Correct use when the subject changes

Mihail I.C1Kwiziq community member

Correct use when the subject changes

Mientras se arreglaba para la fiesta, alguien llamó a la puerta.
Arreglándose para la fiesta, alguien llamó a la puerta.
While getting ready for the party, someone knocked on the door.


In English I believe this is incorrect. The gerund refers to the subject in the other sentence, so this sounds as if whoever knocked on the door was also getting ready for the party.

In Spanish if it is correct - how do we know it refers to ella? Based on context?


Asked 4 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hola Mihail

the English has been corrected in order to be more accurate as you suggested. 

In Spanish you would have to guess by context, yes, as it could be referring to either subject.

Saludos

Inma

Mihail I. asked:

Correct use when the subject changes

Mientras se arreglaba para la fiesta, alguien llamó a la puerta.
Arreglándose para la fiesta, alguien llamó a la puerta.
While getting ready for the party, someone knocked on the door.


In English I believe this is incorrect. The gerund refers to the subject in the other sentence, so this sounds as if whoever knocked on the door was also getting ready for the party.

In Spanish if it is correct - how do we know it refers to ella? Based on context?


Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your Spanish level for FREE

Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard

Find your Spanish level
Getting that for you now...