I. Formation of affective phrases with GUSTAR

Some verbs expressing tastes or feelings are constructed with a particular syntax. This is the case of the verbs GUSTAR (to like), ENCANTAR (to adore), APETECER (to crave), DAR ASCO (to disgust), etc.

In affective constructions (construcciones valorativas), the subject is placed after the verb (contrary to the usual syntax) and the verb agrees with the element that follows it.

==> When the element that follows the verb is singular (or if it is an infinitive verb) then the verb is conjugated in the third person singular (GUSTA).
==> When the element that follows the verb is plural, the verb is conjugated in the third person plural (GUSTAN).

Examples:

• I love the sea (subject = el mar = singular noun) ==> A mí me gusta el mar
• A ti te gusta el deporte ==> You like sports (subject = el deporte = singular noun)
• Me gustan las frutas ==> I like fruit (subject = las frutas = plural noun)
• Te gusta caminar en la mañana ==> You like to walk in the morning (subject = infinitive verb = caminar)

II. Syntax of the sentence in affective phrases

To build an affective phrase we use the following structure:

COMPLEMENT introduced by a preposition (Optional) ==> A mí, a ti, a él, etc.
+
Negation (if sentence is negative)
+
Indirect complement (Required) ==> me, te, se, le, nos, os, les
+
Affective verb

Example:

• (A mí) me gustan los deportes colectivos ==> I like team sports.
• (A ellos) no les gusta el centro de la ciudad ==> They don’t like the city center.
• (A nosotros) nos gusta ir de vacaciones ==> We like to go on vacation.

N.B : The use of the proposition (a mí, a ti, a nosotros, etc.) serves to emphasize.

III. The main verbs used in affective phrases

The most used verb in affective turns is the verb GUSTAR. However, there are many verbs that are conjugated in the same way:

– AGRADAR (to please)
– APETECER (To want)
– ENCANTAR (To enchant/love)
– FASCINAR (To fascinate)
– ENTUSIASMAR (To enthuse)
– MARAVILLAR (To amaze)
– DOLER (To have pain)
– AVERGONZAR (To be ashamed)
– MOLESTAR (To disturb)
– PREOCUPAR (To worry)

Examples :

• A nosotros nos encantan las vacaciones ==> We love the vacations.
• A ti te molestan los vecinos ==> The neighbors are bothering you.
• Me duelen los pies ==> My feet hurt.
• Me fascinan los caballos ==> Horses fascinate me

IV. Affective phrases

Among the most common affective locutions, we find:

– DAR GANAS DE (To give desire to)
– DAR VERGUENZA (To shame)
– DAR PENA (To make feel sorry)
– DAR ASCO (To disgust)
– DAR LASTIMA (To make pity)
– DAR MIEDO (To scare)

Examples :

• El buen tiempo me da ganas de ir a pasear ==> The nice weather makes me want to go for a walk.
• Me da pena el divorcio de tus padres ==> I feel sorry for your parents’ divorce.

👉 Next lesson: Imperative (affirmative form)

👉 Previous lesson: Expressing hypothesis

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