La Palabra del Día :empezar

Question

empezar (ntransitive verb) *to begin, to start**

IDIOMS

Ya empezamos - Here we go again

Post your sentences in Spanish and English, then vote for the ones you like. The best answer will be chosen tomorrow on the basis of the greatest number of votes and language correctness.

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Remember to correct your posts as suggested or they can NOT be "accepted".
Do not use subject pronouns in Spanish.

Empezó a beber alcohol después de perder su trabajo

He started to drink alcohol after he lost his job.

Please correct my English and Spanish - Vaanz, Apr 11, 2011

empezar uses an "a" before a verb infinitive. - 0074b507, Apr 11, 2011

is that a "después de que" ....situation? - 0074b507, Apr 11, 2011

Would it be: Empezó a beber alcohol después de perder su trabajo? Your version looks like - He started drinking (imperfect) vs He started to drink (preterite) - but I have been known to get this kind of thing wrong lol and maybe one doesn't have to be - Kiwi-Girl, Apr 11, 2011

quite so literal and either will work. I'm sure someone more in the know will help clarify :) - Kiwi-Girl, Apr 11, 2011

No subject change so después de perder looks good. - 0074b507, Apr 11, 2011

Empezó a beber alcohol después de perder su trabajo?, indeed, same subject, infinitive, good one kiwi and quen, you will be the official correctors soon, jeje - 00494d19, Apr 11, 2011

:) - cogumela, Apr 11, 2011

Thank you guys!! - Vaanz, Apr 12, 2011

:) - sanlee, Apr 12, 2011