Spanish grammar reference

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Spanish Reported Speech

Reporting what others said. Adapted for Spanish. This Spanish reference focuses on recognition, lookup, and practical reading rather than drills.

Rule 1: Report statements and questions

Use this section to report statements and questions in Spanish. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.

Rule 2: Track tense shifts

Use this section to track tense shifts in Spanish. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.

Rule 3: Recognize quote-to-report changes

Use this section to recognize quote-to-report changes in Spanish. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.

Examples

Entendí la regla en este ejemplo.

I understood the rule in this example.

Use this as a Spanish lookup example for reported statements.

La forma cambia según el contexto.

The form changes according to context.

Use this as a Spanish lookup example for reported questions.

Spanish lookup checklist

QuestionWhat to check
MeaningWhat does the form contribute to the sentence?
AgreementDoes it match person, number, gender, case, or tense?
PositionDoes placement change emphasis or grammatical role?

Common Mistakes

  • Do not translate the Spanish pattern word-for-word from English.
  • Check the whole phrase before deciding what a single form means.
  • Watch for register: a correct written form can sound too formal in casual speech.

Lookup Tips

  • Start with the example closest to your sentence.
  • Identify the trigger word or ending before memorizing a rule.
  • Save the topic as a focus if you expect to revisit it.