Queísmo and Dequeísmo: When to Use Que vs De Que

Grammar Guide

Understanding When Expressions Need a Preposition in Spanish

In standard Spanish syntax, whether a clause needs a preposition depends on the specific verb or expression introducing it. Queísmo omits a grammatically required preposition—typically de, but sometimes en—before the conjunction que. Conversely, dequeísmo inserts an unjustified de before que where no preposition belongs. Crucially, not every occurrence of de que is erroneous; legitimate prepositional verbs demand it. Standard careful usage maintains these distinctions without stigmatizing colloquial variation across speakers.

To determine whether a preposition is needed, identify the full construction and its meaning. Replacing the clause with eso or forming a question like ¿de qué? offers a helpful check, but there is no infallible eso test, and you should avoid relying on English word-for-word translation. Checking a noun complement alone can mislead for necesitar, precisar, and saber, so check the full construction. Always confirm whether an expression needs a preposition in a dictionary for exceptions.

Rules for Direct Clauses and Expressions That Need a Preposition

Transitive verbs like pensar, decir, and recordar govern direct-object clauses introduced directly by que. Inserting de produces dequeísmo. Conversely, prepositional verbs like acordarse de or insistir en require their governed prepositions. Omitting them produces queísmo.

To verify an unfamiliar construction, isolate the predicate, check whether a question demands a preposition (¿qué? versus ¿de qué?), and consult an authoritative dictionary. Never assume nominal structures translate mechanically to clauses, and check reputable references for recorded exceptions.

Four Core Sentence Patterns for Prepositions Before Que

Examine whether an expression needs a preposition across direct verbs, required prepositions, semantic shifts, and alternating notification variants.

Static Mini Self-Test on When Expressions Need a Preposition with Printed Answer Key

Original Mini Self-Test: Complete each sentence by writing que, de que, or en que in the blank. Please attempt all four sentences before checking the answers below: 1. Nuestra entrenadora insiste _____ mantengamos la calma. 2. Mi colega piensa _____ resolveremos el problema hoy. 3. Ella se acordó _____ tenía una cita médica. 4. El conserje avisó _____ la puerta principal estaba cerrada.

Answer Key and Rationale: 1. en que, because insistir governs en; omitting it causes queísmo. 2. que, because pensar takes a direct object; adding de is a learner error causing dequeísmo. 3. de que, because pronominal acordarse requires de. 4. Both que and de que are correct, because avisar permits either variant when informing.

Explore related Spanish grammar guides:

32 Spanish Verbs with Prepositions / Spanish Reported Speech / Spanish Learning Error Log / How to Use a Spanish Dictionary

How to Practice Prepositions Before Que with Hola Cards

1. 1. Verify Predicates in a Dictionary. Check the governing preposition of each verb or adjective in an authoritative dictionary before creating study cards, ensuring model sentences reflect correct clausal government.
2. 2. Organize Custom Groups on Mobile. On iOS and Android, enter guest mode without an account (web study requires sign-in) and create custom groups for clausal sentences, importing Spanish and English meaning lines.
3. 3. Practice Spelling and Spaced Review. Strengthen recall of required prepositions by typing complete sentences during spelling reviews. Audio playback is supported on select catalog items, but not guaranteed for imported cards.
4. 4. Maintain Independent Reference Checks. Hola Cards provides spaced flashcard drills rather than automated syntax analysis, diagnostic error assessment, or artificial intelligence tutoring. Consult reputable grammars to confirm complex clausal usage.

Authoritative Grammatical Sources

Rules and classifications in this guide reflect standard guidelines from the Royal Spanish Academy and ASALE, checked 3 November 2026:

• RAE–ASALE: queísmo, Diccionario panhispánico de dudas Defines omitting required prepositions (like de or en) before que. Notes acordarse de versus recordar, acordar versus acordarse, and avisar variants. Checked 3 November 2026.
• RAE–ASALE: dequeísmo, Diccionario panhispánico de dudas Covers unjustified de before que in direct-object or subject clauses. Recommends question and eso checks, advising dictionary verification for exceptions. Checked 3 November 2026.

**Queísmo and Dequeísmo Models**

Ella piensa que el informe llegará mañana. - She thinks that the report will arrive tomorrow.
El profesor dice que debemos estudiar las fuentes. - The teacher says that we must study the sources.
Mi hermano recuerda que dejamos las llaves allí. - My brother remembers that we left the keys there.
Siempre me acuerdo de que tenemos una reunión. - I always remember that we have a meeting.
Los organizadores se alegran de que asistas hoy. - The organizers are glad that you attend today.
Nuestra entrenadora insiste en que practiquemos diario. - Our coach insists that we practice daily.
El comité acordó que publicarán el nuevo reglamento. - The committee agreed that they will publish the new rules.
Ella se acordó de que debía apagar el horno. - She remembered that she had to turn off the oven.
Los delegados acordaron que redactarían una propuesta. - The delegates decided that they would draft a proposal.
El conserje avisó que la biblioteca cerraría temprano. - The caretaker warned that the library would close early.
El conserje avisó de que la biblioteca cerraría temprano. - The caretaker gave notice that the library would close early.
La aerolínea advirtió de que el vuelo sufriría retrasos. - The airline warned that the flight would suffer delays.