SPANISH SENTENCE STRUCTURE

Sentences are the smallest phrasal construction in a language that expresses a complete idea or an assertion.

In Spanish grammar, these constructions link a subject with a predicate. The subject is typically composed of a noun phrase (The dogs…) and the predicate is typically composed of a verb phrase (… are barking loud).

BASIC SENTENCE STRUCTURE

In Spanish, the basic structure of a sentence is: Subject + Predicate

What is a subject? A subject (sujeto) is the person or thing performing or experiencing the action, usually a noun, a pronoun or a noun phrase.

What is a predicate? A predicate (predicado) is the part of the sentence that includes both the verb and all other additional information on the action or the state related to the subject. So the basic structure of a predicate is usually: verb + complement.

Did you know that in Spanish, as well as in many of the Romance languages (except for French and some variations of Portuguese), the subject can often be omitted if it is clear from the context of the verb? Hence, the verb becomes the sentence itself.

Variations where the subject is omitted:

Although Spanish frequently omits the subject if it can be clearly derived from the context, for the sake of clarity, early learners are better off incorporating the subject pronoun into the sentence.

Expanding the Predicate

The predicate not only includes the verb but can also contain any complements that provide additional information on the action or state related to the subject, in particular, these elements:

• A direct object (complemento directo), receives the action directly.

• An indirect object (complemento indirecto), is indirectly affected by the action.

• Adverbial phrases (complementos circunstanciales), provide additional information such as time, place, manner, etc.

If we further break down the subject + predicate format in Spanish, then the basic structure of a sentence would look like this:

Direct object (Complemento directo):

Indirect object (Complemento indirecto):

Adverbial phrases (Complementos circunstanciales):

DECLARATIVE SENTENCES

Declarative sentences (declarativas) are used to affirm something that has occurred or state facts or express opinions. These sentences can either be in the affirmative or negative sense.

If the declarative sentence is in the affirmative sense, the structure would be like so:

Él (subject) + lee (verb) + un libro (direct object).

If the declarative sentence is in the form of a negation, the structure would be like so:

For declarative in the affirmative sense:

For declarative in the negative sense:

INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES

Interrogative sentences (interrogativas) are used to ask questions or when information needs to be confirmed. 

They can either be yes/no questions or ones that start with interrogative words such as quién, qué, dónde, cuándo, por qué, etc. (who, what, where, when, why, etc.).

If the interrogative sentence is a yes/no type, the structure would be like so:

If the interrogative sentence starts with an interrogative word, the structure would usually be like so:

For yes/no type interrogative sentence:

For interrogative sentences that start with interrogative words:

EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES

Exclamatory sentences (exclamativas) are used to express an emotional reaction, such as joy, surprise, anger, indignation, etc.

Sentences using exclamatory words are marked with exclamation points (at the beginning and the end of a sentence) and often start with an exclamatory word, such as qué, cómo, cuánto, menudo/a, vaya, ah, etc.

IMPERATIVE SENTENCES

Imperative sentences (Imperativas) are used to give commands, make requests, give instructions or offer advice. In these types of sentences, the subject is more often than not implied rather than explicitly stated.

The structure of an imperative sentence will vary depending on whether they are affirmative or negative.

If used in an affirmative sense, the structure would be like so:

If used in a negative sense, the structure would be like so:

Affirmative imperative sentences:

Negative imperative sentences:

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