Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with more than 500 million native speakers and a reach spanning five continents. In the business world, communicating clearly and accurately in this language not only facilitates working relationships, but also strengthens a company's professional image. However, common errors in the use of "de or de que" can negatively affect the quality of our communication.
In this article, we are going to explain in a simple way how to choose between de or de que, why they are such frequent mistakes and how you can avoid them. In addition, we will tell you how our organisation offers courses subsidised by FUNDAE and adapted to the needs of each company, so that all professionals can master Spanish and stand out in their working environment.
What is chiasmus and how to identify it
The queísmo occurs when we omit the preposition "de" before "que" in constructions that do require it. This error is very common in everyday life, but in a professional context it can make our message less clear.
Example of queísmo:
- Incorrect: I'm sure it will come early.
- Right: I'm sure it will come early.
The key to avoiding queísmo is to check whether the verb or expression we use requires the preposition "de" before "que". For example, verbs such as "to be sure", "to realise" or "to be convinced" need this preposition.
Why it happens:
Quotation marks often appear because in everyday speech we tend to simplify sentences. But in the business world, taking care of these details is vital to convey a professional image.
What is dequeism and how to avoid it
Dequeism, on the other hand, is the opposite error: adding "de" before "que" when it is not necessary. Although it seems more formal, it actually generates an incorrect construction and can give a bad impression.
Example of dequeism:
- Wrong: I think you should attend the meeting.
- Right: I think you should attend the meeting.
To avoid this error, it is necessary to check whether the verb has a preposition. For example, "think", "believe" or "think" do not need "of" before "that".
Why it happens:
Dequeism is often due to overcorrection: we try to sound more formal and end up making a mistake. It can also be influenced by speech in certain regions or informal contexts.
Why avoid queísmo and dequeísmo at work?
In the business world, speaking and writing well in Spanish is essential to make a good impression. Although they may seem like small mistakes, queísmo and dequeísmo can detract from credibility and professionalism.
In written communication:
An email or report with grammatical errors can give a sloppy image. For example:
- Incorrect: We reported that the results were positive (Dequeism).
- Correct: We report that the results were positive.
Avoiding errors such as queísmo and dequeísmo is more than a matter of grammar: it is a way of ensuring that your communication is clear and professional. In a world where Spanish is a strategic tool, mastering it can make all the difference.
To check if you have learnt the differences, we suggest you play "El juego del dequeísmo" on the official website of the RAE. https://www.rae.es/noticia/el-juego-del-dequeismo
How we can help you improve your Spanish
At Global 4 Idiomas, we know that speaking Spanish well is key to business success. That is why we offer Spanish courses for companies subsidised by FUNDAE, designed to adapt to the specific needs of each team or professional. Our programmes include:
- Customised courses
We adapt to the level and objectives of each company. Whether it is improving written communication, preparing presentations or avoiding common mistakes such as queísmo and dequeísmo, we design a tailor-made plan.
- Subsidy by FUNDAE
Being subsidised, these courses are an accessible opportunity for companies that want to invest in their team without assuming high costs. If you don't know how to subsidise your training, we can help you.
- Follow-up.
We keep an eye on our students through evaluation surveys and satisfaction reports.
