Spanish
Grade 9
15 min
Me gusta comer... (I like to eat...)
Expressing likes and dislikes for different foods.
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Correctly construct sentences using 'gustar' and similar verbs (encantar, interesar, molestar) with appropriate indirect object pronouns.
Differentiate between using an infinitive verb versus a subordinate clause with 'que' after 'gustar'.
Identify when to use the subjunctive mood after verbs of emotion and opinion related to food.
Formulate complex sentences expressing nuanced opinions about food, such as 'Me gusta que la sopa esté caliente'.
Ask and answer detailed questions about food preferences using both simple and complex structures.
Expand their food-related vocabulary to describe dishes and ingredients in Spanish.
What's the difference between saying 'I like tacos' and 'I like that my ta...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Verbos como 'gustar'Verbs that function grammatically like 'gustar', where the thing being liked is the subject of the sentence and the person who likes it is the indirect object.A mí me gustan los tacos. ('Los tacos' is the subject, 'me' is the indirect object).
Pronombre de objeto indirecto (Indirect Object Pronoun)A pronoun (me, te, le, nos, os, les) that indicates to whom or for whom an action is done. With 'gustar', it indicates the person who is pleased by something.A ella le encanta el chocolate. ('le' refers to 'ella').
Cláusula subordinada (Subordinate Clause)A part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It is often introduced by ...
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Grammar Rules & Patterns
The 'Gustar' Formula (with nouns)
(A + pronoun/name) + Indirect Object Pronoun + gusta/gustan + noun(s).
Use 'gusta' for singular nouns or infinitives. Use 'gustan' for plural nouns. The indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, os, les) must match the person who likes the item.
Gustar + Infinitive
Me/Te/Le... + gusta + [infinitive verb]
When you like to DO an activity, you use 'gusta' (always singular) followed by the infinitive form of the verb. This is used when there is no change in subject.
Gustar que + Subjunctive
Me/Te/Le... + gusta + que + [different subject] + [verb in subjunctive]
When you like THAT someone or something else does something, you must use 'que' followed by the subjunctive. This structure is es...
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Challenging
Which sentence correctly synthesizes the following two ideas into a single, grammatically correct statement: 1. 'My parents are delighted.' 2. 'I cook paella for them on Sundays.'?
A.mis padres les encanta que yo cocine paella para ellos los domingos.
B.Mis padres encantan que yo cocino paella para ellos los domingos.
C.mis padres les encanta mi cocinar de paella los domingos.
D.mis padres se encantan que yo cocine paella para ellos los domingos.
Challenging
Which question is the most precise and grammatically correct way to ask a friend if they are bothered by the fact that you eat with your hands?
A.¿Tú molestas que yo como con las manos?
B.¿Te molesta que yo coma con las manos?
C.¿Te molesta mi comer con las manos?
D.¿A ti te molesto que yo como con las manos?
Challenging
Evaluate the following sentences and select the one that contains a subtle but critical error in the application of the 'gustar que + subjunctive' rule.
A.Nos gusta que el restaurante tenga opciones sin gluten.
B.Le molesta que su café esté frío.
C.Me gusta que cocinas tan bien.
D.Les encanta que sus hijos prueben comidas nuevas.
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