ELONIO
Log inSign up

Usaré el bloqueador por si acaso el sol está fuerte.

Usaré el bloqueador por si acaso el sol está fuerte.
I will use the sunscreen just in case the sun is strong.
From Lesson 273:Precautionary clauses (por si, por si acaso)·Spanish (Latin America)

Questions & Answers about Usaré el bloqueador por si acaso el sol está fuerte.

Why do we use the present tense está after por si acaso? Shouldn't a "just in case" situation use the subjunctive?
Even though it describes a hypothetical situation, the phrases por si and por si acaso are followed by the present indicative (the normal present tense) when talking about possible current or future events. That is why we use está instead of the subjunctive esté.
Could I just say por si el sol está fuerte without the word acaso?
Yes, absolutely. por si and por si acaso mean exactly the same thing here. Adding acaso just gives a little extra emphasis to the "just in case" feeling, but both options are perfectly natural.
Why does this sentence use está fuerte instead of es fuerte?
We use está (from the verb estar) because we are talking about a temporary condition. The sun is not always intense, but it might be strong when you go outside. If you used es (from ser), you would be stating a general, permanent fact about the sun being a powerful star.
Is el bloqueador the most common word for sunscreen?
It is very common in Latin America, often said as el bloqueador solar. However, depending on the country, you might also hear el protector solar or la crema solar (which is the standard term in Spain).

Learn Usaré el bloqueador por si acaso el sol está fuerte and more in Spanish

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Spanish →