Spanish Grammar

Grammar is the backbone of a language and strong grammatical skills are hugely beneficial when it comes to using and understanding a language in day-to-day life. It is best to study Spanish grammar in a structured way according to a topic, and to develop your skills step by step based on the grammatical structures that apply. Don't forget to combine Spanish grammar learning with regular vocabulary study to truly enhance your library of words and phrases.

Spanish Grammar Basics

If are trying to get to grips with the basics of Spanish grammar, you are in luck, as they are less complex and tricky than grammar basics in some other languages. Spanish is a Latin language and, with over over 580 million speakers around the world, it is a hugely popular one. As it is a Latin language, Spanish follows a clear grammatical structure with a straightforward sentence structure. The basic components are subjects, verbs, nouns and prepositions, while adjectives, adverbs and reflexive verbs will let you add more detail and emotion to sentences.

Where should you start Spanish grammar basics?

• Sentences are made up of subject, object and verb

• There are regular and irregular verbs

• Nouns have two genders

• Adjectives change to match gender and number

• Nouns go before the adjective

Spanish Adjectives

One of the most straightforward topics in Spanish grammar is adjectives in Spanish. Adjectives are used to describe nouns and add colour and detail to sentences. Spanish adjectives generally fall after the noun in a sentence.

Spanish Pronouns

• Subject pronouns in Spanish, such as yo, tú, él & ella, are used in place of a noun

• Direct object pronouns - me, te, lo & la - refer to a previously-mentioned noun in the sentence

• Indirect object pronouns inform for whom or to whom an action is done

Relative and Reflexive Pronouns in Spanish

• Spanish relative pronouns refer to previously-mentioned nouns and clarify which, who, that or whom

• Spanish pronouns reflexive are used with reflexive verbs when the subject performs an action on themselves e.g. "Se hablaba" - "he was talking to himself"

Spanish Adverbs

When you wish to describe how an action was performed, Spanish adverbs can be used along with a verb. They often fall after the verb in a sentence, but are flexible and can sometimes appear at the beginning. Spanish adverbs can indicate aspects such as place, time, quantity and manner of how an action occurred.

Spanish Prepositions

Prepositions are where things start to get a little complex when studying a language. Prepositions are the little words in a sentence that connect the main components (subject, verb & noun). A Spanish prepositions list is a good place to start when studying this topic. Remember that Spanish prepositions with verbs should be studied separately, as the combination of verb + preposition can sometimes change the meaning of the verb. Frequently used prepositions in Spanish include de (from/of), deeds (since), ante (before) and sin (without).

Studying Spanish Grammar

The best way to understand and learn Spanish grammar rules is through regular practice and the use of Spanish grammar exercises. The Babbel app lets you study Spanish grammar daily and practice your skills repeatedly for a long-term impact. It also offers flexibility by letting you study anytime, anywhere. Studying Spanish daily in short bursts and by completing language exercises is one of the strongest and most effective ways to develop your skills, whether you are studying for work, school, or pleasure. Similarly, reading articles or listening to podcasts in Spanish are also great ways to improve your language skills.