¿Por qué "estar"?

Question

I'll probably be given directions to the dunce corner for asking this - but I'm going to gird my loins and ask anyway :(

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In a recent thread I used the sentence "Aquí son las oraciones en total."; however it was corrected to "Aquí están las oraciones en total.".

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In this instance why use "están" and not "son"? Is it because the sentence is indicating a "location" rather than an "existence" - if that makes any sense...

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oraciones - drops the accent in the plural. :) - Tosh, Aug 28, 2011

Gracias Tosh :) - nonombre, Aug 28, 2011

Answer 1

Location location location --------> Estar

I'm probably mistakenly placing the emphasis on the "are" rather than the "here are" in this sentence. - nonombre, Aug 28, 2011

Answer 2

Here are a couple examples from my notebook all based on location:

1. Entiendo que el Sr. Terry estuvo aquí la semana pasada. (I understand that Mr. Terry he was here last week.)

   1. Eso está en Grecia. (That is in Greece.)

   2. Estuve bajo el agua por mucho tiempo. (I was under the water for a long time.)

Great examples Daniel - I'm going to write them down :) - nonombre, Aug 28, 2011

Answer 3

I would say:

"Aquí están las oraciones en total." Here are (you are pointing out where they are) the sentences.

It's the same as saying "Aquí están tus zapatos."

Also, "Aquí está tu vuelto" (Here is your change $ when handing someone their $change)

Now....

If you wanted to say "The sentences are long" you'd use "Las oraciones son largas" because it's talking about the character of the sentences.

Does that help?

You know what? This answer (using the sentences are/ long explanation) has probably helped me the most. Gracias. - nonombre, Aug 28, 2011

Answer 4

Hola, Annie ! I was told that **"Ser" ** is used to show the quality, which is constant. "Soy alto". "Soy mujer"

And "estar" for the things that are temporary. "Estoy cansada" "Estoy en casa". ¿Dónde estás?

I hope this will help

Está muerte. Madrid está en España. El sol está en la galaxia. - lorenzo9, Aug 28, 2011

El concierto es en el estadio. - lorenzo9, Aug 28, 2011

So these are exceptions, yes? - PrincessMariam, Aug 28, 2011