Learn Hardcore Spanish (Spain): Mientras mi padre mantiene esa costumbre, yo prefiero ver las noticias en video. - While my father keeps that custom, I prefer to watch the news on video.

Not necessarily. Mientras can appear in the middle as well, depending on how you structure the sentence. It often appears at the start to highlight the contrast or simultaneity between two actions.

Why is mantiene used instead of tiene?

To convey the idea of “keeping up” or “continuing with” a habit, mantener is more precise than tener. Tener usually just means “to have,” while mantener suggests persisting or maintaining something over time.

Why is esa costumbre used rather than esta costumbre?

Esa is used when referring to something more distant in context or already known to both the speaker and listener. In many cases, esa can imply the habit is a familiar one or not immediately close to the speaker.

Is it necessary to say yo in yo prefiero?

In Spanish, subject pronouns like yo are often optional because the verb endings indicate who is speaking. However, using yo can add emphasis, especially in contrast with another person’s preference, as in this sentence.

Why do we use the infinitive ver after prefiero?

In Spanish, many verbs of preference, like preferir, are followed directly by an infinitive to show the action. So you say prefiero ver (I prefer to watch) rather than adding any extra structure like a gerund.

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