Topic 2
The 20 sentence formulas
The rule, in plain English
A handful of patterns produce most everyday sentences. Learn the frame, then swap the slot-words: quiero/necesito/puedo/tengo que/voy a + infinitive; me gusta(ría) + noun/infinitive; hay + noun; estoy + gerund; es + adjective + infinitive; hace + time. Formulas × the core-300 words = most of daily speech.
Why it's hard for English speakers
English uses many different structures for these ideas; Spanish reuses a few fixed frames. The trick is to stop translating word-for-word and reach for the frame.
Core formulas (+ infinitive)
| Formula | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| quiero + inf. | I want to… | Quiero comer. |
| tengo que + inf. | I have to… | Tengo que ir. |
| voy a + inf. | I'm going to… | Voy a estudiar. |
| puedo + inf. | I can… | Puedo ayudar. |
| me gustaría + inf. | I would like to… | Me gustaría viajar. |
Examples
- Hay un problema.There is a problem. (hay + noun)
- Estoy trabajando.I am working. (estoy + gerund)
- Es difícil aprender.It's hard to learn. (es + adj + inf)
- Hace dos años que vivo aquí.I've lived here for two years. (hace + time)
Common mistakes
- Tengo que voyTengo que irAfter 'tengo que' use the infinitive.
- Voy estudiarVoy a estudiar'ir a' needs the 'a'.
Practice
Exercises: 0 / 0 correct
I want to eat = ___ comer.
I'm going to study = Voy ___ estudiar.
There is a lot of people = ___ mucha gente.
I have to work = Tengo que ___.