Why do you study Spanish? / Why do you study Spanish? One is a question about why you study Spanish and the other is a question about your goals in studying Spanish. Both questions can be answered using “for”, “for”, “because”, “so that”. But when you should use each one sometimes gets confusing. In this lesson we are going to take a look at the differences between each one to give you a better understanding of each one.
POR + Noun: When we use this form we are talking about a reason.
I learn Spanish for my job. I learn Spanish for my job.
I study Spanish for my girlfriend, she is Honduran. I study Spanish for my girlfriend, she is Honduran.
I want to learn Spanish for the experience of knowing new cultures. I want to learn Spanish for the experience of knowing new cultures.
BECAUSE + Verb Phrase: When we use this form we are also talking about a reason. But we can introduce a verb.
I study other languages because I like it. I study languages because I like it.
I speak Spanish because I have friends in South America. I speak Spanish because I have friends in South America.
I practice Spanish because I want to get a promotion at my job. I practice Spanish because I want to get a promotion at work.
FOR + INFINITIVE Verb: When we use this form, it is because we want to talk about an objective.
I study Spanish to speak with Latinos. I study Spanish to speak with Latino people.
I study languages to get to know other cultures. I study languages to get to know other cultures.
I take Spanish classes to read Borges’ books in their original language. I take Spanish lessons to read Borges books in their original language.
PARA QUE + SUBJUCTIVE: We have to use “para que” when we want to introduce another topic. There is an action by a Subject with the target made by another Subject.
I practice pronunciation so that my Spanish-speaking friends understand me when I speak. (Practical pronunciation because I want my Spanish-speaking friends to understand me.) I study Spanish so that my Spanish-speaking friends understand me when I speak. (I practice pronunciation in Spanish because I want my Spanish-speaking friends to understand me when I speak.)
I study a lot so that they give me a scholarship in Spain. (I study a lot because I want them to give me a scholarship in Spain.) I study a lot so they can give me a scholarship in Spain. (I study a lot because I want them to give me a scholarship in Spain.)
I’m going to learn Spanish so that I can be hired by a Spanish company. (I am going to learn Spanish because I want to be hired by a Spanish company.) I am going to learn Spanish so that a Spanish company will hire me. (I study Spanish because I want a Spanish company to hire me).
