2. Ser or Estar? Ser and Estar both mean ‘to be’. So when do we use which one? Meet Scoot P and Ethel P – they’re cousins, and they are going to help us decide.

3. SER – typically for descriptions and things that are more permanent. Use the acronym SCOOT P to determine if you should use SER.

4. S er The S stands for Ser, so you always know which verb you are working with.

5. C haracteristic tall, short, pretty, tasty, smart, funny, made of wood/glass/plastic

6. O rigin Hi, I’m from Houston. I am American.

7. O ccupation I am a doctor. They are students.

8. T ime It is 6:30. The party is at 7.

9. P ossession This is my house. Those are your books. He is our brother.

10. Key Term: De De, meaning ‘of’ or ‘from’, is used for origin, characteristics and possession.

11. ESTAR – typically for things that change easily, less permanent Use the acronym ETHEL P to determine if you should use ESTAR.

12. E star The E stands for estar, so you don’t get them confused.

13. T emporary Condition The potatoes are cold. I am tired.

14. H ealth He is sick. I am well.

15. E motion I am happy. Y’all are sad.

16. L ocation I am in the classroom. The building is on Main Street.

17. P rogressives These are the –ing verbs – we’ll get to them later!

18. Key words – En, encima de, al lado de, etc. These key words show location, which is always ESTAR