Respondo a las preguntas después de pensar un poco.

I answer the questions after thinking a bit.

Breakdown of Respondo a las preguntas después de pensar un poco.

• yo: I
• un: a
• después de: after
• a: to
• el poco: the bit
• las: the
• la pregunta: the question
• pensar: to think
• responder: to answer

Questions & Answers about Respondo a las preguntas después de pensar un poco.

Why is a used in a las preguntas?

In Spanish, certain verbs require the preposition a before their direct objects—especially when the object is an animate being or when it’s something we direct an action toward. In this example, responder commonly pairs with a to indicate that you’re replying to the questions.

Why is the simple present tense Respondo used instead of something like Responderé (future tense)?

Using respondo can refer to a habitual ACTION or an immediate action you’re about to take. In Spanish, the simple present is often used in contexts where English might use the future (e.g., I’ll respond). If you say responderé, it places more emphasis on a future moment, indicating you will respond later on.

Why is después de used instead of just después?

In Spanish, when we want to say after doing something, we must use después de followed by the infinitive. Después on its own often acts as an adverb meaning later or afterward, without directly linking it to an action. So, you need después de pensar to mean after thinking.

Could I say después pensar un poco instead of después de pensar un poco?

No, that would be grammatically incorrect in Spanish. You must include de to connect después with the infinitive verb. Therefore, después de + (infinitive) is the correct construction.

Is there a difference between responder and contestar in this sentence?

They are very close in meaning—both mean to answer or to reply. In Spain, responder might sound slightly more formal or direct, while contestar is commonly used in everyday speech. However, the difference is minimal and often they are interchangeable.