I’ll cook some simple omelettes [French-style omelettes i.e. not a Spanish tortilla] and a salad.
Hoy vamos hacer una cena rápida, cocinaré unas tortillas a la francesa y una ensalada.
Galician-style octopus is undoubtedly my favourite Spanish dish.
El pulpo a la gallega es sin duda mi plato español preferido.
My parents celebrated their silver wedding anniversary in style. They invited 300 people.
Mis padres celebraron sus bodas de plata a lo grande. Invitaron a 300 personas.
He went on the stage and started to sing Elvis Presley-style. He nailed it.
Subió al escenario y se puso a cantar a lo Elvis Presley. Lo hizo fenomenal.
