Question 1

Why is it no tengo con qué corregirlo instead of no tengo nada con que corregirlo?

Accepted Answer

Both are possible, but this sentence uses a common Spanish structure: no tener (or no haber) + preposition + qué/quién/dónde + infinitive. It literally translates to 'I do not have with what to correct it.' It is a very natural, concise way to express that you lack the means, tools, or place to do something without needing a word like nada (nothing) or nadie (nobody).

Question 2

Why does qué have an accent mark here if it is not a direct question?

Accepted Answer

In this specific 'negative existential' structure, the word qué functions as an interrogative pronoun introducing an indirect question, so it keeps its written accent (the tilde). You are essentially saying, 'I do not have [the answer to:] with what to correct it.'

Question 3

I know borrar means 'to erase', so why does borrón mean 'smudge' or 'blot'?

Accepted Answer

The suffix -ón often indicates something large, sudden, or clumsy. Before modern erasers, trying to erase wet ink or charcoal often resulted in a big smear or blot—a borrón. The literal result of a messy erasure became the standard word for a smudge or stain.

Question 4

Could I use línea instead of renglón for the 'last line'?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you could use línea. However, renglón specifically refers to a written or printed line of text on a page, or the physical ruled lines on a piece of paper. Línea is much broader and can mean a drawn line, a phone line, a line of people, etc. When talking about text, renglón is very precise and commonly used.

Hice un borrón en el último renglón y no tengo con qué corregirlo.

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