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  • Mastering Phrasal Verbs in English the Easy Way: What They Are, When to Use Them

    Mastering Phrasal Verbs in English the Easy Way: What They Are, When to Use Them

    Do you find English confusing when small words like “up,” “out,” or “off” completely change a verb’s meaning? You’re not alone!
    Phrasal verbs are one of the most common and powerful parts of the English language. Native speakers use them all the time in conversations, TV shows, songs, and books. If you want to sound more natural and understand English better, learning phrasal verbs is a smart place to start.

    In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll explore what phrasal verbs are, when to use them, how to use them correctly, and how to avoid common mistakes. You’ll also find easy examples, simple grammar rules, and practice questions to boost your skills step by step. Whether you’re just starting to learn English or want to take your fluency to the next level, this blog will give you all the tools you need.

    👉 So, are you ready to level up your English with phrasal verbs? Let’s dive in!

    Visual chart of English phrasal verbs with examples: ran out of, catch up, called off, came across, and put on – created by My Language Classes for English learners.

    📘 What Is a Phrasal Verb? Explanation and Overview

    A phrasal verb is a phrase made up of a verb plus one or more small words called particles—usually a preposition or an adverb like up, out, on, off, over, down, or in. When these small words are added to a verb, they create a new meaning that’s often very different from the original verb.

    🎯 Why are phrasal verbs important?

    Because native English speakers use them all the time in daily conversations, emails, social media, news, and even business communication. If you don’t understand them, you may miss the meaning of a sentence even if you know every word.

    🔹 Example:

    • “Turn up” doesn’t mean “turn something upward.” It can mean to arrive or to increase the volume depending on the context.
    • “Give up” doesn’t mean “to hand something upward.” It means to stop trying.

    🧠 Key Things to Know About Phrasal Verbs:

    • 📌 They are idiomatic, which means the meaning is not always clear from the words alone.
    • 📌 One verb can have many phrasal verb forms: “get” → get up, get out, get in, get over, get by, get ahead…
    • 📌 They can be separable or inseparable, meaning sometimes you can put the object in the middle, and sometimes you cannot (we’ll cover this later).

    📚 Types of Phrasal Verbs:

    1. Transitive Phrasal Verbs – These take an object.
      ➤ Example: She turned off the light.
    2. Intransitive Phrasal Verbs – These do not take an object.
      ➤ Example: He woke up late.
    3. Separable Phrasal Verbs – The object can come between the verb and the particle.
      ➤ Example: Turn the TV off.
    4. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs – The object must come after the entire phrasal verb.
      ➤ Example: We ran into an old friend.

    💡 Remember: You can’t always guess the meaning of a phrasal verb by looking at the individual words. That’s why learning them with examples and practice is the best way!

    🗣️ Everyday Sentences Using Phrasal Verbs: 10 Common Examples

    Phrasal verbs are used in daily conversations all the time. You’ll hear them in movies, songs, interviews, and friendly chats. Let’s look at 10 super common phrasal verbs that every English learner should know—with easy-to-understand examples.

    ✅ 1. Wake up – to stop sleeping

    👉 I usually wake up at 6 a.m. on weekdays.

    ✅ 2. Turn on – to start a machine or device

    👉 Can you turn on the lights? It’s getting dark.

    ✅ 3. Give up – to stop trying

    👉 Don’t give up! You’re almost there.

    ✅ 4. Look after – to take care of someone or something

    👉 She looks after her little brother when her parents are away.

    ✅ 5. Pick up – to collect someone or something

    👉 I’ll pick up the kids from school today.

    ✅ 6. Run out of – to have no more left

    👉 We’ve run out of milk. Let’s buy some more.

    ✅ 7. Check in – to register at a hotel or airport

    👉 We need to check in two hours before the flight.

    ✅ 8. Break down – to stop working (for machines or cars)

    👉 Our car broke down on the way to the beach.

    ✅ 9. Hang out – to spend time relaxing or socializing

    👉 Let’s hang out at the mall after school.

    ✅ 10. Take off – to leave the ground (for planes) or remove something

    👉 The plane will take off in 10 minutes.
    👉 Please take off your shoes before entering.

    💡 Tip: Try to say these sentences out loud or write your own to remember them better!

    📌 When to Use Phrasal Verbs: All the Key Situations

    Phrasal verbs are used in almost every area of daily life. If you want to sound natural and fluent in English, you need to understand when to use them. Below are the main situations where phrasal verbs appear often—both in speech and writing.

    🗨️ 1. Everyday Conversations

    Phrasal verbs make English sound relaxed, friendly, and natural. Native speakers often use them instead of formal verbs.

    • Let’s hang out this weekend.
    • I’ll call you back later.

    🛫 2. Travel and Transportation

    From airports to hotels and taxis, phrasal verbs are everywhere in travel talk.

    • We need to check in at the airport.
    • The train pulled in right on time.

    🏫 3. At School or Work

    Teachers, coworkers, and bosses use them casually in discussions and emails.

    • Please hand in your homework by Friday.
    • Let’s go over the report before the meeting.

    💬 4. Talking About Feelings or Actions

    Emotions and decisions are often expressed with phrasal verbs.

    • She cheered up after hearing the good news.
    • He broke down when he heard what happened.

    🧹 5. Daily Routines and Household Tasks

    You’ll hear these phrasal verbs all the time when talking about chores or habits.

    • Time to clean up the kitchen.
    • Don’t forget to take out the trash.

    🎥 6. TV Shows, Movies, and Songs

    Understanding phrasal verbs helps you follow stories, jokes, and dialogues better.

    • The hero got away from the villain in the end.
    • Let’s chill out and watch a movie.

    📱 7. Texting and Online Chats

    Phrasal verbs make messages shorter and more casual.

    • BRB! I need to log out for now.
    • Can you back me up in the group chat?

    💡 Learning tip: Watch English shows or listen to music and try spotting the phrasal verbs. Note down what they mean and how they’re used!

    🔁 How to Conjugate Verbs in Phrasal Verbs: Conjugation Rules

    Just like regular verbs, phrasal verbs can be used in different tenses, such as past, present, and future. The main verb in a phrasal verb is the one that gets conjugated. The particle (like on, out, in, off) never changes.

    Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how conjugation works in phrasal verbs.

    🕒 1. Simple Present Tense

    • Use the base form of the verb. Add -s or -es for he/she/it.

    Examples:

    • I wake up at 7 a.m.
    • She wakes up at 6 a.m.
    • They turn on the lights when it gets dark.

    ⏳ 2. Simple Past Tense

    • Use the past form of the main verb. For regular verbs, add -ed. For irregular verbs, learn their past forms.

    Examples:

    • I woke up late today.
    • He turned off the TV after dinner.
    • We ran out of milk last night.

    📍 3. Present Continuous Tense

    • Use am/is/are + verb-ing.

    Examples:

    • I am looking after my baby brother today.
    • She is picking up her kids from school.
    • They are hanging out at the mall.

    ⏭️ 4. Past Continuous Tense

    • Use was/were + verb-ing.

    Examples:

    • I was cleaning up the kitchen when she arrived.
    • They were checking in at the hotel.

    🔮 5. Future Tense

    • Use will + base verb or going to + base verb.

    Examples:

    • I will take off in one hour.
    • We are going to run out of snacks soon.

    🧩 6. Present Perfect Tense

    • Use have/has + past participle of the verb.

    Examples:

    • I have given up sugar this month.
    • She has already checked in at the counter.

    🔄 7. Passive Voice (Only with Transitive Phrasal Verbs)

    Some phrasal verbs (especially the transitive ones) can also be used in the passive voice.

    Examples:

    • The lights were turned off.
    • The homework was handed in on time.

    💡 Tip: Focus on conjugating the verb, not the particle. If you know the verb’s forms, you already know how to use most phrasal verbs in any tense!

    📚 Phrasal Verb Grammar Rules You Need to Know

    Understanding the basic grammar rules behind phrasal verbs can make a big difference in how naturally you speak and write. Let’s break it down into easy parts with clear examples.

    ✅ 1. Types of Phrasal Verbs

    There are three main types of phrasal verbs:

    🔹 a) Transitive Phrasal Verbs

    These verbs need a direct object (someone or something to act on).

    • I turned off the light.
    • She picked up her phone.

    🔹 b) Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

    These do not take an object.

    • The plane took off on time.
    • He woke up suddenly.

    🔹 c) Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

    Some phrasal verbs let you place the object between the verb and the particle. Others do not.

    🔀 2. Separable Phrasal Verbs

    You can put the object between the verb and the particle.

    • He turned off the radio.
    • He turned the radio off.

    ✅ If the object is a pronoun (like it, him, her), it must go in the middle.

    • ✔️ He turned it off.
    • ❌ He turned off it.

    🔗 3. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

    You cannot separate the verb and the particle. The object must come after the phrasal verb.

    • ✔️ She looked after the baby.
    • ❌ She looked the baby after.

    🔄 4. Some Phrasal Verbs Change Meaning

    Sometimes a phrasal verb means something completely different from the original verb.

    • “Look up” can mean “search for information,” not just “look in an upward direction.”
    • “Break up” can mean “end a relationship.”

    ✨ 5. Tense and Agreement Still Apply

    Just like regular verbs, phrasal verbs change form with tense, person, and subject.

    • I get up early.
    • She gets up early.
    • They got up late.

    🧠 6. Negative Sentences with Phrasal Verbs

    Use don’t/doesn’t/didn’t + base verb for negatives.

    • I don’t give up easily.
    • He doesn’t show up on time.
    • They didn’t check out yesterday.

    ❓ 7. Questions with Phrasal Verbs

    In questions, phrasal verbs can be split depending on whether they’re separable or not.

    • Did you turn off the TV?
    • Who looked after the baby?

    💬 Quick Tip: When you learn a new phrasal verb, always check:

    • Is it transitive or intransitive?
    • Is it separable or inseparable?
    • Does it have more than one meaning?

    💡 Important Tips for Using Phrasal Verbs Correctly

    Phrasal verbs are a key part of real English, but they can be tricky. These practical tips will help you use them naturally, avoid confusion, and sound more fluent.

    🌱 1. Learn Phrasal Verbs in Context

    Don’t memorize phrasal verbs from a list. Instead, see them in full sentences or short conversations. This helps you understand the real meaning.

    ❌ Don’t: “Break up = end”
    ✅ Do: “They broke up after three years together.”

    🧠 2. Group Phrasal Verbs by Verb or Topic

    Instead of learning one by one, try learning them by main verb or situation:

    • “get up, get in, get out, get along”
    • “check in, check out” (used in travel)

    This makes it easier to remember and use them.

    🗣️ 3. Use Them in Your Speaking Practice

    Try to include phrasal verbs in your daily conversations or even while thinking in English.

    Example:
    Instead of “I left the car,” say “I got out of the car.”

    📝 4. Write Simple Sentences with New Phrasal Verbs

    Create your own short sentences using new phrasal verbs you’ve learned.

    • “I turned on the light.”
    • “He gave up smoking.”

    This builds confidence and helps you recall them faster.

    ❗ 5. Pay Attention to Word Order

    • If a phrasal verb is separable, remember to split it with pronouns.
      ✔️ I picked it up.
      ❌ I picked up it.
    • If it’s inseparable, don’t split it at all.
      ✔️ I ran into my teacher.
      ❌ I ran my teacher into.

    📌 6. Watch and Read Native English Content

    TV shows, movies, YouTube videos, and books use phrasal verbs all the time. Listening to natural speech will help you learn how they sound and when to use them.

    📖 7. Use a Learner’s Dictionary

    Some dictionaries are made for language learners. They explain phrasal verbs with examples and pictures. Try tools like Cambridge Dictionary or Macmillan Dictionary online.

    🚫 8. Avoid Overusing Phrasal Verbs in Formal Writing

    In academic or professional writing, it’s better to use more formal vocabulary.

    • Formal: “They departed at noon.”
    • Informal: “They took off at noon.”

    🧩 9. Many Phrasal Verbs Have Multiple Meanings

    Some phrasal verbs can be confusing because they have more than one meaning.

    Example:

    • “Turn up” = appear (He turned up late) or increase (Turn up the volume)

    Always check different meanings when learning a new one.

    🏆 10. Practice with Quizzes and Games

    Make learning fun! Use apps, worksheets, or language learning games to practice phrasal verbs in a playful way.

    ❌ Common Mistakes with Phrasal Verbs and How to Fix Them

    Many English learners find phrasal verbs confusing. That’s okay! The good news is most mistakes can be corrected easily once you know what to look for. Let’s go over the top mistakes and simple ways to fix them.

    ❌ Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Word Order

    🔸 Problem: Mixing up the position of the object in separable phrasal verbs.

    • ❌ He turned off it.
    • ✅ He turned it off.

    🛠 Fix: If the object is a pronoun (it, him, her, them), place it between the verb and the particle.

    ❌ Mistake 2: Separating Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

    🔸 Problem: Trying to split a phrasal verb that should stay together.

    • ❌ She looked the children after.
    • ✅ She looked after the children.

    🛠 Fix: Learn which phrasal verbs are inseparable, and never split them.

    ❌ Mistake 3: Translating Word by Word

    🔸 Problem: Trying to understand or use phrasal verbs by translating each word.

    • ❌ “Take off” = grab something and move (Incorrect)
    • ✅ “Take off” = leave the ground (for a plane) or remove clothing

    🛠 Fix: Learn the meaning as a whole, not just the individual words.

    ❌ Mistake 4: Overusing Phrasal Verbs in Formal Writing

    🔸 Problem: Using informal phrasal verbs in formal emails, essays, or reports.

    • ❌ He got in trouble. (Too casual for formal use)
    • ✅ He encountered a problem. (Better choice)

    🛠 Fix: Use more formal words in academic or business settings. Save phrasal verbs for conversation or informal writing.

    ❌ Mistake 5: Not Changing Tense Correctly

    🔸 Problem: Forgetting to change the verb form with the subject and tense.

    • ❌ He get up early every day.
    • ✅ He gets up early every day.

    🛠 Fix: Always conjugate the main verb according to the subject and tense, just like regular verbs.

    ❌ Mistake 6: Ignoring Multiple Meanings

    🔸 Problem: Using the wrong meaning of a phrasal verb in the wrong context.

    • ❌ He broke up the meeting. (This means “interrupted it,” not “ended a relationship.”)
    • ✅ He broke up with his girlfriend. (Correct use for ending a relationship)

    🛠 Fix: Look up all meanings of a phrasal verb and pay attention to how it’s used in context.

    ❌ Mistake 7: Learning Too Many at Once

    🔸 Problem: Trying to memorize dozens of phrasal verbs at the same time.

    🛠 Fix: Focus on small groups (5–10 at a time), especially those you hear often or can use in daily life.

    ❌ Mistake 8: Forgetting to Practice

    🔸 Problem: Reading about phrasal verbs but not speaking or writing them.

    🛠 Fix: Use flashcards, speak with a partner, or write your own example sentences. The more you use them, the more natural they feel!

    📝 20 Phrasal Verb Example Sentences for Better Understanding

    Each sentence below includes one phrasal verb. Read them aloud to get used to the flow and rhythm. Try to notice the meaning in context.

    1. She woke up early to study for her English test.
    2. I need to look after my little brother while my parents are away.
    3. He gave up smoking last year and feels much healthier now.
    4. They ran into their old teacher at the supermarket.
    5. Please turn off the TV before you leave the room.
    6. I look forward to meeting you at the event!
    7. Let’s hang out at the park this weekend.
    8. He put on his jacket before going outside.
    9. We set off for the mountains early in the morning.
    10. She came across a beautiful old book in the library.
    11. Don’t forget to check in at the hotel front desk.
    12. He picked up some groceries after work.
    13. The plane took off at exactly 9 a.m.
    14. I ran out of milk, so I need to go to the store.
    15. She broke down in tears after hearing the news.
    16. We need to figure out how to fix this problem.
    17. They called off the meeting because of the storm.
    18. The teacher asked us to hand in our homework.
    19. He got over his cold quickly after resting.
    20. Let’s catch up soon—I haven’t seen you in ages!

    📝 Phrasal Verbs Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

    Instruction: Use the following phrasal verbs to fill in the blanks below.

    List of Phrasal Verbs:
    wake up | look after | give up | run into | turn off | look forward to | hang out | put on | set off | come across | check in | pick up | take off | run out of | break down | figure out | call off | hand in | get over | catch up

    Complete the Sentences:

    1. I always ____ early when I have an exam.
    2. She needs to ____ her younger sister while their parents are out.
    3. He decided to ____ junk food after his doctor’s advice.
    4. I didn’t expect to ____ my childhood friend at the mall today!
    5. Don’t forget to ____ the lights when you leave the house.
    6. I ____ meeting you tomorrow at the coffee shop.
    7. Let’s ____ at the café after school today.
    8. I have to ____ my jacket because it’s cold outside.
    9. We ____ on our journey to the beach at sunrise.
    10. I ____ an interesting article while reading the newspaper.
    11. Don’t forget to ____ at the airport when you arrive.
    12. I’ll ____ some pizza on my way home.
    13. The plane will ____ at 8:00 AM.
    14. We ____ bread, so I’ll need to buy some.
    15. His car ____ in the middle of the road, so we had to call for help.
    16. We need to ____ how to solve this math problem.
    17. They had to ____ the event due to the bad weather.
    18. Please ____ your assignments to the teacher by Friday.
    19. It took him a while to ____ his cold, but he’s feeling better now.
    20. Let’s ____ soon—I miss chatting with you!

    Check Your Answers for the Phrasal Verbs Exercise

    1. I always wake up early when I have an exam.
    2. She needs to look after her younger sister while their parents are out.
    3. He decided to give up junk food after his doctor’s advice.
    4. I didn’t expect to run into my childhood friend at the mall today!
    5. Don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave the house.
    6. I look forward to meeting you tomorrow at the coffee shop.
    7. Let’s hang out at the café after school today.
    8. I have to put on my jacket because it’s cold outside.
    9. We set off on our journey to the beach at sunrise.
    10. I came across an interesting article while reading the newspaper.
    11. Don’t forget to check in at the airport when you arrive.
    12. I’ll pick up some pizza on my way home.
    13. The plane will take off at 8:00 AM.
    14. We ran out of bread, so I’ll need to buy some.
    15. His car broke down in the middle of the road, so we had to call for help.
    16. We need to figure out how to solve this math problem.
    17. They had to call off the event due to the bad weather.
    18. Please hand in your assignments to the teacher by Friday.
    19. It took him a while to get over his cold, but he’s feeling better now.
    20. Let’s catch up soon—I miss chatting with you!

    How did you do? If you had any trouble, feel free to go back and review the explanations, and remember, practicing phrasal verbs will make them easier to use!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Phrasal Verbs

    1. What are phrasal verbs in English?

    Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create a meaning different from the original verb. For example, “give up” means to stop trying, which is different from the literal meaning of “give” and “up.”

    2. Why are phrasal verbs so important in English?

    Phrasal verbs are used frequently in everyday conversations, writing, and even formal contexts. They help you sound more natural and fluent in English. Understanding them makes it easier to understand native speakers and express yourself clearly.

    3. Are phrasal verbs difficult to learn?

    Phrasal verbs can be tricky because their meanings are often not literal. However, with practice and the right techniques, they become easier to understand. Try learning them in context by listening to native speakers, reading, and using them in sentences.

    4. How can I learn phrasal verbs faster?

    To learn phrasal verbs faster:

    • Focus on learning a few at a time.
    • Use flashcards or apps that help reinforce vocabulary.
    • Practice them in sentences and conversations.
    • Group them by themes or meanings to make them easier to remember.

    5. How do I know when to use a specific phrasal verb?

    The meaning of each phrasal verb determines its usage. For example, “pick up” can mean to collect something or learn something. The more you practice, the easier it will be to recognize which phrasal verb fits each situation.

    6. What is the difference between separable and inseparable phrasal verbs?

    • Separable phrasal verbs: The object can come between the verb and the particle. Example: “She picked the book up.”
    • Inseparable phrasal verbs: The object cannot be placed between the verb and the particle. Example: “She ran into her friend.”

    7. Can phrasal verbs change tense like regular verbs?

    Yes, phrasal verbs change tense in the same way that regular verbs do. For example, “wake up” becomes “woke up” in the past tense and “waking up” in the continuous tense.

    8. Are there phrasal verbs in formal English?

    Yes, phrasal verbs are used in both informal and formal English. Some phrasal verbs, like “look after” or “check in,” are commonly used in formal contexts like business or travel. It’s important to understand both casual and formal phrasal verbs.

    9. Can I use phrasal verbs in writing?

    Definitely! Phrasal verbs can make your writing sound more natural and dynamic. However, try to choose the right phrasal verb for the context. In formal writing, you might prefer using single verbs (like “examine” instead of “look into”) but in informal writing, phrasal verbs are perfectly acceptable.

    10. How do I practice phrasal verbs effectively?

    • Read regularly: Expose yourself to books, articles, and conversations that use phrasal verbs.
    • Keep a phrasal verb journal: Write down new phrasal verbs you come across, along with their meanings and example sentences.
    • Speak as much as possible: Use phrasal verbs in your daily conversations, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The more you use them, the more natural they will feel.

    Key Takeaways: Phrasal Verbs Summary and Important Points

    • Phrasal Verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create a new meaning.
    • They are essential in English, both in everyday speech and writing, and help make communication sound more natural and fluent.
    • Phrasal verbs can be separable (the object can come between the verb and the particle) or inseparable (the object cannot be placed between the verb and the particle).
    • Learning phrasal verbs involves practicing them in context, using them in sentences, and recognizing their different meanings.
    • Use phrasal verbs by grouping them by themes, meanings, or situations to make learning easier.
    • They can be used in both informal and formal English, but the tone and context will determine which ones to use.
    • Practice by reading, speaking, and writing sentences with phrasal verbs to solidify your understanding.

    Conclusion: Mastering Phrasal Verbs for Better English Communication

    In conclusion, phrasal verbs are a crucial part of the English language, offering flexibility and depth to your conversations and writing. While they may seem tricky at first, with practice, they become easier to understand and use. By learning their meanings, practicing them in context, and applying them regularly, you’ll start to sound more natural and fluent in English.

    Remember, phrasal verbs are used every day by native speakers, so the more you immerse yourself in them, the quicker you’ll master their usage. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—learning a language is all about progress, not perfection.

    Want to continue your language learning journey? Dive deeper into English grammar, vocabulary, and more by checking out our resources:

    Keep learning and keep improving your English with us! 🌟

    Beginner English

    Intermediate English

    Advance English

  • Using 〜ば〜ほど in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Using 〜ば〜ほど in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Using 〜ば〜ほど in Japanese

    Have you ever wanted to express ideas like “the more you study, the better you get” or “the colder it gets, the more I want hot ramen” in Japanese? If so, you’re in the perfect place! One of the most natural and powerful grammar patterns in Japanese is 〜ば〜ほど. This versatile structure helps you show gradual change, comparisons, and cause-effect relationships—all in a smooth and native-like way.

    Whether you’re a beginner curious about Japanese sentence patterns or an intermediate learner polishing your skills, understanding ば〜ほど grammar, how to use it in real-life conversations, and how to avoid common mistakes will level up your Japanese quickly and naturally.

    In this friendly and clear guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about 〜ば〜ほど, including:

    • What ば〜ほど means and how it works
    • When and why native speakers use it
    • 10 everyday sentences with English and romaji translations
    • Easy rules for conjugation and usage
    • Common errors and how to fix them
    • Exercises with answers to test your knowledge
    • And much more!

    Let’s get started and unlock the power of one of Japanese’s most useful grammar forms—〜ば〜ほど!

    What Is 〜ば〜ほど? Explanation and Overview

    The Japanese grammar pattern 〜ば〜ほど is used to express the idea of “the more… the more…” or “the more something happens, the more another thing happens.” It’s a powerful and flexible structure that helps you compare levels of change, describe patterns, and show cause-effect relationships between two actions or conditions.

    Think of it like this:

    • The more you do X, the more Y happens.
    • The more A increases, the more B increases.

    In Japanese, this is done by repeating a condition and a result using ば-form of a verb or adjective + ほど.
    Here’s a simple structure to remember:

    [Verb/Adjective in ば-form] + ほど + [Result/Outcome]

    Let’s look at a few natural English examples and how they match up in Japanese:

    • 🗣️ The more you speak Japanese, the better you become.
      　→ 日本語を話せば話すほど、上手になります。
      　(Nihongo o hanaseba hanasu hodo, jōzu ni narimasu.)
    • 🗣️ The more I eat, the hungrier I feel.
      　→ 食べれば食べるほど、お腹がすきます。
      　(Tabereba taberu hodo, onaka ga sukimasu.)
    • 🗣️ The cheaper the product, the more popular it is.
      　→ 値段が安ければ安いほど、人気があります。
      　(Nedan ga yasukereba yasui hodo, ninki ga arimasu.)

    This pattern can be used with:

    • Verbs (ex: 食べる → 食べれば食べるほど)
    • い-adjectives (ex: 早い → 早ければ早いほど)
    • な-adjectives (ex: 静か → 静かであれば静かであるほど)
    • Nouns (less common, but possible in special structures)

    Why is this grammar important?

    Because it allows you to express complex relationships in a very natural and efficient way—something native speakers do all the time in casual and formal Japanese. Whether you’re speaking about habits, preferences, weather, studies, feelings, or trends, 〜ば〜ほど is one of those grammar points that can elevate your fluency and expressiveness.

    Now that you understand what it means, let’s see it in action with real-life examples you can start using today!

    Everyday Sentences Using 〜ば〜ほど: 10 Common Examples

    Now that you know what 〜ば〜ほど means, let’s see how it works in everyday Japanese. Below are 10 useful, natural-sounding sentences that native speakers use often. Each one includes the Japanese sentence, romaji (pronunciation), and English translation so you can practice speaking, listening, and understanding with confidence.

    1. 日本語を勉強すれば勉強するほど、楽しくなります。
      Nihongo o benkyou sureba benkyou suru hodo, tanoshiku narimasu.
      The more you study Japanese, the more fun it becomes.
    2. 聞けば聞くほど、よく分かります。
      Kikeba kiku hodo, yoku wakarimasu.
      The more you listen, the better you understand.
    3. 走れば走るほど、疲れます。
      Hashireba hashiru hodo, tsukaremasu.
      The more you run, the more tired you get.
    4. 友達と話せば話すほど、ストレスが減ります。
      Tomodachi to hanaseba hanasu hodo, sutoresu ga herimasu.
      The more you talk with friends, the less stress you feel.
    5. 値段が安ければ安いほど、人気があります。
      Nedan ga yasukereba yasui hodo, ninki ga arimasu.
      The cheaper it is, the more popular it becomes.
    6. 練習すればするほど、上手になります。
      Renshuu sureba suru hodo, jouzu ni narimasu.
      The more you practice, the better you get.
    7. 食べれば食べるほど、太ります。
      Tabereba taberu hodo, futorimasu.
      The more you eat, the more weight you gain.
    8. 本を読めば読むほど、語彙が増えます。
      Hon o yomeba yomu hodo, goi ga fuemasu.
      The more you read books, the more vocabulary you gain.
    9. 説明が長ければ長いほど、分かりにくいです。
      Setsumei ga nagakereba nagai hodo, wakarinikui desu.
      The longer the explanation, the harder it is to understand.
    10. 経験すればするほど、自信がつきます。
      Keiken sureba suru hodo, jishin ga tsukimasu.
      The more experience you get, the more confident you become.

    When to Use 〜ば〜ほど: All the Key Situations

    You now understand what 〜ば〜ほど means and how it appears in daily conversations. But when exactly should you use it? Here are all the key situations where this grammar form is most useful. These are common in both spoken and written Japanese, so mastering them will help you sound more natural and fluent.

    1. To Show Cause and Effect or Progression
    Use 〜ば〜ほど when one action or condition causes another to happen more strongly or more frequently.
    Example: 勉強すればするほど、成績が上がります。
    (The more you study, the better your grades get.)

    2. To Compare Two Levels of Change
    Use it to show that two things increase or decrease together.
    Example: 気温が下がれば下がるほど、雪が多くなります。
    (The lower the temperature, the more snow we get.)

    3. To Emphasize Feelings or Reactions
    Use it when emotions grow stronger with a certain action or situation.
    Example: 会えば会うほど、好きになります。
    (The more I see you, the more I like you.)

    4. To Highlight Repetition or Habits
    Great for talking about things that happen regularly and intensify over time.
    Example: 練習すればするほど、自然に話せるようになります。
    (The more you practice, the more naturally you can speak.)

    5. To Make Recommendations or Advice
    Perfect for giving friendly suggestions, especially in response to questions.
    Example: 聞けば聞くほど、上達しますよ。
    (The more you listen, the better you’ll improve!)

    6. To Add Emphasis in Descriptions
    Use this grammar to give extra weight to your point or observation.
    Example: 安ければ安いほど、ありがたいです。
    (The cheaper it is, the more thankful I am.)

    By using 〜ば〜ほど in these key situations, you’ll be able to express a wide range of ideas smoothly and sound much more like a native speaker. Next, let’s break down how to form this grammar pattern correctly for different kinds of words.

    How to Conjugate Verbs in 〜ば〜ほど: Conjugation Rules

    Let’s learn how to form sentences with 〜ば〜ほど like a pro! This grammar structure may seem tricky at first, but once you understand how to conjugate the verbs and adjectives correctly, it becomes easy to use in everyday Japanese.

    At its core, 〜ば〜ほど follows this simple pattern:

    [Verb or Adjective in conditional 〜ば form] + the same verb/adjective + ほど

    Let’s break it down based on different word types:

    🔹 Group 1 (う-verbs)

    For these verbs, change the final う sound to the え-sound and add ば.

    • 買う (kau) → 買えば (kaeba) → 買えば買うほど
      (The more you buy…)
    • 書く (kaku) → 書けば (kakeba) → 書けば書くほど
      (The more you write…)
    • 飲む (nomu) → 飲めば (nomeba) → 飲めば飲むほど
      (The more you drink…)

    🔹 Group 2 (る-verbs)

    Just remove る and add れば.

    • 食べる (taberu) → 食べれば (tabereba) → 食べれば食べるほど
      (The more you eat…)
    • 見る (miru) → 見れば (mireba) → 見れば見るほど
      (The more you watch…)

    🔹 Irregular Verbs

    These have special conjugations.

    • する → すれば → すればするほど
      (The more you do…)
    • 来る (kuru) → くれば → くれば来るほど
      (The more someone comes…)

    🔹 い-Adjectives

    Drop the final い and add ければ, then repeat the full adjective + ほど.

    • 高い (takai) → 高ければ高いほど (takakereba takai hodo)
      (The more expensive…)
    • 寒い (samui) → 寒ければ寒いほど (samukereba samui hodo)
      (The colder it is…)

    🔹 な-Adjectives

    Use であれば + full adjective + ほど.

    • 静か (shizuka) → 静かであれば静かなほど (shizuka de areba shizuka na hodo)
      (The more quiet…)
    • 便利 (benri) → 便利であれば便利なほど (benri de areba benri na hodo)
      (The more convenient…)

    🔹 Nouns

    Same as な-adjectives: use であれば + noun + の + ほど or sometimes just なほど in casual speech.

    • 学生 (gakusei) → 学生であればあるほど (gakusei de areba aru hodo)
      (The more of a student you are…)

    That’s it! Just remember the base pattern and how to form the 〜ば conditional, and you’re ready to create sentences with 〜ば〜ほど on your own.

    〜ば〜ほど Grammar Rules You Need to Know

    To use 〜ば〜ほど correctly and naturally, it’s important to understand the key grammar rules behind this structure. These rules will help you create meaningful, accurate sentences whether you’re writing or speaking in Japanese.

    ✅ Basic Sentence Structure

    The structure of 〜ば〜ほど always involves repetition — you use the same verb, adjective, or noun form twice.

    [Condition: Verb/Adj/Noun in 〜ば form] + [Repeated Word] + ほど

    Examples:

    • 食べれば食べるほど (the more you eat…)
    • 勉強すればするほど (the more you study…)
    • 高ければ高いほど (the more expensive it is…)

    ✅ Rule 1: The Repeated Word Should Match the Base Form

    The second part of the phrase should match the original base word. For example, if the first part uses the verb 食べる, the second part should also be 食べる, not a different form.

    • ✔️ 食べれば食べるほど (correct)
    • ❌ 食べれば食べたほど (incorrect)

    ✅ Rule 2: Use Conditional Form for the First Part

    The 〜ば form is a conditional form in Japanese. It expresses “if” or “when.” For 〜ば〜ほど, this conditional meaning shows increase or progression. It means something happens more and more as another thing increases.

    Examples:

    • 見れば見るほど → The more you watch, the more…
    • 練習すればするほど → The more you practice, the more…

    ✅ Rule 3: It Can Be Used with Verbs, Adjectives, and Nouns

    • With Verbs: 勉強すればするほど
    • With い-Adjectives: 早ければ早いほど
    • With な-Adjectives: 元気であれば元気なほど
    • With Nouns: 学生であればあるほど

    ✅ Rule 4: Can Be Used in Both Positive and Negative Contexts

    You can describe both good and bad outcomes:

    • 使えば使うほど便利です。(The more you use it, the more convenient it becomes.)
    • 食べれば食べるほど太ります。(The more you eat, the more weight you gain.)

    ✅ Rule 5: Often Used in Comparison or Emphasis

    〜ば〜ほど is often used to show comparison, growth, cause-and-effect, or even irony. It’s a favorite structure in both casual and formal conversations.

    Examples:

    • 経験すればするほど、難しさが分かります。
      (The more you experience it, the more you realize how hard it is.)

    These grammar rules may seem detailed, but they are easy to apply once you start using this structure regularly in your Japanese conversations or writing.

    Important Tips for Using 〜ば〜ほど Correctly

    Using 〜ば〜ほど in Japanese can make your speech and writing sound more natural, fluent, and expressive. But to really master it, you’ll want to keep these helpful tips in mind. These tips are great for beginners and also serve as handy reminders for intermediate learners.

    💡 Tip 1: Match the Word Forms Precisely

    One of the most common mistakes learners make is using mismatched forms before and after 〜ば. Always make sure the second word matches the base form of the verb, adjective, or noun.

    • ✔️ 行けば行くほど (The more you go…)
    • ❌ 行けば行ったほど (Incorrect)

    💡 Tip 2: Know When to Use the 〜ば Conditional

    Don’t confuse 〜ば with other conditionals like 〜たら or 〜と. Only 〜ば works with this pattern. It expresses increasing intensity or correlation — like “the more, the more.”

    • 勉強すればするほど → (The more you study, the more…)
    • 話せば話すほど → (The more you speak, the more…)

    💡 Tip 3: Use It to Show Positive or Negative Outcomes

    This structure is flexible! You can use 〜ば〜ほど to talk about good, bad, or surprising results.

    • 使えば使うほど上手になります。
      (The more you use it, the better you get.)
    • 食べれば食べるほど太ります。
      (The more you eat, the more you gain weight.)

    💡 Tip 4: It’s Perfect for Expressing Patterns or Habits

    You can use it to talk about things that increase or change over time:

    • 練習すればするほど簡単になります。
      (The more you practice, the easier it gets.)
    • 走れば走るほど疲れます。
      (The more you run, the more tired you get.)

    💡 Tip 5: It Can Add Emphasis or Emotion

    Use this structure to make your speech stronger or more emotional:

    • 見れば見るほど美しいです！
      (The more I look at it, the more beautiful it is!)
    • 考えれば考えるほど不思議です。
      (The more I think about it, the stranger it seems.)

    💡 Tip 6: Keep Sentences Clear and Not Too Long

    Try not to pack too many ideas into one sentence. Keep your 〜ば〜ほど phrases simple, especially when you’re just starting out.

    • ✔️ 読めば読むほど楽しくなります。
    • ❌ 読めば読むほど日本語が面白くなってきて、もっともっと勉強しようと思うようになってきます。 (Too long and confusing!)

    Mastering this pattern means not just using the grammar correctly but using it naturally. Once you get a feel for the rhythm and meaning, 〜ば〜ほど will become one of your favorite Japanese tools!

    Common Mistakes with 〜ば〜ほど and How to Fix Them

    While 〜ば〜ほど is a versatile and useful structure, it’s easy to make a few mistakes when you first start using it. Here are some of the most common mistakes learners make, along with tips on how to avoid them. Knowing these pitfalls will help you sound more natural and fluent in Japanese.

    ❌ Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Conditional Form

    The first mistake many learners make is using an incorrect conditional form before 〜ば〜ほど. Remember, only the 〜ば form works with this structure. Don’t mix it up with other conditionals like 〜たら or 〜と.

    Wrong:

    • 食べたら食べるほど (Incorrect — using たら instead of 〜ば)
    • 勉強したらするほど (Incorrect)

    Correct:

    • 食べれば食べるほど (The more you eat…)
    • 勉強すればするほど (The more you study…)

    Fix: Always double-check your verb form. For verbs in Group 1 (う-verbs), change the final う to え (e.g., 食べる → 食べれば). For Group 2 (る-verbs), drop the る and add れば (e.g., 食べる → 食べれば). Irregular verbs like する and 来る have their own unique forms (e.g., すれば and くれば).

    ❌ Mistake 2: Overloading the Sentence with Too Many Clauses

    Another common mistake is making the sentence too long and complicated, which can make it hard to understand. When you use 〜ば〜ほど, it’s best to keep your sentence simple and to the point.

    Wrong:

    • 勉強すればするほど、日本語が上手になって、もっと話せるようになって、試験にも合格できるようになります。
      (Too long and hard to follow)

    Correct:

    • 勉強すればするほど、日本語が上手になります。
      (The more you study, the better your Japanese gets.)

    Fix: Break your sentences down into shorter parts to keep them clear and focused. It’s tempting to add multiple clauses, but try to maintain the structure: 〜ば〜ほど + [Verb/Adjective].

    ❌ Mistake 3: Forgetting to Repeat the Same Word

    A common mistake when using 〜ば〜ほど is forgetting to repeat the verb, adjective, or noun after ほど. Always remember to mirror the first part of the sentence.

    Wrong:

    • 見れば見るほど、面白くなります。 (Missing the second “見る”)

    Correct:

    • 見れば見るほど、面白くなります。 (The more you watch, the more interesting it gets.)

    Fix: The word after 〜ば〜ほど must match the first part exactly, whether it’s a verb, adjective, or noun.

    ❌ Mistake 4: Using 〜ば〜ほど with Nouns Incorrectly

    When using nouns, learners sometimes forget to add の after the noun before ほど. This is an essential part of the structure when using nouns.

    Wrong:

    • 学生で学生ほど。
      (Incorrect noun form)

    Correct:

    • 学生であればあるほど。
      (The more of a student you are…)

    Fix: When you use 〜ば〜ほど with nouns, always add であれば before の and repeat the noun after ほど.

    ❌ Mistake 5: Misunderstanding Negative Results

    Sometimes learners use 〜ば〜ほど to describe negative outcomes but don’t convey the correct meaning. For negative outcomes, you need to make sure the sentence clearly shows that one thing worsens as another increases.

    Wrong:

    • 食べれば食べるほど、痩せます。 (The more you eat, the more you lose weight — Incorrect context*)

    Correct:

    • 食べれば食べるほど、太ります。
      (The more you eat, the more weight you gain.)

    Fix: Make sure the context matches the structure. If you’re describing something that worsens, use the appropriate verb that indicates negative growth (e.g., 太る for gaining weight or 悪化する for worsening).

    20 〜ば〜ほど Example Sentences for Better Understanding

    The best way to master any grammar point is through practice, and 〜ば〜ほど is no exception. Below, you’ll find 20 example sentences that illustrate different uses of this structure. Each sentence includes romaji and English translation to help you understand how this structure works in context.

    1. 食べれば食べるほど、健康に悪いです。

    • Romaji: Tabereba taberu hodo, kenkou ni warui desu.
    • English: The more you eat, the worse it is for your health.

    2. 勉強すればするほど、理解が深まります。

    • Romaji: Benkyou sureba suru hodo, rikai ga fukamarimasu.
    • English: The more you study, the deeper your understanding becomes.

    3. 見れば見るほど、この映画は面白くなります。

    • Romaji: Mireba miru hodo, kono eiga wa omoshiroku narimasu.
    • English: The more you watch, the more interesting this movie becomes.

    4. 走れば走るほど、体力がつきます。

    • Romaji: Hashireba hashiru hodo, tairyoku ga tsukimasu.
    • English: The more you run, the stronger your stamina becomes.

    5. 使えば使うほど、使いやすくなります。

    • Romaji: Tsukaeba tsukau hodo, tsukaiyasuku narimasu.
    • English: The more you use it, the easier it becomes to use.

    6. 彼がいればいるほど、私は安心します。

    • Romaji: Kare ga ireba iru hodo, watashi wa anshin shimasu.
    • English: The more he is here, the more relieved I feel.

    7. 読めば読むほど、物語が面白くなります。

    • Romaji: Yomereba yomu hodo, monogatari ga omoshiroku narimasu.
    • English: The more you read, the more interesting the story gets.

    8. 話せば話すほど、会話が弾みます。

    • Romaji: Hanaseba hanasu hodo, kaiwa ga hazumimasu.
    • English: The more you talk, the more the conversation flows.

    9. 彼女がいればいるほど、私は幸せです。

    • Romaji: Kanojo ga ireba iru hodo, watashi wa shiawase desu.
    • English: The more she is here, the happier I am.

    10. 上手になればなるほど、練習が大切です。

    • Romaji: Jouzu ni nareba naru hodo, renshuu ga taisetsu desu.
    • English: The better you become, the more important practice is.

    11. 高ければ高いほど、たくさんの人が興味を持ちます。

    • Romaji: Takakereba takai hodo, takusan no hito ga kyoumi o mochimasu.
    • English: The more expensive it is, the more people are interested.

    12. 難しければ難しいほど、やりがいを感じます。

    • Romaji: Muzukashikereba muzukashii hodo, yarigai o kanjimasu.
    • English: The more difficult it is, the more rewarding it feels.

    13. 早ければ早いほど、いい結果が得られます。

    • Romaji: Hayakereba hayai hodo, ii kekka ga eraremasu.
    • English: The earlier you do it, the better the results will be.

    14. 旅行すればするほど、世界の美しさがわかります。

    • Romaji: Ryokou sureba suru hodo, sekai no utsukushisa ga wakarimasu.
    • English: The more you travel, the more you understand the beauty of the world.

    15. 勉強すればするほど、試験が簡単になります。

    • Romaji: Benkyou sureba suru hodo, shiken ga kantan ni narimasu.
    • English: The more you study, the easier the exam becomes.

    16. 出れば出るほど、疲れていきます。

    • Romaji: Dereba deru hodo, tsukarete ikimasu.
    • English: The more I go out, the more tired I get.

    17. 説明すればするほど、理解できなくなります。

    • Romaji: Setsumei sureba suru hodo, rikai dekinakunari masu.
    • English: The more you explain, the less I understand.

    18. 購入すればするほど、割引が大きくなります。

    • Romaji: Kounyuu sureba suru hodo, waribiki ga ookiku narimasu.
    • English: The more you buy, the bigger the discount becomes.

    19. 笑えば笑うほど、気分が良くなります。

    • Romaji: Waraeba warau hodo, kibun ga yokunari masu.
    • English: The more you laugh, the better you feel.

    20. 旅行すればするほど、新しい友達ができます。

    • Romaji: Ryokou sureba suru hodo, atarashii tomodachi ga dekimasu.
    • English: The more you travel, the more new friends you make.

    〜ば〜ほど Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

    Now it’s time to put your knowledge of 〜ば〜ほど to the test! Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb or adjective, and practice using 〜ば〜ほど in sentences.

    1. この本を（読む）____、もっと面白くなります。
      Romaji: Kono hon o (yomu) ____, motto omoshiroku narimasu.
    2. 早く（行く）____、時間に間に合います。
      Romaji: Hayaku (iku) ____, jikan ni maniaimasu.
    3. 勉強を（する）____、試験は簡単になります。
      Romaji: Benkyou o (suru) ____, shiken wa kantan ni narimasu.
    4. 値段が（高い）____、品質が良いです。
      Romaji: Nedan ga (takai) ____, hinshitsu ga ii desu.
    5. 毎日（走る）____、健康に良いです。
      Romaji: Mainichi (hashiru) ____, kenkou ni ii desu.
    6. この映画を（見る）____、もっと面白くなります。
      Romaji: Kono eiga o (miru) ____, motto omoshiroku narimasu.
    7. 十分に（寝る）____、疲れが取れます。
      Romaji: Juubun ni (neru) ____, tsukare ga toremasu.
    8. 一生懸命に（働く）____、お金がたくさんもらえます。
      Romaji: Isshoukenmei ni (hataraku) ____, okane ga takusan moraemasu.
    9. 毎日日本語を（話す）____、上手になります。
      Romaji: Mainichi nihongo o (hanasu) ____, jouzu ni narimasu.
    10. その道具を（使う）____、便利になります。
      Romaji: Sono dougu o (tsukau) ____, benri ni narimasu.
    11. 街を（歩く）____、もっと楽しめます。
      Romaji: Machi o (aruku) ____, motto tanoshimemasu.
    12. よく（寝る）____、翌朝は元気に起きられます。
      Romaji: Yoku (neru) ____, yokusou wa genki ni okiraremasu.
    13. このソフトを（使う）____、慣れてきます。
      Romaji: Kono sofuto o (tsukau) ____, narete kimasu.
    14. 外に（出る）____、人が増えてきます。
      Romaji: Soto ni (deru) ____, hito ga fuetekimasu.
    15. 栄養ドリンクを（飲む）____、元気になります。
      Romaji: Eiyou dorinku o (nomu) ____, genki ni narimasu.
    16. 早く（する）____、いい結果が得られます。
      Romaji: Hayaku (suru) ____, ii kekka ga eraremasu.
    17. そのテーマについて（知る）____、興味がわきます。
      Romaji: Sono teema ni tsuite (shiru) ____, kyoumi ga wakimasu.
    18. 多く（経験する）____、自信がつきます。
      Romaji: Ooku (keiken suru) ____, jishin ga tsukimasu.
    19. 夜に十分（寝る）____、健康が良くなります。
      Romaji: Yoru ni juubun (neru) ____, kenkou ga yokunarimasu.
    20. 英語を（勉強する）____、知識が増えます。
      Romaji: Eigo o (benkyou suru) ____, chishiki ga fuemasu.

    ✅ Check Your Answers: 〜ば〜ほど Exercise

    1. この本を読めば読むほど、もっと面白くなります。
      Romaji: Kono hon o yomeba yomu hodo, motto omoshiroku narimasu.
      Translation: The more you read this book, the more interesting it becomes.
    2. 早く行けば行くほど、時間に間に合います。
      Romaji: Hayaku ikeba iku hodo, jikan ni maniaimasu.
      Translation: The earlier you go, the more likely you’ll be on time.
    3. 勉強をすればするほど、試験は簡単になります。
      Romaji: Benkyou o sureba suru hodo, shiken wa kantan ni narimasu.
      Translation: The more you study, the easier the exam becomes.
    4. 値段が高ければ高いほど、品質が良いです。
      Romaji: Nedan ga takakereba takai hodo, hinshitsu ga ii desu.
      Translation: The higher the price, the better the quality.
    5. 毎日走れば走るほど、健康に良いです。
      Romaji: Mainichi hashireba hashiru hodo, kenkou ni ii desu.
      Translation: The more you run daily, the better it is for your health.
    6. この映画を見れば見るほど、もっと面白くなります。
      Romaji: Kono eiga o mireba miru hodo, motto omoshiroku narimasu.
      Translation: The more you watch this movie, the more interesting it becomes.
    7. 十分に寝れば寝るほど、疲れが取れます。
      Romaji: Juubun ni nereba neru hodo, tsukare ga toremasu.
      Translation: The more you sleep, the more your fatigue goes away.
    8. 一生懸命に働けば働くほど、お金がたくさんもらえます。
      Romaji: Isshoukenmei ni hatarakeba hataraku hodo, okane ga takusan moraemasu.
      Translation: The harder you work, the more money you earn.
    9. 毎日日本語を話せば話すほど、上手になります。
      Romaji: Mainichi nihongo o hanaseba hanasu hodo, jouzu ni narimasu.
      Translation: The more you speak Japanese daily, the better you get at it.
    10. その道具を使えば使うほど、便利になります。
      Romaji: Sono dougu o tsukaeba tsukau hodo, benri ni narimasu.
      Translation: The more you use that tool, the more convenient it becomes.
    11. 街を歩けば歩くほど、もっと楽しめます。
      Romaji: Machi o arukeba aruku hodo, motto tanoshimemasu.
      Translation: The more you walk around the city, the more fun you’ll have.
    12. よく寝れば寝るほど、翌朝は元気に起きられます。
      Romaji: Yoku nereba neru hodo, yokusou wa genki ni okiraremasu.
      Translation: The more you sleep, the more energetic you feel the next morning.
    13. このソフトを使えば使うほど、慣れてきます。
      Romaji: Kono sofuto o tsukaeba tsukau hodo, narete kimasu.
      Translation: The more you use this software, the more familiar it becomes.
    14. 外に出れば出るほど、人が増えてきます。
      Romaji: Soto ni dereba deru hodo, hito ga fuetekimasu.
      Translation: The more you go outside, the more people appear.
    15. 栄養ドリンクを飲めば飲むほど、元気になります。
      Romaji: Eiyou dorinku o nomeba nomu hodo, genki ni narimasu.
      Translation: The more energy drinks you drink, the more energized you feel.
    16. 早くすればするほど、いい結果が得られます。
      Romaji: Hayaku sureba suru hodo, ii kekka ga eraremasu.
      Translation: The faster you do it, the better the results.
    17. そのテーマについて知れば知るほど、興味がわきます。
      Romaji: Sono teema ni tsuite shireba shiru hodo, kyoumi ga wakimasu.
      Translation: The more you learn about that topic, the more interested you become.
    18. 多く経験すればするほど、自信がつきます。
      Romaji: Ooku keiken sureba suru hodo, jishin ga tsukimasu.
      Translation: The more experiences you have, the more confidence you gain.
    19. 夜に十分寝れば寝るほど、健康が良くなります。
      Romaji: Yoru ni juubun nereba neru hodo, kenkou ga yokunarimasu.
      Translation: The more you sleep at night, the healthier you become.
    20. 英語を勉強すればするほど、知識が増えます。
      Romaji: Eigo o benkyou sureba suru hodo, chishiki ga fuemasu.
      Translation: The more you study English, the more your knowledge increases.

    🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 〜ば〜ほど in Japanese

    1. What does 〜ば〜ほど mean in Japanese?
    It means “the more…, the more…” and is used to show that as one thing increases, another thing also increases. It expresses proportional relationships or cause-effect patterns.

    2. Is 〜ば〜ほど only used with verbs?
    No. It can be used with verbs, adjectives (both い- and な-), and sometimes with nouns in modified phrases.

    3. How do I form 〜ば〜ほど with adjectives?

    • For い-adjectives: Drop the い and add ければ → 高ければ高いほど
    • For な-adjectives: Add なら before 〜ほど → 便利なら便利なほど

    4. Can I use 〜ば〜ほど in formal writing?
    Yes! It’s perfectly natural in both casual and formal Japanese. In writing, it often appears in essays, articles, and speeches to show logical relationships.

    5. What’s the difference between 〜ば〜ほど and 〜たら〜ほど?
    They are similar, but 〜ば〜ほど is slightly more natural and grammatically preferred in many formal situations. 〜たら〜ほど is more casual and less common.

    6. Is it okay to repeat the same phrase twice in 〜ば〜ほど sentences?
    Yes. That’s how the structure works. For example: 見れば見るほど = “the more you see, the more…”

    7. Can I use negative verbs with 〜ば〜ほど?
    Yes, but they’re less common. Example: 話さなければ話さないほど (The less you talk, the less you communicate). It’s grammatically fine but often sounds a bit unnatural.

    8. What JLPT level is 〜ば〜ほど?
    It typically appears around JLPT N3 level, but it’s essential knowledge for N2 learners as well.

    9. How is 〜ば〜ほど different from 〜につれて?
    Both express a relationship of change, but 〜につれて shows simultaneous progression (“as A changes, B also changes”) while 〜ば〜ほど is more comparative and emphasizes proportionality.

    10. Can I leave out the second part of 〜ば〜ほど in a sentence?
    Sometimes, yes—if the context is clear. For example:
    安ければ安いほど… (The cheaper it is… [the better, implied]).

    📌 Key Takeaways: 〜ば〜ほど Summary and Important Points

    Here’s a quick and clear summary of everything you need to remember about 〜ば〜ほど in Japanese:

    • Meaning: “The more… the more…” — used to show increasing levels or a proportional relationship between two actions or qualities.
    • Structure:
      • Verb: 食べれば食べるほど
      • い-adjective: 早ければ早いほど
      • な-adjective: 元気なら元気なほど
    • Use: Very common in daily conversations, written texts, and JLPT from level N3 and above.
    • Situations to use:
      • Comparing two things
      • Emphasizing growth or decrease
      • Giving advice or opinions
      • Making cause-effect statements
    • Conjugation tip: Use the conditional 〜ば form in the first clause, and repeat the base or dictionary form in the second.
    • Common Mistakes:
      • Forgetting to use the correct conditional form (like using 〜たら instead of 〜ば)
      • Confusing い- and な-adjective conjugations
      • Using unnatural pairings of phrases (keep both parts logically connected)
    • Helpful Example:
      見れば見るほどおもしろい。
      The more you watch, the more interesting it gets.
    • Fun Fact: This grammar is not just useful, it’s also a great way to make your Japanese sound smoother and more advanced!

    🎯 Conclusion: Mastering 〜ば〜ほど to Boost Your Japanese Fluency

    The Japanese grammar pattern 〜ば〜ほど is one of those powerful tools that can instantly make your sentences more fluent, natural, and expressive. Whether you’re saying “the more you study, the better your grades” or “the spicier the food, the more I love it,” this pattern helps you create smooth, logical, and impactful thoughts in Japanese.

    You’ve now learned:

    • What 〜ば〜ほど means
    • When and how to use it
    • How to conjugate it correctly
    • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
    • Tons of practical examples and exercises to help you practice

    Remember, the key is practice. Try using 〜ば〜ほど in your own sentences, think about everyday comparisons or habits, and use it while speaking, writing, or even thinking in Japanese.

    Ready to level up even more? Here’s what you can do next:

    👉 Visit our blog for more in-depth Japanese grammar lessons and practice:
    My Language Classes Blog

    👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily Japanese tips, mini-lessons, and fun quizzes:
    @mylanguageclasses

    👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for engaging grammar videos, real-life examples, and much more:
    My Language Classes on YouTube

    Let’s continue learning and growing together! 頑張りましょう (Ganbarimashou) — Let’s do our best! 💪

    Checkout other blogs in Japanese 👇👇

    Beginner Japanese

    Intermediate Japanese

    Advanced Japanese

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

  • How to Use “Lo” in Spanish Like a Native Speaker: Easy Rules, Examples, and Tips

    How to Use “Lo” in Spanish Like a Native Speaker: Easy Rules, Examples, and Tips

    If you’ve been learning Spanish and stumbled upon the little word “lo”, you’re not alone in wondering what it really means. This tiny but mighty word shows up in so many different places—lo importante, lo mejor, lo que dijiste—that it can leave even advanced learners scratching their heads. So, what exactly is “lo” in Spanish, and why is it used so often?

    Understanding the Spanish article “lo” is like unlocking a secret level in a video game—it gives you access to deeper, more natural expressions that native speakers use every day. Whether you’re just starting your Spanish learning journey or you’re brushing up on grammar, knowing how to use “lo” properly will make your conversations sound more fluent, more natural, and much more confident.

    In this complete guide, we’ll explore:

    • What “lo” really means and why it’s different from el or la
    • Everyday phrases where “lo” is essential
    • When and how to use “lo” with adjectives, verbs, and clauses
    • The grammar rules and exceptions that make “lo” unique
    • Real-life examples and practice exercises to help you learn by doing

    This is your one-stop explanation of everything you need to know about “lo” in Spanish grammar, written in a way that’s easy to understand and packed with practical examples. Let’s dive into the world of neutral articles, abstract ideas, and essential expressions with “lo”—and learn how to use it like a pro.

    What Is the Spanish Article “Lo”?

    The word “lo” in Spanish might look small, but it plays a big role in how native speakers express thoughts, ideas, and descriptions. Unlike “el” and “la”, which are masculine and feminine definite articles for nouns, “lo” is a neutral article. That means it’s not used to describe a specific object or person, but rather abstract ideas, qualities, or unknown things.

    Think of “lo” as a tool for turning adjectives, clauses, or verbs into general concepts or neutral ideas. You’ll see it used in phrases like:

    • Lo bueno – The good thing
    • Lo que dices – What you’re saying
    • Lo importante es estudiar – The important thing is to study

    Here’s a breakdown to understand it better:

    🧠 Quick Facts About “Lo”

    • “Lo” is not masculine or feminine—it’s neutral
    • It is not used before a regular noun (like lo gato ❌)
    • It is used before adjectives, past participles, or clauses to express abstract ideas
    • It helps you talk about “the thing that is…”, “what is…”, or “how something is…”

    📘 Examples to Understand Its Function:

    • Lo mejor de la película fue el final.
      The best thing about the movie was the ending.
    • No entiendo lo que dijiste.
      I don’t understand what you said.
    • Lo difícil no es empezar, es continuar.
      The hard part isn’t starting, it’s continuing.

    So, when you want to describe something that isn’t a physical object, but rather an idea, a quality, or a situation, “lo” is your go-to word.

    Common Expressions Using “Lo” in Spanish

    When you listen to native Spanish speakers, you’ll hear “lo” used all the time in everyday phrases. These expressions are super useful because they help you sound more natural and fluent, especially when talking about opinions, situations, or abstract ideas.

    Here are 10 real-life example sentences using “lo” that you can start practicing today:

    🔟 Real-Life Spanish Sentences with “Lo”

    1. Lo bueno de vivir aquí es la tranquilidad.
      The good thing about living here is the peace.
    2. Lo importante es nunca rendirse.
      The important thing is to never give up.
    3. Lo que quiero es ayudarte.
      What I want is to help you.
    4. Lo malo de esta película es el final.
      The bad thing about this movie is the ending.
    5. Lo que dijiste me hizo pensar.
      What you said made me think.
    6. No me gusta lo que está pasando.
      I don’t like what’s happening.
    7. Lo mejor fue cuando ganamos el partido.
      The best part was when we won the game.
    8. Lo raro es que no contestó el mensaje.
      The strange thing is that he didn’t reply to the message.
    9. Siempre valoro lo que haces por mí.
      I always value what you do for me.
    10. Lo difícil no es aprender, es practicar todos los días.
      The hard part isn’t learning, it’s practicing every day.

    📌 Why These Expressions Matter:

    These expressions don’t just teach you grammar—they help you express feelings, thoughts, and reactions in a natural way. By using “lo,” you talk about “the thing that…”, “what…”, or “how something is…”, which adds depth to your Spanish.

    You’ll often hear these patterns in conversations, books, and even music, so start listening for them!

    How “Lo” Works: Structure and Pairing Rules

    Although “lo” doesn’t conjugate, understanding how it works with different parts of a sentence is key to using it correctly. This includes what words “lo” can go with, how it forms abstract nouns, and how it functions in complex clauses.

    🔧 1. “Lo” + Adjective → Abstract Idea

    When “lo” is followed by an adjective, it turns that adjective into an abstract idea, often meaning “the [adjective] thing”.

    ✅ Structure:

    Lo + [adjective (masculine singular form)]

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo bueno = The good thing
      Lo bueno de este trabajo es el horario flexible.
      The good thing about this job is the flexible schedule.
    • Lo interesante = The interesting thing
      Lo interesante es que nadie lo sabía.
      The interesting thing is that no one knew.
    • Lo difícil = The hard part
      Lo difícil es mantener la motivación.
      The hard part is staying motivated.

    🔧 2. “Lo” + Past Participle → Result or Quality

    “Lo” can be used with past participles to describe the result of an action or an observed quality.

    ✅ Structure:

    Lo + [past participle]

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo dicho = What was said
      Lo dicho por el profesor fue muy importante.
      What the teacher said was very important.
    • Lo hecho = What was done / The done thing
      Ya no podemos cambiar lo hecho.
      We can’t change what’s done.

    🔧 3. “Lo” + “Que” + Clause → What / That Which

    This is one of the most common ways “lo” is used in conversation. It introduces a subordinate clause and is often translated as “what” or “that which”.

    ✅ Structure:

    Lo que + [clause]

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo que me gusta es la comida.
      What I like is the food.
    • No entiendo lo que dices.
      I don’t understand what you’re saying.
    • Haz lo que quieras.
      Do what you want.

    🔧 4. “Lo” as a Direct Object Pronoun

    In some cases, “lo” also acts as a direct object pronoun meaning “him”, “it”, or “you” (formal, masculine). However, this usage is different from the neutral article and belongs to pronoun grammar. We’ll keep our focus here mainly on the neutral article usage.

    🧠 Pro Tip:

    • The adjective or participle after “lo” must be in masculine singular form, even if you’re talking about something feminine or plural in meaning. Why? Because “lo” is neutral, and the grammar after it follows that structure.

    Usage of “Lo” in Spanish: When and How to Use It

    In Spanish, “lo” is a powerful word that lets you talk about ideas, qualities, actions, or unknown things without referring to a specific person or object. Below are the main situations where “lo” is used, with easy explanations and examples.

    ✅ 1. To Express Abstract Qualities or Ideas

    Use “lo” with adjectives to refer to general ideas or qualities like “the good,” “the bad,” “the strange,” etc.

    🔹 Structure:

    Lo + [masculine singular adjective]

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo bueno de estudiar es aprender.
      The good thing about studying is learning.
    • Lo malo es que llueve mucho.
      The bad thing is that it rains a lot.

    ✅ 2. To Refer to Something Previously Mentioned (Lo + Past Participle)

    Use “lo” with past participles to refer to actions or events already done or mentioned.

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo dicho por el director fue claro.
      What the director said was clear.
    • Lo escrito en el libro es interesante.
      What’s written in the book is interesting.

    ✅ 3. To Introduce Clauses with “Lo que” (What / That Which)

    This is one of the most common uses of “lo.” Use “lo que” to mean “what” or “the thing that”.

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo que quiero es ayudarte.
      What I want is to help you.
    • No entiendo lo que está pasando.
      I don’t understand what is happening.
    • Haz lo que puedas.
      Do what you can.

    ✅ 4. To Emphasize or Generalize a Characteristic

    Use “lo” to highlight how something is or how someone behaves. This is often used in literary or poetic contexts.

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo fuerte que es este niño me sorprende.
      How strong this boy is surprises me.
    • Lo rápido que terminó el examen fue increíble.
      How quickly he finished the exam was incredible.

    ✅ 5. To Talk About How Things Happen (Lo + Adjective + Que)

    Use this structure to emphasize the intensity or degree of something.

    📘 Examples:
    • No sabes lo cansado que estoy.
      You don’t know how tired I am.
    • Lo feliz que estaba no se puede explicar.
      How happy she was can’t be explained.

    ✅ 6. To Express Something in a General, Gender-Neutral Way

    “Lo” is perfect when you want to keep your sentence neutral, especially when talking about non-countable or non-specific things.

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo que necesitas es paciencia.
      What you need is patience.
    • Lo que importa es la intención.
      What matters is the intention.

    ✅ 7. To Form Emphatic or Comparative Structures

    In advanced usage, “lo” helps create comparative or superlative statements.

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo más importante es la familia.
      The most important thing is family.
    • Lo mejor de todo fue el viaje.
      The best part of all was the trip.

    ✅ 8. To Replace an Idea, Action, or Situation as a Neutral Pronoun

    Sometimes, “lo” acts like a neutral pronoun replacing an idea or situation.

    📘 Examples:
    • ¿Estás cansado? Lo entiendo.
      Are you tired? I understand it.
    • No lo sabía.
      I didn’t know that.

    ✅ 9. In Set Phrases and Idioms

    Some phrases with “lo” are commonly used and should be memorized.

    📘 Examples:
    • A lo mejor – Maybe
    • Por lo general – Generally
    • Por lo tanto – Therefore

    ✅ 10. As a Formal, Masculine Object Pronoun (Extra Use)

    Though this blog focuses on “lo” as a neutral article, remember that “lo” can also mean “him” or “it” when used as a direct object pronoun.

    📘 Example:
    • Lo vi ayer.
      I saw him yesterday. or I saw it yesterday.

    🎯 Quick Recap of Situations to Use “Lo”:

    • To describe qualities (Lo bueno, lo malo)
    • To introduce ideas or clauses (Lo que…)
    • With past participles (Lo dicho)
    • For generalization or emphasis (Lo rápido que…)
    • In idiomatic expressions (A lo mejor)
    • To refer back to entire ideas or actions (Lo entiendo)

    Grammar Rules for Using “Lo” in Spanish

    Understanding how “lo” works grammatically will boost your Spanish fluency. Although it seems simple, it has specific rules that guide how and when to use it correctly — especially since it’s gender-neutral, abstract, and sometimes used as a pronoun.

    Let’s break it down step by step with simple explanations and real-life examples.

    🧠 Rule 1: “Lo” is Neutral and Only Used with Masculine Singular Adjectives or Participles

    “Lo” doesn’t agree with gender or number like other articles (el, la, los, las). It stays the same — always neutral and singular.

    🔹 Use:

    • Lo + [masculine adjective]
    • Lo + [past participle]
    📘 Examples:
    • Lo bonito = the beautiful thing
    • Lo dicho = what was said

    ✨ You don’t say “la bonita” or “las dichas” with this structure. Always keep it neutral: lo + masculine singular.

    🧠 Rule 2: “Lo” Can’t Stand Alone — It Must Be Paired

    “Lo” doesn’t function alone. It must be followed by:

    • An adjective
    • A past participle
    • A relative clause (with “que”)
    📘 Examples:
    • ❌ Incorrect: Lo es importante.
    • ✅ Correct: Lo importante es estudiar.
      (The important thing is to study.)

    🧠 Rule 3: “Lo que” Introduces Clauses — Meaning “What” or “That Which”

    Use “lo que” to refer to ideas, actions, or concepts.

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo que necesito es tiempo.
      What I need is time.
    • No comprendo lo que haces.
      I don’t understand what you’re doing.

    ✅ “Lo que” is one of the most flexible ways to express abstract or unknown things in Spanish.

    🧠 Rule 4: “Lo” with Comparatives or Emphasis

    “Lo” can be used to express degree or intensity, especially with the word “que”.

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo mucho que trabajas es admirable.
      How much you work is admirable.
    • No sabes lo feliz que me hace.
      You don’t know how happy that makes me.

    🧠 Rule 5: “Lo” as a Neutral Pronoun (Referencing Ideas, Not People)

    In this case, “lo” works like “it” in English but refers to a situation, idea, or statement — not a person.

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo entiendo.
      I understand it (the situation).
    • No lo sabía.
      I didn’t know it.

    ⚠️ Don’t confuse this with “lo” as a masculine direct object pronoun (him/it). This rule focuses on the neutral, idea-based use of “lo”.

    🧠 Rule 6: Use “Lo” with Superlative and Generalizing Expressions

    You can use “lo” to emphasize what’s best, worst, or most important.

    📘 Examples:
    • Lo mejor de la película fue el final.
      The best part of the movie was the ending.
    • Lo más difícil es empezar.
      The most difficult thing is to begin.

    🧠 Rule 7: “Lo” in Set Phrases Should Be Memorized

    Many common expressions in Spanish include “lo.” These don’t follow strict grammar patterns — they’re idiomatic.

    📘 Common Examples:
    • A lo mejor = maybe
    • Por lo tanto = therefore
    • Por lo visto = apparently

    ⚠️ What NOT to Do:

    • Don’t use “lo” with feminine or plural adjectives (e.g., lo bonita, lo buenos ❌)
    • Don’t use “lo” to refer to people by gender (use el/la/los/las or proper pronouns)
    • Don’t confuse neutral “lo” with masculine object “lo” (used as a direct object pronoun)

    🎯 Golden Rule:

    If you’re talking about an idea, concept, action, or general characteristic — especially in an abstract, genderless way — use “lo.”

    With these grammar rules, you’re well-equipped to use “lo” like a pro!

    🧐 Things to Keep in Mind When Using “Lo” in Spanish

    Although “lo” may seem simple, it’s one of those small words in Spanish that can get tricky fast if you’re not paying close attention. It behaves differently from other articles, has abstract uses, and can often be confused with pronouns or prepositions.

    Let’s break down the most important points, exceptions, and tips to avoid confusion.

    ⚠️ 1. “Lo” Is Not Masculine – It’s Neutral

    This is a common beginner mistake. Unlike el (masculine) or la (feminine), “lo” doesn’t refer to people or objects with gender. Instead, it talks about ideas, actions, or qualities in a neutral way.

    Wrong: Lo chico está aquí.
    Right: El chico está aquí.
    (Use “el” for masculine nouns like “chico.”)

    Correct usage of “lo”:

    • Lo bueno de viajar es conocer culturas nuevas.
      (The good thing about traveling is learning about new cultures.)

    ⚠️ 2. Don’t Use “Lo” Before Feminine or Plural Adjectives

    Since “lo” is neutral and singular, it cannot be used with feminine or plural forms.

    Incorrect: Lo buenas son las galletas.
    Correct: Las galletas son buenas.
    Or: Lo bueno de las galletas es su sabor.
    (The good thing about cookies is their taste.)

    ⚠️ 3. Don’t Confuse “Lo” with the Masculine Direct Object Pronoun “Lo”

    Spanish uses “lo” in two very different ways:

    1. As a neutral article (Lo importante es estudiar.)
    2. As a masculine object pronoun (Lo vi ayer. – I saw him/it yesterday.)

    Even though they look the same, their functions are totally different. Focus on what “lo” is replacing or introducing in the sentence to understand its role.

    ⚠️ 4. “Lo que” Is Different from “Lo cual” and “Lo mismo”

    These similar-looking phrases have different meanings and uses:

    • Lo que = what / that which
      Lo que dijiste fue cierto.
      (What you said was true.)
    • Lo cual = which (used after a whole clause)
      Estudió mucho, lo cual fue útil.
      (He studied a lot, which was useful.)
    • Lo mismo = the same thing
      Dijo lo mismo otra vez.
      (He said the same thing again.)

    🧠 Pro Tip: “Lo que” is much more common in daily conversation than “lo cual.”

    ⚠️ 5. “Lo” Can Show Degree or Quantity — Be Careful With These Structures

    When expressing degree or emphasis, “lo” is followed by adjectives or adverbs plus “que.” These expressions sound dramatic or emotional, so use them to add flavor to your Spanish!

    Examples:

    • No sabes lo cansado que estoy.
      (You don’t know how tired I am.)
    • ¡Lo bien que canta esa niña!
      (How well that girl sings!)

    These structures are tricky at first, but incredibly useful once you get the hang of them.

    ⚠️ 6. Set Phrases with “Lo” Can’t Be Translated Word for Word

    Some expressions using “lo” don’t translate directly into English. It’s better to memorize them as set phrases.

    Common expressions:
    • A lo mejor = maybe/perhaps
    • Por lo tanto = therefore
    • Por lo menos = at least
    • Por lo visto = apparently

    📝 Learn these as they are — they’re used all the time in spoken and written Spanish!

    ⚠️ 7. You Can’t Say “Lo es” Alone to Mean “It is”

    This is a classic learner error.

    Incorrect: Lo es importante.
    Correct: Lo importante es…
    (The important thing is…)

    Use “lo” + adjective + “es” to express general ideas or abstract subjects.

    ✅ Quick Recap of Tricky Points to Watch Out For

    • “Lo” is neutral and singular — no gender or plural forms.
    • Never use “lo” before feminine or plural adjectives.
    • Don’t confuse the neutral article “lo” with the direct object pronoun “lo.”
    • “Lo que,” “lo cual,” and “lo mismo” have different meanings — memorize their uses.
    • Use “lo que + verb” to refer to abstract actions or ideas.
    • Watch out for degree/emphasis structures: lo + adjective/adverb + que.
    • Learn common set phrases with “lo” by heart — they’re not literal.

    Now that we’ve cleared up all the tricky spots and common errors, let’s put your knowledge to work with 20 powerful example sentences using “lo” naturally and correctly in Spanish.

    20 Example Sentences Using “Lo” in Spanish

    1. Lo bueno de viajar es conocer nuevas culturas. (The good thing about traveling is meeting new cultures.)
    2. Lo que quiero es descansar. (What I want is to rest.)
    3. Lo peor de todo es que no lo sabía. (The worst part is that I didn’t know.)
    4. Lo que más me gusta es leer libros. (What I like most is reading books.)
    5. Lo fácil que fue el examen me sorprendió. (How easy the exam was surprised me.)
    6. Lo interesante de la historia es el final. (The interesting part of the story is the ending.)
    7. Lo importante es estudiar cada día. (The important thing is to study every day.)
    8. No sabes lo feliz que me haces. (You don’t know how happy you make me.)
    9. Lo bueno de este lugar es que está cerca de todo. (The good thing about this place is that it’s close to everything.)
    10. Lo que me preocupa es el futuro. (What worries me is the future.)
    11. Lo mejor de las vacaciones fue la playa. (The best part of the vacation was the beach.)
    12. Lo más difícil es empezar. (The most difficult part is starting.)
    13. Por lo visto, él no va a venir. (Apparently, he is not coming.)
    14. Lo que dijiste no tiene sentido. (What you said doesn’t make sense.)
    15. Lo que pasa es que no entiendo. (What’s happening is that I don’t understand.)
    16. A lo mejor nos vemos mañana. (Maybe we’ll see each other tomorrow.)
    17. Lo importante es disfrutar el momento. (The important thing is to enjoy the moment.)
    18. Lo que más me gusta de este libro es el personaje principal. (What I like most about this book is the main character.)
    19. Lo bueno de estudiar en casa es que no pierdes tiempo en el transporte. (The good thing about studying at home is that you don’t waste time on transport.)
    20. Lo que me molesta es el ruido. (What bothers me is the noise.)

    20 Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises

    1. ____ bueno de estudiar es que puedes aprender cosas nuevas.
    2. ____ que más me gusta de este libro es el final.
    3. ____ fácil que fue el examen me sorprendió.
    4. ____ importante es mantener una actitud positiva.
    5. ____ que dije no fue tan claro.
    6. ____ peor de la situación es que no podemos hacer nada al respecto.
    7. No sabes ____ feliz que me haces.
    8. ____ que me molesta es el ruido constante.
    9. ____ bueno de viajar es que te permite conocer otras culturas.
    10. ____ más difícil de aprender un idioma es la pronunciación.
    11. ____ que más me impactó fue la noticia.
    12. ____ que me gusta hacer en mi tiempo libre es leer.
    13. ____ mejor de este restaurante es la comida.
    14. ____ que ocurrió fue inesperado.
    15. ____ bueno de este día es que no ha llovido.
    16. ____ interesante de la película es el giro final.
    17. ____ que quiero hacer es descansar.
    18. ____ que pasó no lo esperaba.
    19. ____ malo de esta ciudad es el tráfico.
    20. ____ bueno de la fiesta fue ver a todos mis amigos.

    Answers with the Correct Usage of “Lo”

    1. Lo bueno de estudiar es que puedes aprender cosas nuevas.
      (The good thing about studying is that you can learn new things.)
    2. Lo que más me gusta de este libro es el final.
      (What I like most about this book is the ending.)
    3. Lo fácil que fue el examen me sorprendió.
      (How easy the exam was surprised me.)
    4. Lo importante es mantener una actitud positiva.
      (The important thing is to maintain a positive attitude.)
    5. Lo que dije no fue tan claro.
      (What I said wasn’t very clear.)
    6. Lo peor de la situación es que no podemos hacer nada al respecto.
      (The worst part of the situation is that we can’t do anything about it.)
    7. No sabes lo feliz que me haces.
      (You don’t know how happy you make me.)
    8. Lo que me molesta es el ruido constante.
      (What bothers me is the constant noise.)
    9. Lo bueno de viajar es que te permite conocer otras culturas.
      (The good thing about traveling is that it allows you to experience other cultures.)
    10. Lo más difícil de aprender un idioma es la pronunciación.
      (The most difficult part of learning a language is the pronunciation.)
    11. Lo que más me impactó fue la noticia.
      (What impacted me the most was the news.)
    12. Lo que me gusta hacer en mi tiempo libre es leer.
      (What I like to do in my free time is read.)
    13. Lo mejor de este restaurante es la comida.
      (The best thing about this restaurant is the food.)
    14. Lo que ocurrió fue inesperado.
      (What happened was unexpected.)
    15. Lo bueno de este día es que no ha llovido.
      (The good thing about today is that it hasn’t rained.)
    16. Lo interesante de la película es el giro final.
      (The interesting thing about the movie is the final twist.)
    17. Lo que quiero hacer es descansar.
      (What I want to do is rest.)
    18. Lo que pasó no lo esperaba.
      (What happened, I didn’t expect it.)
    19. Lo malo de esta ciudad es el tráfico.
      (The bad thing about this city is the traffic.)
    20. Lo bueno de la fiesta fue ver a todos mis amigos.
      (The best thing about the party was seeing all my friends.)

    FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About “Lo” in Spanish

    1. What does the article “lo” mean in Spanish?

    The article “lo” in Spanish is a neutral definite article. It is used to refer to abstract ideas, concepts, or things that do not have a specific gender. It is often translated as “the” in English when referring to things like feelings, situations, or characteristics, but it doesn’t correspond to a specific masculine or feminine noun.

    Example:

    • Lo importante es estudiar.
      (The important thing is to study.)

    2. When do I use “lo” in Spanish?

    “Lo” is used in the following situations:

    • To refer to abstract concepts or ideas (e.g., “lo bueno” = “the good thing”).
    • To emphasize an adjective or an adverb (e.g., “lo fácil” = “how easy”).
    • In fixed expressions like “a lo mejor” (maybe) or “por lo tanto” (therefore).

    3. Can “lo” refer to people or objects?

    No, “lo” cannot be used to refer to people or specific objects that have gender. If you’re referring to a person or a specific object, you will use gendered articles like “el” (masculine) or “la” (feminine). “Lo” is only for neutral concepts or situations.

    4. What’s the difference between “lo” and “el”?

    “Lo” is a neutral article, while “el” is a masculine article. “El” is used with masculine nouns, while “lo” is used with abstract concepts or when you want to emphasize an adjective or adverb.

    Example:

    • El libro (the book – masculine)
    • Lo importante (the important thing – abstract concept)

    5. Is there a difference between “lo” and “la”?

    Yes, there is. “Lo” is used for neutral and masculine singular abstract nouns or when emphasizing adjectives/adverbs. “La” is the feminine article used with feminine singular nouns.

    Example:

    • Lo difícil (the difficult thing)
    • La difícil situación (the difficult situation)

    6. How do you use “lo que” and “lo cual”?

    Both “lo que” and “lo cual” can be translated as “what” or “which,” but they are used differently:

    • Lo que is used to refer to something undefined or previously mentioned.
      • Example: Lo que me gusta es leer. (What I like is reading.)
    • Lo cual is used when referring to a previous statement or idea in the sentence.
      • Example: No me gustó, lo cual fue una sorpresa. (I didn’t like it, which was a surprise.)

    7. Can “lo” be used with verbs?

    Yes, “lo” can be used in constructions with verbs to emphasize or specify an action. For example, “lo de” is often used to refer to an event or situation that has been mentioned.

    Example:

    • Lo de ayer fue increíble. (What happened yesterday was incredible.)

    8. Is “lo” used the same way in all Spanish-speaking countries?

    Yes, “lo” is used consistently in all Spanish-speaking countries in the same way. However, the specific expressions or contexts where “lo” is used might vary depending on regional idioms or slang.

    9. Why do we use “lo” to mean “the thing” or “what”?

    In Spanish, the article “lo” is used when referring to a non-specific idea, fact, or concept. It’s an easy way to talk about something that doesn’t have a direct, tangible object but still needs to be discussed.

    Example:

    • Lo que pasó no lo esperaba. (What happened, I didn’t expect it.)

    10. Can “lo” be used in the plural form?

    No, “lo” is always singular. If you want to talk about something plural, you would use “los” or “las” depending on the gender of the noun.

    Summary of Key Points:

    • “Lo” is a neutral definite article used with abstract concepts, ideas, or when emphasizing an adjective or adverb.
    • It is not used with feminine nouns or specific masculine/feminine objects.
    • Common expressions like “a lo mejor” (maybe), “lo que” (what), and “por lo tanto” (therefore) use “lo.”
    • It cannot be used with people or specific objects.
    • Use “lo” to refer to an abstract or generalized concept (e.g., lo bueno = the good thing).

    Conclusion

    The article “lo” is an important and versatile part of the Spanish language. It allows you to express abstract ideas, generalizations, and emphasized qualities in a clear and concise way. By mastering its use, you can speak and write more naturally and effectively in Spanish.

    If you want to continue improving your Spanish skills, explore more lessons on my blog, My Language Classes.

    Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Subscribe My language Classes YouTube channel to receive more tips and tricks for learning Spanish, English, and Japanese!

    This wraps up our deep dive into the article “lo” in Spanish!

    I hope the explanations and examples were helpful.

    Let me know if you have more questions in the comments below!

  • Dominando “a” y “an” en inglés | My Language Classes

    Dominando “a” y “an” en inglés | My Language Classes

    ¿Cuándo usar el artículo indefinido en inglés?

    ¿Te ha pasado que al hablar en inglés dudas si decir “a apple” o “an apple”? ¿Alguna vez dijiste “a elephant” y viste una sonrisa incómoda en tu profesor? Tranquilo, no estás solo. El uso correcto del artículo indefinido en inglés, “a” y “an”, parece simple, pero tiene sus secretos. Y hoy estás a punto de dominarlos todos.

    Saber cuándo usar “a” y “an” correctamente es una de las habilidades más básicas pero poderosas en el camino hacia la fluidez en inglés. Estas pequeñas palabras aparecen en casi cada conversación, correo electrónico, video de YouTube o canción. No dominarlas puede hacerte sonar poco natural, aunque sepas mucha gramática. Pero con esta guía paso a paso, eso va a cambiar para siempre.

    En este blog, te enseñaré de forma clara, divertida y profesional todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el artículo indefinido en inglés. Empezaremos por las expresiones más comunes, pasaremos por su uso correcto, analizaremos las reglas gramaticales, veremos los errores más frecuentes y te daré muchos ejemplos con traducción al español.

    Además, tendrás ejercicios prácticos para que pongas a prueba lo aprendido. Y lo mejor: este contenido está hecho especialmente para hispanohablantes, con explicaciones fáciles de entender para niños y adultos por igual. Porque aprender inglés no tiene por qué ser difícil, aburrido o confuso.

    Al terminar esta lectura:

    • Sabrás usar “a” y “an” con total seguridad.
    • Evitarás los errores más comunes que cometen los hispanohablantes.
    • Podrás hablar y escribir con más naturalidad y confianza.
    • ¡Y te divertirás aprendiendo!

    Así que, si realmente quieres mejorar tu inglés desde la base y sentirte más seguro al hablar, este artículo es para ti. 💬✨

    Expresiones comunes con “a” y “an” en la vida real

    Los artículos “a” y “an” se usan todo el tiempo en el inglés hablado y escrito. Aquí tienes 10 frases reales y cotidianas que muestran cómo se usan en contexto. Estas expresiones te ayudarán a entender su aplicación de forma práctica.

    1. I saw a cat in the garden.
      Vi un gato en el jardín.
      👉 Usamos “a” porque “cat” empieza con un sonido consonante.
    2. She is reading a book about space.
      Ella está leyendo un libro sobre el espacio.
    3. Can I have a glass of water?
      ¿Puedo tomar un vaso de agua?
      👉 Muy común en restaurantes o en casa.
    4. He wants to be a doctor.
      Él quiere ser doctor.
      👉 Usamos “a” antes de profesiones.
    5. It’s a beautiful day!
      ¡Es un día hermoso!
    6. I bought an umbrella because it was raining.
      Compré un paraguas porque estaba lloviendo.
      👉 “Umbrella” empieza con un sonido vocálico, por eso usamos “an”.
    7. We saw an elephant at the zoo.
      Vimos un elefante en el zoológico.
    8. She’s eating an apple.
      Ella está comiendo una manzana.
    9. He is an honest person.
      Él es una persona honesta.
      👉 Aunque “honest” empieza con “h”, el sonido es vocálico (la “h” es muda).
    10. They live in a small house near a park.
      Ellos viven en una casa pequeña cerca de un parque.

    Estas frases no solo te ayudarán a recordar cuándo usar “a” o “an”, sino también a mejorar tu fluidez al hablar de temas cotidianos como el clima, la comida, los animales, profesiones y más.

    Uso del artículo indefinido en inglés: Cuándo usar “a” y “an”

    El artículo indefinido en inglés tiene dos formas: “a” y “an”. Ambas significan “un” o “una” en español y se usan para hablar de algo no específico o cuando se menciona por primera vez. La diferencia está en cómo suena la palabra siguiente.

    📌 ¿Cuándo se usa “a”?

    Se usa “a” antes de palabras que empiezan con un sonido consonante.

    Ejemplos:

    • a car (un coche)
    • a teacher (un maestro)
    • a dog (un perro)
    • a university (una universidad)
      👉 Aunque “university” empieza con “u”, el sonido es /juː/, que es consonante.

    📌 ¿Cuándo se usa “an”?

    Se usa “an” antes de palabras que empiezan con un sonido vocálico (a, e, i, o, u).

    Ejemplos:

    • an apple (una manzana)
    • an egg (un huevo)
    • an orange (una naranja)
    • an idea (una idea)
    • an hour (una hora)
      👉 Aunque “hour” empieza con “h”, esta no se pronuncia, por eso se usa “an”.

    📋 Situaciones en las que se usa “a” o “an”:

    1. ✅ Para hablar de algo por primera vez.
      • I saw a bird in the tree. (Vi un pájaro en el árbol.)
    2. ✅ Para referirse a una cosa no específica.
      • Let’s watch a movie. (Veamos una película — no sabemos cuál.)
    3. ✅ Con profesiones.
      • She is an engineer. (Ella es ingeniera.)
    4. ✅ Con cantidades: uno o una.
      • I need a pen. (Necesito un bolígrafo.)
    5. ✅ Para expresar velocidad, precio o frecuencia.
      • He drives at 100 km an hour. (Conduce a 100 km por hora.)
      • Eggs cost $2 a dozen. (Los huevos cuestan $2 la docena.)
      • I go to the gym three times a week. (Voy al gimnasio tres veces por semana.)

    Consejo clave:
    No se trata de cómo se escribe la palabra siguiente, sino de cómo suena.
    Por eso decimos:

    • a university ❌ an university
    • an hour ❌ a hour

    Reglas gramaticales del artículo indefinido en inglés: Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre “a” y “an”

    Dominar el uso de “a” y “an” requiere conocer algunas reglas gramaticales esenciales. A continuación, te explico todas las reglas básicas y algunas que pueden parecer menos obvias, pero que son muy importantes para hablar y escribir correctamente.

    ✅ Regla 1: “A” se usa antes de sonidos consonantes

    No importa si la palabra empieza con una vocal en la escritura, lo importante es el sonido inicial.

    Ejemplos:

    • a book (empieza con el sonido /b/)
    • a hotel (empieza con el sonido /h/)
    • a university (empieza con el sonido /j/ como en “you”)

    ✅ Regla 2: “An” se usa antes de sonidos vocálicos

    Se usa “an” cuando la palabra siguiente empieza con un sonido vocal claro: a, e, i, o, u.

    Ejemplos:

    • an apple (empieza con /a/)
    • an elephant (empieza con /e/)
    • an hour (la “h” no se pronuncia, empieza con /aʊ/)
    • an honest man (la “h” no se pronuncia, suena como /ˈɒnɪst/)

    ✅ Regla 3: Se usan solo con sustantivos contables en singular

    “A” y “an” no se usan con sustantivos en plural o incontables. Solo con sustantivos contables y en forma singular.

    Ejemplos:

    • ✅ a dog (correcto)
    • ❌ a dogs (incorrecto)
    • ❌ a water (incorrecto)
      👉 En este caso se dice: some water, a glass of water, etc.

    ✅ Regla 4: Se usa para mencionar algo por primera vez

    Cuando hablas de algo nuevo, que la otra persona no conoce todavía, se usa “a” o “an”. Más adelante, se puede usar “the”.

    Ejemplo:

    • I saw a bird in the garden. The bird was singing.
      (Vi un pájaro en el jardín. El pájaro estaba cantando.)

    ✅ Regla 5: Se usa con profesiones y ocupaciones

    Siempre que hables de lo que alguien es o hace, usa el artículo indefinido.

    Ejemplos:

    • She is a teacher. (Ella es maestra.)
    • He is an architect. (Él es arquitecto.)

    ✅ Regla 6: Se usa para expresar frecuencia, precio o medida

    También se usa con unidades de tiempo, distancia, precio y frecuencia.

    Ejemplos:

    • $3 a kilo (3 dólares el kilo)
    • once a week (una vez por semana)
    • 60 miles an hour (60 millas por hora)

    Estas reglas forman la base para hablar y escribir de manera clara, correcta y natural en inglés. Memorízalas, practícalas y te asegurarás de no cometer errores básicos en conversaciones, escritos o exámenes.

    Cosas que debes tener en cuenta: Trucos, excepciones y confusiones comunes

    Aunque las reglas básicas son sencillas, hay algunos detalles que pueden confundir incluso a estudiantes avanzados. Aquí te explico las excepciones y situaciones especiales que debes conocer para evitar errores y hablar como un nativo.

    ⚠️ Algunas letras suenan diferente a lo que se espera

    El artículo indefinido se basa en el sonido, no en la letra escrita. A veces, esto causa confusión.

    🌀 Ejemplos confusos:
    • a European trip
      (un viaje a Europa)
      “European” empieza con una vocal escrita (E), pero el sonido es /j/ como en “you”.
    • a one-time offer
      (una oferta única)
      “One” suena como /wʌn/, empieza con sonido de consonante, por eso se usa “a”.

    ❗ Palabras que empiezan con “h” muda

    En algunas palabras la letra “h” no se pronuncia, así que se comportan como si empezaran con vocal.

    Ejemplos:
    • an honest person (una persona honesta)
    • an honor (un honor)
    • an heir (un heredero)

    👉 Pero cuidado: no todas las “h” son mudas. Por ejemplo:

    • a house
    • a hospital
    • a hotel

    🔄 “A” y “An” antes de abreviaciones o acrónimos

    Lo importante es cómo suena la primera letra del acrónimo, no la letra misma.

    Ejemplos:

    • an MBA
      (“MBA” se pronuncia /ɛm-bi-eɪ/, empieza con sonido de vocal)
    • a UFO
      (“UFO” se pronuncia /juː-ɛf-oʊ/, empieza con sonido consonántico /j/)

    🚫 No se usa “a” o “an” con nombres propios

    Nunca pongas “a” o “an” antes de un nombre de persona o lugar específico.

    ❌ a Maria
    ✅ Maria is a teacher.

    ❌ an Spain
    ✅ Spain is a beautiful country.

    🗣️ Cambios por acento regional

    En algunos acentos, ciertas palabras pueden pronunciarse diferente, lo que afecta el uso del artículo.
    Por ejemplo, en inglés británico e inglés americano, algunas palabras con “h” pueden sonar distintas. Si tienes dudas, escucha cómo se pronuncia una palabra en un buen diccionario con audio (como Cambridge o Oxford).

    💡 Consejo extra: cuando dudes, di la palabra en voz alta

    Si no estás seguro de si usar “a” o “an”, prueba leer la frase en voz alta. Tu oído te dirá si fluye bien con “a” o con “an”.

    Errores comunes con el artículo indefinido en inglés y cómo evitarlos

    Incluso los estudiantes con buen nivel cometen errores con “a” y “an”. A veces, estos errores no son por falta de conocimiento, sino por confusiones con el sonido, la gramática o la traducción directa del español. Aquí te explico cuáles son los más comunes y cómo corregirlos fácilmente.

    ❌ Error 1: Elegir “a” o “an” por la letra y no por el sonido

    🧠 Regla clave: Elige el artículo según cómo suena la siguiente palabra, no cómo se escribe.

    Ejemplo incorrecto:

    • ❌ an university
      Forma correcta:
    • ✅ a university
      (Suena como /juː/, que es sonido consonante)

    ❌ Error 2: Usar “a” o “an” con sustantivos plurales o incontables

    Estos artículos solo se usan con sustantivos contables en singular.

    Ejemplo incorrecto:

    • ❌ a waters
    • ❌ an informations

    Forma correcta:

    • ✅ some water
    • ✅ some information

    ❌ Error 3: Olvidar usar artículo con profesiones

    Cuando hablas de trabajos u ocupaciones, debes usar el artículo indefinido.

    Ejemplo incorrecto:

    • ❌ He is doctor.
      Forma correcta:
    • ✅ He is a doctor.

    ❌ Error 4: Pensar que “an” siempre va con palabras que empiezan por vocal escrita

    Recuerda: no se trata de la letra, sino del sonido.

    Ejemplo incorrecto:

    • ❌ an user (suena como /j/)
      Forma correcta:
    • ✅ a user

    ❌ Error 5: Usar artículo con nombres propios o países

    Los nombres específicos no necesitan artículo indefinido.

    Ejemplo incorrecto:

    • ❌ a London
    • ❌ an Maria

    Forma correcta:

    • ✅ London is a big city.
    • ✅ Maria is a kind person.

    ❌ Error 6: Olvidar el artículo en estructuras fijas

    En inglés, hay ciertas expresiones fijas donde el artículo es obligatorio.

    Ejemplo incorrecto:

    • ❌ He is engineer.
      Forma correcta:
    • ✅ He is an engineer.

    ✅ Cómo evitar estos errores:

    • ✅ Escucha el sonido, no te guíes solo por la letra escrita.
    • ✅ Aprende a reconocer sustantivos contables e incontables.
    • ✅ Memoriza expresiones comunes con artículos.
    • ✅ Repite frases en voz alta: si suena mal, probablemente esté mal.
    • ✅ Lee en inglés con atención: verás cómo lo usan los nativos.

    Ejemplos de oraciones con “a” y “an” (con traducción al español)

    Cada una de estas frases ha sido cuidadosamente seleccionada para mostrar el uso correcto del artículo indefinido con diferentes tipos de sustantivos y contextos. ¡Vamos allá!

    1. She has a dog.
      Ella tiene un perro.
    2. I saw a rainbow after the rain.
      Vi un arcoíris después de la lluvia.
    3. He is a teacher at my school.
      Él es profesor en mi escuela.
    4. We need a plan before we start.
      Necesitamos un plan antes de empezar.
    5. My cousin bought a house in the countryside.
      Mi primo compró una casa en el campo.
    6. She wants to be an actress.
      Ella quiere ser actriz.
    7. That’s an interesting idea!
      ¡Esa es una idea interesante!
    8. He ate an apple for breakfast.
      Comió una manzana en el desayuno.
    9. They met an old friend in the park.
      Se encontraron con un viejo amigo en el parque.
    10. Can I have a glass of water, please?
      ¿Puedo tomar un vaso de agua, por favor?
    11. I read an article about climate change.
      Leí un artículo sobre el cambio climático.
    12. She is an honest person.
      Ella es una persona honesta.
    13. We watched a movie last night.
      Vimos una película anoche.
    14. He gave me a pencil and an eraser.
      Me dio un lápiz y una goma de borrar.
    15. They adopted a cat from the shelter.
      Adoptaron un gato del refugio.
    16. It’s an hour-long documentary.
      Es un documental de una hora.
    17. She needs a new phone.
      Ella necesita un teléfono nuevo.
    18. He wrote an email to his boss.
      Escribió un correo a su jefe.
    19. That’s a big problem.
      Ese es un gran problema.
    20. She had an umbrella because it was raining.
      Tenía un paraguas porque estaba lloviendo.

    Estas frases reflejan situaciones cotidianas, lo cual es excelente para aprender inglés de forma práctica y natural. Te recomiendo practicar diciendo cada oración en voz alta y luego hacer tus propias frases cambiando algunas palabras.

    Ejercicios: Completa con “a” o “an”

    Instrucciones: Lee cada oración y elige el artículo correcto según el sonido de la palabra que le sigue. Recuerda:

    • Usa “a” si la siguiente palabra comienza con un sonido de consonante.
    • Usa “an” si comienza con un sonido de vocal.

    Completa las siguientes oraciones:

    1. I saw ___ elephant at the zoo.
    2. She wants to buy ___ orange dress.
    3. He is ___ doctor.
    4. My father gave me ___ bicycle for my birthday.
    5. They found ___ old coin in the garden.
    6. We stayed in ___ hotel near the beach.
    7. He is reading ___ interesting book.
    8. I need ___ umbrella.
    9. She is ___ university student.
    10. That is ___ useful idea.
    11. We need ___ new car.
    12. She met ___ honest man.
    13. He has ___ cat and ___ iguana as pets.
    14. I had ___ sandwich and ___ apple for lunch.
    15. They adopted ___ puppy yesterday.
    16. It took me ___ hour to finish the task.
    17. He is ___ engineer from Spain.
    18. Can I borrow ___ pen?
    19. My cousin is ___ artist.
    20. That’s ___ one-time opportunity.

    Respuestas: Completa con “a” o “an”

    1. I saw an elephant at the zoo.
      Vi un elefante en el zoológico.
    2. She wants to buy an orange dress.
      Ella quiere comprar un vestido naranja.
    3. He is a doctor.
      Él es un doctor.
    4. My father gave me a bicycle for my birthday.
      Mi padre me dio una bicicleta para mi cumpleaños.
    5. They found an old coin in the garden.
      Encontraron una moneda antigua en el jardín.
    6. We stayed in a hotel near the beach.
      Nos quedamos en un hotel cerca de la playa.
    7. He is reading an interesting book.
      Él está leyendo un libro interesante.
    8. I need an umbrella.
      Necesito un paraguas.
    9. She is a university student.
      Ella es una estudiante universitaria.
    10. That is a useful idea.
      Esa es una idea útil.
    11. We need a new car.
      Necesitamos un coche nuevo.
    12. She met an honest man.
      Ella conoció a un hombre honesto.
    13. He has a cat and an iguana as pets.
      Él tiene un gato y una iguana como mascotas.
    14. I had a sandwich and an apple for lunch.
      Comí un sándwich y una manzana en el almuerzo.
    15. They adopted a puppy yesterday.
      Adoptaron un cachorro ayer.
    16. It took me an hour to finish the task.
      Me tomó una hora terminar la tarea.
    17. He is an engineer from Spain.
      Él es un ingeniero de España.
    18. Can I borrow a pen?
      ¿Puedo pedir prestado un bolígrafo?
    19. My cousin is an artist.
      Mi primo es un artista.
    20. That’s a one-time opportunity.
      Esa es una oportunidad única.

    ¡Felicitaciones si completaste los ejercicios correctamente! 🎉 Estos ejercicios son una excelente manera de mejorar tu comprensión y fluidez en el uso de los artículos indefinidos en inglés. Te recomiendo que repitas los ejercicios varias veces, tanto en voz alta como escrita, para reforzar aún más tus conocimientos.

    Resumen: Puntos clave sobre “a” y “an” en inglés

    Aquí tienes un repaso de todo lo que cubrimos en el blog. Si has llegado hasta aquí, ¡espero que lo hayas encontrado útil y que ahora te sientas más seguro al usar estos artículos!

    1. Uso de “a” y “an”:

    • “A” se usa cuando la siguiente palabra comienza con un sonido de consonante. Ejemplo: a cat, a dog.
    • “An” se usa cuando la siguiente palabra comienza con un sonido de vocal. Ejemplo: an apple, an hour.

    2. Cuándo usar “a” y “an”:

    • Con sustantivos contables en singular. No se usa con sustantivos plurales ni incontables.
    • Para mencionar algo por primera vez o en general. Ejemplo: “I need a book” (hablando de cualquier libro en general).

    3. Reglas gramaticales clave:

    • El sonido es más importante que la letra. Por ejemplo, “a university” (suena como “juː”), no “an university”.
    • No se usan con sustantivos incontables o sustantivos en plural, como en español.

    4. Errores comunes:

    • Usar “a” o “an” sin prestar atención al sonido de la siguiente palabra.
    • Confundir “a” con “an” debido a la pronunciación.
    • Olvidar usar los artículos con profesiones o en expresiones fijas.

    Conclusión

    En este blog, hemos cubierto los aspectos más importantes del artículo indefinido “a” y “an” en inglés. Has aprendido cuándo y cómo usarlos correctamente, evitando los errores más comunes. ¡Ahora es tu turno de seguir practicando!

    👉 Comparte este artículo con otros estudiantes de inglés.
    👉 Suscríbete y síguenos en redes sociales para más lecciones de inglés fáciles y prácticas.

    👉MY Language Classes Blog

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    ¡Tu aprendizaje empieza aquí! Sigue practicando, y en poco tiempo, hablarás inglés con naturalidad y seguridad.

    Estructura Básica de la Oración en Inglés: Sujeto-Verbo-Objeto
    Orden de palabras en afirmaciones, negativas y preguntas en inglés: Guía completa para hispanohablantes
    Todo sobre los sustantivos en inglés: Tipos, reglas y ejemplos para aprender fácilmente
    El artículo definido en inglés: cómo y cuándo usar “the” correctamente
    ¿Cuándo usar “a” y “an” en inglés? Descubre el secreto del artículo indefinido que todo estudiante debe dominar
    Pronombres personales en inglés: Guía completa y fácil para aprender los subject pronouns con ejemplos
    Pronombres de objeto en inglés: qué son, cómo usarlos y ejemplos fáciles para entenderlos

  • What are Relative Clauses in English: Who, Which, That & More Explained with Examples

    What are Relative Clauses in English: Who, Which, That & More Explained with Examples

    Have you ever come across a sentence like “The boy who won the race is my cousin” and wondered why the word who is there? That little word who is part of something powerful called a relative clause—a special part of English that helps us connect ideas, give more information, and sound fluent.

    In this easy and complete guide to relative clauses in English, you’ll learn how to use words like who, which, that, whose, where, and when to make your sentences more meaningful and interesting. These small but mighty words help describe people, animals, things, time, and places in a smart and natural way.

    A chart titled "Relative Pronouns" explaining six relative pronouns—who, which, that, whose, where, and when. The chart includes three columns: "Relative Pronoun," "Used For," and "Example." It shows that "who" is used for people, "which" for animals/things, "that" for people/things, "whose" for possession, "where" for places, and "when" for time. Each pronoun is followed by a sample sentence demonstrating its use.

    Whether you’re a beginner trying to build strong English sentences or an advanced learner aiming to polish your grammar, this guide is just what you need. From real-life examples to easy rules, practice exercises, and common mistakes, we’ll walk you through everything step-by-step in a simple and friendly way.

    By the end of this blog, you’ll be confidently using who, which, that, and other relative pronouns to sound more like a native speaker.

    🔹 Ready to take your English to the next level?
    🔹 Want to speak and write more clearly and confidently?

    Let’s dive in and explore the magic of relative clauses together!

    Common Expressions with Relative Clauses in Real Life

    Relative clauses are everywhere in English! We use them when talking about people, things, places, time, and even ideas. Here are 10 everyday sentences that use relative clauses in a natural and simple way:

    1. The girl who lives next door is my best friend.
    2. This is the book that I told you about.
    3. He’s the teacher who helped me pass the exam.
    4. I have a dog that loves to play fetch.
    5. The dress which she wore to the party was beautiful.
    6. That’s the place where we first met.
    7. I don’t like movies that are too scary.
    8. She’s the singer whose voice I love.
    9. I remember the day when we went to the beach.
    10. This is the kind of weather that makes me happy.

    These sentences show how relative clauses can help us give extra information or describe someone or something more clearly—without making a new sentence.

    When Do We Use Relative Clauses in English?

    Relative clauses are used to add information about a noun (a person, place, thing, or idea) without starting a new sentence. They help make your sentences more detailed, clear, and connected.

    Here are the most common situations when we use relative clauses:

    📌 1. To describe people

    We use who or that to give more information about a person.

    • Example: The student who studies hard will succeed.

    📌 2. To talk about things or animals

    We use which or that to describe objects or animals.

    • Example: I have a bike that goes really fast.

    📌 3. To show possession

    We use whose to show something belongs to someone.

    • Example: The boy whose dog ran away is crying.

    📌 4. To talk about places

    We use where to talk about places.

    • Example: That’s the park where we play football.

    📌 5. To refer to time

    We use when to refer to time.

    • Example: I remember the day when we met.

    📌 6. To give extra information

    Sometimes, we just want to add extra facts.

    • Example: My car, which is very old, still works great.
      (This type of clause is called a non-defining relative clause.)

    📌 7. To identify someone or something

    We use relative clauses to tell exactly who or what we are talking about.

    • Example: The man who called you is waiting.

    By using relative clauses, you can join ideas, avoid repetition, and speak more naturally in English.

    Grammar Rules for Using Relative Clauses in English

    Understanding how relative clauses work can make your English sound more natural and connected. Here are the essential grammar rules you need to follow when using who, which, that, whose, where, and when in sentences.

    🔤 1. Start with a Relative Pronoun

    Relative clauses begin with a relative pronoun:

    • Who – for people
    • Which – for animals or things
    • That – for people, animals, or things
    • Whose – to show possession
    • Where – for places
    • When – for time

    👉 Example: She’s the girl who won the prize.

    🧠 2. Types of Relative Clauses

    ✅ Defining Relative Clause

    This tells us exactly who or what we’re talking about. No commas are used.

    • The boy who is wearing a red cap is my brother.

    👉 Without this clause, we wouldn’t know which boy we’re talking about.

    ✅ Non-defining Relative Clause

    This adds extra information. Use commas before and after the clause.

    • My brother, who is wearing a red cap, is very funny.

    👉 The main sentence still makes sense without the clause.

    📝 3. Relative Pronouns Can Be the Subject or Object

    📍As the subject:

    • The teacher who teaches us is kind.

    📍As the object:

    • The movie that we watched was amazing.

    ⚠️ 4. ‘That’ Is Not Used in Non-defining Clauses

    • ❌ My car, that is red, is fast.
    • ✅ My car, which is red, is fast.

    🔄 5. You Can Sometimes Omit the Relative Pronoun

    If the relative pronoun is the object, it can be left out.

    • The cake (that) she made was delicious.
      → ✅ The cake she made was delicious.

    But if the relative pronoun is the subject, don’t omit it:

    • The boy who called me was friendly. (✅)
    • The boy called me was friendly. (❌)

    🧩 6. Word Order Remains Like a Normal Sentence

    In relative clauses, the verb usually follows the subject.

    • He is the man who fixes our car.
      → Not: He is the man who our car fixes.

    These grammar rules will help you build clear and grammatically correct sentences using relative clauses. Practice using them in your writing and speaking to sound more natural and fluent.

    Things to Keep in Mind: Tricky Points and Exceptions in Relative Clauses

    Even though relative clauses are easy to use once you get the hang of them, there are a few tricky points and exceptions that English learners should watch out for. Let’s look at the most common ones so you can avoid confusion and mistakes.

    ⚠️ 1. Don’t Use ‘That’ in Non-Defining Clauses

    Many learners make this mistake. You can’t use that when you’re just adding extra information with commas.

    • ❌ My mother, that loves cooking, made pasta.
    • ✅ My mother, who loves cooking, made pasta.

    ✂️ 2. Omitting the Relative Pronoun – Only When It’s the Object

    You can drop who, which, or that when they are the object, but not when they are the subject.

    • ✅ The dress (that) she bought is beautiful.
    • ❌ The girl (who) helped me is kind. (You must keep who here.)

    🔁 3. ‘That’ Can Replace ‘Who’ or ‘Which’ in Defining Clauses

    This is especially common in spoken English.

    • The man that lives next door is a doctor. (Instead of who)
    • The phone that I lost was new. (Instead of which)

    📌 4. ‘Whose’ Can Be Used for People, Animals, and Things

    Although it may seem like whose is only for people, it can also be used for things when showing possession.

    • A company whose products are popular worldwide.
    • A cat whose tail is fluffy.

    🔄 5. Prepositions Sometimes Come at the End

    When using a preposition with a relative clause, you can move it to the end of the clause in informal English.

    • This is the movie which I was talking about. (Correct)
    • This is the movie about which I was talking. (Formal)

    Both are correct, but the first is more common in everyday English.

    🚫 6. Avoid Double Subjects

    Don’t repeat the subject after the relative pronoun.

    • ❌ The girl who she is dancing is my sister.
    • ✅ The girl who is dancing is my sister.

    🎯 7. Choose the Right Relative Pronoun

    Some pronouns can only be used in certain situations. Here’s a quick reminder:

    Relative PronounUsed ForExample
    whoPeopleThe boy who sings well
    whichAnimals/thingsThe book which I read
    thatPeople/thingsThe phone that broke
    whosePossessionThe man whose car was stolen
    wherePlacesThe city where I was born
    whenTimeThe year when we moved

    Things to Keep in Mind: Tricky Points and Exceptions in Relative Clauses

    Even though relative clauses are easy to use once you get the hang of them, there are a few tricky points and exceptions that English learners should watch out for. Let’s look at the most common ones so you can avoid confusion and mistakes.

    ⚠️ 1. Don’t Use ‘That’ in Non-Defining Clauses

    Many learners make this mistake. You can’t use that when you’re just adding extra information with commas.

    • ❌ My mother, that loves cooking, made pasta.
    • ✅ My mother, who loves cooking, made pasta.

    ✂️ 2. Omitting the Relative Pronoun – Only When It’s the Object

    You can drop who, which, or that when they are the object, but not when they are the subject.

    • ✅ The dress (that) she bought is beautiful.
    • ❌ The girl (who) helped me is kind. (You must keep who here.)

    🔁 3. ‘That’ Can Replace ‘Who’ or ‘Which’ in Defining Clauses

    This is especially common in spoken English.

    • The man that lives next door is a doctor. (Instead of who)
    • The phone that I lost was new. (Instead of which)

    📌 4. ‘Whose’ Can Be Used for People, Animals, and Things

    Although it may seem like whose is only for people, it can also be used for things when showing possession.

    • A company whose products are popular worldwide.
    • A cat whose tail is fluffy.

    🔄 5. Prepositions Sometimes Come at the End

    When using a preposition with a relative clause, you can move it to the end of the clause in informal English.

    • This is the movie which I was talking about. (Correct)
    • This is the movie about which I was talking. (Formal)

    Both are correct, but the first is more common in everyday English.

    🚫 6. Avoid Double Subjects

    Don’t repeat the subject after the relative pronoun.

    • ❌ The girl who she is dancing is my sister.
    • ✅ The girl who is dancing is my sister.

    🎯 7. Choose the Right Relative Pronoun

    Some pronouns can only be used in certain situations. Here’s a quick reminder:

    Relative PronounUsed ForExample
    whoPeopleThe boy who sings well
    whichAnimals/thingsThe book which I read
    thatPeople/thingsThe phone that broke
    whosePossessionThe man whose car was stolen
    wherePlacesThe city where I was born
    whenTimeThe year when we moved

    By keeping these points in mind, you’ll avoid common errors and make your English sound more natural and fluent. These little rules can make a big difference in how clearly and correctly you speak and write!

    Common Mistakes with Relative Clauses (And How to Avoid Them)

    Even advanced learners sometimes make small errors with relative clauses. These mistakes may not always stop communication, but they can make your English sound awkward or unclear. Here are some less obvious mistakes to watch out for—and how to fix them!

    ❌ Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Tense in the Relative Clause

    It’s easy to confuse tenses inside relative clauses. Make sure the tense matches what you want to say.

    • ❌ The man who drives the bus yesterday was late.
    • ✅ The man who drove the bus yesterday was late.

    🛠️ Fix: Use past tense if you’re talking about the past.

    ❌ Mistake 2: Forgetting to Use ‘Whose’ for Possession

    Many learners use who + a possessive pronoun, which is incorrect.

    • ❌ The boy who his phone is lost is crying.
    • ✅ The boy whose phone is lost is crying.

    🛠️ Fix: Use whose to show possession in relative clauses.

    ❌ Mistake 3: Using ‘Which’ for People

    Which is only used for animals and things—not for people.

    • ❌ The girl which helped me is my cousin.
    • ✅ The girl who helped me is my cousin.

    🛠️ Fix: Use who or that when referring to people.

    ❌ Mistake 4: Adding an Extra Verb Inside the Clause

    Sometimes learners repeat a verb or add one where it’s not needed.

    • ❌ This is the song that I listened it yesterday.
    • ✅ This is the song that I listened to yesterday.

    🛠️ Fix: Do not use both a verb and an object outside the relative clause if it already exists inside.

    ❌ Mistake 5: Mixing Up ‘Where’ and ‘Which’

    These two words can confuse learners when describing places.

    • ❌ That’s the house which I live.
    • ✅ That’s the house where I live.

    🛠️ Fix: Use where when describing location or place, not which.

    ❌ Mistake 6: Using ‘What’ Instead of a Relative Pronoun

    Learners sometimes replace the correct relative pronoun with “what.”

    • ❌ I don’t understand what he said that made her cry.
    • ✅ I don’t understand what he said.
    • ✅ I don’t understand the thing that he said.

    🛠️ Fix: Use “what” only for “the thing that,” not in place of other relative pronouns.

    ❌ Mistake 7: Creating Confusing or Unclear Sentences

    Long relative clauses without punctuation or pauses can confuse readers.

    • ❌ My friend who lives in London who I met last year is coming.
    • ✅ My friend, who lives in London and who I met last year, is coming.

    🛠️ Fix: If your sentence has too many details, break it into smaller parts or use commas clearly.

    By avoiding these tricky mistakes, you’ll build stronger, more accurate sentences—and impress both in writing and speaking! 🎯

    20 Example Sentences Using Relative Clauses

    Here are 20 clear and easy-to-understand sentences using relative clauses with words like who, which, that, whose, where, and when. These examples will show how we use relative clauses in everyday English. Try reading them out loud to get used to the natural rhythm!

    👧 Using “Who” – for people

    1. The boy who won the race is my neighbor.
    2. She is the doctor who helped my grandfather.
    3. I met a teacher who speaks five languages.
    4. The girl who sings in the choir is very talented.
    5. He’s the student who always gets top marks.

    🐱 Using “Which” – for animals and things

    1. This is the book which I told you about.
    2. I saw a movie which made me cry.
    3. The dog which lives next door barks a lot.
    4. That’s the laptop which crashed yesterday.
    5. I found a coin which is very rare.

    👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Using “That” – for people or things (in defining clauses)

    1. She’s the girl that I saw at the party.
    2. The car that we bought last year broke down.
    3. I don’t like food that is too spicy.
    4. He’s the friend that always supports me.
    5. The phone that was on the table is missing.

    🔑 Using “Whose” – to show possession

    1. The man whose bike was stolen is at the police station.
    2. I know a girl whose mother is a famous chef.
    3. The artist whose paintings we saw lives in Paris.

    🗺️ Using “Where” – for places

    1. That’s the café where we had our first date.

    ⏰ Using “When” – for time

    1. I still remember the day when we first met.

    These sentences show how relative clauses help add more information to your ideas without starting a new sentence. With practice, you’ll start using them naturally in conversations and writing!

    📝 Exercise: Fill in the Blanks with Relative Pronouns

    👉 Fill in each blank with the correct relative pronoun:
    who, which, that, whose, where, or when.
    Some sentences may have more than one correct answer, but choose the one that fits best!

    1. The woman ______ lives next door is a doctor.
    2. I found the wallet ______ you lost.
    3. That’s the boy ______ dog ran into the street.
    4. This is the cake ______ my mom baked yesterday.
    5. The school ______ I studied English is very old.
    6. The artist ______ painted this picture is very famous.
    7. We visited the zoo ______ had many wild animals.
    8. I remember the time ______ we used to play outside all day.
    9. The house ______ roof was damaged needs repair.
    10. The man ______ fixed our sink was very polite.
    11. Do you know the girl ______ won the spelling contest?
    12. He bought a phone ______ takes amazing pictures.
    13. Is that the movie ______ you were talking about?
    14. The baby ______ toy is broken is crying.
    15. This is the place ______ I first met my best friend.
    16. She has a brother ______ lives in Canada.
    17. I know a student ______ can speak four languages.
    18. The book ______ you gave me was really interesting.
    19. The month ______ we traveled to Japan was cold.
    20. That’s the teacher ______ class I enjoy the most.

    ✅ Answers: Fill in the Blanks with Full Sentences

    1. The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
    2. I found the wallet that you lost.
    3. That’s the boy whose dog ran into the street.
    4. This is the cake that my mom baked yesterday.
    5. The school where I studied English is very old.
    6. The artist who painted this picture is very famous.
    7. We visited the zoo which had many wild animals.
    8. I remember the time when we used to play outside all day.
    9. The house whose roof was damaged needs repair.
    10. The man who fixed our sink was very polite.
    11. Do you know the girl who won the spelling contest?
    12. He bought a phone that takes amazing pictures.
    13. Is that the movie that you were talking about?
    14. The baby whose toy is broken is crying.
    15. This is the place where I first met my best friend.
    16. She has a brother who lives in Canada.
    17. I know a student who can speak four languages.
    18. The book that you gave me was really interesting.
    19. The month when we traveled to Japan was cold.
    20. That’s the teacher whose class I enjoy the most.

    🎉 Great job! Practicing like this helps you get more confident using relative clauses naturally in real conversations and writing.

    Summary: Key Takeaways About Relative Clauses

    • Relative clauses help provide more information about nouns (people, things, places, etc.) without starting a new sentence.
    • Common relative pronouns: who, which, that, whose, where, and when.
    • Who is used for people (e.g., The person who helped me is kind).
    • Which is used for things and animals (e.g., The book which you gave me is interesting).
    • That can be used for people and things in defining clauses (e.g., The man that I met yesterday is a teacher).
    • Whose shows possession (e.g., The girl whose dog is lost is sad).
    • Where refers to places (e.g., The park where we play is big).
    • When refers to time (e.g., The day when we met was special).
    • Defining relative clauses provide necessary information, without commas (e.g., The car that I bought is new).
    • Non-defining relative clauses add extra information and are set off with commas (e.g., My brother, who is very tall, plays basketball).
    • Remember to avoid double subjects and use the right tense when constructing relative clauses.

    Conclusion: Mastering Relative Clauses in English

    Understanding and using relative clauses is a powerful way to improve your English skills. By mastering who, which, that, whose, where, and when, you’ll be able to add detail and depth to your sentences, making your speech and writing sound more natural and professional.

    With the knowledge of how and when to use relative clauses, you’ll be able to connect ideas smoothly and share more information in a single sentence. Whether you’re writing essays, having casual conversations, or giving presentations, relative clauses will help you sound more fluent and confident.

    Ready to Take Your English to the Next Level?

    If you enjoyed this post and want to learn more helpful tips and tricks for mastering English, be sure to:

    • Subscribe to My Language Classes Blog for more language learning content.
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    • Share this blog with your friends and help them learn, too!
    • Leave a comment below if you have any questions or want more practice exercises.

    Thank you for reading, and remember: practice makes perfect! Keep using relative clauses, and you’ll notice your English improving every day!

  • Using 〜によると in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Using 〜によると in Japanese | My Language Classes

    〜によると in Japanese

    Have you ever come across the phrase 〜によると in Japanese and wondered what it really means or how to use it naturally in conversation? Whether you’re watching a Japanese news report, reading a weather forecast, or chatting with native speakers, 〜によると is one of those powerful, everyday grammar expressions that pops up again and again. And if you’re aiming to sound more natural and fluent in Japanese, learning how to use 〜によると the right way is a must!

    In this ultimate beginner-to-advanced guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about

    〜によると. You’ll learn how to use it correctly, where it fits in real-life situations, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to make your Japanese sound more native-like.

    An infographic with example sentences demonstrating the use of the Japanese grammar pattern 〜によると (meaning 'according to'). It includes four Japanese sentences with hiragana, romaji, and English translations. Sources used in the examples include the news, newspaper, teacher, and friend, showing how 〜によると introduces information from a third party.

    By the end of this guide, you’ll confidently know:

    • When and where to use 〜によると
    • How to use it with verbs, nouns, and adjectives
    • The grammar rules and exceptions that come with it
    • Real-world examples and practice exercises to boost your learning

    Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for the JLPT, this guide is for you. Let’s get started on mastering 〜によると — your new favorite grammar tool in Japanese!

    👉 Don’t forget to check out more useful Japanese grammar lessons on our blog at My Language Classes and follow us on Instagram and YouTube for daily learning tips!

    Common Expressions: 10 Sentences Using 〜によると in Real Life

    The phrase 〜によると is a powerful and useful structure in Japanese, and it helps convey information from sources or reports. It’s frequently used in news, casual conversations, and storytelling. Here are 10 real-life examples of how you can use 〜によると naturally in sentences:

    1. 天気予報によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
      Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga furu sou desu.
      According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
    2. 新聞によると、今年の夏は非常に暑くなると言われています。
      Shinbun ni yoru to, kotoshi no natsu wa hijou ni atsuku naru to iwareteimasu.
      According to the newspaper, this summer is expected to be extremely hot.
    3. 友達によると、あのレストランはとても美味しいそうです。
      Tomodachi ni yoru to, ano resutoran wa totemo oishii sou desu.
      According to my friend, that restaurant is very delicious.
    4. 先生によると、このテストは簡単だそうです。
      Sensei ni yoru to, kono tesuto wa kantan da sou desu.
      According to the teacher, this test is easy.
    5. ウェブサイトによると、今週末はイベントがあるらしいです。
      Webusaito ni yoru to, konshuumatsu wa ibento ga aru rashii desu.
      According to the website, there will be an event this weekend.
    6. テレビのニュースによると、交通渋滞がひどいそうです。
      Terebi no nyuusu ni yoru to, koutsuu juutai ga hidoi sou desu.
      According to the TV news, the traffic congestion is terrible.
    7. 友達の話によると、彼は最近引っ越しました。
      Tomodachi no hanashi ni yoru to, kare wa saikin hikkoshimashita.
      According to my friend’s story, he recently moved.
    8. 専門家によると、この方法は効果的だと言われています。
      Senmonka ni yoru to, kono houhou wa kouka teki da to iwareteimasu.
      According to the experts, this method is said to be effective.
    9. 警察によると、この地域では最近犯罪が増加しているそうです。
      Keisatsu ni yoru to, kono chiiki de wa saikin hanzai ga zouka shiteiru sou desu.
      According to the police, crime has been increasing in this area recently.
    10. インターネットによると、この映画は大ヒットしているそうです。
      Inta-netto ni yoru to, kono eiga wa dai hitto shiteiru sou desu.
      According to the internet, this movie is a big hit.

    These examples cover a range of situations from news reports to casual conversations. You’ll see that 〜によると is a fantastic way to express “according to” or “based on” a source.

    Usage: When to Use 〜によると in Japanese

    The expression 〜によると is a versatile and commonly used phrase in Japanese. It indicates the source of information or the basis for a statement. Here are the main situations in which 〜によると is typically used:

    1. To Mention Sources of Information (News, Reports, or Studies)
      • Example:
        ニュースによると、来週大きな台風が来るそうです。
        Nyūsu ni yoru to, raishuu ookina taifuu ga kuru sou desu.
        According to the news, a big typhoon is coming next week.
      • Usage: When you are referring to news reports, studies, or anything that provides factual information or statistics.
    2. To Share Information from a Reliable Source
      • Example:
        先生によると、この本はとても役に立つそうです。
        Sensei ni yoru to, kono hon wa totemo yaku ni tatsu sou desu.
        According to the teacher, this book is very useful.
      • Usage: When you want to relay information from a knowledgeable person like a teacher, expert, or professional.
    3. To Refer to Opinion or Knowledge from a Friend or Acquaintance
      • Example:
        友達によると、このレストランは人気があるそうです。
        Tomodachi ni yoru to, kono resutoran wa ninki ga aru sou desu.
        According to my friend, this restaurant is popular.
      • Usage: When you are sharing what your friends or acquaintances have told you.
    4. To Quote Official Reports or Studies
      • Example:
        専門家によると、この病気の予防には運動が効果的だそうです。
        Senmonka ni yoru to, kono byouki no yobou ni wa undou ga kouka teki da sou desu.
        According to the experts, exercise is effective in preventing this disease.
      • Usage: When quoting findings from scientific studies, research, or expert advice.
    5. To Refer to Something Heard on TV or Radio
      • Example:
        ラジオによると、今夜は雪が降るそうです。
        Rajio ni yoru to, konya wa yuki ga furu sou desu.
        According to the radio, it will snow tonight.
      • Usage: When you are mentioning information that was broadcast on TV or radio.
    6. To Reference Information from Written Texts (Books, Articles, Blogs, etc.)
      • Example:
        インターネットによると、この映画は面白いらしいです。
        Intānetto ni yoru to, kono eiga wa omoshiroi rashii desu.
        According to the internet, this movie is interesting.
      • Usage: When the information comes from written sources like books, websites, or articles.
    7. To Mention the Source of a Rumor or Gossip
      • Example:
        うわさによると、彼は来週引っ越すそうです。
        Uwasa ni yoru to, kare wa raishuu hikkosu sou desu.
        According to the rumor, he is moving next week.
      • Usage: When you are quoting hearsay or gossip, 〜によると works well to express that this is not confirmed information.
    8. To Relay Information from a Document or Written Announcement
      • Example:
        会社の通知によると、来月から新しい規則が適用されるそうです。
        Kaisha no tsuuchi ni yoru to, raigetsu kara atarashii kisoku ga tekiyou sareru sou desu.
        According to the company’s notice, new regulations will be applied next month.
      • Usage: When the information is found in formal documents, official notices, or announcements.
    9. To Share Information from a Specific Event or Occasion
      • Example:
        会議によると、新しいプロジェクトは来月始まるそうです。
        Kaigi ni yoru to, atarashii purojekuto wa raigetsu hajimaru sou desu.
        According to the meeting, the new project will start next month.
      • Usage: When you are referring to information from a specific meeting or event.
    10. To Express What Someone Else Has Seen, Heard, or Experienced
      • Example:
        目撃者によると、事故は午後3時頃に起こったそうです。
        Mokugekisha ni yoru to, jiko wa gogo san-ji goro ni okotta sou desu.
        According to the eyewitness, the accident occurred around 3 PM.
      • Usage: When you are reporting firsthand information from someone who has witnessed or experienced an event.

    In these various situations, 〜によると is a useful and flexible tool for presenting the source of information. Whether it’s a casual conversation or a formal report, knowing when to use this expression will help you sound more natural and fluent in Japanese.

    Conjugation: How to Use 〜によると with Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives

    The expression 〜によると is very flexible, and knowing how to use it with different parts of speech—verbs, nouns, and adjectives—will make your Japanese sound more natural. Let’s dive into each case with visual clarity.

    1. Using 〜によると with Verbs

    When using 〜によると with verbs, simply take the plain form (dictionary form) of the verb and add “によると” after it.

    • Verb (plain form) + によると

    Example Sentences:

    • 先生によると、来週テストがあるそうです。
      (Sensei ni yoru to, raishuu tesuto ga aru sou desu.)
      According to the teacher, there will be a test next week.
    • 専門家によると、この薬は効果があると言われています。
      (Senmonka ni yoru to, kono kusuri wa kouka ga aru to iwareteimasu.)
      According to the experts, this medicine is said to be effective.
    Explanation:
    • In these examples, the verb (ある, いわれている) is in its plain form (dictionary form), followed by 〜によると.
    • There’s no special conjugation needed for the verb when using this structure.

    2. Using 〜によると with Nouns

    With nouns, the source word is followed by “による” and then “と” is added to complete the phrase.

    • Noun + によると

    Example Sentences:

    • 新聞によると、来月新しい法律が施行されるそうです。
      (Shinbun ni yoru to, raigetsu atarashii houritsu ga shikou sareru sou desu.)
      According to the newspaper, a new law will be enforced next month.
    • インターネットによると、この商品は人気があるそうです。
      (Intānetto ni yoru to, kono shouhin wa ninki ga aru sou desu.)
      According to the internet, this product is popular.
    Explanation:
    • The noun (新聞, インターネット) acts as the source of the information.
    • By adding “によると” after the noun, we indicate where the information is coming from.

    3. Using 〜によると with Adjectives

    With adjectives, no change is needed in the adjective itself. Simply use the plain form of the adjective, then add “によると” to indicate the source.

    • Adjective (plain form) + によると

    Example Sentences:

    • 天気予報によると、明日は暖かいそうです。
      (Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa atatakai sou desu.)
      According to the weather forecast, tomorrow will be warm.
    • ラジオによると、今日は暑いと言われています。
      (Rajio ni yoru to, kyou wa atsui to iwareteimasu.)
      According to the radio, today is said to be hot.
    Explanation:
    • The adjective (暖かい, 暑い) remains in its plain form.
    • 〜によると is added at the end to show where the information is coming from.

    Summary of Conjugation Rules:

    • Verbs:
      Use the plain form of the verb (dictionary form) + 〜によると.
      (No special conjugation required.)
    • Nouns:
      Noun + “による” + “と”.
    • Adjectives:
      Use the plain form of the adjective + 〜によると.
      (No special conjugation needed for adjectives either.)

    This simple visual breakdown will help you understand how to apply 〜によると with different parts of speech in various contexts. Now you’re ready to use it naturally in your Japanese conversations!

    Grammar Rules for Using 〜によると

    In this section, we will cover all the essential grammar rules and guidelines for using 〜によると This phrase is commonly used in Japanese to convey information from a source, and it’s important to understand the correct way to use it in different contexts. Let’s explore the grammar rules in detail.

    1. Basic Structure of 〜によると

    The structure for 〜によると is simple and straightforward, but there are a few key things to keep in mind:

    • Source + によると
      • The source can be anything—like a person, a book, a website, a report, etc.
      • After the source, add によると to indicate that the information is coming from that particular source.

    Example Sentences:

    • テレビによると、今夜は雨が降るそうです。
      (Terebi ni yoru to, konya wa ame ga furu sou desu.)
      According to the TV, it is going to rain tonight.
    • 友達によると、あのレストランはおいしいそうです。
      (Tomodachi ni yoru to, ano resutoran wa oishii sou desu.)
      According to my friend, that restaurant is delicious.

    Explanation:

    • テレビ (TV) and 友達 (friend) are the sources of information. 〜によると shows that the information is coming from them.

    2. How to Use 〜によると with Different Types of Information

    〜によると can be used to convey different types of information, such as facts, rumors, or opinions. It’s versatile and works in various situations.

    • Fact: When you’re quoting a factual piece of information.
      • Example:
        新聞によると、会社が新しい製品を発表するそうです。
        (Shinbun ni yoru to, kaisha ga atarashii seihin wo happyou suru sou desu.)
        According to the newspaper, the company will announce a new product.
    • Rumor or Speculation: When you’re talking about something that is rumored or not confirmed.
      • Example:
        彼によると、彼女はもうすぐ結婚するそうです。
        (Kare ni yoru to, kanojo wa mousugu kekkon suru sou desu.)
        According to him, she is getting married soon.
    • Opinion: When you are expressing someone’s opinion or belief.
      • Example:
        先生によると、この本は非常に役立つと言われています。
        (Sensei ni yoru to, kono hon wa hijou ni yakudatsu to iwareteimasu.)
        According to the teacher, this book is said to be very helpful.

    Explanation:

    • Whether it’s a fact, a rumor, or an opinion, 〜によると works in each of these situations to indicate where the information is coming from.

    3. The Use of 〜によると with Different Tenses

    While 〜によると itself doesn’t change based on tense, the verb or adjective after it will be conjugated according to the tense you want to use.

    • Present Tense:
      • Example:
        彼女によると、今週の天気は良いそうです。
        (Kanojo ni yoru to, konshuu no tenki wa ii sou desu.)
        According to her, the weather this week is good.
    • Past Tense:
      • Example:
        先生によると、彼は試験に合格したそうです。
        (Sensei ni yoru to, kare wa shiken ni goukaku shita sou desu.)
        According to the teacher, he passed the exam.
    • Future Tense:
      • Example:
        天気予報によると、明日は雪が降るそうです。
        (Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa yuki ga furu sou desu.)
        According to the weather forecast, it is going to snow tomorrow.

    Explanation:

    • The tense of the verb (良い, 合格した, 降る) changes based on the timing of the event or action being reported. The phrase 〜によると itself does not change.

    4. The Use of 〜によると with the Word “そうです”

    The phrase “そうです” is often used with 〜によると to show that the information is hearsay or reported speech. It’s commonly used to indicate that the information comes from someone else, and not directly from the speaker’s experience.

    • Example:
      ニュースによると、来月新しい映画が公開されるそうです。
      (Nyūsu ni yoru to, raigetsu atarashii eiga ga koukai sareru sou desu.)
      According to the news, a new movie will be released next month.

    Explanation:

    • “そうです” after the verb or adjective helps clarify that the speaker is reporting what they’ve heard, rather than stating it as a direct fact.

    Summary of Grammar Rules:

    • Formal Usage: This expression is used in formal or neutral situations, so use alternatives for informal conversations.
    • Basic Structure: Source + によると
    • Tenses: The verb or adjective after 〜によると conjugates based on tense, but the phrase itself doesn’t change.
    • Use with “そうです” to indicate reported speech or hearsay.

    Things to Keep in Mind while using 〜によると: Tricky Points and Exceptions

    When learning and using 〜によると, there are a few important things to keep in mind to avoid mistakes. Let’s go through some of these tricky points, exceptions, and nuances to ensure that you use this phrase correctly in different situations.

    1. 〜によると vs. “〜から” and “〜で”

    A common point of confusion for learners of Japanese is how to distinguish 〜によると from other expressions like “〜から” and “〜で”, both of which also indicate a source of information. While these expressions can seem similar, they are used in different contexts and convey different meanings.

    • “〜から” is typically used to show where something originates from in a general sense (for example, “from a person” or “from a place”). It is used in the same way as saying “because of” or “from the perspective of.”
      • Example with “〜から”:
        彼から聞いた話では、彼は日本に行く予定だ。
        (Kare kara kiita hanashi de wa, kare wa Nihon ni iku yotei da.)
        According to what I heard from him, he plans to go to Japan.
    • “〜で” is often used to indicate a location or medium, and it can also show the means by which something happens (e.g., through something, via something). It’s more focused on the action happening in a specific place or method.
      • Example with “〜で”:
        インターネットで調べた情報によると、東京の天気は晴れだ。
        (Intānetto de shirabeta jōhō ni yoru to, Tōkyō no tenki wa hare da.)
        According to the information I researched on the internet, the weather in Tokyo is sunny.
    • Difference with 〜によると:
      〜によると is specifically used to report information from an external source or authority. It is most commonly used in formal contexts, especially when quoting something reported by someone else, like a book, news, or a formal statement.
      • Example with 〜によると:
        新聞によると、明日の試合は延期になったそうです。
        (Shinbun ni yoru to, ashita no shiai wa enki ni natta sou desu.)
        According to the newspaper, tomorrow’s match has been postponed.

    Tip:
    Always keep in mind that 〜によると is about reporting what others have said, whereas “〜から” and “〜で” focus on sources or mediums in a more general sense.

    2. Avoiding Overuse of 〜によると

    While 〜によると is a very useful structure for quoting sources, overusing it can make your language sound repetitive. In both spoken and written Japanese, it’s important to vary your expressions to maintain natural flow.

    For example, if you’re writing a longer piece or engaging in a conversation, instead of always saying 〜によると, you can use different ways to introduce the source of information.

    • Instead of 〜によると, try:
      • 〜と言われています (to iwareteimasu): “It is said that…”
      • 〜だそうです (da sou desu): “I heard that…”
      • 〜から聞きました (kara kikimashita): “I heard from…”

    Example:

    • 新聞によると → 新聞で言われているのは (According to what is said in the newspaper)
    • 友達によると → 友達が言うには (According to what my friend says)

    These variations help make your Japanese sound more fluid and natural.

    3. Be Careful with the Tense of the Reported Information

    One of the tricky parts of 〜によると is that it doesn’t change for tense. However, the verb or adjective after 〜によると should match the correct tense (past, present, or future) based on the context.

    • Incorrect Use:
      テレビによると、明日は雨が降ったそうです。
      (Terebi ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga futta sou desu.)
      According to the TV, it rained tomorrow.
      • Why it’s incorrect: This sentence incorrectly uses the past tense “降った” (rained) when talking about the future. Since “明日” (tomorrow) is in the future, the verb should be in the future tense: “降る” (will rain).
    • Correct Use:
      テレビによると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
      (Terebi ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga furu sou desu.)
      According to the TV, it is going to rain tomorrow.

    Always pay attention to the tense of the information you’re reporting, and make sure the verb or adjective matches the context.

    4. 〜によると for Reporting Rumors or Uncertain Information

    When using 〜によると, it’s important to remember that it can be used for reporting not just certain facts, but also rumors or speculations. Be mindful that you are sharing something that someone else said, so use caution when reporting rumors or unverified information.

    • Example (Rumor):
      友達によると、彼女はもうすぐ引っ越すそうです。
      (Tomodachi ni yoru to, kanojo wa mousugu hikkosu sou desu.)
      According to my friend, she is about to move soon.

    Since you are not sure if this information is true, it is important to indicate that it is a rumor or unverified, which is done with “そうです” at the end of the sentence.

    Tip:
    To avoid any misunderstandings, try to avoid using 〜によると for things that are highly speculative or could be easily misunderstood as a fact. If you do use it in these cases, it’s important to make it clear that it’s just a rumor or unconfirmed information by using expressions like “と言われています” or “そうです”.

    5. Formal vs. Informal Usage

    〜によると is typically used in formal situations, such as news reports, presentations, and written forms of communication. In informal conversations, it’s more natural to use expressions like:

    • 〜から聞いた (I heard from…)
    • 〜で言われた (It was said at…)

    However, you can still use 〜によると in informal settings when you want to be polite or emphasize that the information is coming from an external, reliable source.

    Summary of Things to Keep in Mind:

    • Distinguish 〜によると from “〜から” and “〜で”: They all refer to sources but have different uses and contexts.
    • Avoid overusing 〜によると: Vary your expressions to make your speech or writing sound more natural.
    • Be mindful of tense: The verb or adjective after 〜によると should match the context.
    • Consider rumors or uncertainty: If you’re reporting a rumor or unverified information, make sure to express that it’s not confirmed.
    • Formal vs. informal usage: While 〜によると is more formal, it can still be used informally if needed.

    🛑 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Using 〜によると

    Even though 〜によると seems simple at first glance, learners often make a few common mistakes while using it. Let’s take a look at these errors and learn how to avoid them, so you can sound more natural and confident in Japanese.

    ✅ 1. ❌ Using 〜によると Without a Follow-Up Reporting Phrase

    Mistake:
    Using 〜によると as a complete sentence.

    • Incorrect:
      先生によると。
      (Sensei ni yoru to.)
      According to the teacher. ← This is incomplete!

    Why it’s wrong:
    〜によると introduces the source of information, but it must be followed by what that source said using a reporting phrase like “そうです”, “と言っていました”, or “と書いてあります”.

    Correct:
    先生によると、明日はテストがあるそうです。
    (Sensei ni yoru to, ashita wa tesuto ga aru sou desu.)
    According to the teacher, there will be a test tomorrow.

    ✅ 2. ❌ Forgetting to Use “そうです” or Another Reporting Expression

    Mistake:
    Ending the sentence right after the factual statement without using “そうです” or “と言っています”.

    • Incorrect:
      ニュースによると、台風が来ます。
      (Nyūsu ni yoru to, taifū ga kimasu.)
      According to the news, the typhoon is coming. ← Sounds like you’re stating it as your own fact.

    Why it’s wrong:
    The phrase 〜によると implies someone else’s opinion or report, so you should distance yourself from the statement using phrases like:

    • そうです (it is said that…)
    • と言っています (they said that…)
    • と書いてあります (it is written that…)

    Correct:
    ニュースによると、台風が来るそうです。
    (Nyūsu ni yoru to, taifū ga kuru sou desu.)
    According to the news, a typhoon is coming.

    ✅ 3. ❌ Using the Wrong Tense After 〜によると

    Mistake:
    Mismatch between the verb tense and the reported time.

    • Incorrect:
      新聞によると、昨日のコンサートは楽しいです。
      (Shinbun ni yoru to, kinō no konsāto wa tanoshii desu.)
      According to the newspaper, yesterday’s concert is fun. ← Tense mismatch!

    Correct:
    新聞によると、昨日のコンサートは楽しかったそうです。
    (Shinbun ni yoru to, kinō no konsāto wa tanoshikatta sou desu.)
    According to the newspaper, yesterday’s concert was fun.

    📝 Tip: Match the verb tense to the actual timing of the event, not the time you are reporting it.

    ✅ 4. ❌ Using 〜によると for Personal Opinions

    Mistake:
    Using 〜によると to share your own thoughts or guesses.

    • Incorrect:
      私によると、彼は悪くないです。
      (Watashi ni yoru to, kare wa warukunai desu.)
      According to me, he’s not wrong. ← Not natural in Japanese.

    Correct:
    私の意見では、彼は悪くないと思います。
    (Watashi no iken de wa, kare wa warukunai to omoimasu.)
    In my opinion, I think he’s not wrong.

    📌 Note: 〜によると is used to refer to outside sources, not your own thoughts. Use expressions like:

    • 〜と思います (I think…)
    • 〜の意見では (In my opinion…)

    ✅ 5. ❌ Mixing Up 〜によると with 〜によって

    This is a big one!

    • 〜によると → “According to…” (Used to cite information)
    • 〜によって → “By means of / depending on / caused by” (Completely different meaning!)
    • Incorrect:
      彼によって、明日は雨だそうです。
      (Kare ni yotte, ashita wa ame da sou desu.)
    • Correct:
      彼によると、明日は雨だそうです。
      (Kare ni yoru to, ashita wa ame da sou desu.)
      According to him, it’s going to rain tomorrow.

    🛑 Be careful! Even though both phrases look similar, they are not interchangeable.

    ✅ 6. ❌ Repeating 〜によると Too Often in One Paragraph

    Mistake:
    Using 〜によると in every sentence makes the writing or conversation sound repetitive.

    Tip: Mix it up! Try using other natural expressions like:

    • 〜の話では… (According to what [someone] said…)
    • 〜によれば… (Alternative to “によると” but more formal)
    • 〜と聞きました (I heard that…)

    Example:
    Instead of writing:
    先生によると〜。先生によると〜。先生によると〜。

    Try this instead:
    先生によると〜。また、先生の話では〜。さらに、先生が言っていたことによれば〜。

    🔁 Quick Recap: Mistakes to Avoid

    ❌ Common Mistake✅ Correct Usage
    Using “によると” aloneAlways follow with a reporting phrase like “そうです”
    Forgetting tenseMatch past/present/future tense properly
    Using it for personal opinionUse “と思います” or “私の意見では” instead
    Mixing with “によって”Use “によると” only to report external info
    Repeating too muchVary your expressions for natural speech

    ✨ 20 Example Sentences Using 〜によると

    These real-life example sentences will help you understand how 〜によると is used in different contexts. Practice reading them aloud and notice the sentence structure and placement of the reporting phrase. Let’s dive in!

    🗞️ News & Media Context

    1. ニュースによると、今日は雪が降るそうです。
      Nyūsu ni yoru to, kyō wa yuki ga furu sou desu.
      According to the news, it’s going to snow today.
    2. 新聞によると、新しい動物園が来月オープンするそうです。
      Shinbun ni yoru to, atarashii dōbutsuen ga raigetsu ōpun suru sou desu.
      According to the newspaper, a new zoo will open next month.
    3. 天気予報によると、週末は晴れるそうです。
      Tenki yohō ni yoru to, shūmatsu wa hareru sou desu.
      According to the weather forecast, it will be sunny on the weekend.
    4. 雑誌によると、そのレストランはとても人気があるそうです。
      Zasshi ni yoru to, sono resutoran wa totemo ninki ga aru sou desu.
      According to the magazine, that restaurant is very popular.
    5. インターネットによると、この映画は世界中でヒットしています。
      Intānetto ni yoru to, kono eiga wa sekaijū de hitto shiteimasu.
      According to the internet, this movie is a hit all over the world.

    🧑‍🏫 Academic & Personal Sources

    1. 先生によると、この本は試験に出るそうです。
      Sensei ni yoru to, kono hon wa shiken ni deru sou desu.
      According to the teacher, this book will be on the exam.
    2. 友達によると、そのお店は安くて美味しいそうです。
      Tomodachi ni yoru to, sono omise wa yasukute oishii sou desu.
      According to my friend, that shop is cheap and delicious.
    3. ガイドによると、このお寺は500年前に建てられたそうです。
      Gaido ni yoru to, kono otera wa gohyaku nen mae ni taterareta sou desu.
      According to the guide, this temple was built 500 years ago.
    4. 先生によると、漢字を毎日練習すると上達するそうです。
      Sensei ni yoru to, kanji o mainichi renshū suru to jōtatsu suru sou desu.
      According to the teacher, practicing kanji daily helps improve your skills.
    5. 兄によると、そのゲームはとても難しいそうです。
      Ani ni yoru to, sono gēmu wa totemo muzukashii sou desu.
      According to my older brother, that game is very difficult.

    🏙️ Events, Nature, and Travel

    1. 駅員によると、次の電車は10分遅れるそうです。
      Ekiin ni yoru to, tsugi no densha wa jūpun okureru sou desu.
      According to the station staff, the next train will be 10 minutes late.
    2. 観光案内所によると、この町は春が一番きれいだそうです。
      Kankō annaijo ni yoru to, kono machi wa haru ga ichiban kirei da sou desu.
      According to the tourist information center, this town is most beautiful in spring.
    3. 地図によると、公園は駅の近くにあるそうです。
      Chizu ni yoru to, kōen wa eki no chikaku ni aru sou desu.
      According to the map, the park is near the station.
    4. 旅行会社によると、夏の北海道はおすすめだそうです。
      Ryokō gaisha ni yoru to, natsu no Hokkaidō wa osusume da sou desu.
      According to the travel agency, Hokkaido is recommended in summer.
    5. ガイドブックによると、このレストランは予約が必要だそうです。
      Gaidobukku ni yoru to, kono resutoran wa yoyaku ga hitsuyō da sou desu.
      According to the guidebook, this restaurant requires a reservation.

    🎓 Facts & Fun

    1. 科学者によると、宇宙にはまだ知られていない星がたくさんあるそうです。
      Kagakusha ni yoru to, uchū ni wa mada shirarete inai hoshi ga takusan aru sou desu.
      According to scientists, there are still many unknown stars in space.
    2. 本によると、猫は一日中寝ているそうです。
      Hon ni yoru to, neko wa ichinichijū nete iru sou desu.
      According to the book, cats sleep all day.
    3. 占いによると、今日はラッキーデーだそうです。
      Uranai ni yoru to, kyō wa rakkī dē da sou desu.
      According to the horoscope, today is a lucky day.
    4. 統計によると、日本では長寿の人が多いそうです。
      Tōkei ni yoru to, Nihon de wa chōju no hito ga ōi sou desu.
      According to statistics, Japan has many long-living people.
    5. 研究によると、朝ごはんを食べる人は集中力が高いそうです。
      Kenkyū ni yoru to, asagohan o taberu hito wa shūchūryoku ga takai sou desu.
      According to research, people who eat breakfast have better focus.

    These examples give you a wide range of real-life situations where you can use 〜によると.

    ✅ Exercise – 20 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions Using “〜によると”

    This exercise will help reinforce your understanding of how to use “〜によると” in real-life sentences. Try to fill in the blanks before checking the answers in the next section.

    ✏️ Fill in the blanks:

    _____________ によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
    (According to _____________, it will rain tomorrow.)

    1. 天気予報 _____________、今日はとても暑くなるそうです。
      (According to the weather forecast, it will be very hot today.)
    2. _____________ によると、そのお店は新しくオープンしたばかりです。
      (According to _____________, that store just opened.)
    3. 先生 _____________、来週テストがあります。
      (According to the teacher, there is a test next week.)
    4. _____________ によると、この犬は賢いそうです。
      (According to _____________, this dog is smart.)
    5. ガイド _____________、この建物は古いお寺です。
      (According to the guide, this building is an old temple.)
    6. _____________ によると、電車は30分遅れています。
      (According to _____________, the train is 30 minutes late.)
    7. インターネット _____________、このスマホは人気があります。
      (According to the internet, this smartphone is popular.)
    8. _____________ によると、宿題は金曜日までです。
      (According to _____________, the homework is due by Friday.)
    9. 父 _____________、この道は近道だそうです。
      (According to my dad, this road is a shortcut.)
    10. _____________ によると、日本の夏はとても暑いです。
      (According to _____________, Japan’s summer is very hot.)
    11. 雑誌 _____________、この映画は話題になっています。
      (According to the magazine, this movie is trending.)
    12. _____________ によると、あのレストランは高いです。
      (According to _____________, that restaurant is expensive.)
    13. 医者 _____________、たくさん寝ることは大切です。
      (According to the doctor, sleeping a lot is important.)
    14. _____________ によると、この服は今セール中です。
      (According to _____________, these clothes are on sale now.)
    15. 地図 _____________、公園はこの道をまっすぐ行ったところにあります。
      (According to the map, the park is straight down this road.)
    16. _____________ によると、この魚は健康にいいです。
      (According to _____________, this fish is good for health.)
    17. 統計 _____________、日本では多くの人が朝ごはんを食べます。
      (According to statistics, many people in Japan eat breakfast.)
    18. _____________ によると、今日はイベントがあります。
      (According to _____________, there’s an event today.)
    19. 科学者 _____________、宇宙はとても広いです。
      (According to scientists, the universe is very vast.)

    ✅ Answers – 20 Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences Using “〜によると”

    (Each sentence includes bolded answers, romaji, and English translations.)

    1. 天気予報 によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
      Tenki yohō ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga furu sō desu.
      According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
    2. 天気予報 によると、今日はとても暑くなるそうです。
      Tenki yohō ni yoru to, kyō wa totemo atsuku naru sō desu.
      According to the weather forecast, it will be very hot today.
    3. 友だち によると、そのお店は新しくオープンしたばかりです。
      Tomodachi ni yoru to, sono omise wa atarashiku ōpun shita bakari desu.
      According to my friend, that store just opened.
    4. 先生 によると、来週テストがあります。
      Sensei ni yoru to, raishū tesuto ga arimasu.
      According to the teacher, there is a test next week.
    5. 飼い主 によると、この犬は賢いそうです。
      Kainushi ni yoru to, kono inu wa kashikoi sō desu.
      According to the owner, this dog is smart.
    6. ガイド によると、この建物は古いお寺です。
      Gaido ni yoru to, kono tatemono wa furui otera desu.
      According to the guide, this building is an old temple.
    7. 駅員 によると、電車は30分遅れています。
      Ekiin ni yoru to, densha wa sanjūpun okurete imasu.
      According to the station staff, the train is 30 minutes late.
    8. インターネット によると、このスマホは人気があります。
      Intānetto ni yoru to, kono sumaho wa ninki ga arimasu.
      According to the internet, this smartphone is popular.
    9. 先生 によると、宿題は金曜日までです。
      Sensei ni yoru to, shukudai wa kin’yōbi made desu.
      According to the teacher, the homework is due by Friday.
    10. 父 によると、この道は近道だそうです。
      Chichi ni yoru to, kono michi wa chikamichi da sō desu.
      According to my dad, this road is a shortcut.
    11. ニュース によると、日本の夏はとても暑いです。
      Nyūsu ni yoru to, Nihon no natsu wa totemo atsui desu.
      According to the news, Japan’s summer is very hot.
    12. 雑誌 によると、この映画は話題になっています。
      Zasshi ni yoru to, kono eiga wa wadai ni natte imasu.
      According to the magazine, this movie is trending.
    13. レビュー によると、あのレストランは高いです。
      Rebyū ni yoru to, ano resutoran wa takai desu.
      According to the reviews, that restaurant is expensive.
    14. 医者 によると、たくさん寝ることは大切です。
      Isha ni yoru to, takusan neru koto wa taisetsu desu.
      According to the doctor, sleeping a lot is important.
    15. 店員 によると、この服は今セール中です。
      Ten’in ni yoru to, kono fuku wa ima sēru-chū desu.
      According to the store clerk, these clothes are on sale now.
    16. 地図 によると、公園はこの道をまっすぐ行ったところにあります。
      Chizu ni yoru to, kōen wa kono michi o massugu itta tokoro ni arimasu.
      According to the map, the park is straight down this road.
    17. 料理本 によると、この魚は健康にいいです。
      Ryōri-bon ni yoru to, kono sakana wa kenkō ni ii desu.
      According to the cookbook, this fish is good for health.
    18. 統計 によると、日本では多くの人が朝ごはんを食べます。
      Tōkei ni yoru to, Nihon de wa ōku no hito ga asagohan o tabemasu.
      According to statistics, many people in Japan eat breakfast.
    19. カレンダー によると、今日はイベントがあります。
      Karendā ni yoru to, kyō wa ibento ga arimasu.
      According to the calendar, there’s an event today.
    20. 科学者 によると、宇宙はとても広いです。
      Kagakusha ni yoru to, uchū wa totemo hiroi desu.
      According to scientists, the universe is very vast.

    ✅ Summary – Key Takeaways on 〜によると

    • Meaning:
      • “〜によると” means “according to…”.
      • Used to report information from a source.
    • When to Use:
      • Reporting news, advice, or opinions.
      • Common in weather forecasts, news, books, guides, etc.
    • Structure:
      • [Source] + によると、[statement].
      • Example: 天気予報によると、明日は雨が降るそうです.
        (According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.)
    • Conjugation:
      • Only used with nouns (no verb/adjective conjugation).
    • Common Sources:
      • News, weather forecasts, official statements, guides, opinions from others.

    ❗ Things to Remember:

    • Use for reliable sources only.
    • Follow with indirect speech forms like そうです or らしいです.
    • Don’t use for personal opinions.

    ❌ Mistakes to Avoid:

    • Incorrect: Using for personal thoughts or opinions.
    • Incorrect: Forgetting the noun as the source.

    📝 Examples:

    • 天気予報によると、明日は雪が降るそうです.
      (According to the weather forecast, it will snow tomorrow.)
    • 医者によると、もっと運動した方がいいそうです.
      (According to the doctor, I should exercise more.)

    You’re all set! Review this summary whenever you need a quick refresher.

    ✅ Conclusion

    Mastering 〜によると is essential for improving your Japanese communication, especially when discussing information from external sources. Whether you’re reporting weather updates, news, or quoting others, this grammar point allows you to share details smoothly and accurately.

    Key Points to Remember:
    • 〜によると is used to indicate “according to…” a source.
    • It follows a noun and is often used with indirect speech markers like そうです or らしいです.
    • Avoid using it for personal opinions; instead, stick to reliable sources.

    Now that you’ve learned how to use 〜によると, it’s time to practice!

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

  • How to Use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: A Complete B2 Guide on Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo

    How to Use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: A Complete B2 Guide on Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo

    Have you ever wondered how to express emotions, doubts, or hopes about things that have already happened in Spanish? Welcome to the fascinating world of the Present Perfect Subjunctive, or in Spanish, the Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo. This tense is an essential tool for intermediate and advanced learners who want to speak more naturally, fluently, and correctly in everyday conversations and writing.

    The Present Perfect Subjunctive might sound complicated at first, but with clear rules, useful examples, and a bit of practice, you’ll soon be able to use it with ease. This grammar form helps you say things like:

    • “I hope you have finished your homework.”
    • “It’s good that they have arrived safely.”
    • “I don’t believe she has told the truth.”

    These kinds of sentences are used every day, especially when talking about feelings, opinions, and uncertain past actions.

    In this complete guide, we will explore:

    • When and how to use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in real conversations
    • The grammar rules and conjugation patterns you need to know
    • Common expressions, mistakes, and helpful tips
    • Tons of examples and practice exercises with answers

    Whether you’re preparing for your DELE B2 exam, brushing up your Spanish, or just eager to sound more like a native speaker, this guide will help you master the Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo once and for all.

    Let’s dive in and take your Spanish to the next level!

    Common Expressions with the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish

    To help you get familiar with the Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo, here are 10 commonly used expressions in everyday Spanish. These are real-life phrases you’ll often hear in conversations, shows, and daily interactions.

    Each example uses the Present Perfect Subjunctive and comes with an English translation.

    10 Daily Life Expressions using Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo

    1. Espero que hayas tenido un buen día.
      I hope you have had a good day.
    2. Me alegra que hayas venido.
      I’m glad you have come.
    3. Es una lástima que no hayas podido asistir.
      It’s a shame you haven’t been able to attend.
    4. No creo que lo hayas hecho tú.
      I don’t think you have done it.
    5. Dudo que hayan dicho la verdad.
      I doubt that they have told the truth.
    6. Es posible que ya haya salido.
      It’s possible that he/she has already left.
    7. No pienso que hayamos olvidado algo.
      I don’t think we have forgotten anything.
    8. Qué bueno que hayas aprobado el examen.
      How great that you have passed the exam!
    9. Temo que no hayan entendido la explicación.
      I’m afraid they haven’t understood the explanation.
    10. Ojalá que hayas descansado bien.
      Hopefully, you have rested well.

    These expressions are fantastic for improving your conversational Spanish. Start using them in your daily practice, and you’ll soon feel more confident and fluent.

    Usage of the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish

    The Present Perfect Subjunctive (Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo) is used when we want to talk about past actions that are connected to the present, especially in subjunctive contexts—those that involve emotions, doubts, desires, or uncertainty.

    Let’s break down all the situations where this grammar point is typically used. This will help you recognize the right moments to use it in real-life conversations.

    When Do We Use the Present Perfect Subjunctive?

    Here are the most common situations when we use Present Perfect Subjunctive/Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo:

    1. Expressing Doubts or Uncertainty About a Past Action

    Use it when you’re unsure if something happened or not.

    • No creo que ella haya terminado el proyecto.
      I don’t think she has finished the project.
    2. Talking About Emotions Related to a Past Event

    Use it to express happiness, sadness, surprise, etc., about something that has (or hasn’t) happened.

    • Me alegra que hayas venido a la fiesta.
      I’m glad you have come to the party.
    3. Wishing or Hoping Something Has Happened

    Common with expressions like ojalá (hopefully).

    • Ojalá que hayan llegado bien.
      Hopefully, they have arrived safely.
    4. Giving Opinions About a Recent Past Event

    Use it when you’re making a judgment or giving a reaction to something that just happened.

    • Es bueno que lo hayas hecho tú mismo.
      It’s good that you’ve done it yourself.
    5. Talking About Unfinished Time Periods

    If the time period is still ongoing (this week, today, this year), and the context is subjunctive, this tense fits well.

    • Es raro que no me haya llamado esta semana.
      It’s strange that he hasn’t called me this week.
    6. Expressing Possibility or Probability About the Past

    Often seen in formal or educated speech.

    • Es posible que haya pasado algo grave.
      It’s possible that something serious has happened.
    7. Giving Recommendations Based on Something That Happened

    When suggesting something based on a past event.

    • Es mejor que hayas estudiado antes del examen.
      It’s better that you have studied before the exam.

    By understanding these usage patterns, you’ll be able to pick the right moments to use the Present Perfect Subjunctive naturally and correctly.

    Conjugation rules of the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish

    Now that you know when to use the Present Perfect Subjunctive, it’s time to learn how to form it. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it seems! You only need to understand two parts: the present subjunctive of “haber” and the past participle of the main verb.

    Let’s break it down step by step.

    Step 1: Use the Present Subjunctive of Haber

    This is the helper (auxiliary) verb that starts every sentence in this tense. Here’s how “haber” looks in the present subjunctive:

    SubjectHaber (Present Subjunctive)
    yohaya
    túhayas
    él / ella / ustedhaya
    nosotros / nosotrashayamos
    vosotros / vosotrashayáis
    ellos / ellas / ustedeshayan

    Step 2: Add the Past Participle of the Main Verb

    Now, take the past participle of the verb you want to use. This part doesn’t change with the subject.

    • For -ar verbs: replace -ar with -ado
      • hablar → hablado
      • trabajar → trabajado
    • For -er and -ir verbs: replace -er/-ir with -ido
      • comer → comido
      • vivir → vivido

    Examples of Complete Conjugation

    Let’s use the verb estudiar (to study) as an example:

    SubjectPresent Perfect Subjunctive
    yohaya estudiado
    túhayas estudiado
    él/ella/ustedhaya estudiado
    nosotroshayamos estudiado
    vosotroshayáis estudiado
    ellos/ellas/ustedeshayan estudiado

    Another example with comer (to eat):

    • Es bueno que tú hayas comido bien.
      (It’s good that you have eaten well.)

    Note: The past participle stays the same for every subject. Only the form of haber changes.

    That’s it! With this formula, you can create sentences in the Present Perfect Subjunctive with any regular or irregular verb.

    Grammar Rules of the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish

    To master the Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo, it’s important to understand the grammar rules that govern its use. Once you learn these core rules, you’ll feel more confident creating sentences that sound natural and correct.

    Here’s everything you need to know, explained simply and clearly.

    1. Structure of the Tense

    The Present Perfect Subjunctive is a compound tense. That means it’s made up of two parts:

    🔹 Haber (present subjunctive form) + Past participle of the main verb

    Example:

    • Espero que hayas llegado a tiempo.
      (I hope you have arrived on time.)

    2. Used in Subordinate Clauses

    This tense appears in dependent (subordinate) clauses that begin with que, especially after expressions of doubt, emotion, or desire.

    Example:

    • Dudo que ellos hayan dicho la verdad.
      (I doubt they have told the truth.)

    3. Subjunctive Triggers Must Be Present

    The sentence must include a trigger—an expression that requires the subjunctive mood. These triggers often include:

    • Verbs of emotion: alegrarse de, temer, sorprenderse
    • Expressions of doubt: dudar, no creer, no pensar
    • Impersonal expressions: es bueno que, es posible que, es importante que
    • Wishes and hopes: esperar, ojalá, querer

    Examples:

    • Me alegra que hayas venido.
      (I’m happy that you have come.)
    • Ojalá que haya llovido.
      (Hopefully it has rained.)

    4. Time Focus: The Past with a Link to the Present

    Even though this tense refers to past actions, those actions are still connected to the present in some way. This is key to using it correctly.

    Example:

    • Es raro que no haya llegado todavía.
      (It’s strange that he hasn’t arrived yet.)

    Here, the action is in the past, but the impact is still ongoing (he still isn’t here).

    5. Agreement: Subject and Verb

    The auxiliary verb haber must always agree with the subject, but the past participle never changes in this tense.

    ❌ Wrong: Espero que hayas estudiada.
    ✅ Correct: Espero que hayas estudiado.

    6. No Gender or Number Change in Past Participles

    Unlike some tenses, the past participle does not change for gender or number in the Present Perfect Subjunctive.

    Example:

    • Es posible que ellas hayan viajado mucho.
      (It’s possible they have traveled a lot.)

    The word viajado stays the same, even though the subject is ellas (feminine plural).

    By keeping these rules in mind, you’ll avoid confusion and be able to use this tense smoothly in real conversations and writing.

    Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    Even intermediate and advanced Spanish learners sometimes slip up when using the Present Perfect Subjunctive. The good news? Most mistakes come from the same few areas—and they’re easy to fix once you know what to watch out for.

    Let’s go through the most common errors and how to avoid them.

    ❌ Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Form of Haber

    This is the most frequent mistake. Learners often confuse the present indicative with the present subjunctive forms of haber.

    🛑 Wrong: Espero que has terminado.
    ✅ Right: Espero que hayas terminado.
    (I hope you have finished.)

    💡 Tip: Always check that haber is in the subjunctive form, not indicative.

    ❌ Mistake 2: Forgetting to Use Subjunctive Triggers

    Many students try to use this tense without a subjunctive trigger like dudo que or es bueno que.

    🛑 Wrong: Tú hayas comido pizza anoche.
    ✅ Right: Dudo que tú hayas comido pizza anoche.
    (I doubt that you ate pizza last night.)

    💡 Tip: If there’s no emotion, doubt, desire, or opinion—don’t use the subjunctive.

    ❌ Mistake 3: Changing the Past Participle Ending Based on Subject

    Some learners mistakenly try to match the past participle to the gender or number of the subject.

    🛑 Wrong: Espero que ellas hayan estudiadas.
    ✅ Right: Espero que ellas hayan estudiado.
    (I hope they have studied.)

    💡 Tip: The past participle never changes in this tense. It’s always neutral.

    ❌ Mistake 4: Mixing Up Tenses

    Learners sometimes confuse Present Perfect Subjunctive with other tenses like Present Subjunctive or Present Perfect Indicative.

    🛑 Wrong: No creo que viene. (I don’t think he’s coming.)
    ✅ Right: No creo que haya venido. (I don’t think he has come.)

    💡 Tip: Use Present Perfect Subjunctive when referring to past actions with current relevance and subjunctive triggers.

    ❌ Mistake 5: Forgetting the Word “Que”

    This tense almost always follows a connector like que, which links the main and subordinate clause.

    🛑 Wrong: Es bueno hayas llegado.
    ✅ Right: Es bueno que hayas llegado.
    (It’s good that you have arrived.)

    💡 Tip: Think of que as the glue that holds your sentence together.

    Quick Fix Checklist

    ✅ Is there a subjunctive trigger?
    ✅ Did I use the subjunctive form of haber?
    ✅ Did I keep the past participle unchanged?
    ✅ Is “que” used to connect the two clauses?

    If the answer to all is yes, you’re on the right track!

    Things to Keep in Mind: Tricky Details and Exceptions

    As you become more comfortable with the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish, it’s important to be aware of a few tricky details, subtle patterns, and special cases. These aren’t always taught at the beginner level, but they can make a big difference in speaking like a pro.

    Let’s take a look:

    🟡 1. Be Careful with Time Markers Like “Hoy,” “Esta Semana,” or “Últimamente”

    These time expressions often go with the Present Perfect Indicative, but if the sentence also involves emotion, doubt, or uncertainty, then you must use the Present Perfect Subjunctive instead.

    🔸 Es raro que no me haya escrito hoy.
    (It’s strange that he hasn’t written to me today.)

    📌 Tip: Let the mood of the sentence (not just the time) guide your choice.

    🟡 2. Formal vs. Casual Usage in Speech

    In casual conversations, native speakers might use the Present Perfect Indicative even when the subjunctive would technically be correct. However, in written Spanish, exams, or formal settings, using the correct Present Perfect Subjunctive is expected.

    🔸 Creo que ya llegaron. (casual)
    🔸 No creo que hayan llegado todavía. (correct in formal speech/writing)

    📌 Tip: Know your audience—formal contexts require accurate grammar.

    🟡 3. Subjunctive Can Be Used Even If the Main Verb Is in the Past

    Just because your main verb is in the preterite or imperfect, it doesn’t mean you switch tenses in the subordinate clause.

    🔸 Me sorprendió que hayas llegado tan temprano.
    (It surprised me that you arrived so early.)

    📌 Tip: It’s the mood, not the tense of the main verb, that triggers this form.

    🟡 4. Questions Can Still Use This Tense Naturally

    Yes, it’s totally okay (and natural) to ask questions using the Present Perfect Subjunctive, especially when expressing uncertainty or seeking confirmation.

    🔸 ¿Crees que hayan perdido el vuelo?
    (Do you think they missed the flight?)

    📌 Tip: If the question shows doubt or emotion, go for the subjunctive.

    🟡 5. Avoid Using This Tense After Expressions of Certainty

    The moment you express certainty or fact, switch to the indicative. The Present Perfect Subjunctive only appears with non-certain expressions.

    🔸 Estoy seguro de que han terminado. ✅ (Indicative)
    🔸 No estoy seguro de que hayan terminado. ✅ (Subjunctive)

    📌 Tip: If you’re 100% sure, you probably don’t need this tense!

    Keeping these subtle points in mind will give your Spanish a polished, natural flow—and help you avoid the advanced learner pitfalls many fall into.

    20 Example Sentences Using the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish

    Let’s bring the Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo to life with real examples that show how this tense is used in everyday conversations. Each sentence includes a natural context and its English translation to make learning even smoother.

    💬 Real-Life Example Sentences

    1. Espero que hayas tenido un buen día.
      (I hope you’ve had a good day.)
    2. Me alegra que hayas venido a la fiesta.
      (I’m glad you came to the party.)
    3. No creo que ellos hayan terminado el proyecto.
      (I don’t think they have finished the project.)
    4. Es posible que hayamos olvidado algo.
      (It’s possible that we have forgotten something.)
    5. Dudo que Ana haya dicho eso.
      (I doubt that Ana said that.)
    6. Ojalá que hayan llegado bien.
      (Hopefully they arrived safely.)
    7. Es raro que no te haya llamado aún.
      (It’s strange that he hasn’t called you yet.)
    8. Me molesta que no hayas hecho tu tarea.
      (It bothers me that you haven’t done your homework.)
    9. No pienso que él haya sido honesto.
      (I don’t think he has been honest.)
    10. Es una lástima que no hayas podido venir.
      (It’s a shame that you couldn’t come.)
    11. Puede que hayan perdido el tren.
      (They might have missed the train.)
    12. Temo que hayamos cometido un error.
      (I’m afraid we’ve made a mistake.)
    13. Es bueno que hayas aprendido algo nuevo.
      (It’s good that you have learned something new.)
    14. No estoy seguro de que hayas cerrado la puerta.
      (I’m not sure that you closed the door.)
    15. Me encanta que hayas leído el libro.
      (I love that you’ve read the book.)
    16. Es posible que haya llovido anoche.
      (It’s possible that it rained last night.)
    17. Dudo que hayan llegado tan rápido.
      (I doubt they arrived so quickly.)
    18. Nos sorprende que hayan ganado el partido.
      (We’re surprised they won the game.)
    19. Ojalá que hayas entendido la lección.
      (I hope you understood the lesson.)
    20. No creo que se hayan olvidado de nosotros.
      (I don’t think they’ve forgotten about us.)

    These examples cover a range of situations—emotions, doubts, wishes, and opinions—to help you get comfortable using this tense naturally.

    Exercise: Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Form of the Present Perfect Subjunctive

    Now that you’ve learned the Present Perfect Subjunctive and seen plenty of examples, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with the correct form of the Present Perfect Subjunctive.

    Instructions:

    • Remember: the structure is haber (in the present subjunctive) + past participle.
    • Make sure to conjugate haber correctly based on the subject and then use the appropriate past participle.
    1. Es una lástima que tú __________ (no estudiar) para el examen.
    2. Dudo que ellos __________ (ver) la película.
    3. Ojalá que ustedes __________ (terminar) la tarea a tiempo.
    4. No creo que él __________ (llegar) tan tarde.
    5. Es posible que nosotros __________ (olvidar) la cita.
    6. Me sorprende que tú __________ (no comer) todo el desayuno.
    7. Espero que ellos __________ (aprender) mucho en la conferencia.
    8. No pienso que ella __________ (decir) la verdad.
    9. Es bueno que tú __________ (venir) a la reunión.
    10. Me alegra que ustedes __________ (disfrutar) de sus vacaciones.
    11. Es raro que él __________ (no responder) a mi mensaje.
    12. Nos gustaría que tú __________ (recibir) nuestro regalo.
    13. Ojalá que ellos __________ (superar) la dificultad.
    14. Es posible que nosotros __________ (tomar) el tren equivocado.
    15. Dudo que tú __________ (hacer) todo el trabajo.
    16. Me molesta que ustedes __________ (no hacer) la tarea.
    17. Temo que ellos __________ (perder) la oportunidad.
    18. Es una sorpresa que tú __________ (leer) tantos libros este mes.
    19. No estoy seguro de que ella __________ (resolver) el problema.
    20. Espero que tú __________ (disfrutar) de tu día.

    These sentences should help reinforce your understanding of how to properly use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in various contexts.

    Answers
    1. Es una lástima que tú no hayas estudiado para el examen.
      (It’s a shame you haven’t studied for the exam.)
    2. Dudo que ellos hayan visto la película.
      (I doubt they have seen the movie.)
    3. Ojalá que ustedes hayan terminado la tarea a tiempo.
      (I hope you have finished the homework on time.)
    4. No creo que él haya llegado tan tarde.
      (I don’t think he has arrived so late.)
    5. Es posible que nosotros hayamos olvidado la cita.
      (It’s possible we have forgotten the appointment.)
    6. Me sorprende que tú no hayas comido todo el desayuno.
      (I’m surprised you haven’t eaten all the breakfast.)
    7. Espero que ellos hayan aprendido mucho en la conferencia.
      (I hope they have learned a lot in the conference.)
    8. No pienso que ella haya dicho la verdad.
      (I don’t think she has told the truth.)
    9. Es bueno que tú hayas venido a la reunión.
      (It’s good that you have come to the meeting.)
    10. Me alegra que ustedes hayan disfrutado de sus vacaciones.
      (I’m glad you have enjoyed your vacation.)
    11. Es raro que él no haya respondido a mi mensaje.
      (It’s strange that he hasn’t responded to my message.)
    12. Nos gustaría que tú hubieras recibido nuestro regalo.
      (We would like you to have received our gift.)
    13. Ojalá que ellos hayan superado la dificultad.
      (I hope they have overcome the difficulty.)
    14. Es posible que nosotros hayamos tomado el tren equivocado.
      (It’s possible we have taken the wrong train.)
    15. Dudo que tú hayas hecho todo el trabajo.
      (I doubt you have done all the work.)
    16. Me molesta que ustedes no hayan hecho la tarea.
      (It bothers me that you haven’t done the homework.)
    17. Temo que ellos hayan perdido la oportunidad.
      (I’m afraid they have missed the opportunity.)
    18. Es una sorpresa que tú hayas leído tantos libros este mes.
      (It’s a surprise that you have read so many books this month.)
    19. No estoy seguro de que ella haya resuelto el problema.
      (I’m not sure she has solved the problem.)
    20. Espero que tú hayas disfrutado de tu día.
      (I hope you have enjoyed your day.)

    ✅ Summary: Present Perfect Subjunctive at a Glance

    • Structure: [Haber in Present Subjunctive] + Past Participle
    • Used when the main clause is in present and the dependent action is completed or recent
    • Triggered by verbs/phrases of emotion, doubt, denial, hope, and uncertainty
    • Often follows connectors like: que, cuando, aunque, antes de que
    • Appears with expressions like: es posible que, no creo que, me alegra que
    • Not used when the main clause shows certainty or affirmation

    🏁 Conclusion: You’ve Mastered the Present Perfect Subjunctive!

    Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve just completed a deep dive into one of the most fascinating Spanish grammar structures — the Present Perfect Subjunctive (Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo).

    You now know:
    ✅ When and how to use it
    ✅ The correct conjugation patterns
    ✅ Key expressions and connectors
    ✅ Common mistakes to avoid
    ✅ Real-life examples and practice exercises

    This powerful tense will help you sound more natural, fluent, and emotionally expressive in Spanish. It’s a big step forward on your language learning journey!

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Mastering the Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)
    Imperative Mode in Spanish
    Preterite Tense (Pretérito Indefinido) in Spanish
    Imperfect Tense (Pretérito Imperfecto) in Spanish
    Future Simple Tense in Spanish
    Spanish Conditional Tense (Condicional Simple)
    Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) in Spanish
    Understanding the Subjunctive Mood in Spanish
    Understanding the Present Subjunctive (Presente de Subjuntivo) in Spanish
    Understanding the Present Subjunctive (Presente de Subjuntivo) in Spanish
    Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto (Past Perfect) in Spanish
    Pretérito Indefinido vs. Imperfecto – Usage and Contrast Between Two Types of Past Tense in Spanish
    Simple Conditional (Condicional Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish
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    Tiempo Pretérito Perfecto Compuesto / Present Perfect Tense in Spanish
    The Imperfect Subjunctive Tense in Spanish: Tiempo pretérito imperfecto de subjuntivo
    Tiempo Futuro Compuesto / Future Perfect Tense in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide
    Master the Spanish Simple Conditional Tense: The Ultimate Expert Guide
    Tiempo Condicional Compuesto: Conditional Perfect Tense in Spanish
    Mastering Present Progressive in Spanish
    How to Use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: A Complete B2 Guide on Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo
    Past Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: How to Use Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo with Examples and Easy Rules
  • Cómo usar “the” en inglés | My Language Classes

    Cómo usar “the” en inglés | My Language Classes

    El artículo definido en inglés: cómo y cuándo usar “the” correctamente

    ¿Alguna vez te has preguntado por qué en inglés usamos la palabra “the” tan seguido y en tantos contextos diferentes? Aunque parece una palabra pequeña y simple, “the” es una de las palabras más importantes y más utilizadas en el idioma inglés. Comprender bien su uso puede ayudarte a sonar mucho más natural y seguro cuando hablas o escribes en inglés.

    En esta guía completa, aprenderás todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el artículo definido en inglés: su significado, cómo se usa, cuándo debes usarlo y cuándo no, y muchos ejemplos fáciles que te ayudarán a entenderlo paso a paso.

    Ya sea que estés comenzando con el inglés o quieras reforzar tus bases, este artículo está diseñado para ti. Prepárate para mejorar tu comprensión del artículo “the” con explicaciones claras, ejemplos útiles y ejercicios prácticos.

    An educational image titled "El artículo definido en inglés (THE)" featuring example English sentences using the definite article "the," each followed by its Spanish translation in parentheses. The background is a blue-green gradient. At the top left is a Spanish flag, and at the top right is a UK flag. The sentences included are: I saw the dog you were talking about. (Vi al perro del que estabas hablando.) She is the best student in the class. (Ella es la mejor estudiante de la clase.) The moon looks beautiful tonight. (La luna se ve hermosa esta noche.) We went to the cinema last weekend. (Fuimos al cine el fin de semana pasado.) He left his bag on the chair. (Dejó su bolso en la silla.) At the bottom, the website “mylanguageclassesblog.wordpress.com” is written, and “My Language Classes” appears in the lower right corner along with a small logo.

    🗣️ Expresiones comunes con el artículo definido “the” en inglés

    El artículo “the” se usa en inglés para hablar de cosas específicas o conocidas por el hablante y el oyente. A continuación, te presento algunas expresiones comunes que usan “the”. Estas frases aparecen en conversaciones diarias, en películas, libros y canciones, por lo que es muy importante conocerlas.

    🔹 Frases populares con “the”

    • the same – el mismo / la misma
      We have the same book.
      (Tenemos el mismo libro.)
    • the best – el mejor / la mejor
      This is the best movie I’ve ever seen.
      (Esta es la mejor película que he visto.)
    • the worst – el peor / la peor
      That was the worst day of my life.
      (Ese fue el peor día de mi vida.)
    • the end – el final
      I cried at the end of the story.
      (Lloré al final de la historia.)
    • the beginning – el comienzo
      Let’s go back to the beginning.
      (Volvamos al comienzo.)
    • the truth – la verdad
      Tell me the truth.
      (Dime la verdad.)
    • the future – el futuro
      No one knows the future.
      (Nadie conoce el futuro.)
    • the past – el pasado
      Learn from the past.
      (Aprende del pasado.)
    • the sky – el cielo
      Look at the sky!
      (¡Mira el cielo!)
    • the world – el mundo
      The world is changing fast.
      (El mundo está cambiando rápido.)
    • the internet – el internet
      I found it on the internet.
      (Lo encontré en internet.)
    • the news – las noticias
      Did you watch the news today?
      (¿Viste las noticias hoy?)

    📌 Nota útil:

    Todas estas frases usan “the” porque hacen referencia a algo específico o único. Por ejemplo, “the sky” (el cielo) es uno solo, y todos sabemos de qué se trata.

    🧾 Uso del artículo definido “the” en inglés

    El artículo definido “the” se utiliza cuando hablamos de algo específico, único o que ya ha sido mencionado antes. Aunque en español usamos “el”, “la”, “los” o “las”, en inglés usamos solo una palabra para todos estos casos: “the”.

    Aquí te explico todas las situaciones en las que se usa “the”, con ejemplos fáciles para que lo entiendas bien.

    ✅ 1. Cuando algo ya ha sido mencionado antes

    📌 Si ya hablaste de algo, usas “the” para volver a mencionarlo.

    • I saw a cat. The cat was sleeping.
      (Vi un gato. El gato estaba durmiendo.)

    ✅ 2. Cuando tanto el hablante como el oyente saben de qué se habla

    📌 Es algo específico y conocido por ambos.

    • Can you close the door?
      (¿Puedes cerrar la puerta?)
      (Ambos saben qué puerta es.)

    ✅ 3. Cuando solo hay uno

    📌 Cosas únicas en su clase.

    • The sun is shining.
      (El sol está brillando.)
    • The moon looks beautiful tonight.
      (La luna se ve hermosa esta noche.)

    ✅ 4. Con sustantivos que representan una categoría entera

    • The lion is a strong animal.
      (El león es un animal fuerte.)
      (Hablamos de todos los leones, no de uno en específico.)

    ✅ 5. Con nombres de lugares específicos

    📌 Solo con ciertos lugares geográficos o instituciones.

    • The United States
    • The Amazon River
    • The Eiffel Tower
    • The bank near my house

    ✅ 6. Con superlativos

    📌 Cuando usamos “el más”, “la más”, etc.

    • The best player
    • The most beautiful city
    • The worst experience

    ✅ 7. Con grupos musicales, diarios, océanos, cadenas montañosas

    • The Beatles
    • The New York Times
    • The Pacific Ocean
    • The Andes Mountains

    ❌ Cuándo no usar “the”

    ❗ Hay momentos donde “the” no se usa, y eso lo veremos más adelante en la sección de errores comunes y puntos clave.

    📚 Reglas gramaticales del artículo definido “the” en inglés

    El artículo definido “the” tiene reglas claras que te ayudarán a saber cuándo usarlo correctamente. Aunque solo hay una forma (no cambia por género ni número), su uso depende del contexto y del tipo de sustantivo que lo acompaña.

    Aquí te explico las principales reglas que debes conocer:

    ✅ 1. “The” se usa con sustantivos singulares y plurales

    • The apple is red. (La manzana es roja.)
    • The apples are red. (Las manzanas son rojas.)

    ✅ 2. Se usa cuando el sustantivo ya ha sido mencionado antes

    • I saw a bird. The bird was blue.
      (Vi un pájaro. El pájaro era azul.)

    ✅ 3. Se usa cuando el oyente sabe de qué se habla

    • Close the window, please.
      (Cierra la ventana, por favor.)

    ✅ 4. Se usa con cosas únicas en el mundo

    • The sun, the moon, the earth, the sky
      (El sol, la luna, la tierra, el cielo)

    ✅ 5. Se usa con nombres geográficos específicos

    • Océanos: the Pacific Ocean
    • Ríos: the Nile
    • Cordilleras: the Andes
    • Desiertos: the Sahara
    • Islas en grupo: the Philippines

    ❌ 6. No se usa con nombres de personas o ciudades

    • I met John. ❌ no the John
    • She lives in Paris. ❌ no the Paris

    ✅ 7. Se usa con instrumentos musicales

    • She plays the piano.
    • He is learning the guitar.

    ✅ 8. Se usa con superlativos y secuencias

    • The best movie
    • The first time
    • The last train

    ✅ 9. Se usa con adjetivos para hablar de grupos

    • The rich, the poor, the old, the young
      (Los ricos, los pobres, los viejos, los jóvenes)

    ❌ 10. No se usa con sustantivos incontables cuando se habla en general

    • Sugar is sweet. ❌ no the sugar (en general)
    • Pero: The sugar on the table is brown. ✅ (específico)

    ✅ 11. Se usa con fechas importantes y períodos históricos

    • The 21st century, The Middle Ages, The Renaissance

    📌 Regla clave para recordar:

    Usa “the” cuando tú y la otra persona saben exactamente de qué cosa estás hablando.

    ⚠️ Cosas que debes tener en cuenta sobre el uso de “the” en inglés

    Aunque el uso del artículo “the” parece sencillo, hay varios detalles que pueden resultar tricky (complicados o confusos). Aquí te explico los más importantes para evitar errores y sonar más natural en inglés.

    ❗ 1. No se usa “the” con sustantivos en general (cuando hablamos en términos generales)

    • ❌ The dogs are friendly animals.
    • ✅ Dogs are friendly animals.
      (Los perros son animales amigables.)

    🧠 Si estás hablando de una categoría en general, no uses “the”.

    ❗ 2. No se usa con nombres propios

    • ❌ The Maria is my friend.
    • ✅ Maria is my friend.

    Solo usamos “the” con nombres propios si forman parte de una institución, lugar, familia real o título:

    • ✅ The United Nations, The Queen, The Simpsons

    ❗ 3. No se usa con idiomas o materias escolares

    • ❌ The English is easy.
    • ✅ English is easy.
      (El inglés es fácil.)

    ❗ 4. Algunas palabras cambian de significado con “the”

    • School
      • ✅ She goes to school. (Como estudiante → general)
      • ✅ She is at the school. (Lugar específico → edificio)
    • Hospital
      • ✅ He is in hospital. (Como paciente)
      • ✅ He is in the hospital. (Visitando o trabajando)

    ❗ 5. Uso con adjetivos + sustantivos

    • ✅ The red car is mine.
      (El coche rojo es mío.)

    Si el adjetivo califica a un objeto específico, usamos “the”

    ❗ 6. Uso con días y partes del día

    • ✅ I will see you on Monday. (Sin “the”)
    • ✅ The Monday meeting was canceled. (Con “the” si es específico)
    • ✅ The morning was cold.
      (La mañana estaba fría.)

    ❗ 7. Algunas expresiones no llevan “the”

    Aprende estas expresiones que nunca usan “the”:

    • ✅ Go to school
    • ✅ Go to bed
    • ✅ Go to work
    • ✅ At home
    • ✅ By car / by bus

    Pero sí:

    • ✅ The school is closed today. (específica)
    • ✅ The bed is comfortable.

    ❗ 8. Con apellidos y títulos

    • ✅ The Smiths live next door.
      (Los Smith viven al lado.)
    • ✅ The President will speak today.
      (El Presidente hablará hoy.)

    ✅ Consejo final:

    Si puedes responder a la pregunta “¿Cuál?” o “¿Cuál de todos?”, probablemente necesitas usar “the”.

    ❌ Errores comunes con “the” y cómo evitarlos

    Aquí tienes una lista de los errores más típicos al usar el artículo definido “the”, junto con ejemplos y consejos para corregirlos. ¡Presta atención para no caer en estos errores!

    ❌ 1. Usar “the” cuando no se necesita (al hablar en general)

    • ❌ The water is important for health.
    • ✅ Water is important for health.
      (El agua es importante para la salud.)

    Cuando hablas de algo en general (no específico), no se usa “the”.

    ❌ 2. No usar “the” cuando sí se necesita (objeto ya conocido)

    • ❌ I saw cat outside.
    • ✅ I saw the cat outside.
      (Vi al gato afuera.)

    Si ya sabes de qué gato estás hablando, usa “the”.

    ❌ 3. Usar “the” con nombres de personas

    • ❌ The John is my brother.
    • ✅ John is my brother.

    Solo se usa “the” con nombres de personas en casos especiales (títulos o grupos familiares):

    • ✅ The Queen, The Smiths

    ❌ 4. Usar “the” con nombres de países incorrectamente

    • ❌ The Spain is beautiful.
    • ✅ Spain is beautiful.

    ✅ Solo se usa “the” con nombres de países que incluyen palabras como Kingdom, States, Republic o si son plurales:

    • The United States, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom

    ❌ 5. Olvidar “the” con nombres de océanos, ríos o montañas

    • ❌ Amazon is a big river.
    • ✅ The Amazon is a big river.

    Para océanos, ríos, cordilleras e islas, usa siempre “the”

    ❌ 6. Usar “the” con idiomas innecesariamente

    • ❌ The English is interesting.
    • ✅ English is interesting.

    Los idiomas no llevan “the” cuando se habla de ellos en general.

    ❌ 7. Usar “the” con comidas en general

    • ❌ The pizza is delicious food.
    • ✅ Pizza is delicious food.

    ✅ Pero:

    • The pizza we ordered was cold. (→ específica)

    ❌ 8. Olvidar “the” con superlativos

    • ❌ She is best student in class.
    • ✅ She is the best student in the class.

    Siempre usa “the” con los superlativos: the best, the most beautiful, etc.

    ❌ 9. Usar “the” en expresiones comunes incorrectamente

    • ❌ Go to the school every day.
    • ✅ Go to school every day.

    ✅ Pero si es un edificio específico:

    • I went to the school to speak with the principal.

    ❌ 10. Traducir literalmente desde el español

    • ❌ The love is beautiful.
    • ✅ Love is beautiful.
      (El amor es hermoso.)

    No siempre se traduce el “el/la” del español con “the” en inglés.

    ✅ Consejos para evitar errores:

    • Piensa: “¿Estoy hablando de algo específico?” → Usa “the”.
    • Si es algo general, no uses “the”.
    • Aprende las expresiones fijas que no llevan “the”.
    • Presta atención al contexto. ¡Es clave!

    ✨ 20 Ejemplos con el artículo definido “the”

    1. The sun is shining today.
      El sol brilla hoy.
    2. I saw the movie you recommended.
      Vi la película que me recomendaste.
    3. The apples on the table are fresh.
      Las manzanas sobre la mesa están frescas.
    4. The girl in the red dress is my cousin.
      La chica del vestido rojo es mi prima.
    5. He plays the guitar very well.
      Él toca la guitarra muy bien.
    6. The teacher gave us homework.
      La maestra nos dio tarea.
    7. We visited the Eiffel Tower last summer.
      Visitamos la Torre Eiffel el verano pasado.
    8. The water in this lake is very cold.
      El agua de este lago está muy fría.
    9. I left my phone on the sofa.
      Dejé mi teléfono en el sofá.
    10. The dogs in the park are barking a lot.
      Los perros del parque están ladrando mucho.
    11. The Queen lives in a beautiful palace.
      La Reina vive en un hermoso palacio.
    12. He is the best student in the class.
      Él es el mejor estudiante de la clase.
    13. Did you lock the door before leaving?
      ¿Cerraste la puerta con llave antes de salir?
    14. The book you lent me is very interesting.
      El libro que me prestaste es muy interesante.
    15. They watched the sunset together.
      Vieron el atardecer juntos.
    16. She works at the hospital near the station.
      Ella trabaja en el hospital cerca de la estación.
    17. The United States is a large country.
      Los Estados Unidos es un país grande.
    18. The coffee you made smells amazing.
      El café que hiciste huele increíble.
    19. I don’t like the noise from the street.
      No me gusta el ruido de la calle.
    20. The children are playing in the garden.
      Los niños están jugando en el jardín.

    📝 Ejercicio: Completa con “the” donde sea necesario

    1. I saw ___ (dog) you were talking about.
    2. She is ___ (best) student in the class.
    3. ___ (moon) looks beautiful tonight.
    4. We went to ___ (cinema) last weekend.
    5. He left his bag on ___ (chair).
    6. My father works at ___ (hospital) near our house.
    7. Did you see ___ (keys) I left on the table?
    8. ___ (Mount Everest) is the highest mountain in the world.
    9. They are watching ___ (news) on TV.
    10. I want to visit ___ (Eiffel Tower) someday.
    11. ___ (children) are playing outside.
    12. I don’t understand ___ (question) the teacher asked.
    13. She gave me ___ (apple) from the kitchen.
    14. ___ (sun) rises in the east.
    15. He is learning ___ (piano).
    16. We had lunch at ___ (restaurant) near the park.
    17. ___ (Amazon) is a very long river.
    18. I like ___ (blue shirt) you’re wearing.
    19. He forgot to close ___ (window).
    20. She lives in ___ (United States).

    ✅ Respuestas del ejercicio: Oraciones completas

    1. I saw the dog you were talking about.
      Vi al perro del que estabas hablando.
    2. She is the best student in the class.
      Ella es la mejor estudiante de la clase.
    3. The moon looks beautiful tonight.
      La luna se ve hermosa esta noche.
    4. We went to the cinema last weekend.
      Fuimos al cine el fin de semana pasado.
    5. He left his bag on the chair.
      Dejó su bolso en la silla.
    6. My father works at the hospital near our house.
      Mi padre trabaja en el hospital cerca de nuestra casa.
    7. Did you see the keys I left on the table?
      ¿Viste las llaves que dejé sobre la mesa?
    8. The Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
      El Monte Everest es la montaña más alta del mundo.
    9. They are watching the news on TV.
      Están viendo las noticias en la televisión.
    10. I want to visit the Eiffel Tower someday.
      Quiero visitar la Torre Eiffel algún día.
    11. The children are playing outside.
      Los niños están jugando afuera.
    12. I don’t understand the question the teacher asked.
      No entiendo la pregunta que hizo la maestra.
    13. She gave me the apple from the kitchen.
      Ella me dio la manzana de la cocina.
    14. The sun rises in the east.
      El sol sale por el este.
    15. He is learning the piano.
      Él está aprendiendo a tocar el piano.
    16. We had lunch at the restaurant near the park.
      Almorzamos en el restaurante cerca del parque.
    17. The Amazon is a very long river.
      El Amazonas es un río muy largo.
    18. I like the blue shirt you’re wearing.
      Me gusta la camisa azul que llevas puesta.
    19. He forgot to close the window.
      Se olvidó de cerrar la ventana.
    20. She lives in the United States.
      Ella vive en los Estados Unidos.

    ✅ Resumen: Uso del artículo definido “the”

    • Uso de “the”:
      • Se usa para hablar de algo específico o conocido.
      • Se usa con sustantivos únicos o que se pueden identificar fácilmente (Ej. the sun, the moon).
      • Se usa con lugares, instituciones, edificios y grupos conocidos (Ej. the hospital, the Queen).
      • Con superlativos (Ej. the best, the tallest).
    • No usar “the”:
      • Con sustantivos generales (Ej. Dogs are friendly → Los perros son amigables).
      • Con nombres propios de personas, lugares o instituciones (Ej. Maria is my friend).
      • Con idiomas o materias escolares (Ej. English is easy).
      • Con comidas en general (Ej. I love pizza).
    • Excepciones:
      • Se usa con nombres de ríos, océanos, montañas e islas (Ej. the Amazon, the Pacific Ocean).
      • Con nombres de países solo si incluyen palabras como Kingdom, Republic, o son plurales (Ej. the United States, the Netherlands).
      • Usamos “the” en expresiones como the teacher, the children cuando hablamos de algo específico o conocido.
    • Errores comunes a evitar:
      • No usar “the” cuando estamos hablando de algo general (Ej. The dogs are friendly → Incorrecto).
      • Usar “the” con nombres propios de personas (Ej. The Maria is my friend → Incorrecto).
      • Olvidar “the” con cosas únicas y conocidas (Ej. I saw the cat → Correcto).

    ¡Y eso es todo! Ahora tienes una comprensión clara y rápida sobre el uso del artículo definido “the”. Si tienes alguna duda o quieres practicar más, ¡siempre puedes regresar a este blog y a los ejercicios!

    📢 Conclusión:

    El artículo “the” es fundamental para expresar ideas en inglés de manera precisa y clara. Conocer cuándo usarlo y cuándo no, te ayudará a mejorar tu fluidez y comprensión del idioma. Si te ha gustado este contenido, no olvides seguirme en mis redes sociales, suscribirte a mi blog y compartir este artículo con otros estudiantes de inglés. ¡Nos vemos en el próximo post!

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    Pronombres personales en inglés: Guía completa y fácil para aprender los subject pronouns con ejemplos
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  • Mastering 〜によって in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Mastering 〜によって in Japanese | My Language Classes

    How to Use 〜によって in Japanese

    Are you wondering what the phrase 「〜によって」 really means in Japanese? Have you come across it in books, anime, or conversations and felt unsure about how to use it? It is a must-know grammar pattern for JLPT N3–N2 learners and worth knowing even at N4 level. Don’t worry—you’re in the right place!

    In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into one of the most versatile grammar points in Japanese: 〜によって. This powerful expression can help you talk about causes, methods, agents of actions, and even how things can differ depending on the situation.

    Understanding how and when to use 〜によって can greatly improve your Japanese fluency, especially in written and formal contexts. Whether you’re a beginner trying to build strong grammar foundations or an advanced learner polishing your skills, this guide is built for you.

    Educational graphic explaining the Japanese grammar point 〜によって. It includes three example sentences showing passive usage: (1) The accident was caused by the driver. (2) The song was composed by a famous composer. (3) This building was built during the Edo period. Each example includes the sentence in Japanese, romaji, and English translation. The title reads 'Usage of 〜によって' and the image is branded with 'My Language Classes' at the bottom.

    By the end of this post, you’ll be able to confidently:

    • Use 〜によって in real-life sentences.
    • Avoid common mistakes.
    • Understand all the grammar rules and exceptions around this phrase.
    • Practice what you’ve learned with fun and clear exercises.

    Let’s get started!

    📚 Common Expressions with 〜によって

    The grammar structure 〜によって is one of those multi-purpose tools in Japanese that pops up in many useful expressions. It often appears in formal speech, writing, news reports, and business contexts, but you’ll also find it in everyday Japanese, depending on the situation.

    Here are some of the most common and useful expressions with 〜によって:

    🔹 Basic Patterns and Expressions

    ExpressionMeaningExample
    〜によってdepending on / due to / by means of状況によって対応が変わる。
    Joukyou ni yotte taiou ga kawaru.
    → The response changes depending on the situation.
    〜によってはin some cases / depending on人によっては考え方が違う。
    Hito ni yotte wa kangaekata ga chigau.
    → Some people think differently.
    〜による + nouncaused by / due to / related to台風による被害が大きい。
    Taifuu ni yoru higai ga ookii.
    → The damage caused by the typhoon is severe.
    〜によって決まるdecided by / determined by成功は努力によって決まる。
    Seikou wa doryoku ni yotte kimaru.
    → Success is determined by effort.
    〜によって異なるdiffer depending on国によって文化が異なる。
    Kuni ni yotte bunka ga kotonaru.
    → Cultures differ depending on the country.
    〜によっては〜こともあるthere are cases where…日によっては開いていないこともある。
    Hi ni yotte wa aiteinai koto mo aru.
    → There are days when it’s not open.

    🔸 Real-Life Scenarios

    Here are a few real-life contexts where these expressions show up:

    • News headlines: 地震による被害 (Damage caused by the earthquake)
    • Formal reports: 研究によって証明された (Proven through research)
    • Daily conversation: 人によってはそれを好まない (Some people don’t like that)

    Using these expressions will help you sound more natural and advanced in Japanese, especially when talking about cause and effect, change, or variation.

    🧭 Usage: When to Use 〜によって in Japanese Sentences

    The phrase 〜によって might look simple at first glance, but it plays many important roles in Japanese. It’s mainly used to express the agent, cause, means, method, basis, or dependence. Below are the main situations where you should use 〜によって, each explained with clear examples and meanings.

    1. ✅ To Show the Agent of an Action (Usually in passive voice)

    Used when someone does something, especially in passive sentences.

    🟩 Example:
    この本は有名な作家によって書かれました。
    Kono hon wa yuumei na sakka ni yotte kakaremashita.
    → This book was written by a famous author.

    2. ✅ To Indicate the Cause or Reason

    Used to say something happened due to or because of something.

    🟩 Example:
    地震によって建物が壊れた。
    Jishin ni yotte tatemono ga kowareta.
    → The building was destroyed due to the earthquake.

    3. ✅ To Show the Means or Method

    Used when something is done by using a method, tool, or system.

    🟩 Example:
    インターネットによって情報を得る。
    Intānetto ni yotte jouhou o eru.
    → Get information through the internet.

    4. ✅ To Express Dependence or Variation

    Used to say something depends on something else or varies based on the situation.

    🟩 Example:
    人によって意見が違う。
    Hito ni yotte iken ga chigau.
    → Opinions differ depending on the person.

    5. ✅ To Introduce a Basis for Judgment or Evaluation

    Used to express what something is judged or decided by.

    🟩 Example:
    成績によってクラスが決まる。
    Seiseki ni yotte kurasu ga kimaru.
    → The class is decided based on grades.

    6. ✅ To Emphasize Change Depending on Situation

    Used with expressions like によっては to show that something may or may not happen depending on the case.

    🟩 Example:
    場合によっては中止することもあります。
    Baai ni yotte wa chuushi suru koto mo arimasu.
    → We may cancel it depending on the case.

    📝 Quick Recap — You can use 〜によって to:

    • Show who did something (agent)
    • Explain why something happened (cause)
    • Describe how something was done (method)
    • Show differences or variations
    • Talk about rules and decisions based on something
    • Express cases where outcomes may change

    🔄 Conjugation of 〜によって with Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives

    The structure 〜によって is quite straightforward to use in terms of conjugation. Since によって attaches to nouns, your focus should be on how to turn verbs and adjectives into noun-like forms so that they can be used with this grammar.

    Here’s a clear breakdown of how to use 〜によって with different parts of speech:

    🟢 1. Verbs (All types)

    Verbs need to be converted into their noun (plain) form, also known as the dictionary form, or the -masu stem, depending on the meaning.

    a) Passive form + によって (To show the agent)

    This is the most common pattern when you want to show who did an action.

    🔹 Example (Group 1 Verb – 書く / kaku):
    この詩は先生によって書かれました。
    Kono shi wa sensei ni yotte kakaremashita.
    → This poem was written by the teacher.

    🔹 Example (Group 2 Verb – 食べる / taberu):
    料理は母によって作られた。
    Ryouri wa haha ni yotte tsukurareta.
    → The food was made by my mother.

    🔹 Example (Irregular Verb – する / suru):
    計画は会社によって実行された。
    Keikaku wa kaisha ni yotte jikkou sareta.
    → The plan was carried out by the company.

    🔵 2. Nouns + によって

    This is the default and easiest usage. Just add によって directly after a noun.

    🔹 Example:
    法律によって決まっています。
    Houritsu ni yotte kimatte imasu.
    → It is decided by law.

    🟣 3. い-Adjectives

    い-adjectives are rarely used directly with によって. Instead, use a noun-based sentence or restructure to fit the expression.

    🔹 Example (rephrased as noun):
    その人の優しさ****によって助けられた。
    Sono hito no yasashisa ni yotte tasukerareta.
    → I was saved because of that person’s kindness.

    🟠 4. な-Adjectives

    Just like い-adjectives, you should nominalize the adjective by adding 〜さ or use a related noun.

    🔹 Example:
    彼の真面目さ****によって信頼された。
    Kare no majimesa ni yotte shinrai sareta.
    → He was trusted because of his seriousness.

    ✨ Bonus Tip: よって vs. によって

    • によって is more standard and formal.
    • よって is a more literary or written form, often used in official documents.

    🔹 Example:
    この規則は校長の命令によって変更された。
    Kono kisoku wa kouchou no meirei ni yotte henkou sareta.
    → This rule was changed by the principal’s order.

    📏 Grammar Rules for Using 〜によって in Japanese

    Understanding the grammar rules behind 〜によって will help you use it with accuracy and confidence. While the phrase may seem simple, there are important nuances that determine when and how it’s used.

    Here are the most important grammar rules to keep in mind:

    ✅ Rule 1: によって Must Attach to a Noun

    The phrase によって always connects directly to a noun. If you’re using a verb or adjective, you need to nominalize it first (turn it into a noun form).

    🔹 Example:
    努力によって成功した。
    Doryoku ni yotte seikou shita.
    → Succeeded through effort.

    ✅ Rule 2: Often Paired with Passive Sentences (〜られる form)

    When expressing the agent (doer) of an action, 〜によって is used with passive voice.

    🔹 Example:
    この映画は有名な監督によって作られた。
    Kono eiga wa yuumei na kantoku ni yotte tsukurareta.
    → This movie was made by a famous director.

    ✅ Rule 3: によって Has Multiple Meanings Based on Context

    The exact meaning of 〜によって changes depending on the context:

    • Cause or reason → “because of”
    • Method or means → “by means of”
    • Agent → “by (someone)”
    • Basis → “based on”
    • Variation or dependency → “depending on”

    Always read the full sentence to decide how to translate and interpret it.

    🔹 Example:
    天気によって服を変える。
    Tenki ni yotte fuku o kaeru.
    → I change clothes depending on the weather.

    ✅ Rule 4: によって is a Formal Expression

    This structure is more common in formal, written, or academic settings. In casual conversation, Japanese speakers may use simpler expressions like:

    • 〜で (by/with)
    • 〜から (from)
    • 〜に (to/for)

    But for clear, formal writing or polite conversation, によって is preferred.

    🔹 Casual: 電話で連絡する。
    🔹 Formal: 電話によって連絡する。

    ✅ Rule 5: によっては (によって + は)

    The phrase によっては introduces specific examples or exceptions and is often followed by 〜こともある, showing possible variations or special cases.

    🔹 Example:
    人によっては納豆が好きじゃない。
    Hito ni yotte wa nattou ga suki janai.
    → Some people don’t like natto.

    ✅ Rule 6: による + Noun (Attributive Use)

    When modifying a noun, change によって to による. It works like an adjective or descriptor.

    🔹 Example:
    地震による遅れ
    Jishin ni yoru okure
    → Delay due to the earthquake

    ✨ Helpful Grammar Pattern Summary:

    PatternMeaningExample
    Noun + によってBy / Due to / Depending on雨によって試合が中止された。
    Noun + によってはIn some cases / Depending on店によっては安く買える。
    Noun + による + Noun(Attributive)台風による停電があった。

    ⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind When Using 〜によって

    While 〜によって is a highly useful and flexible grammar structure in Japanese, it’s also easy to misunderstand or use incorrectly—especially for learners. Here are some common pitfalls, nuances, and exceptions you should remember to keep your Japanese natural and accurate.

    🔍 1. Don’t Confuse によって with に or で

    These particles can sometimes look similar in meaning, but they’re not always interchangeable.

    ExpressionMeaningExample
    によってBy means of / depending on / caused byインターネットによって調べた。
    → I researched through the internet.
    にIndicates direction or goalインターネットにつながる。
    → Connect to the internet.
    でIndicates the place or tool of actionインターネットで調べた。
    → I searched on the internet.

    ✅ Tip:

    • Use によって when you’re talking about how or why something happens.
    • Use で when you mean where or with what something is done.
    • Use に when you talk about destination or targets.

    🚫 2. によって is Rare in Casual Daily Conversation

    While correct, using によって in everyday speech might sound overly formal or unnatural in casual talk.

    ✅ Use in:

    • Essays
    • Reports
    • News
    • Presentations

    ❌ Avoid in:

    • Text messages
    • Friendly chats
    • Daily life talks (unless you’re going for a formal tone)

    🤔 3. “による” Sounds Fancy—Use It with Nouns

    When you use による + noun, you’re linking the cause or method as a descriptor.

    🟩 Example:
    事故による遅延
    Jiko ni yoru chien
    → Delay caused by an accident

    Be careful not to confuse this with a simple sentence using によって. The difference is:

    • によって = acts as a phrase in the sentence.
    • による = modifies a noun (like an adjective).

    🔁 4. によっては Implies Variation or Exceptions

    If you’re talking about things that differ or vary depending on the situation, use によっては.

    🟩 Example:
    天気によってはキャンセルになるかもしれない。
    Tenki ni yotte wa kyanseru ni naru kamo shirenai.
    → Depending on the weather, it might be canceled.

    ⚠️ Don’t use によって alone in these cases—you need the は to highlight the specific situation.

    ❗ 5. によって Can Have Multiple Meanings in the Same Sentence

    This is rare but important. Sometimes, one sentence can suggest more than one meaning, so read carefully or provide enough context.

    🟩 Example:
    彼は努力によって先生によって選ばれた。
    Kare wa doryoku ni yotte sensei ni yotte erabareta.
    → He was chosen because of his effort and by the teacher.

    ✍️ 6. Nominalization is Key with Verbs and Adjectives

    To use によって correctly, verbs and adjectives must be turned into noun forms.

    • 助ける → 助け（help）
    • 優しい → 優しさ（kindness）

    🟩 Example:
    彼の優しさによって、私は救われた。
    Kare no yasashisa ni yotte, watashi wa sukuwareta.
    → I was saved by his kindness.

    🚫 Common Mistakes with 〜によって and How to Avoid Them

    Many learners misuse 〜によって because of its formal tone and multiple meanings. Let’s clear up the confusion with real examples, and teach you how to stay on track.

    ❌ Mistake 1: Using によって in Casual Speech

    Why it’s wrong:
    〜によって is too formal for most casual conversations. Using it in everyday speech can sound robotic or unnatural.

    Wrong:
    昨日、彼によって来たよ。
    Kinou, kare ni yotte kita yo.
    (Too stiff and unnatural)

    ✅ Correct Casual Version:
    昨日、彼が来たよ。
    Kinou, kare ga kita yo.
    → He came yesterday.

    How to avoid it:
    Use によって for writing, presentations, or formal settings. Use が, で, or から in speech.

    ❌ Mistake 2: Forgetting Passive Form in Agent Sentences

    Why it’s wrong:
    When you use 〜によって to show who did something, the verb must be in passive form.

    Wrong:
    この本は先生によって書く。
    Kono hon wa sensei ni yotte kaku.
    (Grammatically incorrect)

    ✅ Correct:
    この本は先生によって書かれた。
    Kono hon wa sensei ni yotte kakareta.
    → This book was written by the teacher.

    How to avoid it:
    Check if your verb should be in the passive (〜られる) form when using によって to show “by someone.”

    ❌ Mistake 3: Mixing Up によって and で or に

    Why it’s wrong:
    While they might seem similar, these particles have different roles in a sentence.

    Wrong:
    私は電車によって行った。
    Watashi wa densha ni yotte itta.
    (Awkward and unnatural)

    ✅ Correct:
    私は電車で行った。
    Watashi wa densha de itta.
    → I went by train.

    How to avoid it:
    Use で when you’re talking about transportation or tools in daily speech. Use によって in more formal writing.

    ❌ Mistake 4: Using によって Without Context

    Why it’s wrong:
    Sometimes learners add によって without clearly showing what it refers to, making the sentence confusing.

    Wrong:
    結果が変わったによって。
    Kekka ga kawatta ni yotte.
    (Sentence structure is broken)

    ✅ Correct:
    天気によって結果が変わった。
    Tenki ni yotte kekka ga kawatta.
    → The result changed depending on the weather.

    How to avoid it:
    Always make sure that によって is connected to a clear noun that gives context.

    ❌ Mistake 5: Forgetting to Use よる When Modifying a Noun

    Why it’s wrong:
    When using によって directly before a noun, you should change it to による.

    Wrong:
    地震によって被害
    Jishin ni yotte higai
    (Sounds like a sentence, not a phrase)

    ✅ Correct:
    地震による被害
    Jishin ni yoru higai
    → Damage caused by the earthquake

    How to avoid it:
    Use による + noun when you want to say “___-related” or “caused by ___”.

    ❌ Mistake 6: Using によっては Without ～こともある or Similar Ending

    Why it’s wrong:
    によっては is used to show variation or exceptions, but you need to follow it with a phrase that shows possibility.

    Wrong:
    人によっては。
    Hito ni yotte wa.
    (Feels incomplete)

    ✅ Correct:
    人によっては考え方が違うこともある。
    Hito ni yotte wa kangaekata ga chigau koto mo aru.
    → Depending on the person, ways of thinking can differ.

    How to avoid it:
    When using によっては, follow up with something like:

    • ～こともある
    • ～場合もある
    • ～可能性がある

    📚 Example Sentences Using 〜によって

    1. この建物は有名な建築家によって設計されました。
      (Kono tatemono wa yuumei na kenchikuka ni yotte sekkei saremashita.)
      → This building was designed by a famous architect.
    2. 努力によって夢を叶えることができる。
      (Doryoku ni yotte yume o kanaeru koto ga dekiru.)
      → You can achieve your dreams through effort.
    3. この薬は年齢によって効果が変わります。
      (Kono kusuri wa nenrei ni yotte kouka ga kawarimasu.)
      → The effect of this medicine changes depending on age.
    4. 先生によって授業の進め方が違う。
      (Sensei ni yotte jugyou no susumekata ga chigau.)
      → The way classes are taught differs depending on the teacher.
    5. 台風によって試合が中止された。
      (Taifuu ni yotte shiai ga chuushi sareta.)
      → The match was canceled due to the typhoon.
    6. 新しい技術によって生産性が上がった。
      (Atarashii gijutsu ni yotte seisansei ga agatta.)
      → Productivity improved thanks to new technology.
    7. この詩は学生によって書かれた。
      (Kono shi wa gakusei ni yotte kakareta.)
      → This poem was written by a student.
    8. 文化によって考え方は大きく異なる。
      (Bunka ni yotte kangaekata wa ookiku kotonaru.)
      → Ways of thinking vary greatly depending on culture.
    9. 人によって好みが違います。
      (Hito ni yotte konomi ga chigaimasu.)
      → Preferences differ from person to person.
    10. この仕事はAIによって代替される可能性がある。
      (Kono shigoto wa AI ni yotte daitai sareru kanousei ga aru.)
      → This job may be replaced by AI.
    11. 結果は練習によって変わる。
      (Kekka wa renshuu ni yotte kawaru.)
      → Results change based on practice.
    12. 都市によって生活費が異なる。
      (Toshi ni yotte seikatsuhi ga kotonaru.)
      → Living costs vary depending on the city.
    13. 事故によって電車が遅れた。
      (Jiko ni yotte densha ga okureta.)
      → The train was delayed due to the accident.
    14. 使用方法によって効果が変わります。
      (Shiyou houhou ni yotte kouka ga kawarimasu.)
      → The effect changes based on how it’s used.
    15. 彼はその発言によって問題を起こした。
      (Kare wa sono hatsugen ni yotte mondai o okoshita.)
      → He caused trouble because of that statement.
    16. 対応はケースによって異なります。
      (Taiou wa keesu ni yotte kotonarimasu.)
      → The response differs depending on the case.
    17. 天気によっては出かけないこともある。
      (Tenki ni yotte wa dekakenai koto mo aru.)
      → I sometimes don’t go out depending on the weather.
    18. 表現によって意味が変わることがある。
      (Hyougen ni yotte imi ga kawaru koto ga aru.)
      → The meaning can change based on the expression.
    19. 地域によって方言が違う。
      (Chiiki ni yotte hougen ga chigau.)
      → Dialects differ by region.
    20. 手段によって結果が大きく変わる。
      (Shudan ni yotte kekka ga ookiku kawaru.)
      → The result can change greatly depending on the method.

    🔁 Translation Exercise: Mastering 〜によって

    A translation exercise is a great way to boost both comprehension and active use of the grammar point 〜によって.

    ✍️ Part 1: Translate the following English sentences into Japanese (using 〜によって)

    1. This painting was created by a child.
    2. The meeting was canceled due to the typhoon.
    3. The result changed depending on the method.
    4. These rules may vary depending on the country.
    5. Many jobs may be replaced by robots.
    6. The city was destroyed by a large earthquake.
    7. His opinion changed due to personal experience.
    8. The taste of the dish changes based on the ingredients.
    9. The book was written by a famous professor.
    10. The mood of the room shifted because of her words.

    ✍️ Part 2: Translate the following Japanese sentences into English

    1. この絵は学生によって描かれました。
      (Kono e wa gakusei ni yotte kakaremashita.)
    2. 天候によってイベントが中止されました。
      (Tenkou ni yotte ibento ga chuushi saremashita.)
    3. 地域によって言葉が異なります。
      (Chiiki ni yotte kotoba ga kotonarimasu.)
    4. 事故によって道路が混んでいます。
      (Jiko ni yotte douro ga kondeimasu.)
    5. その物語は実話によって書かれました。
      (Sono monogatari wa jitsuwa ni yotte kakaremashita.)
    6. 人によって考え方が違います。
      (Hito ni yotte kangaekata ga chigaimasu.)
    7. この映画は実際の事件によって作られました。
      (Kono eiga wa jissai no jiken ni yotte tsukuraremashita.)
    8. 練習によって技術が上達します。
      (Renshuu ni yotte gijutsu ga joutatsu shimasu.)
    9. 時間によって混雑の程度が変わります。
      (Jikan ni yotte konzatsu no teido ga kawarimasu.)
    10. このレポートは調査結果によってまとめられました。
      (Kono repooto wa chousa kekka ni yotte matomeraremashita.)

    ✅ Answer Key: Translation Exercise for 〜によって

    Here’s the full Answer Key to the translation exercise, with clear and accurate translations for all 20 questions — including romaji and natural English expressions.

    🗣️ Part 1: English ➡️ Japanese

    1. This painting was created by a child.
      この絵は子供によって作られました。
      (Kono e wa kodomo ni yotte tsukuraremashita.)
    2. The meeting was canceled due to the typhoon.
      台風によって会議は中止されました。
      (Taifuu ni yotte kaigi wa chuushi saremashita.)
    3. The result changed depending on the method.
      方法によって結果が変わりました。
      (Houhou ni yotte kekka ga kawarimashita.)
    4. These rules may vary depending on the country.
      これらのルールは国によって異なる場合があります。
      (Korera no ruuru wa kuni ni yotte kotonaru baai ga arimasu.)
    5. Many jobs may be replaced by robots.
      多くの仕事はロボットによって代替されるかもしれません。
      (Ooku no shigoto wa robotto ni yotte daitai sareru kamoshiremasen.)
    6. The city was destroyed by a large earthquake.
      その都市は大きな地震によって壊滅しました。
      (Sono toshi wa ookina jishin ni yotte kaimetsu shimashita.)
    7. His opinion changed due to personal experience.
      個人的な経験によって彼の意見が変わりました。
      (Kojinteki na keiken ni yotte kare noiken ga kawarimashita.)
    8. The taste of the dish changes based on the ingredients.
      料理の味は材料によって変わります。
      (Ryouri no aji wa zairyou ni yotte kawarimasu.)
    9. The book was written by a famous professor.
      その本は有名な教授によって書かれました。
      (Sono hon wa yuumei na kyouju ni yotte kakaremashita.)
    10. The mood of the room shifted because of her words.
      彼女の言葉によって部屋の雰囲気が変わりました。
      (Kanojo no kotoba ni yotte heya no fun’iki ga kawarimashita.)

    🗣️ Part 2: Japanese ➡️ English

    1. この絵は学生によって描かれました。
      (Kono e wa gakusei ni yotte kakaremashita.)
      → This painting was drawn by a student.
    2. 天候によってイベントが中止されました。
      (Tenkou ni yotte ibento ga chuushi saremashita.)
      → The event was canceled due to the weather.
    3. 地域によって言葉が異なります。
      (Chiiki ni yotte kotoba ga kotonarimasu.)
      → Language differs depending on the region.
    4. 事故によって道路が混んでいます。
      (Jiko ni yotte douro ga kondeimasu.)
      → The road is crowded due to an accident.
    5. その物語は実話によって書かれました。
      (Sono monogatari wa jitsuwa ni yotte kakaremashita.)
      → The story was written based on a true story.
    6. 人によって考え方が違います。
      (Hito ni yotte kangaekata ga chigaimasu.)
      → Ways of thinking differ from person to person.
    7. この映画は実際の事件によって作られました。
      (Kono eiga wa jissai no jiken ni yotte tsukuraremashita.)
      → This movie was made based on a real incident.
    8. 練習によって技術が上達します。
      (Renshuu ni yotte gijutsu ga joutatsu shimasu.)
      → Skills improve through practice.
    9. 時間によって混雑の程度が変わります。
      (Jikan ni yotte konzatsu no teido ga kawarimasu.)
      → The level of crowding changes depending on the time.
    10. このレポートは調査結果によってまとめられました。
      (Kono repooto wa chousa kekka ni yotte matomeraremashita.)
      → This report was compiled based on the research results.

    ✅ Summary: Key Takeaways about 〜によって

    • 〜によって is used to express:
      • Agent of an action (usually in passive sentences): “by someone”
      • Cause or reason: “due to / because of”
      • Means or method: “through / by means of”
      • Dependence or variation: “depending on / according to”
    • Follows nouns (no conjugation needed).
    • Can be used with:
      • People or organizations (for passive agents)
      • Events, tools, methods (for cause/method)
      • Abstract factors (like opinions, personalities, time, weather, etc.)
    • Common patterns:
      • ～によって＋passive verb
      • ～によっては (in some cases)
      • ～は～によって違う / 変わる (differs/changes depending on)
    • Tricky points:
      • Often interchangeable with で or から, but more formal and specific
      • Not used with personal actions in casual speech
      • Often seen in written or formal contexts
    • Avoid these mistakes:
      • Using によって with active voice when passive is needed
      • Using it to describe one’s own actions directly
      • Overusing it when simpler alternatives (like で) are more natural

    🏁 Conclusion: Master 〜によって and Boost Your Japanese Fluency!

    Understanding how to use 〜によって can seriously level up your Japanese skills — especially when reading news, listening to formal speech, or expressing cause and effect in writing. This grammar point connects ideas clearly and adds depth to your communication. Whether you’re talking about changes, reasons, or passive actions, mastering 〜によって will help you speak with clarity and confidence.

    Keep reviewing, practicing translations, and building your own example sentences. And remember — language learning is a journey, not a race. You’re doing great!

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

  • Entendiendo los sustantivos en inglés | My Language Classes

    Entendiendo los sustantivos en inglés | My Language Classes

    Todo sobre los sustantivos en inglés: Tipos, reglas y ejemplos para aprender fácilmente

    Los sustantivos son una parte fundamental del idioma inglés. Son las palabras que usamos para nombrar personas, lugares, cosas e ideas. Sin ellos, sería imposible construir oraciones con sentido.

    Si estás aprendiendo inglés, entender qué son los sustantivos y cómo usarlos correctamente te ayudará a mejorar tu gramática y comunicación. En este artículo, exploraremos qué es un sustantivo, los diferentes tipos que existen, las reglas gramaticales más importantes, errores comunes y cómo evitarlos. Además, encontrarás ejemplos prácticos y ejercicios para reforzar tu aprendizaje.

    Al final de este artículo, tendrás una comprensión clara de los sustantivos en inglés y podrás usarlos correctamente en tus conversaciones y escritos. ¡Comencemos!

    ¿Qué es un sustantivo?

    Un sustantivo (noun en inglés) es una palabra que nombra a una persona, un lugar, una cosa o una idea. Es uno de los elementos más importantes en la construcción de oraciones en inglés, ya que nos permite identificar y referirnos a todo lo que nos rodea.

    Ejemplos de sustantivos en inglés

    Para entender mejor qué es un sustantivo, veamos algunos ejemplos:

    🔹 Personas (People):

    • Teacher (maestro)
    • Doctor (doctor)
    • Anna (Ana)

    🔹 Lugares (Places):

    • School (escuela)
    • London (Londres)
    • Park (parque)

    🔹 Cosas (Things):

    • Book (libro)
    • Table (mesa)
    • Phone (teléfono)

    🔹 Ideas o conceptos abstractos (Ideas/Abstract Concepts):

    • Love (amor)
    • Happiness (felicidad)
    • Freedom (libertad)

    Ejemplo de sustantivos en una oración

    Observemos cómo los sustantivos aparecen en diferentes oraciones:

    ✔ The teacher is in the school. (El maestro está en la escuela.) → Teacher y school son sustantivos.
    ✔ I love reading books. (Me encanta leer libros.) → Books es un sustantivo.
    ✔ She feels happiness when she travels. (Ella siente felicidad cuando viaja.) → Happiness es un sustantivo abstracto.

    Los sustantivos pueden desempeñar diferentes funciones en una oración, como ser el sujeto, el objeto o el complemento. A continuación, exploraremos los diferentes tipos de sustantivos en inglés.

    Tipos de sustantivos en inglés

    Los sustantivos en inglés se pueden clasificar en diferentes categorías según su significado y uso en una oración. A continuación, exploraremos los principales tipos de sustantivos con sus definiciones y ejemplos.

    1. Sustantivos comunes y propios (Common and Proper Nouns)

    • Sustantivos comunes (Common nouns): Son aquellos que se refieren a personas, lugares o cosas de manera general. No llevan mayúscula, a menos que estén al inicio de una oración.
      • Ejemplos:
        • City (ciudad)
        • Dog (perro)
        • Car (coche)
    • Sustantivos propios (Proper nouns): Son nombres específicos de personas, lugares o cosas. Siempre comienzan con mayúscula.
      • Ejemplos:
        • London (Londres)
        • Maria (María)
        • Toyota (Toyota)

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ Paris is a beautiful city. (París es una ciudad hermosa.) → Paris es un sustantivo propio y city es un sustantivo común.

    2. Sustantivos contables e incontables (Countable and Uncountable Nouns)

    • Sustantivos contables (Countable nouns): Son aquellos que pueden contarse y tienen forma singular y plural.
      • Ejemplos:
        • Apple – Apples (manzana – manzanas)
        • Chair – Chairs (silla – sillas)
    • Sustantivos incontables (Uncountable nouns): Son aquellos que no se pueden contar individualmente. Generalmente se refieren a sustancias, conceptos o cualidades. No tienen plural.
      • Ejemplos:
        • Water (agua)
        • Milk (leche)
        • Happiness (felicidad)

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ I have three apples, but I don’t have any water. (Tengo tres manzanas, pero no tengo agua.) → Apples es contable, water es incontable.

    3. Sustantivos concretos y abstractos (Concrete and Abstract Nouns)

    • Sustantivos concretos (Concrete nouns): Son aquellos que podemos ver, tocar, oler, escuchar o saborear.
      • Ejemplos:
        • Table (mesa)
        • Dog (perro)
        • Music (música)
    • Sustantivos abstractos (Abstract nouns): Representan ideas, emociones o conceptos que no se pueden percibir con los sentidos físicos.
      • Ejemplos:
        • Love (amor)
        • Success (éxito)
        • Freedom (libertad)

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ Music brings happiness. (La música trae felicidad.) → Music es un sustantivo concreto y happiness es abstracto.

    4. Sustantivos colectivos (Collective Nouns)

    Los sustantivos colectivos se refieren a un grupo de personas, animales o cosas como una sola entidad.

    • Ejemplos:
      • Family (familia)
      • Team (equipo)
      • Class (clase)

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ My family is very big. (Mi familia es muy grande.) → Family es un sustantivo colectivo.

    5. Sustantivos compuestos (Compound Nouns)

    Los sustantivos compuestos están formados por dos o más palabras que juntas crean un nuevo significado.

    • Ejemplos:
      • Toothbrush (cepillo de dientes)
      • Sunglasses (gafas de sol)
      • Football (fútbol)

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ I bought new sunglasses. (Compré nuevas gafas de sol.) → Sunglasses es un sustantivo compuesto.

    Con esta información, ya tienes una base sólida sobre los diferentes tipos de sustantivos en inglés. A continuación, vamos a explorar las reglas gramaticales más importantes que debes conocer para usarlos correctamente.

    Reglas gramaticales de los sustantivos en inglés

    Para usar los sustantivos correctamente en inglés, es importante conocer algunas reglas gramaticales clave. A continuación, te explicamos las más importantes con ejemplos.

    1. Plural de los sustantivos

    En inglés, la mayoría de los sustantivos forman su plural añadiendo -s o -es, pero hay algunas excepciones.

    • Regla general: Añadir -s al final del sustantivo.
      • Car → Cars (coche → coches)
      • Book → Books (libro → libros)
    • Sustantivos terminados en -s, -sh, -ch, -x o -z: Se añade -es.
      • Bus → Buses (autobús → autobuses)
      • Box → Boxes (caja → cajas)
    • Sustantivos terminados en consonante + -y: Se cambia la y por i y se añade -es.
      • City → Cities (ciudad → ciudades)
      • Baby → Babies (bebé → bebés)
    • Sustantivos terminados en vocal + -y: Solo se añade -s.
      • Boy → Boys (niño → niños)
      • Key → Keys (llave → llaves)
    • Sustantivos terminados en -f o -fe: En muchos casos, se cambia f por v y se añade -es.
      • Wolf → Wolves (lobo → lobos)
      • Knife → Knives (cuchillo → cuchillos)
    • Sustantivos irregulares: Algunos sustantivos cambian por completo en plural.
      • Man → Men (hombre → hombres)
      • Child → Children (niño → niños)
      • Foot → Feet (pie → pies)

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ There are two children playing in the park. (Hay dos niños jugando en el parque.)

    2. Uso de los artículos con sustantivos

    En inglés, los sustantivos pueden llevar artículos definidos e indefinidos.

    • “A” y “An” (artículos indefinidos)
      • Se usan con sustantivos contables en singular.
      • “A” se usa antes de palabras que comienzan con sonido consonántico:
        • A dog (un perro)
        • A university (una universidad) (suena como “y”, un sonido consonántico)
      • “An” se usa antes de palabras que comienzan con sonido vocálico:
        • An apple (una manzana)
        • An hour (una hora) (la “h” es muda, por lo que empieza con sonido vocálico)
    • “The” (artículo definido)
      • Se usa con sustantivos específicos o conocidos por el hablante.
      • Ejemplos:
        • The sun (el sol)
        • The book you gave me (el libro que me diste)

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ I saw a dog in the park. The dog was very friendly. (Vi un perro en el parque. El perro era muy amigable.)

    3. Posesión en los sustantivos

    Para indicar posesión en inglés, se usa el apóstrofe + s (‘s).

    • Sustantivos en singular: Se añade ‘s al final.
      • My brother’s car (el coche de mi hermano)
      • The teacher’s book (el libro del profesor)
    • Sustantivos en plural terminados en -s: Solo se añade el apóstrofe (‘).
      • The students’ classroom (el aula de los estudiantes)
      • My parents’ house (la casa de mis padres)
    • Sustantivos irregulares en plural: Se añade ‘s.
      • Children’s toys (los juguetes de los niños)
      • Men’s clothes (la ropa de los hombres)

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ This is my friend’s phone. (Este es el teléfono de mi amigo.)

    4. Sustantivos contables e incontables en frases negativas y preguntas

    • Sustantivos contables usan “many” en frases negativas e interrogativas.
      • I don’t have many books. (No tengo muchos libros.)
      • Are there many students in the class? (¿Hay muchos estudiantes en la clase?)
    • Sustantivos incontables usan “much” en frases negativas e interrogativas.
      • There isn’t much sugar left. (No queda mucho azúcar.)
      • Is there much information in the book? (¿Hay mucha información en el libro?)

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ Do you have many friends? (¿Tienes muchos amigos?)

    Con estas reglas, ahora puedes usar los sustantivos en inglés con mayor precisión. A continuación, veremos aspectos importantes que debes tener en cuenta, como excepciones y puntos confusos.

    Cosas a tener en cuenta sobre los sustantivos en inglés

    Aunque las reglas de los sustantivos en inglés son bastante claras, hay algunos aspectos que pueden resultar confusos para los hablantes de español. Aquí te explicamos los puntos clave a tener en cuenta.

    1. Sustantivos que son incontables en inglés pero contables en español

    Algunos sustantivos que en español se pueden contar en singular y plural son siempre incontables en inglés. Esto significa que no tienen forma plural y no se pueden usar con “a” o “an”.

    Ejemplos:

    • Advice (consejo/consejos) → ❌an advice | ✔ some advice
    • Information (información) → ❌an information | ✔ a piece of information
    • Furniture (mueble/muebles) → ❌a furniture | ✔ some furniture
    • Luggage (equipaje) → ❌a luggage | ✔ some luggage

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ She gave me some useful advice. (Ella me dio un consejo útil.)

    2. Sustantivos que son contables en inglés pero incontables en español

    Al contrario, algunos sustantivos que en español son incontables sí pueden contarse en inglés.

    Ejemplos:

    • A job (un trabajo) → En inglés “job” es contable, pero en español “trabajo” no siempre lo es.
    • A time (una vez) → En español “tiempo” es incontable, pero “a time” se usa para referirse a “una vez”.
    • An opportunity (una oportunidad) → “Oportunidad” en español es más abstracto, pero en inglés es contable.

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ I have two jobs. (Tengo dos trabajos.)

    3. Sustantivos con la misma forma en singular y plural

    Algunos sustantivos no cambian de forma en plural.

    Ejemplos:

    • Sheep (oveja/ovejas)
    • Deer (ciervo/ciervos)
    • Fish (pez/peces)

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ I saw five deer in the forest. (Vi cinco ciervos en el bosque.)

    4. Sustantivos con formas plurales extrañas

    Algunos sustantivos en inglés tienen formas de plural irregulares que pueden parecer extrañas.

    Ejemplos:

    • Child → Children (niño → niños)
    • Man → Men (hombre → hombres)
    • Woman → Women (mujer → mujeres)
    • Tooth → Teeth (diente → dientes)
    • Mouse → Mice (ratón → ratones)

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ Children love to play outside. (A los niños les encanta jugar afuera.)

    5. Sustantivos que siempre van en plural

    Algunos sustantivos siempre tienen forma plural y no tienen forma singular.

    Ejemplos:

    • Trousers (pantalones)
    • Scissors (tijeras)
    • Glasses (gafas)

    Para referirse a un solo objeto de estos, se usa “a pair of”:

    • A pair of trousers (un par de pantalones)
    • A pair of scissors (un par de tijeras)

    🔹 Ejemplo en una oración:
    ✔ I need a new pair of glasses. (Necesito un par de gafas nuevas.)

    Estos son algunos de los aspectos más confusos de los sustantivos en inglés. Ahora, pasemos a la siguiente sección sobre errores comunes y cómo evitarlos.

    Errores comunes y cómo evitarlos

    Aprender a usar los sustantivos en inglés correctamente puede ser complicado al principio. A continuación, te mostramos algunos de los errores más frecuentes y cómo evitarlos.

    1. Usar artículos con sustantivos incontables

    En inglés, los sustantivos incontables no llevan “a” o “an”, pero muchos estudiantes de español cometen este error porque en español sí se pueden contar.

    ❌ She gave me an advice.
    ✔ She gave me some advice. (Ella me dio un consejo.)

    ❌ I need an information.
    ✔ I need some information. (Necesito información.)

    2. No usar el plural con sustantivos contables

    Algunos estudiantes olvidan que los sustantivos contables deben cambiar a plural cuando se habla de más de uno.

    ❌ I have two brother.
    ✔ I have two brothers. (Tengo dos hermanos.)

    ❌ There are three dog in the park.
    ✔ There are three dogs in the park. (Hay tres perros en el parque.)

    3. Usar el verbo singular con sustantivos que siempre van en plural

    Algunos sustantivos, como “scissors” o “glasses”, siempre son plurales y deben ir con un verbo en plural.

    ❌ My trousers is new.
    ✔ My trousers are new. (Mis pantalones son nuevos.)

    ❌ These scissors is sharp.
    ✔ These scissors are sharp. (Estas tijeras están afiladas.)

    4. Formar plurales incorrectamente

    En inglés, no todos los sustantivos siguen la regla de agregar “-s” para formar el plural.

    ❌ I saw two sheeps.
    ✔ I saw two sheep. (Vi dos ovejas.)

    ❌ She has three childs.
    ✔ She has three children. (Ella tiene tres hijos.)

    5. Usar “people” con “s”

    “People” ya es plural y no necesita una “s”.

    ❌ There are many peoples in the room.
    ✔ There are many people in the room. (Hay muchas personas en la habitación.)

    Si quieres referirte a diferentes grupos de personas, puedes usar “peoples”:
    ✔ The peoples of different cultures have unique traditions. (Los pueblos de diferentes culturas tienen tradiciones únicas.)

    6. No usar “a pair of” con sustantivos dobles

    Palabras como “trousers”, “scissors” o “glasses” necesitan la expresión “a pair of” cuando hablamos de una sola unidad.

    ❌ I bought a trousers.
    ✔ I bought a pair of trousers. (Compré un par de pantalones.)

    Evitar estos errores te ayudará a mejorar tu inglés y sonar más natural. Ahora, pasemos a la siguiente sección con ejemplos de oraciones para reforzar lo aprendido.

    Ejemplos de oraciones con sustantivos en inglés

    A continuación, te presentamos 20 oraciones con diferentes tipos de sustantivos en inglés para que veas cómo se usan en contexto.

    1. The dog is playing in the garden. (El perro está jugando en el jardín.)
    2. My mother is a great cook. (Mi madre es una gran cocinera.)
    3. Water is essential for life. (El agua es esencial para la vida.)
    4. I bought a new pair of shoes yesterday. (Compré un par de zapatos nuevos ayer.)
    5. The children are playing outside. (Los niños están jugando afuera.)
    6. She has a lot of furniture in her house. (Ella tiene muchos muebles en su casa.)
    7. Time is precious. (El tiempo es valioso.)
    8. My glasses are on the table. (Mis gafas están sobre la mesa.)
    9. We saw five deer in the forest. (Vimos cinco ciervos en el bosque.)
    10. This information is very important. (Esta información es muy importante.)
    11. People love to travel. (A la gente le encanta viajar.)
    12. I need some advice about my job. (Necesito algunos consejos sobre mi trabajo.)
    13. There are many books in the library. (Hay muchos libros en la biblioteca.)
    14. A cat was sitting on the sofa. (Un gato estaba sentado en el sofá.)
    15. The weather is nice today. (El clima está agradable hoy.)
    16. She has three sisters and one brother. (Ella tiene tres hermanas y un hermano.)
    17. My luggage is too heavy. (Mi equipaje es demasiado pesado.)
    18. These trousers are too short. (Estos pantalones son demasiado cortos.)
    19. The baby’s toys are in the box. (Los juguetes del bebé están en la caja.)
    20. The teacher’s explanation was very clear. (La explicación del profesor fue muy clara.)

    Estos ejemplos te ayudarán a entender mejor cómo funcionan los sustantivos en inglés. Ahora, pasemos a la siguiente sección con un ejercicio para que pongas en práctica lo aprendido.

    ¿Listo para el ejercicio? 😊

    Ejercicio: Completa las oraciones con el sustantivo correcto

    A continuación, encontrarás 20 oraciones con un espacio en blanco. Completa cada oración con la palabra correcta en inglés. La palabra que debes usar está indicada entre paréntesis en su forma base.

    1. I have a cute little ______. (cat)
    2. My father bought a new ______ for our living room. (table)
    3. The ______ is shining brightly in the sky. (sun)
    4. She has two ______ in her bag. (pen)
    5. We saw a lot of ______ at the zoo. (monkey)
    6. His ______ is very expensive. (watch)
    7. They are building a big ______ in the city center. (hotel)
    8. The students are reading a ______ in class. (book)
    9. I need some ______ to write a letter. (paper)
    10. There are many ______ in the park today. (child)
    11. My ______ is very comfortable. (bed)
    12. We ate three ______ for lunch. (sandwich)
    13. He found a rare ______ in the museum. (coin)
    14. The ______ is barking loudly. (dog)
    15. She bought a beautiful ______ for the party. (dress)
    16. Our house has five ______. (room)
    17. The ______ is flowing through the valley. (river)
    18. There are several ______ outside the store. (person)
    19. I put the keys on the ______. (desk)
    20. The doctor gave me some ______ for my headache. (medicine)

    Intenta completar las oraciones y luego revisa las respuestas en la siguiente sección.

    Respuestas del ejercicio

    A continuación, encontrarás las respuestas correctas. La palabra correcta está en negrita dentro de la oración.

    1. I have a cute little cat. (Tengo un lindo gatito.)
    2. My father bought a new table for our living room. (Mi padre compró una nueva mesa para nuestra sala.)
    3. The sun is shining brightly in the sky. (El sol brilla intensamente en el cielo.)
    4. She has two pens in her bag. (Ella tiene dos bolígrafos en su bolso.)
    5. We saw a lot of monkeys at the zoo. (Vimos muchos monos en el zoológico.)
    6. His watch is very expensive. (Su reloj es muy caro.)
    7. They are building a big hotel in the city center. (Están construyendo un gran hotel en el centro de la ciudad.)
    8. The students are reading a book in class. (Los estudiantes están leyendo un libro en clase.)
    9. I need some paper to write a letter. (Necesito algo de papel para escribir una carta.)
    10. There are many children in the park today. (Hay muchos niños en el parque hoy.)
    11. My bed is very comfortable. (Mi cama es muy cómoda.)
    12. We ate three sandwiches for lunch. (Comimos tres sándwiches en el almuerzo.)
    13. He found a rare coin in the museum. (Encontró una moneda rara en el museo.)
    14. The dog is barking loudly. (El perro está ladrando fuertemente.)
    15. She bought a beautiful dress for the party. (Ella compró un vestido hermoso para la fiesta.)
    16. Our house has five rooms. (Nuestra casa tiene cinco habitaciones.)
    17. The river is flowing through the valley. (El río fluye por el valle.)
    18. There are several people outside the store. (Hay varias personas afuera de la tienda.)
    19. I put the keys on the desk. (Puse las llaves sobre el escritorio.)
    20. The doctor gave me some medicine for my headache. (El doctor me dio algo de medicina para mi dolor de cabeza.)

    ¡Muy bien! Si acertaste la mayoría de las respuestas, significa que estás entendiendo bien el uso de los sustantivos en inglés. Ahora, pasemos a la sección de resumen.

    Resumen: Puntos Clave sobre los Sustantivos en Inglés

    • Definición: Los sustantivos son palabras que nombran personas, lugares, cosas o ideas.
    • Tipos de sustantivos:
      • Contables: Se pueden contar (ej. dog, book).
      • Incontables: No se pueden contar (ej. water, information).
      • Propios: Nombres específicos (ej. John, London).
      • Comunes: Nombres generales (ej. city, teacher).
      • Colectivos: Grupos de personas o cosas (ej. family, team).
    • Uso de artículos:
      • A y an para sustantivos contables singulares.
      • The para sustantivos específicos o conocidos.
    • Plurales: Agregar -s o -es a sustantivos contables, pero algunos sustantivos tienen formas irregulares.
    • Excepciones: Algunos sustantivos que parecen plurales no lo son, como scissors o glasses.
    • Errores comunes: Usar artículos incorrectos con sustantivos incontables o olvidar el plural con sustantivos contables.
    • Consejo: Siempre revisa si el sustantivo es contable o incontable para elegir el artículo y el verbo correctos.

    Conclusión

    Los sustantivos en inglés son esenciales para construir frases y comunicarse de manera efectiva. Aprender a diferenciarlos y usarlos correctamente te ayudará a mejorar tu gramática y fluidez en el idioma. Recuerda practicar con ejemplos, prestar atención a las excepciones y evitar errores comunes.

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