Writing Guide & Info - Article Writing, Copywriting and Public Speaking
Your Guide to Successful Writing and Speaking
Website Promotion: How Articles Bring Visitors To Your Website
Jul 30th
Youve built a website and are very proud to be counted among the ranks. Now youre expecting people to come for a visit. In fact if this is your first website youre probably thinking maybe Ill get a few visitors or maybe a thousand visitors. Would it surprise you if I told you that you are going to get very few visitors?
Remember the movie Field of Dreams, 1989? Kevin Costner plays an Iowa farmer whose dream is to be a baseball player, something his father wanted for his own life. In the movie he hears voices from players that have passed on. What he hears becomes an aphorism still used today, if you build it he (they) will come. Meaning if he built the ball field his father, shoeless Joe and other baseball players from Chicago would come and he would get his chance. However this is not the case with building a website. Unfortunately know one knows youre there and you wont hear any voices telling where to go from here. Eventually the search engines will pick it up and you will get a few visitors that will trickle in but how to get the thousands to come is the question.
Building is just the beginning. You had your fun and now its time to get down to the nitty gritty. Its called Website promotion. One of the secrets to tons of traffic to your website is to create one way back links. Writing articles is a way to get these back links. The proof is in the article you are reading right now that it works. Any questions?
Yes its time to get out the paper and pen like you did in school. People want information. They want to learn something new. They want to feel they have some inside information that no one else has. This is the information age, are you going to give them what they want?
If you have studied website promotion you probably have heard that content is king and if you havent then thats probably good because it is slowly becoming obscure replaced with unique content is king. There are several things you can do to get started. You can buy private label content, (previously written articles) a big no no in my opinion since it indeed has been used everywhere else. You can purchase article generator software that puts a few filler words into your private label content, thus a new article. However I would not go this route as filler words are not usually unique. Another way would be to write the articles yourself.
What am I going to write you ask. If you sell wedding dresses your readers are going to want to know about weddings, picking out dresses and maybe advice about the important day. If you sell travel packages your audience is going to want to know about the best places to see. If youre a breeder and someone is looking to buy a puppy, you might want to write an article on how to choose one. If you are a guitar salesman your readers might want to know which one is the best. The world is ready for uniqueness and information so heres your chance.
How does an article help my site and what does it do? Most sites that accept articles for submission allow you a generous authors bio at the bottom of your article. This is where you are going to give a brief description of yourself as well as the links of two or three sites you may be promoting. Over time you will create thousands of back links to your site that will send google into a tizzy. Back links is how the google determines what websites are worthy enough to have their robots roam upon. Roaming on your site is what you want.
I cant write anything you say. I feel empathy for you but do not despair, you can hire a ghostwriter. Give the writer your ideas, pay the fee and let them put the pen to the paper. These days to be politically correct it would be fingers to the keyboard. Unfortunately be careful of who you have write the articles. There are some sneaky people out there that will buy these software generators themselves and try to sell you the same articles that I just told you to stay away from. What is worse is at some point you will run across one that has plagiarized someone elses work and copied it right from the website next door.
Are the wheels turning yet? Now you ask where do I find these wonderful writers. If you will take the time to type in your google search type in freelance writer or other keywords, you will find plenty of people looking for work. The cost doesnt have to be real high either.
I know you have one final question and that is where the rubber meets the road. What is the cost? You can hire a ghostwriter for pennies per word or sometimes you can pay per article. Some freelancers charge ten dollars or more per article depending on the experience of the writer.
This wasnt your last question? Ok I have time for one more. What if I cant afford to pay for these articles; I have a budget that looks like a shoestring. Well you still can write them yourself. There are plenty of free online courses that will teach you what you need to know.
There is another benefit besides the back links you create by writing articles. Once you get a few hundred articles out there relating to your service or product you become the source of information. You become a recognized expert in your field. Folks begin to see your name in your authors bio and say hey Ive heard about this guy before. He must know something. Folks turn to you at the source and expert in your industry. This is the time right now to jump on the article bandwagon.
I read somewhere that only fifty percent of Americans are internet connected. This leaves the field for playing wide open. This statistic does not even include foreign lands. Yes you can even market to them as they read and buy too. So only one decision needs to be made and I ask are you going to hire a ghostwriter or do it yourself? Either way is good if you are careful with the articles you buy and making sure if what you have is unique. Are you going to give your customers what they want? If you dont someone else will. Potential customers want information and remember if you write it, they will read.
Life Advice: Looking Through a Window
Jul 30th
Living in today’s metropolitan world of cellular phones, mobile computers and other high-tech gadgets is not just hectic but very impersonal. We make money and then invest our time and effort in making more money. Does it end? Not usually because we are never satisfied. How many times have we convinced ourselves that if only we had some more money, life would be so sweet? But then, after receiving a substantial raise, we realize that it wasn’t enough and that we need more?
What Should You Do?
I have read many books on life such as Robin Sharma’s Monk says this and the monk says that, and they all seem to say that money is not necessary. But it is. Can you do without cash and a lot of it? I know I can’t.
So, I went to the neighbourhood Rabbi and asked for advice that will help me find my true way in life.
The rabbi nodded and took me to the window. “What do you see?” he asked me.
Promptly, I answered, “I can see people walking to and fro and a blind man is begging for alms at the left corner.”
The Rabbi nodded and guided me to a big mirror. “Now look and tell me what you see?”
“I can see myself,” I man answered.
The Rabbi smiled. “Now you can’t see anyone else. The mirror and the window are both created from the same raw material: glass, but because on one of them they have applied a thin layer of silver, when you look at it all you can see is your own reflection.”
The Rabbi placed his arm on my shoulders. “Compare yourself to those two pieces of glass. Without the silver layer, you saw the other people and felt compassion for them. When you are covered with silver, you see only yourself.”
I looked at the Rabbi and stared. “I don’t understand.”
The Rabbi continued. “You will become someone only if have the courage to remove the silver covering over your eyes in order to again see and love others.” He patted me on my back and sent me on my way.
I have thought of what he said and come to the conclusion that he had a point. Yes. We need money and we should not aim to lead a moneyless existence; its pointless and will only cause us and our families many heartbreaks in the future.
Instead, I suggest that we should follow the advice the Rabbi gave me. When we approach life through a silver covering, all we are able to see is ourselves. But discard that covering, and you will be able to see and feel everyone else.
Conclusion:
In life, we are allowed to and should be able to look at both kinds of mirrors, but we should remember that a mirror reflects only us; a window is the door to compassion, health and true wealth. In other words, seek wealth by all means, but don’t let it dissuade you from life, people, children and the poor and needy.
Want To Write Quality Business Articles? Start Building Your Business
Jul 30th
Want To Write Quality Business Articles? Start Building Your Business One Article At A Time
Im sure youre reading all over the Internet that content is one of the most important components of building your business, and in my opinion I agree that writing an article and posting it throughout the Internet is an essential way to finding your desired targeted traffic.
If you have never written business articles before, you have to remember key things to make sure your article is a success, and attracts the readers searching for your information. Take the approach of writing one article at a time, and dont worry about how many you need to create to get the exposure. Just like developing a business plan, you want to ensure that you do all your necessary research, compile it in an easy to read format that you know will allow your readers to follow without losing the message half way through!
I read so many business articles that lose me by the second paragraph, because I notice their intentions are to promote their business, and not offer any valuable information that Im seeking to help me. This may be done intentionally, but sometimes I truly feel these writers are trying to do too much in such little time, and they want to produce and send out as much as they can at one time, not realizing that they are compromising the quality of their article and the message they want to get out to the readers.
If youre in business for a short-term, thats fine, you can produce useless content and spread it throughout the Internet. However, in my opinion, I would rather take the time and create an article that when someone reads it, they will say that it helped them in some way.
Your expertise, and if youre promoting a web site business can be jeopardized very quickly, so dont ever underestimate the people reading your article. They have vast knowledge already, they do their research, but sometimes they need that little bit of information to get them back on track, and if you can provide them the information theyre looking for, your one article will be on its way to being very successful!
Once youve finally developed that keyword rich, informative article explaining how your business products can help make peoples lives so much better, you will also notice that your well-written business articles will be quickly picked up by some of the top ezine and content publishers.
This is important, because you want to get your message out to as many people as you can, and this is achieved by sending them to top directories that distribute your content for you. If you create a poorly written article, chances are these content directories will not touch it. This is a very good indication that your company has to go back to the drawing board and start revamping your article!
When you take the time to create an article that many readers will take your information and use it to help them better their lives, you will have achieved something that many bad article writers dont, and thats business authority, and respect. In the long run if you stick to developing more value-based articles rather than a large volume of badly written articles, you will surely build a successful foundation for your business for many years to come!
Life Advice: A Lost Friend Speaks
Jul 30th
When my friend sensed that in a few weeks the light of life was about to be extinguished, and that there was no more hope for him, he called me to his side and said, “If only I had lived my life differently, I might not have felt such an emptiness now. Promise me,” he caught my hand, “Promise me that you won’t make the same mistake.” And when I asked him what mistakes, he asked me to get a pen and paper and to jot down his last words. Here they are in condensed form:
1) Talk less; listen more.
2) Listen to your grandfather’s stories about his youth. When he’s gone, you will relive the bond through these memories.
3) Invite friend over for a snack or dinner even if the house is a mess.
4) Eat popcorn in the living room even though its messy.
5) Invite the friends who have children home. Don’t worry about their children creating a mess.
6) Sit on the grass even though it dirties your pants.
7) Never buy something just because it lasts for a long time or because it is practical.
Stay in bed and at home when sick and stop pretending that the world cannot go one without me for a day.
9) Light up the wonderfully crafted candles and let them burn out. Better this than they accumulate dust in the closet.
10) Share life’s responsibilities with a partner, not only expenses.
11) (Meant for Women) Instead of waiting for the pregnancy to get over, cherish each moment in your heart. Understand that the life in you is the only chance you will get to help god create magic.
12) Let your children hug and kiss you whenever they wish to. Don’t stop them by saying things like: later, go wash your hands first, we have to eat dinner.
13) Say the following two phrases as often as possible: “I love you” and “I am sorry.”
14) Stop worrying about who loves or and who doesn’t or about what others have or don’t have.
15) Cherish all personal human relations.
16) Play with a pet every day. Laugh and run with it and take part in all its antics.
17) Spend more time with the people who love you.
18) Stop sweating because of all the small details and problems of life.
19) Grab every moment, look at it and live it. That moment will never return again.
Her name was Susan, and she had one six year old daughter. Susan taught me these few basic ideals that I have tried to follow in honour of her memory. It has made me a better man, a much nicer husband and in general, a happier person. Even now I can hear her say that God has blessed each and every one of us, and that we should accept these blessings and strive to become stronger both physically, mentally and also emotionally. I will always remember what she said to me the last time we met: “Jack, you are lucky. Don’t blow it.”
Vital Tips to Create Well Crafted Article
Jul 29th
People have found new technique of marketing online business, Publishing Articles on various sites and directories. It is the rapid and effortless methods to come up there. It also helps to build your own credibility as an industry veteran.
At the base of each article you are provided a chance to expand publicity for your online business.
The Internet is surged with the articles, due to growing awareness of advantages of publishing articles. There are ample of article sources to pick from. But, it is also growing harder to get yours noticed.
However, getting noticed for your article is not only way to gain success, it also requires to hold reader’s interest with high-quality content.
This article will show the key essentials of writing a triumphant article. Here is some tips, you should consider prior and while writing the articles.
Explore before picking a subject: The most effectual way to write an article is to write on a topic in which the mass is interested. You should always do the research for your article should visit different forums that cover your targeted mass. Check out on what topic they are talking about or even searching for.
Select Article Selecting the title of the article is the most significant judgment you have to make. Take sufficient time, while making up your mind on an article title. Try to find out whether it will be appropriate to haul your targeted markets attraction.
Introductory paragraph: Construct an introductory paragraph that indicates what is covered in the article. The introductory Paragraph should be of three or four line containing the summary of subject matter included in the article.
Content: Many of the articles seems like an advertorial or an abstracted marketing pitch that doesnt provides any kind of vital information for the reader, it is hopeless. Make sure that your article contains some information that is useful to your targeted mass.
If you create an inadequate article, then people will not find it interesting. This could affect worse on upcoming articles.
Briefness: Make your article short and to the point. Readers are looking for concrete and useful information on well accepted targeted topics. To keep the verbage low and interest upbeat, make your article in only few paragraphs.
Use simple language: Excluding some countable English speaking countries, rest are have their own mother tongue. Be sure that you use simple and usual words if you are targeting international mass, so that they can understand you well.
Concluding paragraph: Include list any recommendations and added links essential to relate with the main subject matter. Include each element that is related and required to a focused topic.
Include your contact info: At last, include your contact info in a last paragraph at the bottom of the article. So that readers could contact and reach to you or your desired target.
Prepare for publication and re-edit your article: Even you feel that you have done a great job to your article it’s a suggestion to leave your article for a day or two and then read it back so you can come know the missing element.
Promote: Submit your articles to various directories that provides free submission of the article to their article to their sites. There are many sites out there, which allow writers and author to submit their articles, for example http://ezinearticles.com, http://goarticles.com and and many more. You can search for directories on search engines by using keyword like free article submission.
So buddy, get prepared to be noticed, show the world you are the best. Wish you all the best.
Letter of Recommendation or Letter of Reference Which Is
Jul 29th
Letter of Recommendation or Letter of Reference Which Is It?
Copyright Shaun R. Fawcett
Of the more than two million annual visitors to my two main “writing help” Web sites, over 60% of them are looking for some type of letter-writing assistance, and of those, 50% are seeking help with writing a “letter of recommendation” or “letter of reference.”
Why do so many people need help with recommendation letters over and above all other types of letters, you might ask? Well, the main reason is this – they are BY FAR the most difficult letters to write. The main reasons are as follows:
Letters of recommendation invariably have important implications because they are key to being accepted (or NOT) for such things as: jobs and promotions, college and university program admission, membership in clubs and associations, qualification for awards and scholarships, financial assistance approvals, entrance into special programs, etc.
The consequences for messing up a letter of recommendation can be gravely serious, and can actually change the course of a person’s life – either your own life, or that of another person about whom you are writing the letter. (Just imagine screwing up someone’s life because you wouldn’t take the time or trouble to get a recommendation letter right!).
There is a great deal of confusion about the whole subject of writing “recommendation letters”. Many people have no idea of the differences and/or similarities among the various types of testimonial letters: recommendation letters, letters of recommendation, reference letters, letters of reference, commendation letters, performance evaluation letters, recognition letters, etc.
So, BEFORE you go any further, please let me briefly clarify a few points on this whole recommendation letter and/or reference letter issue so that you don’t go charging down the wrong path unnecessarily, and end up with the wrong information about how to write the wrong type of letter for your situation.
It so happens that there IS a lot of confusion about the differences and similarities between letters of recommendation letters and letters of reference. For instance; which is which, and why? How are they different? In what ways are they similar?
It’s confusing enough for the average person who only has to write one of these letters every once in a while. However, when you look into it in-depth as I have, and realize that many of the so-called “experts” don’t even know the differences between a recommendation letter and a reference letter, the general state of confusion is very understandable.
ClARIFYING THE CONFUSION
Since I wrote my first book on this subject, I’ve been watching the whole issue carefully and have conducted additional research, leading me to conclude the following:
Many people and institutions use the term “recommendation letter” to mean BOTH letters of recommendation AND letters of reference (about 2/3).
Many people and institutions use the term “reference letter” to mean BOTH letters of reference AND letters of recommendation (about 1/3).
Both groups are talking about essentially the same type of letter in their minds and they don’t seem to realize that there are important distinctions between the two.
Thus, those who use the term “recommendation letter” ALWAYS use that term. Those who use the term “reference letter” ALWAYS use that term.
… and “never the twain shall meet”, as the saying goes.
The fact is that there are TWO major categories of such letters: Letters of Recommendation and Letters of Reference. Within each of these categories fall a number of different types of letters, differentiated primarily by the category of addressee, the level of detail covered, and the specific purpose of the letter.
Below is how I have defined and differentiated them in my popular book on this subject Instant Recommendation Letter Kit – How To Write Winning Letters of Recommendation.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION – DEFINITION
A “letter of recommendation” is one that is specifically requested about someone, and therefore is always specifically addressed to a particular requestor. Generally speaking, letters of recommendation are usually employment-related, or college program admission and/or scholarship related.
Typical letters of recommendation are:
Employment-related recommendation letter
College admission recommendation letter
Commendation or recognition letter
Performance evaluation letter
LETTERS OF REFERENCE – DEFINITION
A “letter of reference” is normally more general in nature and is not normally addressed to a specific requestor. Typically, “letters of reference” are addressed as; “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”.
Typical letters of reference are:
Character assessment reference letter
College-related general reference letter
Employment-related general reference letter
General reference letters
Note of Caution:
It seems that somehow over the years, the line between the two types of letters has become blurred and many people and institutions now use the two terms interchangeably. As far as those organizations are concerned, both letters are exactly the same thing.
Accordingly, please note that many colleges and universities, as well as some companies and institutions, use the terms “recommendation letter” and/or “letter of recommendation” when referring to exactly the same thing as what many other colleges, universities, companies and institutions call “reference letters” and/or “letters of reference”.
So, when dealing with these types of organizations or institutions, MAKE SURE that you use whichever term they use, in the same way that they use it. DON’T try to convert them to your terminology. That will just confuse things and you will pay the price.
Learning Speed Reading – Online
Jul 28th
Speedread America was America’s first company to introduce sophistically developed speed reading courses. In 1997 the first online course was Speed Reading in Only One Hour, by Dr. Jay Polmar. The company’s great success was increased through the publicity given by the Bottom Line magazine, a publication that served small businesses.
Slightly thereafter, Dr. Polmar’s college/university speedreading course was completed for online distribution – Be Dynamic Through Speedreading is a self-taught 7 hour course that the Dr Polmar personally taught at Colleges and Universities in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Oregon and Hawaii. This educational program course includes speed reading, brain/mind methods of concentration, improvement of the memory and the recall function, development of the intuition to take exams, and also, the the art and science of how to write term papers and theses. This dynamic program also assisted with helping study take effective notes after studying the program and apply the techniques.
In 2000, the children’s program, entitled If You Can Read This, You Can Read Faster was developed with the aid of a 12 year old secondary student, Ashley Johnson. Ashley assisted Dr Polmar to revise the One Hour Program, with added vocabulary, describing the psychology of education. It has helped thousands of youngsters to increase reading levels and teach speed reading to children.
Beginning in 2002, Dr. Polmar began writing of programs specially for use in Mexico. This included: The Gringo Guide to speaking Spanish (a course for tourists), the Legends Reading Program (a bilingual educational tool for students from 5 years old through college), Don Francisco’s Guide to English, (a basic primer to the English Language and a Guide to English Slang), three translations of his speed reading courses into Spanish at primary, secondary and college levels, and a specialized course in English for the Tourism industry for Hotels and Restaurants.
These books took the dedication of Mexican Educators in the region of Guadalajara and Mexico City to complete. The Spanish/Latino versions help Spanish readers to become English-speaking for more success in their later lives.
The results of our speed reading and English programs amounts to reduction of students deserting school early, to work in farming or or doing work with minimal potentials. Fewer men and boys leaving Latin America for work in the United States and elsewhere. The opportunity is vast to use this program. to considerably improve students educational abilities here in Mexico, related to reading, speed reading, speaking English and more.
Vital steps to overcome uncertainties among the students.
Jul 28th
Every student knows how it is difficult, almost impossible to write and organize the first writing assignment. It is more difficult, if the student writes it alone for the first time. Lack of experience, lack of time, and undoubtedly lack of knowledge on the process of the completion of the essay-contribute to this uncertainty. How it can be overcome?! Certainly, the more students knew about the process of the writing of the essay, the less they would fear it. Let us explain some of the differences and similarities between several types of the essays. For most of us, even for those, who have already graduated from the Universities, any writing assignment means something formal, something academic that should correspond to some universal standards. In most of the times that is true.
A tutor would like you to produce well written and well organized paper and to evaluate your ability to research thoroughly and write according to some rules. However, there is a type of an essay where all these requirements may be jettisoned. This is an informal essay. Here, in this type of writing assignment you are able to reveal your personality by talking directly with your reader intimately and frequently humorously. Nevertheless, you should have a good plan of the essay; however-informal style is the most important point. There is not any universal rule on how this essay should be completed, try to imagine the conversation between you and your friend, where you will be able to discuss the topic or event you care for or some person that has impressed you. Your opinion, in form of monologue, but informal even with humor should be clearly stated.
But certainly, not all types of the essays can be completed this way. Informal style is certainly an exception from the rule. In many types of the essays you have to stick to some definite structures and even some rigid rules. Let us examine compare/contrast essay. It is undoubtedly, one of the most difficult types of the essay, yet it is one of the most important and useful ones. It allows you to develop compare and contrast skills, to improve your ability to see and evaluate similarities and differences in objects, things, personalities and events. Several useful tips for this type of an essay: 1)First, you should evaluate similarities, then you must find an evaluate differences. 2)If you compare some facts, evaluate one fact at a time; do not try to jumble them together. 3)Do not try to compare and contrast incomparable features (for example the taste of the lemon and the toughness of the balls cover.)Many students also experience some difficulties in the writing of the literature essay better.
It is not possible to provide the reader with universal guide to this type of an essay. However, every literature essay comprises some indispensable elements: 1)It should be succinct and must be written in lucid and understandable style. 2)You should develop well-organized plan of your essay. 3)Try to be more argumentative and more creative. Your tutor would like to see and evaluate your ability to analyze and understand the meaning of the text your have read. Certainly it is not possible to reveal al elements of several types of the essays that the students are assigned with. You need to study guides and instructions more thoroughly to understand the requirements and purposes of your essay better.
Learning Spanish Online and the Future Indicative Tense
Jul 28th
The Future Indicative Tense
This Learning-Spanish Grammar lesson covers the Future Indicative Tense for regular verbs. Similar to English, the Future Indicative Tense in Spanish is used:
1. To express a future action or condition.
Juan no hablar durante la misa.
(Juan will not speak during the mass.)
2. To express something that is probable and phrased in a question.
Qu ser lo que te preocupas?
(What is bothering/preoccupying you?)
The conjugation pattern is standard. Unlike other tenses, the future tense in Spanish is simple, as its ending is the same in -ar, -er, and -ir verbs. Its conjugation is as follows:
Hablar (to have)
yo hablar (I will speak) nosotros hablaremos (we will speak)
t hablars (you will speak) ellos hablarn (they will speak)
l hablar (he will speak) ellas hablarn (they will speak)
ella hablar (she will speak) ustedes hablarn (they will speak)
usted hablar (you will speak)
Examples:
Ellos hablarn mucho del amor.
(They will speak a lot about love.)
Durante la cena, hablar con mis tias de como cocinar bacalao.
(During dinner, I will talk to my aunts about how to cook salted codfish.)
Beber (to drink)
yo beber (I will drink) nosotros beberemos (we will drink)
t bebers (you will drink) ellos bebern (they will drink)
l beber (he will drink) ellas bebern (they will drink)
ella beber (she will drink) ustedes bebern (they will drink)
usted beber (you will drink)
Examples:
Durante la fiesta Marcos beber mucho ron.
(During the party, Marcos will probably drink a lot of rum.
Los bebs bebern mucha leche.
(The babies will drink a lot of milk.)
Escribir (to write)
yo escribir (I will write) nosotros escribiremos (we will write)
t escribirs (you will write) ellos escribirn (they will write)
l escribir (he will write) ellas escribirn (they will write)
ella escribir (she will write) ustedes escribirn (they will write)
usted escribir (you will write)
Examples:
Escribir una gran novela.
(I will write a great novel.)
En la universidad escribiremos muchos ensayos.
(In the university we will write many essays.)
**Notice how the above conjugations follow the same pattern: , s, , emos, and n.
With this conjugation pattern in mind, here are a few more examples of the future tense for regular verbs:
Qu ser lo que me quiere decir Luis?
(What is it that Luis wants to tell me?)
Mis amigas y yo viajaremos al Per este verano.
(My friends and I will travel to Peru this summer.)
Regresaremos del Per en Agosto.
(We will return from Peru in August.)
S que nuestro viaje a Machu Pichu nos fascinar.
(I know that our trip to Machu Pichu will fascinate us.)
La madre de Josefa ir con nosotros.
(Josefa’s mother will go with us.)
Cundo ser que me escribirn mis padres de sus vacaciones?
(When will my parents write to me about their vacation?
Despus de su viaje, las mujeres volvern a Nueva York.
(After their trip, the women will return to New York.)
Now lets try a few exercises. Translate the following into Spanish. The answers follow the exercise.
1. This summer I will travel to Europe.
2. Juana’s family will go to Santiago in April.
3. This course will teach us Spanish.
4. Roberto will be sad to leave his country.
5. Someday, you will be a good doctor.
6. Next week, we will have an exam.
7. Enrique’s parents will buy a big cake for his birthday.
8. What is it that worries you?
9. What can this mean?
10. Where will you live next year?
1. Este verano viajar a Europa.
2. La familia de Juana ir a Santiago en Abril.
3. Este curso nos ensear el Espaol.
4. Roberto estar triste al salir de su pas.
5. Algn da, t sers un buen doctor.
6. La prxima semana, tendremos un examen.
7. Los padres de Enrique comprarn una torta grande para su cumpleaos.
8. Qu ser lo que te preocupas?
9. Qu ser lo que significa esto?
10. Dnde vivirs el prximo ao?
Learning Spanish Grammar Online and the Preterite Tense
Jul 27th
The Preterite Tense
The preterite tense is another topic that seems to confuse English speakers of Spanish. English speakers learning Spanish have a tendency to confuse the preterite with the imperfect and vice versa. Both tenses describe actions that took place in the past. But I think English speakers just learning Spanish have a tendency to confuse the two because in English in certain instances we sometimes use the same form of a verb to describe an action that took place in the past. But in Spanish, in the same instance, you cannot use both the preterite or the imperfect. Only one would be correct.
For example, in English , we can use the past tense of the verb to go (i.e. went) to describe two different actions that took place in the past.
1. I went to the shopping mall three times.
2. When I was young, I went to the shopping mall.
(Note: In English, for number 2 you could also say When I was young, I used to go to the shopping mall.)
Both sentences use the same verb went to describe the action that took place in the past. But in Spanish, you cannot use the same verb tense. In the first sentence, you must use the preterite of ir (fui), and the imperfect verb tense (iba) in the latter.
Yo fui al almacn tres veces.
Cuando yo era joven, yo iba al almacn.
We will cover the imperfect verb tense in greater detail in a future lesson. But for now, think of the imperfect as a verb tense used to describe how things used to be or to describe an action that was continuous or habitual in the past.
The preterite verb tense is generally used to tell what happened (1) during a fixed period of time (either stated or implied), (2) a specific number of times, (3) or during an enclosed period of time. Here are some examples.
(1) During a fixed period of time:
Ayer compr un martillo.
Yesterday, I bought a hammer.
(2) A specific number of times (either state or implied)
l perdi mi destornillador dos veces.
He lost my screwdriver two times.
I went to the hardware store.
Yo fui a la ferretera.
(It is implied that you went to the hardware store one time).
(3) During an enclosed period of time.
You hammered the nail for an hour.
T martillaste el clavo por una hora.
The following are some regular verbs in the preterite tense.
AR Verbs (hablar)
Yo habl
T hablaste
l/ella/usted habl
Nosotros/nosotras hablamos
Ellos/ellas/ustedes hablaron
ER Verbs (beber)
Yo beb
T bebiste
l/ella/usted bebi
Nosotros/nosotras bebimos
Ellos/ellas/ustedes bebieron
IR Verbs Vivir
Yo viv
T viviste
l/ella/usted vivi
Nosotros/nosotras vivimos
Ellos/ellas/ustedes vivieron
Here are some examples.
1. Last week you bought a saw.
La semana pasada, t compraste una sierra.
2. Yesterday, the man needed a hammer.
Ayer, el hombre necesit un martillo.
3. They used the rake nine times.
Ellos usaron el rastrillo nueve veces.
4. The brother-in-law put the leaves in the bag.
El cuado meti las hojas en la bolsa.
5. This morning the women sewed the clothes.
Esta maana las mujeres cosieron la ropa.
6. Last night, I covered the dessert.
Anoche yo cubr el postre.
Now lets try some on your own. The answers follow.
1. The son-in law ate shrimp two times.
2. Today they decided to tell the truth.
3. Did you use the hoe in the yard today? (Familiar)
4. The daughter-in-law turned on the oven a two oclock.
5. Last summer, the soldiers marched in the parade.
6. He suffered a lot in the war this year.
Answers:
1. El yerno comi camarones dos veces.
2. Hoy ellos decidieron a decir la verdad.
3. ?Usaste tu el azadon en el jardin hoy?
4. La nuera encendi el horno a las dos.
5. El verano pasado los soldados marcharon en el desfile.
6. El sufri mucho en la guerra este ano.