Common mistakes in Spanish writing (and how to avoid them without losing your mind)

Spanish is a wonderful language, but it is also full of pitfalls even native speakers fall into. Sometimes, we make mistakes out of habit or carelessness without realising it. Here we tell you about some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them without suffering.

1. Confusion between “de que” and “que”

One of the most common mistakes is the incorrect use of “de que”. For example, saying “Me di cuenta que…” instead of “Me di cuenta de que…”. A simple trick is to replace the phrase with “eso”: if “Me di cuenta eso” doesn’t make sense, then the correct word is “de que”. This mistake is so common that it deserves special attention.

2. Incorrect use of commas ❌

Commas can completely change the meaning of a sentence. For example:

✅ Correct: “Let’s eat, grandma.” (We talk to grandma about the food.)

❌ Incorrect: “Let’s eat grandma.” (It sounds like grandma is the main dish 😱).

3. Forgotten accent marks on past tense verbs

Past tense verbs often have an accent mark on the last syllable, such as “comió”, “habló” or “decidió”. Forgetting these accent marks is a common mistake that can change the tense or even the word’s meaning. Paying attention to the rules of accentuation is key to avoiding misunderstandings.

4. “Hay”, “ahí” and “ay”

These three words sound the same, but they have very different meanings:

• Hay: from the verb “haber”. Example: “Hay muchas estrellas esta noche” (There are many stars tonight).
• Ahí: indicates a place. Example: “El libro está ahí, sobre la mesa” (The book is there, on the table).
• Ay: expression of complaint or pain. Example: “¡Ay, me he golpeado el pie!” (Oops, I hit my foot!).

Confusing them can lead to meaningless sentences or misinterpretations.

5. Confusion between “because,” “why,” “porqué,” and “por que” ❌

It’s easy to get tangled up with these four forms, but each has a specific use:

• Porque: Explains a cause. Example: “No vine porque estaba enfermo”. (I didn’t come because I was sick.)
• Por qué: Used in questions. Example: “¿Por qué llegaste tarde?” (“Why were you late?”)
• Porqué: It’s a noun that means “reason.” Example:  “No entiendo el porqué de su enojo.” (“I don’t understand why he’s angry.”)
• Por que: Used when the preposition “por” precedes “que.” Example: “Luchamos por que se haga justicia.” (“We fight for justice to be done.”)

6. “Haiga” instead of “haya” ❌

This error is widespread in colloquial speech and is caused by confusion with the conjugation of the verb “haber” in the subjunctive. “Haiga” is not an accepted form in standard Spanish.

✅ Correct: Ojalá haya más oportunidades.
❌ Incorrect: Ojalá haiga más oportunidades.

These errors are common in various regions and can affect the accuracy of the message.

7. Incorrect use of “sino” and “si no”

Although they sound the same, they have different uses:

• Sino: equivalent to “but”. Example:  “No es rojo, sino azul”à”It’s not red, but blue”.
• Si no: conditional. Example:  “Si no estudias, no aprobarás”. à”If you don’t study, you won’t pass”.

Confusing them can alter the meaning of the sentence.

8. “Vinistes”, “fuistes” and other incorrect conjugations ❌

It is common to add an unnecessary “s” at the end of some verbs in the second person singular of the preterite tense.

✅ Correcto: Tú viniste temprano. (You came early.)
❌ Incorrecto: Tú vinistes temprano.

✅ Correcto: Tú fuiste al cine. (You went to the cinema.)
❌ Incorrecto: Tú fuistes al cine.

9. Using “a” and “ha”

“A” is a preposition, while “ha” is the form of the verb “haber”. Example:

•     A:  “Voy a la tienda” à “I’m going to the store”.

• Ha:  “Ella ha terminado su tarea” à “She has finished her homework”.

Confusing them is a common mistake that can change the sentence’s meaning.

10. “Tubo” and “tuvo”

Although they sound the same, “tubo” refers to a cylindrical object, while “tuvo” is the past tense of the verb “tener.” Example:

• Tubo:  “El fontanero cambió el tubo dañado”. à“The plumber replaced the damaged pipe.”
• Tuvo:  “Ella tuvo una idea brillante”. à “She had a brilliant idea.”

Paying attention to these differences is crucial for accurate writing.

Spanish is a rich and nuanced, yet we can sidestep these errors and enhance our communication with some practice. Have you ever made any of these blunders? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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