C2 Spanish grammar
Dequeísmo and Queísmo in Spanish
Spanish dequeísmo and queísmo concern the presence or absence of de before que, but the correct analysis begins with the governing construction. Dequeísmo adds unsupported de; queísmo omits selected de. Similar-looking alternatives may both be valid when they belong to different constructions.
Dequeísmo and Queísmo in Spanish decision map
1. Test whether the governor selects de → 2. Separate constructions that license different patterns → 3. Edit for a target norm without stigmatizing speakers
Work through these meaning and discourse decisions in order before choosing the final structure.
Dequeísmo and Queísmo in Spanish: choices and models
| Decision | Guidance | Model |
|---|---|---|
| Test whether the governor selects de | Replace the finite clause with eso: pensar eso points to pensar que, while acordarse de eso points to acordarse de que. The test reveals lexical government; it is not a command to delete every de que sequence. | Me alegro de que hayas venido. |
| Separate constructions that license different patterns | Informar algo a alguien and informar de algo a alguien support informó que and informó de que; advertir que can announce a fact, while advertir de que can warn someone of it. Analyse the complete argument structure and meaning. | La portavoz informó de que el plazo había cambiado. |
| Edit for a target norm without stigmatizing speakers | Queísmo and dequeísmo frequencies vary by construction, region, and register. In edited international prose, follow established government and recast uncertain cases; in linguistic description, record the variety instead of treating its speakers as careless. | Se dio cuenta de que faltaba una página. |
The model illustrates the decision; preserve its meaning and discourse effect when adapting it.
Spanish dequeísmo and queísmo: Test whether the governor selects de
Replace the finite clause with eso: pensar eso points to pensar que, while acordarse de eso points to acordarse de que. The test reveals lexical government; it is not a command to delete every de que sequence.
Me alegro de que hayas venido.Quick check
Choose the governed complement.
Separate constructions that license different patterns
Informar algo a alguien and informar de algo a alguien support informó que and informó de que; advertir que can announce a fact, while advertir de que can warn someone of it. Analyse the complete argument structure and meaning.
La portavoz informó de que el plazo había cambiado.Edit for a target norm without stigmatizing speakers
Queísmo and dequeísmo frequencies vary by construction, region, and register. In edited international prose, follow established government and recast uncertain cases; in linguistic description, record the variety instead of treating its speakers as careless.
Se dio cuenta de que faltaba una página.Common mistakes
Me alegro que hayas venido in edited standard Spanish.
Me alegro de que hayas venido.
The pronominal verb alegrarse de requires the preposition.
Informó de que is always dequeísmo because de appears before que.
Informó que el plazo cambió and informó de que el plazo cambió can reflect two accepted frames.
Surface sequence alone cannot classify de que without the governor's syntax.
Every omission heard in conversation proves the speaker lacks grammar.
The edited form is se dio cuenta de que; variation should be described separately from the target editing norm.
A usage label and a judgment about a speaker are not the same thing.
Ready to practise Spanish dequeísmo and queísmo?
Complete an eight-question round and save skill-level progress for future review.
Dequeísmo and queísmo FAQ
What does dequeísmo and queísmo cover?
Spanish dequeísmo and queísmo concern the presence or absence of de before que, but the correct analysis begins with the governing construction. Dequeísmo adds unsupported de; queísmo omits selected de. Similar-looking alternatives may both be valid when they belong to different constructions.
What is the first rule to remember?
Replace the finite clause with eso: pensar eso points to pensar que, while acordarse de eso points to acordarse de que. The test reveals lexical government; it is not a command to delete every de que sequence.
What is another important C2 pattern?
Informar algo a alguien and informar de algo a alguien support informó que and informó de que; advertir que can announce a fact, while advertir de que can warn someone of it. Analyse the complete argument structure and meaning.
How can I practise Spanish dequeísmo and queísmo?
Complete the focused round, review each correction, and repeat the lesson when its skills become due again.