THE CONTRACTIONS AL & DEL

In English, we have lots of words that can form contractions...isn't, can't, won't, I'll, you're....the list could go on and on.

In Spanish there are only two!  In English, contractions are optional; in Spanish, they are mandatory.  (Is it the WORST mistake you can make if you forget to form them.....no!)

Following is an explanation of what they are and how they're formed...

 

When the word a (meaning -to, at) is followed by the word el (meaning -the)...it must contract to AL.

EXAMPLE:

I go to the mall.       Yo voy al centro comercial.

 

When the word de (meaning- from) is followed by the word el (meaning-the)...it must contract to DEL.

EXAMPLE:

We are going to your house from the airport.    Vamos a tu casa del aeropuerto.

 

IMPORTANT!

There is NO contraction when a or de is followed by la, los or las.