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Adding Emphasis to Sentences

Words, Phrases Show You Really Mean What You Say

By , About.com Guide

Spanish has numerous ways in which it is possible to emphasize the truthful nature of a statement or sentence. Following are some examples along with some possible English translations.

Note that many of these terms are interchangeable, both in the Spanish and in the translation:

  • ahora bien (now then): Ahora bien, la situación es que no vivimos ni en tiempos bíblicos. (Now then, the situation is that we don't live in Bible times.)
  • claro que (clearly): Claro que es necesario. (Clearly it is necessary.)
  • de hecho (in fact): De hecho el hierro es más duro que el estaño. (In fact, iron is harder than tin.)
  • de veras (really): De veras me siento feliz de que alguien se tome el tiempo de leerme. (I feel really happy that someone is taking the time to write to me.)
  • en realidad (in reality): En realidad todo depende de sus necesidades específicas. (In reality, everything depends on your specific needs.)
  • es que (the fact is): Es que no puedo hacer todo el trabajo. (The fact is I can't do all the work.)
  • por supuesto (of course): Por supuesto, ocurrirá como el caso de Microsoft y Netscape. (Of course, it will occur as in the case of Microsoft and Netscape.)
  • realmente (really): Realmente la aspirina es un salvavidas. (Aspirin is really a lifesaver.)

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