Responding-
Interesting replies thus far and I would like this thread to be just to list the concepts rather than discuss each one in particular. To reply to all will be difficult for me time wise. If you really have a topic of interest out from reading this thread start a new one or add your question to an existing one that covers the same grammar point. Thanks.
Well Lesley D, As I am still working on T?mate tiempo it may be a while before I can respond to this new question
. You are such a taskmaster!!!!!!!
Take your time. You don't have to reply, you can just read the thread. There's already plenty of diversity in the responses. Taskmaster, no, not at all. While I have time I am just trying to keep the forum interesting. Believe me when I don't have time I don't post.
...One of the areas that I have found interesting about the subjunctive, is the use of 'antes de que' and 'despues de que' in the preterit tense. Most books (including native spanish speakers) will say that the 'antes de que' always carries the subjunctive in the preterit tense, while 'despues de que' may/may not carry the subjunctive in the preterit. However someone (a native speaker well learned in both english and spanish) told me that 'antes de que' may/may not carry the subjunctive in the preterit just as in 'despues de que' and that it depends on the point of reference (time frame) with which the speaker is trying to convey the comments.
The first opinion seems to be what is more common (in spanish language websites etc) but I seem to agree with the second opinion because it makes so much more sense, even though it seems to go against the general grain.
What do you think?
Sholly
Sholly, I will be brief because I don't think the correct usage of antes de que is even debatable. It's not a question of opinion but rather a grammar rule that has not changed. As well, I have never heard speakers err with correct usage. Antes de que requires the subjunctive. Antes de que venga, future tense, antes de que viniera, referring to that same future event in the past. The meaning
'antes de que' is always future to the action that's why the subjunctive is required. This concept can't be any more logical. Can you provide examples in the written or spoken language other than this person's 'opinion' to demonstrate otherwise? Rule of thumb is the grammar rules should be your guide. The spoken language is where the flaws lie.
The subjunctive does exist in English and is used but by a small percentage of speakers and the concept is identical to the usage in all of the Romance languages. It has almost fallen out use but not 100%.
i find all the little linking words dificult since they are in a different order to english....but if i was learning english i would find pronunciaciones the worst since vowls change so much for every word - I thank you
Good point and the best solution for this is reading. Start at a junior level and progress slowly at your own pace.
From your list, number 4 is the most difficult for me to understand. However, I have more difficulty in understanding the use of the verb gustar.
For me it is difficult to grasp that an object can like the person (example: me gusta el mueble). But what is even more difficult for me to understand is how to say I like you, you like me, he likes her, she likes him, they like us, we like them, we like it, etc. When yo, tu, el, ella, ellos, etc are added to the translations it gets even more confusing for me.
Also, when the above statements are questions are they said in the same way with just using a different intonation?
Any suggestions on helping to understand this verb would be appreciated.
Thanks
Your logic is a bit off IMO, which could be a part of the problem in understanding how to use the verb 'gustar'. You stated: 'For me it is difficult to grasp that an object can like the person', I think it would be easier for you if you state 'an object is pleasing to you' which you will find in the majority of grammar books.
There are a handful of verbs in Spanish that function like
gustar, therefore, I recommend understanding how to use the forms correctly because the logic will apply to other verbs. For example,
me interesan los libros, no me importa, me encanta dibujar etc.
Examples specific to your question & yes intonation allows for the question to be formed:
Te gusta el carro - You like the car// ?Te gusta el carro?- Do you like the car?
Le gusta la casa- S/he likes the house//- ?Le gusta la casa?- Does s/he like the house?
My suggestion is practicing on your own and have a competent person correct the sentences. Translate a variety of sentences from English to Spanish with
gustar and you will see it will get easier. Keep doing it until you have grasped the concept. It may take a long time but it will be worth it in the end.
This link should help as well, I am pro grammar books. There are plenty of good ones on the market.
Spanish Language - Search Results
-LDG.