Breakdown of Mi alumno pregunta siempre cuando no comprende.
mi
my
cuando
when
siempre
always
comprender
to understand
preguntar
to ask
no
not
el alumno
the student
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Questions & Answers about Mi alumno pregunta siempre cuando no comprende.
Why is the adverb siempre placed after the verb pregunta instead of before it?
Adverbs of frequency like siempre are flexible in Spanish. You can position siempre before the verb (“mi alumno siempre pregunta…”) or after it (“mi alumno pregunta siempre…”). Both are correct and convey the same meaning. Placing it after the verb can sometimes add extra emphasis on the action itself.
Why doesn't the clause cuando no comprende include an object pronoun like lo (e.g., “cuando no lo comprende”)?
Spanish often omits the direct object pronoun when the thing not understood is clear from context. Here, it’s understood that the student doesn’t comprehend the explanation or topic, so “cuando no comprende” is sufficient. You could add “lo” (“cuando no lo comprende”) and still be correct, but it’s optional.
Can I use entender instead of comprender in this sentence?
Yes. In everyday use, entender and comprender are virtually interchangeable. You can say “Mi alumno pregunta siempre cuando no entiende” without changing the meaning. Some speakers may feel comprender sounds slightly more formal or deeper, but both verbs work fine here.
Why is the subject pronoun él dropped before pregunta?
Spanish doesn’t require subject pronouns because the verb ending (-a in pregunta) already indicates third-person singular. Since “mi alumno” tells you who is performing the action, adding “él” would be redundant—unless you want to stress or contrast (“Él pregunta siempre…”).
Why is there no definite article before mi alumno (e.g., “el mi alumno”)?
When you use a possessive adjective (mi, tu, su, etc.), you never add a definite article. You simply say “mi alumno,” “tu casa,” “su libro,” not “el mi alumno” or “la tu casa.”
Why doesn't the subordinate time clause cuando no comprende require the conjunction que?
Cuando is itself a subordinating conjunction for time clauses (“when…”). You don’t pair it with que. By contrast, verbs of speech or thought often need que (e.g., “dice que…”), but conjunctions like cuando, si, mientras, etc., stand alone.
Why is the simple present (pregunta) used instead of the present progressive (está preguntando) when describing a habitual action?
In Spanish, the simple present describes habitual or repeated actions. The present progressive (está preguntando) is reserved for actions occurring right now. Since the sentence talks about something the student does always (a habit), the simple present “pregunta” is the appropriate choice.