Ask a Question

(Create a thread)
Go Back   Spanish language learning forums > Spanish & English Languages > Grammar


A un o no a un

 

This is the place for questions about conjugations, verb tenses, adverbs, adjectives, word order, syntax and other grammar questions for English or Spanish.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old February 24, 2017, 08:22 AM
BobRitter's Avatar
BobRitter BobRitter is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Pensacola, FL. USA
Posts: 352
Native Language: English
BobRitter is on a distinguished road
A un o no a un

As an English speaker I would definitely say "If I had a car...." since "If I had car...." would sound terrible, but of course would be understandable.

¿Por qué en Español?

Si tuviera coche podría visitar a mis amigos.
Si tuviera un coche yo podría visitar a mis amigos.

Como siempre, gracias.
__________________
Viejo y Gruñón, Pero Adorable.
Old and Grumpy, But Lovable
Reply With Quote
   
Get rid of these ads by registering for a free Tomísimo account.
  #2  
Old February 24, 2017, 01:02 PM
AngelicaDeAlquezar's Avatar
AngelicaDeAlquezar AngelicaDeAlquezar is online now
Obsidiana
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 9,038
Native Language: Mexican Spanish
AngelicaDeAlquezar is on a distinguished road
The construction "tener coche" is possible because it corresponds to a social stereotype or something that may be somehow generalized, characteristics or habits shared by many subjects:
- ¿Tienes perro?
- Nunca uso abrigo.
- Ya nadie lleva sombrero.
- El edificio tiene calefacción.

However, if you were talking about a characteristic that cannot be generalized, you must use an article:
- Juan tiene una serpiente. (While many people have a dog, it's not common to have a snake.)
- El edificio tiene una grieta en la pared. (Every building can have a heating system, but not every building has a crack on a wall.)
__________________
Ain't it wonderful to be alive when the Rock'n'Roll plays...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old February 26, 2017, 06:22 AM
BobRitter's Avatar
BobRitter BobRitter is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Pensacola, FL. USA
Posts: 352
Native Language: English
BobRitter is on a distinguished road
Gracias otra vez Angelica.
__________________
Viejo y Gruñón, Pero Adorable.
Old and Grumpy, But Lovable
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old February 26, 2017, 12:15 PM
AngelicaDeAlquezar's Avatar
AngelicaDeAlquezar AngelicaDeAlquezar is online now
Obsidiana
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 9,038
Native Language: Mexican Spanish
AngelicaDeAlquezar is on a distinguished road
I'm glad to help.
__________________
Ain't it wonderful to be alive when the Rock'n'Roll plays...
Reply With Quote
Reply

 

Link to this thread
URL: 
HTML Link: 
BB Code: 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Site Rules


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:43 PM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

X