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"Barrer el suelo" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to sweep the floor", and "pasar la aspiradora" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to vacuum". Learn more about the difference between "barrer el suelo" and "pasar la aspiradora" below.
barrer el suelo(
bah
-
rrehr
 
ehl
 
sweh
-
loh
)
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
intransitive verb phrase
a. to sweep the floor
Tenemos que barrer el suelo. Está lleno de migas.We have to sweep the floor. It's full of crumbs.
b. to sweep the floor clean
Ya barrí el suelo y le pasé la fregona. Ahora podemos volver a poner las alfombras.I already swept the floor clean and mopped it. We can now put the rugs back.
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An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
intransitive verb phrase
a. to vacuum
Pasa la aspiradora antes de fregar el suelo.Vacuum the floor before mopping it.
b. to hoover
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
Hay muchas migas en la alfombra, tendríamos que pasar la aspiradora.There's a lot of crumbs on the carpet. We should hoover it.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.