SER vs. ESTARSER vs. ESTAR

*In Spanish there are two verbs that mean “to be”: SER and ESTAR.

*Each verb has distinct uses.

*They are not interchangeable.

*SER is used to:

*Express a trait or characteristic, where someone/something is from, nationality, tell time

*ESTAR is used to:

*Express a temporary condition or state, where someone/something is located

ESTAR = To be

Yo

Tú

Él/Ella/Ud.

Nosotros(as)

Ellos/Ellas/Uds.

Remember that ESTAR is irregular

*Here is an acronym to help you remember when to use which verb:

SER ESTAR

DD escription HH ealth

OO rigin EE motion

NN ationality LL ocation

TT ime PP resent progressive

*The present progressive is a verb tense.

Complete each sentence with the correct form of either SER or ESTAR.

1. Yo _____________ de Nueva York.

2. Fernando y yo ___________ alumnos en una escuela secundaria.

3. Anita _______ contenta. ________ de buen humor.

4. Los muchachos ______________ graciosos.

5. La casa ___________ muy grande.

6. Yo ____________ enfermo(a). Tengo fiebre.