Question

Prompt
You have been working through a lot of material that includes sorting grammatically correct and incorrect sentences.

Directions: Take a look at the sentences below. Explain in 1-2 sentences in your own words, what you think could be the reason for using the verb ser in a sentence versus using estar, when both verbs mean "to be."

Look at the patterns and make your best guess.

English Right
Wrong

Where is Raul?
¿Dónde está Raúl?

*¿Dónde es Raúl?

Patricia is intelligent.

Patricia es inteligente.

*Patricia está inteligente.

Carlos is Guatemalan.

Carlos es guatemalteco.

*Carlos está guatemalteco.

You are playing the piano.

Tú estás tocando el piano.

*Tú eres tocando el piano.

My brothers are content/happy.

Mis hermanos están contentos.

*Mis hermanos son contentos.

Answer 1

The reason for using the verb ser in these sentences is because they are describing permanent characteristics or identities of the subject. On the other hand, estar is used when describing temporary states or conditions of the subject.