Understanding Verbs of Beginning in Spanish
Verbs like “empezar” (to begin), “comenzar” (to start), and “ponerse” (to start doing something) are known as verbs of beginning. When these verbs are followed by another verb, Spanish grammar often requires the preposition “a” before the infinitive form of the second verb. For example:
- Empezar a estudiar (To start studying)
- Comenzar a trabajar (To begin to work)
- Ponerse a correr (To start running)
Why Is “a” Used with Empezar and Similar Verbs?
The preposition “a” serves as a grammatical bridge between the verb of beginning and the action that follows. In Spanish, many verbs require prepositions to connect them to other verbs, people, or things. Specifically, with “empezar” and similar verbs, “a” introduces the infinitive and clarifies the structure of the sentence. It’s similar to the English construction “to begin to do something.”
This use of “a” is not arbitrary. It helps distinguish between the subject of the main verb and the action that is being initiated. For example:
- Él empieza a leer. (He begins to read.)
- Nosotros empezamos a comer. (We start to eat.)
Is “a” Always Necessary?
With verbs like “empezar” and “comenzar,” when followed by another verb in the infinitive, “a” is almost always required. However, when these verbs are followed by a noun or a pronoun, the preposition might not be needed:
- Empezamos la reunión. (We start the meeting.)
- Comenzó la película. (The movie started.)
But as soon as the following word is a verb, the “a” returns:
- Empezamos a hablar. (We started to talk.)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many Spanish learners, especially English speakers, forget the preposition “a” because in English, the equivalent structure doesn’t always require a preposition. This can lead to sentences like “Empecé estudiar,” which is incorrect. Always remember: when “empezar” or “comenzar” is followed by an infinitive verb, include “a.”
Another common mistake is using the wrong preposition or omitting it entirely. Practice with examples and repetition is key to internalizing this rule.
Practical Tips for Mastering “Empezar a”
- Read and listen: Notice this structure in Spanish texts, songs, and conversations. The more you see it, the more natural it will become.
- Practice: Write your own sentences using “empezar a” and similar structures. For example, “Hoy voy a empezar a aprender español con Talkpal.”
- Drills: Create flashcards pairing verbs of beginning with various infinitives (e.g., empezar a bailar, comenzar a estudiar).
- Feedback: Use language learning platforms like Talkpal to get corrections and reinforce correct usage.
Conclusion: Making Sense of Spanish Prepositions
Mastering the use of “a” with verbs of beginning like “empezar” is a small but significant step toward fluency in Spanish. This grammatical feature helps clarify meaning and ensures your sentences are structurally sound. As you continue your Spanish journey, keep practicing with real examples and stay curious about the patterns you encounter. For more tips, interactive lessons, and language learning resources, be sure to visit the Talkpal blog and keep advancing your Spanish skills with confidence!
