Common Spanish Verb and Preposition Patterns in Everyday Explanations
Common Spanish Verb and Preposition Patterns in Everyday Explanations
In this lesson, you will use a limited set of common verb-and-preposition combinations. Learn the verb together with its preposition and meaning instead of copying the preposition used in English.
Depender de
Depender means to depend on.
- — The date depends on the supplier.
- — Everything depends on the client's reply.
- — It depends on having the authorization on time.
Contar con
Contar can mean to have, rely on, or count on in practical contexts.
- — We have two technicians available.
- Puedes contar conmigo. — You can count on me.
- — The project has a limited budget.
Pensar en
Pensar means to think about.
- — I am thinking about changing jobs.
- — Think about the consequences before deciding.
Tratar de
Tratar + infinitive means to try to do something.
- — I am trying to solve the problem today.
- — We are trying to contact the supplier.
Hablar de and hablar con
introduces the topic.
— We talk about the problem.
introduces the person you speak with.
— We speak with the manager.
Do not confuse the topic with the conversation partner.
Preguntar por
Preguntar can mean to ask about or ask for someone.
- — I called to ask about my booking.
- — Ask for Marta at reception.
Acordarse de
- — I remember the meeting.
- — Remember to call the hotel.
Insistir en
- — The customer insists on receiving a reply today.
- — We insist on reviewing the contract first.
The complement can be a noun or infinitive
Noun:
— It depends on the schedule.
Infinitive:
— It depends on arriving on time.
Keep the preposition in questions
Statement:
— I am thinking about the new job.
Question:
— What are you thinking about?
Do not drop simply because English places “about” later.
Another question
Statement:
— The decision depends on the price.
Question:
— What does the decision depend on?
A practical verb-preposition method
- Learn the verb and preposition as one pattern.
- Connect the preposition to the meaning of the whole expression.
- Use a noun or infinitive as the complement when the pattern allows it.
- Keep the preposition in questions.
- Do not copy the English preposition or remove it mechanically.
- Use a limited set of patterns accurately before expanding the list.
From Verb Patterns to Por and Para
You can now use several common verb-preposition combinations naturally in explanations. The next lesson expands and for motives, exchanges, deadlines, and intended outcomes.