C1 Spanish grammar
Focus Structures in Spanish
Focus marks the part of a message that corrects, contrasts, or uniquely identifies an alternative. Spanish combines word order, explicit subjects, particles, and parallel structure to make that choice visible.
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 Spanish translation.
We did not ask for less time, but for more resources.
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.Build the sentence
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Translate into Spanish
It wasn't Marta who called, but Elena.
Choose the opening of the sentence.
Common mistakes
No llamó Marta, pero Elena.
No llamó Marta, sino Elena.
After an explicit negated alternative, sino introduces its correction.
Preparé yo el análisis Laura las conclusiones.
Yo preparé el análisis; Laura, las conclusiones.
Parallel clauses and punctuation clarify the contrasted agents and tasks.
Elena presentó solo una objeción.
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 marks the part of a message that corrects, contrasts, or uniquely identifies an alternative. Spanish combines word order, explicit subjects, particles, and parallel structure to make that choice visible.
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.