Continuing with the previous question-

Question

The lesson says:
We always use the singular form of verb gustar when followed by actions!
For example: Me gustan bailar y cantar.---I think I understand the answer, but the example seems confusing since in this case gustar is being used with multiple verbs

Answer

Hola DougWhat we mean with that note is that when "gustar" is followed by more than one action (by action we mean a verb in the infinitive form, e.g bailar, cantar, cocinar, i.e an activity) we keep the singular form of gustar (gusta) despite having more than one element in the subject. Therefore: "Me gusta cocinar y planchar", "Me gusta salir de copas y bailar en la discoteca". Hope this clarified it.Inma

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That's what I thought, but the example uses a plural verb-We always use the singular form of verb gustar when followed by actions!
For example: Me gustan bailar y cantar.

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So for clarification- shouldn't the example be "Me gusta bailar y cantar?Thanks

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Hi DougI think you didn't realise that the "n" from "gustan" in that example is crossed out, to show you how it would be incorrect.Could that be why you were confused?Inma

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That certainly would explain it :) Thanks!

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Is there a "reason" why when there are multiple "likes" the verb maintains the singular form?Can there never be a "gustamos" or a "gustan"?

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As far as I know there is no specific reason. It is the way it's done in Spanish. I guess we consider it like 2 individual/singular things, 1 is bailar and 2 is cantar.

Verb gustar when talking about liking things or to do things is only used in two forms: gusta and gustan, because grammatically, the subject of the sentence is the thing that you like:

"Dancing pleases me." (Me gusta bailar)

Dancing = subject (bailar)

pleases = verb (gusta)

me = Indirect object (me)

"I like big cars" (Me gustan los coches grandes.)

Big cars = subject (los coches grandes)

please = verb (gustan)

me = Indirect object (me)

Hope this helps

Inma

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I understood right away, following the Spanish rules is the key.