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Get Set for Lower Intermediate 4 (Aula 2 Plus)
So far in the Lower Intermediate levels, we were introduced to the pretérito indefinido (Lower Intermediate 1), we saw how we can make an extra tense in the present using ESTAR + gerundio (Lower Intermediate 2) and we revisited the pretérito perfecto (Lower Intermediate 3).
Now in Lower Intermediate 4 we take a second look at the pretérito indefinido. As this one of the most challenging of tenses, this is time well spent.
In Lower Intermediate 5, we add the pretérito imperfecto into the mix. As you'll see, the pretérito imperfecto is a bit different. If you get your other past tenses sorted beforehand, you'll be laughing.
Where am I up to?
Lower Intermediate 4 is the fourth of 5 Lower Intermediate levels.
Together, the Lower Intermediate levels form the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Click here for more information about the CEFR.
And click here for an overview and detailed explanation of all our levels.
Before starting Lower Intermediate 4, study up on:
The present tense
If you don't know your present tense, now is the time.
As you add more tenses to your tool kit, you'll notice that the present tense in Spanish is highly versatile – it isn't only useful when talking about the present. Two other, subtle uses are:
1) to express the future:
el sábado trabajo (I'm working / I'll be working on Saturday)
2) to express the present continuous:
¿Qué comes? ¿Chocolate? (What are you eating? Chocolate?)
Learn the present tense and open doors to other realms!
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The Spanish Verb System – an El Patio resource |
The first of the past tenses: the pretérito perfecto
By now you're more or less on top of the pretérito perfecto.
We first saw this tense in Elementary 4 and then again in Lower Intermediate 3.
In Lower Intermediate 4 we continue our adventures with this tense and use it alongside the pretérito indefinido.
If you're at all unsure of the forms, put a little moment aside to have a look over this tense and see if there's anything there you still need to nut out.
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StudySpanish.com – the pretérito perfecto |
The second past tense: el pretérito indefinido
Of all the tenses the pretérito indefinido has the most irregular forms.
By the end of the Lower Intermediate levels, aim to have most forms of this tense learnt off by heart.
Of course, there's always be odd ones you'll need to look up (like CABER, maybe).
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StudySpanish.com – the pretérito indefinido (part 1) |
Direct object pronouns, indirect object pronouns, reflexive pronouns
Learning to distinguish the direct object pronouns (me / te / lo / la / nos / os / los / las) from the indirect object pronouns (me / te / le /nos / os / les) and the reflexive pronouns (me / te / se / nos / os / se) is a long-term project.
Another approach to this is to think about which verbs use the different sets of pronouns.
For example, what is it about the verb DECIR that means it can take both a direct and indirect object?
And what is it about the verb GUSTAR means it never uses the direct object pronouns?
Set yourself some riddles! If you can identify why certain verbs 'fit better' with the different pronouns, that will help distinguish them.
And it's good to keep in mind that native speakers of Spanish get these little words confused too.
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Trent University – The direct object pronoun (exercises) |
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StudySpanish.com – Reflexive verbs |
Happy studying!
We hope you enjoy your course.
If we can help with anything please get in touch.
Find a Class
| Class | Starting | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesdays 6-7.30pm FACE-TO-FACE | In 2 months (05/02/2025) | Northcote (Westgarth) | $433.00 $393.01 or 4 payments of $98.25 |
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