Yo escribo en el escritorio.

I write on the desk.

Breakdown of Yo escribo en el escritorio.

• yo: I
• en: in
• escribir: to write
• el escritorio: the desk

Questions & Answers about Yo escribo en el escritorio.

Why is the subject pronoun Yo included in the sentence even though the verb escribo already indicates “I write”?

In Spanish the verb ending in escribo clearly shows that the subject is “I.” However, using Yo can add emphasis, clarity, or contrast. It’s optional but might be included to stress that it is specifically “I” who am writing.

What does the verb escribo mean and how is it formed?

Escribo is the first person singular present tense form of the regular verb escribir, which means “to write.” The conjugation tells us that the speaker is performing the action in the present: “I write.”

Why is the preposition en used before el escritorio?

The preposition en indicates location. In this sentence, it connects the action of writing with the location where writing occurs—“at” or “on” the desk (i.e., el escritorio).

What does the noun escritorio mean, and how does it differ from similar terms like mesa?

Escritorio refers to a desk, typically a piece of furniture designed for writing, reading, or working. This is distinct from mesa, which generally means table and is used for a broader range of purposes (for example, dining).

Is it necessary to include the definite article el before escritorio, and how do I know when to use articles with nouns in Spanish?

Yes, including the definite article el is necessary here because Spanish nouns usually need an article to specify them or when speaking in general terms. Since escritorio is a masculine noun, el is used—much like using “the” in English to denote a specific item or a general concept.