All Solutions
Page 71: Ser y estar B
The verb *estar* is used when we are describing temporary emotions, conditions, for locations and with past participle.
The verb *ser* is used when we are talking about permanent characteristics such as physical appearance or personal characteristics. When saying origin or nationality, for jobs and professions. Also to indicate to whom something belongs and for telling exact time and place of an event.
*”Our school____preparing a presentation of the play Romeo and Juliet.”*
Since we have a past participle (preparando) and a description of a temporary situation we will use the verb *estar*. The subject is *escuela* (school). Therefore, we will use the third-person singular present form of the verb *estar*, which is “está”.
*”Romeo and Juliet____the story of two young men …”*
Since we have *la historia* (the history) as an indication of a permanent situation we will use the verb *ser*. The subject is *la historia* (the history). Therefore, we will use the third-person singular present form of the verb *ser*, which is “es”.
*”…. that ___ in love …”*
Since we have *enamorados* (in love) as an indication of a permanent emotion we will use the verb *ser*. The subject is *Romeo y Julieta*. Therefore, we will use the third-person plural present form of the verb *ser*, which is “son”.
*”…but their families_____enemy.”*
Since we have *enemigas* (in love) as an indication of a permanent situation we will use the verb *ser*. The subject is *familias* (families). Therefore, we will use the third-person plural present form of the verb *ser*, which is “son”.
*”Marta Ramos__the main actress…”*
Since we have the main actress (of the show) as a job of the subject we will use the verb *ser*. The subject is *Marta*. Therefore, we will use the third-person singular present form of the verb *ser*, which is “es”.
*”Marta____ a very talented girl…”*
Since we have the description of Marta’s personal characteristics we will use the verb *ser*. The subject is *Marta*. Therefore, we will use the third-person singular present form of the verb *ser*, which is “es”.
*”…that ___ from Puerto Rico.”*
Since we have the description of Marta’s origin we will use the verb *ser*. The subject is *Marta*. Therefore, we will use the third-person singular present form of the verb *ser*, which is “es”.
*”She___very excited because this Friday …”*
Since we have the description of Marta’s temporary emotion we will use the verb *estar*. The subject is *Marta*. Therefore, we will use the third-person singular present form of the verb *estar*, which is “está”.
*”…this Friday __ the first performance of the play.”*
Since we have the description of where the play will take place we will use the verb *ser*. The subject is *la representaciĂłn* (the representation). Therefore, we will use the third-person singular present form of the verb *ser*, which is “es”.
*”____ in the school theater at seven in the evening.”*
Since we have the description of when the play will take place we will use the verb *ser*. The subject is *la representaciĂłn* (the representation). Therefore, we will use the third-person singular present form of the verb *ser*, which is “es”.
*”All the actors_____ working hard this week to memorize the script.”*
Since we have a past participle (trabajando) and a description of a temporary situation (this week) we will use the verb *estar*. The subject is *los actores* (the actors). Therefore, we will use the third-person plural present form of the verb *estar*, which is “están”.
*”The events of the lives of Romeo and Juliet __very tragic….”*
Since we have the description of the lives of Romeo and Juliet (permanent situation) we will use the verb *ser*. The subject is *los acontecimientos* (the events). Therefore, we will use the third-person plural present form of the verb *ser*, which is “son”.
*”…but the play____ magnificent.”*
Since we have the description of the play (permanent situation) we will use the verb *ser*. The subject is *la obra* (the play). Therefore, we will use the third-person singular present form of the verb *ser*, which is “es”.