Question

lets review the differences between \ser\ (to be) and \estar\ (to be).
ser is used...

• to describe a permanent quality
• to tell the time or date
• to tell place of origin
• to tell nationality
• to show possession

estar is used...

• to describe location
• to describe a temporary condition
• to describe a temporary feeling

practice using \ser\ or \estar\ in the following sentences.
ben ______ cansado.
(he is tired.)
ellos ______ amables.
(they are nice.)
tú ______ interesante.
(you are interesting.)
ella ______ mi madre.
(she is my mother.)
sara ______ feliz.
(sara is happy.)
mi abuela ______ en la recamara.
(my grandmother is in the bedroom.)
los lapices ______ rojos.
(the pencils are red.)
maria y juan ______ en el estadio.
(maria and juan are in the stadium.)
nosotros ______...
(we are...)
bella ______ cariñosa.
(bella is affectionate.)
susana ______...
(susana is...)
todos ______ nadando.
(everyone is swimming.)
yo ______...
(i am...)
______ en la biblioteca.
(______ in the library.)

Explanation:

1. Ben ____ cansado: "Cansado" (tired) is a temporary feeling, so use estar, conjugated to está for singular subject Ben.
2. Ellos ____ amables: "Amables" (kind) is a permanent personality trait, so use ser, conjugated to son for plural subject Ellos.
3. Tú ____ interesante: "Interesante" (interesting) is a permanent quality, so use ser, conjugated to eres for singular subject Tú.
4. Ella ____ mi madre: This describes a permanent familial relationship, so use ser, conjugated to es for singular subject Ella.
5. Sara ____ feliz: "Feliz" (happy) is a temporary feeling, so use estar, conjugated to está for singular subject Sara.
6. Mi abuela ____ en la recamara: This describes location, so use estar, conjugated to está for singular subject Mi abuela.
7. Los lápices ____ míos: This shows possession, so use ser, conjugated to son for plural subject Los lápices.
8. María y Juan ____ en el estadio: This describes location, so use estar, conjugated to están for plural subject María y Juan.
9. Nosotros ____ altos: "Altos" (tall) is a permanent physical quality, so use ser, conjugated to somos for plural subject Nosotros.
10. Bella ____ cariñosa: "Cariñosa" (affectionate) is a permanent personality trait, so use ser, conjugated to es for singular subject Bella.
11. Susana ____ enferma: "Enferma" (sick) is a temporary condition, so use estar, conjugated to está for singular subject Susana.
12. Tú ____ nadando: This describes an ongoing temporary action, so use estar, conjugated to estás for singular subject Tú.
13. Yo ____ alto: "Alto" (tall) is a permanent physical quality, so use ser, conjugated to soy for singular subject Yo.
14. Nosotros ____ en la biblioteca: This describes location, so use estar, conjugated to estamos for plural subject Nosotros.

Answer:

1. Ben está cansado.
2. Ellos son amables.
3. Tú eres interesante.
4. Ella es mi madre.
5. Sara está feliz.
6. Mi abuela está en la recamara.
7. Los lápices son míos.
8. María y Juan están en el estadio.
9. Nosotros somos altos.
10. Bella es cariñosa.
11. Susana está enferma.
12. Tú estás nadando.
13. Yo soy alto.
14. Nosotros estamos en la biblioteca.