Topic: Pronouns

All "One Lines at a Time" Episodes

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Subject Pronouns

Subject pronouns in Spanish are pretty easy and straightforward. The words are small and they work generally the way they do in English. But there are a couple common pitfalls for gringos like you and me. Formal/Informal, Latin America vs Spain. Don’t worry, though, that’s what we’re here to talk about today.
Put Your Pronouns In, Take Your Pronouns Out

I talk fast. I like to get as many words out as possible in as short of a time frame as possible. It’s my nature. So… I took it as really good news when I found out: In Spanish, you usually don’t have to use subject pronouns (I’ve been referring to them as Personal Pronouns in past lessons). That means, you can say the same thing with fewer words. Kind of like the equivalent of “works” instead of “he works”. Ha ha ha. It just doesn’t work in English. And there’s a very specific reason for that–and I explain it in today’s video.
Formal Conjugation in Spanish

If you watched the lesson called Personal Pronouns, you know there are two ways to say “you” in Spanish–formally and informally. At first this really sucks–especially since most teachers and programs don’t explain it all that well. But for this lesson, I made the video I wish I had when I started speaking Spanish.
Direct Object Pronouns

Direct object pronouns is one of my least favorite subjects in Spanish. After 15 years, it still gives me troubles sometimes. In this video, you’ll see how to use direct object pronouns in Spanish. Then a comparison with the other pronouns you’ve learned.
The Spanish Personal A

The personal a has no English counterpart. It’s just something you have to get use to. In this quick video, you’ll not only see how to use the personal a. But when to use it. And when NOT to use it.
Indirect Object Pronouns

Once you know your direct object pronouns in English, you’re done. Direct and indirect object pronouns in English are exactly the same. But not in Spanish. Oh no. So… You can’t just say “him” or “her” or “them” when you’re talking. In today’s video, not only will I explain what the heck direct and indirect objects are (I had no idea either!) But you’ll quickly see how they’re different, so you can pick the right one.
Verbs Like Gustar

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use words like “gustar” and “encantar”. Words that sure seem to work in the opposite way that most verbs do.
Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs can be kind of tricky for we Gringos. We have them in English. But they’re not used nearly as much as they are in Spanish. Furthermore, using reflexive verbs means learning more pronouns. And pronouns were ALREADY confusing! This takes some getting used to. In this video, the goal is just to get familiar with reflexive verbs, their pronouns, and how they’re used.
Double Object Pronouns

Today, not only are you going to learn a very important lesson: what to do when you have TWO OBJECT PRONOUNS in the same sentence. But you’re going to witness… My worldwide… Singing debut! But seriously, this is a very important lesson. And once you’re done with this. I promise, no more pronouns for at least a month.
That Extra “Le” — The Hangnail of Spanish

Have you ever seen an extra “le” and wondered, “What is THAT for?” Me too! I wondered about that extra “le” for almost 20 years! But not anymore. I finally know the deal with that extra “le”. And you can too. Just watch this video!

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