A veces estudio rápidamente para terminar mis tareas antes de la cena.

Sometimes I study quickly to finish my assignments before dinner.

Breakdown of A veces estudio rápidamente para terminar mis tareas antes de la cena.

• yo: I
• para: to
• a veces: sometimes
• estudiar: to study
• antes de: before
• mis: my
• terminar: to finish
• la cena: the dinner
• rápidamente: quickly
• la tarea: the task

Questions & Answers about A veces estudio rápidamente para terminar mis tareas antes de la cena.

Why do we say "A veces" here instead of something like "Algunas veces"?

"A veces" and "Algunas veces" both mean sometimes, but "A veces" is more commonly used in everyday speech. "Algunas veces" can sound a bit more formal or emphatic. They’re generally interchangeable, but "A veces" flows more naturally in most contexts.

How is "rápidamente" formed and used here?

"Rápidamente" is an adverb derived from the adjective "rápido" (meaning fast). By adding "-mente" to the feminine form of the adjective ("rápida"), you get the adverb. It describes how the studying is done (quickly).

Why do we use "para" in "para terminar mis tareas"?

In Spanish, "para" often indicates purpose or goal. Here, it means in order to finish my tasks. It explains the reason for studying quickly: you study quickly to finish your tasks.

Why "mis tareas" instead of "mi tarea"?

Because you’re talking about multiple tasks (plural). "Mis tareas" literally means my tasks/homework assignments. If you only had one assignment, you would say "mi tarea" (singular).

Do we need "la" in "antes de la cena"?

Yes. In Spanish, meals generally take the definite article. You say "antes de la cena" (before dinner) rather than antes de cena. This is a set phrase pattern: "desayunar" (to have breakfast), "comer" (to have lunch), "cenar" (to have dinner), but if you use antes de or después de, you typically include "la" before cena.