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Learn key Spanish prepositional phrases like "a pesar de" (although), "a causa de" (because of), and "gracias a" (thanks to) to confidently talk about activities and reasons in everyday situations.
  1. Prepositional phrases function to link or relate words to each other.
  2. Although they are made up of several words, they function just like prepositions.
LocuciónSignificadoEjemplo
A pesar deAunqueSalgo a la discoteca a pesar de estar cansado. (I go out to the nightclub despite being tired.)
A causa deDebido a, porNo pudimos irnos de tapas a causa de la lluvia. (We couldn’t go for tapas because of the rain.)
Gracias aDebido a algo positivoTengo más tiempo libre gracias a la conciliación laboral. (I have more free time thanks to work-life balance.)
Alrededor deCerca deAlrededor de mi casa puedo disfrutar de la naturaleza. (Around my house I can enjoy nature.)
En vez deEn lugar dePrefiero irme de tapas en vez de estar en casa. (I prefer to go for tapas instead of staying at home.)

Exercise 1: Locuciones preposicionales: hablar sobre actividades

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

a causa de, alrededor de, Gracias a, en vez de, A pesar de, Alrededor de

1.
No pudimos irnos de vacaciones ... no planificarlas bien.
(We couldn't go on holiday because we didn't plan it well.)
2.
... tener poco tiempo libre, intento ser una persona muy sociable.
(Despite having little free time, I try to be a very sociable person.)
3.
... mi apartamento hay muchas zonas verdes para disfrutar de la naturaleza.
(Around my flat there are many green areas to enjoy nature.)
4.
Muchas veces hago deporte en el parque ... mi casa para disfrutar de la zona verde.
(I often do sport in the park around my house to enjoy the green area.)
5.
... mis amigos que son creativos siempre tengo muchas actividades que hacer.
(Thanks to my creative friends, I always have plenty of activities to do.)
6.
Prefiero irme de tapas con mis amigos ... comer en casa.
(I prefer going out for tapas with my friends instead of eating at home.)
7.
... la conciliación laboral, tengo más tiempo para disfrutar de mis actividades favoritas en mi tiempo libre.
(Thanks to work-life balance, I have more time to enjoy my favourite activities in my free time.)
8.
... tener mucho tiempo el fin de semana puedo organizar diferentes actividades.
(Thanks to having a lot of time at the weekend, I can organise different activities.)

Prepositional Phrases: Talking About Activities

This lesson focuses on Spanish prepositional phrases, known as locuciones preposicionales, which are expressions formed by multiple words but function like single prepositions. These phrases are essential in linking ideas and explaining circumstances in everyday conversations.

What Are Prepositional Phrases?

Prepositional phrases combine several words to express relationships such as cause, contrast, replacement, or location. Although they consist of more than one word, they act grammatically like prepositions.

Key Prepositional Phrases in This Lesson

  • A pesar de – meaning "although," used to indicate contrast or concession.
  • A causa de – meaning "because of" or "due to," usually indicates a cause.
  • Gracias a – meaning "thanks to," and it is used for positive causes.
  • Alrededor de – meaning "around" or "near," describes approximate location.
  • En vez de – meaning "instead of," used to express substitution or preference.

Examples From the Lesson

You will practice sentences such as:

  • Salgo a la discoteca a pesar de estar cansado.
  • No pudimos irnos de tapas a causa de la lluvia.
  • Tengo más tiempo libre gracias a la conciliación laboral.
  • Alrededor de mi casa puedo disfrutar de la naturaleza.
  • Prefiero irme de tapas en vez de estar en casa.

Notes on Language Differences

In English, prepositions are typically single words such as "because," "around," or "instead." Spanish often uses prepositional phrases composed of multiple words to convey similar meanings, which may feel longer but offer more nuance. Understanding these phrases helps learners build more precise sentences. For example, "a pesar de" corresponds to "although," contrasting an action or situation, while "gracias a" relates to positive causes and translates to "thanks to." This structure is a unique feature of Spanish compared to English prepositions.

Useful phrases for practice include "a pesar de" (although), "a causa de" (because of), "gracias a" (thanks to), "alrededor de" (around), and "en vez de" (instead of).

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