1. SER VS.ESTAR Use SER when discussing: Origin Physical features Personality traits The usual nature and characteristics of something Time Date Think of SER as a “constant state of being,” or something that you don’t control. Use ESTAR when discussing: Location Emotions and feelings How something is at that particular moment ESTAR is also used to form the present and past progressive tenses Think of ESTAR as a “changing” state of being,” or something that you can control and change.

2. Here’s a good example of how choosing the right verb can make a difference: La noche es oscura.Night is dark. (in general) La noche es oscura. El cuarto está oscuro. Las luces no funcionan. The room is dark. The lights aren't working. ********************************************************************************* Jorge es guapo. Jorge es guapo. Jorge is a handsome guy. Jorge está guapo.Jorge está guapo. Jorge looks handsome. (Maybe he is wearing a suit or combed his hair) *********************************************************************************** La falda es roja.La falda es roja. The skirt is red. El semáforo está rojo.El semáforo está rojo. The street light is red. ************************************************************************************ Maria es loca. Ella vive en un manicomio. Maria es loca. Ella vive en un manicomio. Mary is crazy. She lives in an insane asylum. Maria está loca.Maria está loca. Maria is crazy (at this moment). ************************************************************************************ Irene es alegre.Irene es alegre. Irene is a happy person. Eduardo está alegre.Eduardo está alegre. Eduardo is happy (right now). ************************************************************************************ Eres aburrido. You are boring. Estás aburrido. You are bored. ************************************************************************************* Soy de Doylestown.I am from Doylestown. Estoy en el salón de clase. I am in the classroom.

3. Location Prepositions used with ESTAR: a la derecha deto the right of al izquierda deto the left of enfrente defacing delante dein front of detrás dein back of a lado deto the side of debajo deunderneath encima deon top of enon/in dentro deinside of