Spanish · B1 · Family moment
Homework help that leaves room to try in Spanish
This guide helps parents use supportive language while their child does homework. We focus on expressing purpose and intent using 'para que' (so that) to encourage independence while offering a safety net.
What you'll learn
- Express the purpose of an action using 'para que'.
- Apply the present subjunctive mood in purpose clauses.
- Manage sentences where the main clause and the subordinate clause have different subjects.
Spanish phrases for homework help that leaves room to try
Voy a leer las instrucciones para que puedas empezar.
I'll read the instructions so that you can get started.
Uses 'para que' followed by the subjunctive 'puedas'.
Por favor, mueve la mano para que yo pueda ver el ejemplo.
Please move your hand so that I can see the example.
Note the subject change from 'tú' (move) to 'yo' (can see).
Dejaré un poco de espacio para que puedas dibujar tu respuesta.
I'll leave some space so that you can draw your answer.
'Dejaré' is the future tense; the purpose remains in the subjunctive.
Tapemos la solución para que puedas intentarlo tú primero.
Let's cover the solution so that you can try first.
'Tapemos' is a 'let's' command (nosotros imperative).
Haré una pregunta para que encuentres el siguiente paso.
I'll ask one question so that you can find the next step.
'Encuentres' is the subjunctive form of 'encontrar' (to find).
¿Puedes hablar despacio para que pueda seguir tu idea?
Can you speak slowly so that I can follow your idea?
'Pueda' refers to 'yo' (I) in this context.
Me quedaré cerca para que puedas pedir ayuda.
I'll stay nearby so that you can ask for help.
'Pedir ayuda' is the standard phrase for 'to ask for help'.
Tomemos un descanso para que tus ojos descansen.
Let's take a short break so that your eyes can rest.
The verb 'descansar' is used twice, first as a noun (descanso) then a verb.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Instrucciones
Instructions/Directions
Always plural when referring to the steps of a task.
Paso
Step
Used for both physical steps and steps in a process.
Tapar
To cover
Used here for hiding the answer key or solution.
Intentarlo
To try it
The 'lo' refers to the action or problem being attempted.
Purpose Clauses with 'Para que'
In Spanish, when you express 'so that' or 'in order that' and the subject changes between the two parts of the sentence, you must use 'para que' followed by the Subjunctive mood.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | [Action] + para que + [Subject 2] + [Subjunctive Verb] | Hablo claro para que me entiendas. |
| Same Subject | [Action] + para + [Infinitive] | Estudio para aprender. (I study to learn.) |
| Different Subject | [Action] + para que + [Subjunctive] | Estudio para que tú aprendas. (I study so that you learn.) |
More examples
Bajaré la música para que te concentres.
I'll turn the music down so that you can concentrate.
'Concentres' is the subjunctive of 'concentrarse'.
Traigo un lápiz para que no tengas que buscar uno.
I'm bringing a pencil so that you don't have to look for one.
Negative purpose also requires the subjunctive.