One thing that I need a lot of help on in this class is knowing when to use ser versus estar. Because they are VERY similar I often mix them up. I realize that I really need to master how to use both of these verbs. To assist me in learning when to use ser and estar I tried to find games that really taught me the difference between the two verbs and in what situations to use them in. It really forced me to learn the verbs. The first time I did the game, I did pretty poorly, but as I kept playing and I started to improve. To see evidence of me using these new skills check out my about page. Recently, I updated it and used ser and estar to help me better describe things about myself. After working hard by using the quizzes, I now know that I can use the words in the right way. The website I used to help me practice the words is http://www.spanish.cl/Grammar/Games/Verbos_Ser_Estar.htm
After playing this game, I’m going to describe the situations of when to use estar or ser and provide examples for each one.
Using Ser
- physical decription personality and character, nationality, race, gender, profession, origin.
- Things which “take place” or “occur”: Dates, days, seasons, time, events, concerts, parties.
- What things are made of
- Possession
Examples:
Él es aburrido.
La clase de español es a las diez y media de la mañana.
Son las tres.
Soy de California.
Using Estar
- Feelings/moods/emotions, physical conditions or appearances, civil status (married, single, divorced, dead)
- Location of things and people (but not events)
- How things taste at a certain time
Examples:
Estoy en la clase de matemáticas.
María está bonita.
Newark está en New Jersey.
Estamos bien.
Prior to playing this game and learning more about ser and estar, I decided to use these new skills and went back to the first page I made; my about page. I used ser and estar to assist me in making my about page more descriptive and personal.
My about page: http://kristenn.learningconnects.us/about/
kristen s