Spanish sentence structure follows specific rules that differ from English, focusing on subject-verb agreement and flexible word order.
Word Order
The standard word order in Spanish is subject + verb + object, but it can vary for emphasis.
- Subject + Verb + Object: The most common and neutral word order.
- Object + Verb + Subject: Used for emphasis or in questions.
- Verb + Subject + Object: Common in questions and literary styles.
Examples
| Spanish Word Order | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject + Verb + Object | María come manzanas.* | María eats apples. |
| Object + Verb + Subject | Manzanas come María.* | Apples eats María. |
| Verb + Subject + Object | Come María manzanas.* | Eats María apples. |
Subject Pronouns
Subject pronouns (yo, tú, él, etc.) are often omitted because verb conjugations indicate the subject.
- Explicit: Yo hablo español.
- Implicit: Hablo español.
Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se) indicate that the subject performs the action on itself.
- Me lavo las manos.* (I wash my hands.)
- Se despierta temprano.* (He/She wakes up early.)
Object Pronouns
Object pronouns replace direct or indirect objects and are placed before the conjugated verb.
- Direct Object Pronouns: me, te, lo/la, nos, os, los/las
- Indirect Object Pronouns: me, te, le, nos, os, les
What function do indirect object pronouns serve in Spanish?
They indicate to whom or for whom the action is done
Indirect object pronouns like le and les show who receives the benefit or is affected by the action.
Examples
| Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|
| La veo.* | I see her. |
| Le doy un regalo.* | I give her a gift. |
| Te lo compro.* | I buy it for you. |
Question Formation
Questions can be formed by inverting the subject and verb or by using question words (qué, quién, dónde, etc.).
- Inversion: ¿Hablas tú español?
- Question Word: ¿Dónde vives?
How can you form a yes/no question in Spanish?
By inverting the subject and verb
In Spanish, yes/no questions often involve inverting the usual subject-verb order (e.g., ¿Hablas tú?).
Examples
| Question Type | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| Inversion | ¿Vienes tú mañana?* | Are you coming tomorrow? |
| Question Word | ¿Qué quieres?* | What do you want? |
Common Mistakes
- Omitting necessary subject pronouns in ambiguous contexts.
- Misplacing object pronouns (they always precede the conjugated verb).
- Confusing reflexive pronouns with direct/indirect object pronouns.
Conclusion
Spanish sentence structure is flexible but follows clear rules for pronoun use and word order to convey meaning accurately.
Flashcards (1 of 8)
- English Example: María eats apples.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
