A veces una mentira parece más sencilla que la verdad, pero puede causar problemas.

Sometimes a lie seems simpler than the truth, but it can cause problems.

Breakdown of A veces una mentira parece más sencilla que la verdad, pero puede causar problemas.

• más: more
• a veces: sometimes
• poder: to be able
• el problema: the problem
• pero: but
• sencillo: simple
• causar: to cause
• la mentira: the lie
• que: than
• la verdad: the truth
• ,: comma
• parecer: to seem

Questions & Answers about A veces una mentira parece más sencilla que la verdad, pero puede causar problemas.

What does "A veces" mean in this sentence?

It means "sometimes." It indicates that the situation described isn't constant but happens on occasion.

Why is there an indefinite article "una" before "mentira"?

In Spanish, singular countable nouns usually require an article. "Una mentira" translates to "a lie," referring to any nonspecific lie rather than a general concept of lying.

What is the function of the verb "parece" in this sentence?

"Parece" is the third-person singular present form of the verb "parecer," which means "to seem." It shows that a lie appears or seems simpler than the truth, though it doesn’t necessarily mean it is simpler.

How does the comparative phrase "más sencilla que la verdad" work?

The phrase means "simpler than the truth." It uses the comparative structure "más + adjective" followed by "que" to compare two elements—the lie being perceived as simpler when compared to the truth.

What role does "pero" play in the sentence?

"Pero" is a conjunction meaning "but." It introduces a contrast between the idea that a lie may seem simpler and the warning that it "can cause problems."

In the clause "pero puede causar problemas," what is the subject?

Although the subject isn’t explicitly stated in the second clause, it is understood from the first part. The subject "una mentira" carries over, so the sentence implies that a lie can cause problems.

How is possibility expressed in "puede causar problemas"?

The word "puede" is the third-person singular form of "poder," which expresses ability or potential. When combined with "causar problemas" (cause problems), it implies that a lie has the potential to lead to difficulties even if it initially seems simpler.