Question 1

Why is there no de between debemos and derretir in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Because this sentence expresses a strict obligation (we must melt the wax), not a guess or probability. When deber is followed directly by an infinitive, it dictates obligation. If you were to say debemos de derretir, it would change the meaning to a supposition, translating closer to "we must be melting" or "we probably melt."

Question 2

Why does the sentence use volver a usarla instead of just saying usarla otra vez?

Accepted Answer

Both options are perfectly valid, but the structure volver a followed by an infinitive is an extremely common way to express repeating an action in Spanish. Mastering this phrase instead of always relying on otra vez or de nuevo will make your Spanish sound much more natural and fluent.

Question 3

Could the pronoun la in usarla be attached to volver instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can say volverla a usar. Because volver a usar functions as a single verb unit (a verbal periphrasis), any attached pronouns can climb up to the first infinitive in the cluster. However, attaching it to the final verb to make volver a usarla is usually the most common choice.

Question 4

Is there a difference between derretir and fundir when translating "to melt"?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Derretir is used for substances that melt at relatively low temperatures, such as wax, ice, or butter. Fundir usually implies a more intense process with higher heat, like smelting metal, though it is also commonly used in cooking when talking about melting cheese.

Debemos derretir la cera para volver a usarla.

Breakdown of Debemos derretir la cera para volver a usarla.

Questions & Answers about Debemos derretir la cera para volver a usarla.

Learn Debemos derretir la cera para volver a usarla and more in Spanish