Is it correct to say "hacen tres años" when referring to a period of time?

No, it is a common error to pluralize the verb "hacer" in this context. When "hacer" is used to express elapsed time, it functions as an impersonal verb, meaning it has no subject to agree with. Just as you would say "hace calor" rather than "hacen calores," you must always use the singular "hace," regardless of whether you are referring to one day or many years.

What is the difference between "hace que" and "desde hace"?

While both structures are often interchangeable in daily conversation, there is a subtle difference in focus. Using "hace... que" (e.g., "Hace dos años que vivo aquí") tends to place more emphasis on the specific quantity or number of years. In contrast, using "desde hace" (e.g., "Vivo aquí desde hace dos años") shifts the focus slightly more toward the action being performed. It is important not to combine them into "desde hace que," as that is grammatically incorrect.

How can I tell if I should use "que" or "de que" in a sentence?

The most effective method is to turn the statement into a question. If the question requires the preposition "de," the answer does as well. For example, to check "Me alegro (de) que vengas," you ask, "¿De qué te alegras?" Since the "de" is necessary in the question, the correct form is "Me alegro de que vengas." Conversely, for "Pienso (de) que es tarde," you ask, "¿Qué piensas?" Since there is no "de" in the question, the correct form is "Pienso que."

Why do people often say "pienso de que" if it is grammatically incorrect?

This phenomenon is known as "dequeísmo," and it often stems from "ultracorrección" (overcorrection). Because "queísmo"—the error of omitting a necessary "de"—is socially stigmatized, many speakers begin to insert "de" everywhere out of a fear of speaking poorly. This leads them to add the preposition even to verbs like "pensar" or "creer" that do not require it.

Does the verb "necesitar" require the preposition "de" before a clause?

The verb "necesitar" is unique because its requirements change depending on what follows it. If you are using a noun, you can choose to use "de" or not (e.g., "necesito tu ayuda" or "necesito de tu ayuda"). However, if the verb is followed by a clause starting with "que," the "de" must be removed. The correct form is always "necesito que me ayudes," never "necesito de que me ayudes."

Dominando el tiempo con hace y desde hace

40 min

Apr 4, 2026

Communication skill Education Self-growth

¿Te confundes al hablar de duración en español? Lena y Miles revelan cómo usar correctamente las estructuras temporales para expresarte con fluidez.

Best quote from Dominando el tiempo con hace y desde hace

Dominar estos matices no es pedantería, es responsabilidad comunicativa. Al final del día, lo que queremos es que el otro entienda exactamente lo que tenemos en la cabeza, sin ruidos de fondo.

This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member

Input question

Use of hace de que and hace in Spanish

Host voices

Lena

Miles

Learning style

Deep

Knowledge sources

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

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@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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Dominando el tiempo con hace y desde hace

40 min

Apr 4, 2026

Communication skill Education Self-growth

¿Te confundes al hablar de duración en español? Lena y Miles revelan cómo usar correctamente las estructuras temporales para expresarte con fluidez.

Best quote from Dominando el tiempo con hace y desde hace

Dominar estos matices no es pedantería, es responsabilidad comunicativa. Al final del día, lo que queremos es que el otro entienda exactamente lo que tenemos en la cabeza, sin ruidos de fondo.