Uses of 'Ser'
Spanish: AQA GCSE (2025 Exam), topic 7.1.2
Uses of 'Ser'
Describing people
- Theo es alto.
- Theo is tall.
- Soy español.
- I am Spanish.
- Xavi es futbolista profesional.
- Xavi is a professional footballer.
- Tu eres amable.
- You are kind.
Describing objects
- La mesa es grande.
- The table is big.
- La mesa es de madera.
- The table is made of wood.
Describing relationships
- Charlotte es mi novia.
- Charlotte is my girlfriend.
- Guillermo es mi hermano.
- William is my brother.
- Somos amigos.
- We are friends.
Ownership
- Estos calcetines son míos.
- These socks are mine.
- El cuadro es de Velázquez.
- This painting is by Velázquez.
Time of day
- ¿Qué hora es?
- What time is it?.
- Es la una.
- It is one o'clock.
Day, month, date
- Hoy es viernes.
- Today, it is Friday.
- Es el 16 de junio.
- It is the 16th of June.
Uses of 'Ser'
The verb 'ser' has many different uses.
How much something costs
- For asking how much something costs.
- ¿Cuánto es?
- How much is it?
- For saying how much it is.
- Son cien libras.
- It is 100 pounds.
'Ser' with 'para'
- When used with 'para', 'ser' is used to show the destination of an object.
- You use the verb to highlight who the recipient is.
- Este regalo es para tí.
- This present is for you.
- With 'para', 'ser' is also used to show the use of an object.
- Estas tijeras son para cortar el pelo.
- These scissors are to cut hair (are hair scissors).
Where something is taking place
- 'Ser' is used to say when an event is taking place.
- El almuerzo es a las dos.
- Lunch is at 2 o'clock.
Followed by an adjective
- When 'ser' is followed by an adjective + que, it is used to show a subjective opinion.
- Es extraño que...
- it is strange that...
- Es evidente que...
- it is obvious that...
Impersonal Expressions Using 'Ser'
The third person singular of 'ser' can be used with an adjective followed by 'que' to create an impersonal opinion.
Es + adjective + que
- To create an impersonal opinion you need to use the third person singular of 'ser'.
- You can use any tense of ‘ser’.
- You cannot express any doubt in these phrases.
Es posible que - it is possible that
Es cierto que - it is certain that
Es seguro que - there is no doubt that
Es obvio que - it is clear that
Es evidente que - It is obvious that
Test yourself on Uses of 'Ser'
How do you say 'you are English' in Spanish?
Which phrases are written accurately?
How do you say 'it is certain that' in Spanish?
¿Qué significa 'es cierto que' en Inglés?