Question 1

How exactly does tanto... como... work to mean "both... and..." here?

Accepted Answer

The structure tanto [A] como [B] is a correlative conjunction used to give equal weight to two elements. While tanto often means "so much," when paired with como in this way, it translates naturally to "both... and...". It emphasizes that the high standard applies just as much to the breakfast as it does to the stay.

Question 2

Why is the verb sean in the plural form?

Accepted Answer

Even though el desayuno and la estancia are individual singular nouns, joining them with tanto... como... creates a plural compound subject. Because two things are being discussed together, the verb must take the third-person plural form, which is sean.

Question 3

Why do we use the subjunctive sean instead of the indicative son?

Accepted Answer

The sentence begins with Es importante que... (It is important that...). Impersonal expressions that state an opinion, necessity, or value judgment always trigger the subjunctive mood in the clause that follows. Therefore, the verb ser takes the present subjunctive form sean.

Question 4

Could I use ambos instead to say "both the breakfast and the stay"?

Accepted Answer

Direct translation can be tricky here. You cannot say ambos el desayuno y la estancia because Spanish does not use ambos... y... the way English uses "both... and...". If you want to list the two specific items being linked, you must use tanto... como.... You would only use ambos if you were replacing the nouns entirely, such as saying que ambos sean incomparables (that both be incomparable).

Es importante que tanto el desayuno como la estancia sean incomparables.

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