Spanish grammar: contracciones al y del

What this grammar point covers

In Spanish, 'al' and 'del' are contractions. They are formed by combining the prepositions 'a' (to) and 'de' (of/from) with the article 'el' (the, masculine singular).

When to use it

Use 'al' when you want to say 'to the' before a masculine singular noun. Use 'del' when you want to say 'of the' or 'from the' before a masculine singular noun.

Key forms

• a + el = al
• de + el = del

Examples

Tips

• Do not use 'a el' or 'de el' separately; always use 'al' and 'del'.
• Only use these contractions before masculine singular nouns (el).
• Do not make contractions with 'la', 'los', or 'las'.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Do not contract when 'el' is part of a proper name, for example: 'Voy a El Salvador.'