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

4 de abr. de 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.

Melhor citação de Dominando el tiempo con hace y desde hace

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Use of hace de que and hace in Spanish

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Dominando el tiempo con hace y desde hace

40 min

4 de abr. de 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.

Melhor citação de Dominando el tiempo con hace y desde hace

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