Spanish Grammar Guides

Our grammar guides break down complex Spanish concepts into simple, easy‑to‑understand lessons. Each article includes clear explanations, examples, and charts to help you practice. Select a lesson below to get started.

Gender and Articles in Spanish

One of the first differences English speakers notice in Spanish is grammatical gender. Nouns in Spanish are either masculine or feminine, and this affects the articles and adjectives used with them. You don’t have to memorize the gender of every noun right away, but understanding basic patterns will help.

Definite and Indefinite Articles

In English we have only one definite article (the) and two indefinite articles (a/an). Spanish uses different forms depending on gender and number. A frequency list of common words by MosaLingua highlights that articles like el, la, los, las, un and una are among the most frequent words in Spanish. Here is a summary:

Present Tense Conjugation in Spanish

The Spanish present tense (el presente de indicativo) is used to describe actions that are happening right now or that occur regularly. Spanish verbs are grouped into three conjugation classes based on their infinitive endings:

• ‑ar verbs (e.g., hablar – to speak)
• ‑er verbs (e.g., comer – to eat)
• ‑ir verbs (e.g., vivir – to live)

To form the present tense, remove the infinitive ending and add the appropriate endings. The following charts show the regular present‑tense endings according to an explanation from Lingoda:

Preterite vs. Imperfect: The Spanish Past Tenses

Spanish has two simple past tenses: the preterite (pretérito) and the imperfect (imperfecto). Choosing between them depends on whether an action was completed or ongoing. A guide from Spanish Academy explains that the preterite expresses specific completed actions while the imperfect describes general, habitual or ongoing actions.

Preterite – Completed Actions

Use the preterite for actions that occurred once and were completed in the past. Regular verbs take the following endings:

Pronouns and Dropping Them in Spanish

In English we always include subject pronouns (I, you, he/she, etc.), but in Spanish the verb endings indicate the subject, so subject pronouns are often omitted. A guide from Spanish Academy explains that dropping pronouns makes you sound more natural.

Subject Pronouns in Spanish

While it’s important to know these pronouns, you’ll quickly notice native speakers omit them unless they need to emphasise the subject. Compare:

Ser vs. Estar: Choosing the Right 'To Be'

Spanish has two verbs that both translate to “to be”: ser and estar. Choosing the right verb depends on whether you’re talking about a permanent characteristic or a temporary condition. This distinction can be confusing at first, but with practice you’ll get the hang of it.

Ser – Permanent or Essential Characteristics

Use ser to describe permanent or intrinsic qualities such as identity, origin, profession, and characteristics that define someone or something. For example, an article on Baselang explains that ser is used to express permanent qualities like personalities or nationalities. Here are some common uses: