Breakdown of El tren es frecuente; en cambio, el pasaje es caro.
ser
to be
caro
expensive
el tren
the train
en cambio
on the other hand / however (by contrast)
el pasaje
the fare / the ticket (for travel)
frecuente
frequent
Questions & Answers about El tren es frecuente; en cambio, el pasaje es caro.
What is the difference between using en cambio and just saying pero here?
While pero simply means "but," en cambio translates better to "in contrast" or "on the other hand." It specifically highlights a contrast or a shift in perspective between two distinct points—here, the positive aspect (frequent) versus the negative aspect (expensive). It makes your discourse sound much more structured than a basic pero.
Why is there a semicolon before en cambio and a comma after it?
Just like in English with phrases like "however" or "in contrast," en cambio is a connector joining two independent clauses (full sentences that can stand alone). In formal Spanish writing, it is standard practice to place a semicolon before these multi-word transitional connectors and a comma immediately after them.
Does pasaje mean "passage" or "ticket"? I thought "ticket" was boleto.
Why use es caro instead of está caro? Don't train prices change?
While prices can change, using the verb ser (es caro) treats being expensive as a general, defining characteristic of the train fare. If you were to say está caro using the verb estar, it would imply a temporary, unusual, or surprising spike in price (like saying "it happens to be expensive right now").
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