Spanish language Q&A Forum

Hi,

I was wondering if you have a lesson or if you could explain to me the formal and informal uses for Spain and LatAm.

Is ustedes formal for both?  I know that the "vosotros: form is not used in LatAm.  So what would be all the ways of being formal, i.e. sing and plural? and who does what?

Thank you.

Nicole

I don't understand why my answer to No 1 was incorrect:  "... fotografias. Queres ver algunas?"I chose "algunas"because it agreed in gender and number with fotografias and was not in the affirmative.  Very confusing. 

While working in a Spanish-speaking school, the kids would say, "Se puede entrar?" to ask if they could enter the class room. The teacher would respond by saying, "Sí, se puede." Why would they use this form? It's like saying, "Can one enter the room?" Is it actually a passive question instead?

What is the rule for using "mientras" or "mientras que"?

For example:

Escribo mientras que él come. Why can't I say: Escribo mientras él come.

Él habla mientras yo leo.           Why can't I say: Él habla mientras que yo leo.   

I cannot see any difference in syntax, usage or meaning between these two sentences, yet three native speakers have all told me they would only say the first, but could not tell me why or give me any grammatical rule.  Please help... someone/anyone.

ves el mapa costa rica

Hola

1.Mi madre prepara el almuerzo a la una y media.My mum prepares lunch at half past one.
Do you have to say "el almuerzo" instead of just "almuerzo"?
2.Salgo de casa a las ocho en punto.I leave the house at eight o'clock precisely.
why is it "casa" instead of "la casa"?
Gracias,Fred

I know 'para' usually goes in front of verbs in the infinitive form. When does 'por' go in front of verbs in the infinitive form?