C1 Spanish grammar
Focus Structures in Spanish
Focus identifies the informative or contrastive center of a sentence. Spanish can correct a previous assumption, select one alternative, or mark one constituent as the only relevant value through placement and explicit focus expressions.
Focus Structures in Spanish decision map
1. Use Spanish focus structures to correct an assumption → 2. Select one alternative contrastively → 3. Mark a uniquely relevant value
Work through these meaning and discourse decisions in order before choosing the final structure.
Focus Structures in Spanish: choices and models
| Decision | Guidance | Model |
|---|---|---|
| Use Spanish focus structures to correct an assumption | Corrective focus replaces a salient alternative. Place the correction where it is unambiguous and make the contrast explicit with no... sino, precisamente, or a focused constituent. | No llamó Marta, sino Elena. |
| Select one alternative contrastively | Contrastive focus sets one constituent against an explicit or recoverable alternative. Subject expression, placement, and parallel structure should make the dimension of contrast clear. | Yo preparé el análisis; Laura redactó las conclusiones. |
| Mark a uniquely relevant value | Solo, precisamente, justamente, and identifying structures can create exhaustive focus. Place solo next to the constituent whose alternatives are excluded so its scope is not ambiguous. | Solo Elena presentó una objeción. |
The model illustrates the decision; preserve its meaning and discourse effect when adapting it.
Spanish focus structures: Use Spanish focus structures to correct an assumption
Corrective focus replaces a salient alternative. Place the correction where it is unambiguous and make the contrast explicit with no... sino, precisamente, or a focused constituent.
No llamó Marta, sino Elena.Quick check
Choose the corrective focus.
Select one alternative contrastively
Contrastive focus sets one constituent against an explicit or recoverable alternative. Subject expression, placement, and parallel structure should make the dimension of contrast clear.
Yo preparé el análisis; Laura redactó las conclusiones.Mark a uniquely relevant value
Solo, precisamente, justamente, and identifying structures can create exhaustive focus. Place solo next to the constituent whose alternatives are excluded so its scope is not ambiguous.
Solo Elena presentó una objeción.Common mistakes
No llamó Marta, pero Elena. (correction intended)
No llamó Marta, sino Elena.
After an explicit negated alternative, sino introduces its correction.
Preparé yo el análisis Laura las conclusiones. (two contrasts unclear)
Yo preparé el análisis; Laura, las conclusiones.
Parallel clauses and punctuation clarify the contrasted agents and tasks.
Elena presentó solo una objeción. (only Elena intended)
Solo Elena presentó una objeción.
Moving solo changes its scope: the incorrect sentence limits the number of objections.
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Focus structures FAQ
What does focus structures cover?
Focus identifies the informative or contrastive center of a sentence. Spanish can correct a previous assumption, select one alternative, or mark one constituent as the only relevant value through placement and explicit focus expressions.
What is the first rule to remember?
Corrective focus replaces a salient alternative. Place the correction where it is unambiguous and make the contrast explicit with no... sino, precisamente, or a focused constituent.
What is another important C1 pattern?
Contrastive focus sets one constituent against an explicit or recoverable alternative. Subject expression, placement, and parallel structure should make the dimension of contrast clear.
How can I practise Spanish focus structures?
Complete the focused round, review each correction, and repeat the lesson when its skills become due again.