El Patio Spanish Language School - Blog - Grammarbits (gramática)

Summer Intensives 2027! January 11-22 - enrol early for discounts!

Join us for our Summer Intensives in 2027 (January 11-22) - an exciting two weeks of Spanish study in Brunswick, Northcote, Melbourne CBD and Online! This is a chance to boost your level in a way that would normally take months. Along with our first three Elementary levels (Elementary 1, 2, and 3), we offer FULL 15-hour Conversation Courses where you can improve your speaking confidence, as well as shorter conversation and travel courses!

Origins and traditions of Día de Muertos

It's colourful. It's joyful. And yes, there are quite a few skeletons involved.

Día de Muertos is a celebration of life, memory and the people we carry with us — but many of its most recognisable symbols have stories stretching back centuries. Let's take a trip through time to uncover the meaning behind the marigolds, well dressed skeletons and everything else that make Día de Muertos so unforgettable.

New courses starting soon!

Australia's best-loved Spanish language school, now teaching in Melbourne CBD, Northcote, Brunswick, and Online. Learn Spanish socially - whoever and wherever you are.

Winter Intensives! July 6-17

The weather is getting colder, so it's time to learn some more Spanish to warm up our hearts.

Join us for Winter Intensives in the Melbourne CBD or cozy Northcote centre for two exciting weeks of study and practice.

We will offer Full Elementary Levels and Conversation Courses from beginner to advanced!

Top tips to improve your listening!

Listening comprehension is one of the main challenges when learning a new language. Each language is a unique system of sounds, and it takes time for our ears and brains to get used to distinguishing between them. The good news is, there are lots of different ways you can work on it! Read on for our top tips.

Iconic Design in the Spanish Speaking World

Design in the Spanish-speaking world has a rich and interconnected history. Each country's urban life is impacted and influenced greatly by the structure of their cities and buildings. If you're interested in all things architecture and urban planning, this one is for you! From ancient histories to master plans and changing urban landscapes, read on to find out more about some of the most impactful spaces within Spain and Latin America.

There's a Verb Workshop for You!

Untangle the knot of Spanish verbs with our 3-hour workshops. We reveal hidden patterns of even the most difficult-to-handle irregular verbs. We shine a light on the unruly forms and uses of the world-famous past tenses. We demystify and help you feel at home with the present subjunctive. Sign up for one - or more if you want that cosy comfy verb feeling!

Ser or Estar … Dying to Know the Answer? (A1-C1)

When students first learn that there are two very different forms of 'to be' in Spanish they are often confused and perhaps even a little annoyed! "But why!?" is a very common reaction! Yet grasping the difference between 'ser' and 'estar' is often a watershed moment in the Spanish acquisition journey!

Podcasts, in Spanish!

Podcasts can be seriously entertaining, funny, informative - and a wonderful resource for practising your Spanish!

Check out El Patio's Spanish podcast recommendations. There's something for every level!

"Los posesivos" and their place in the Spanish Language!

My, yours, his, hers... the posesivo (possessive) in Spanish will allow you to describe ownership and ask others questions about whether something belongs to them! Take a look at our quick grammar guide to get your posesivo skills ship-shape.

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