Why bien is used in the sentences? Please explain in details! Hi, all, Kindly check the following sentences and questions: 1. Le agradecería que me enviara la documentación o bien que me indicara si

Derek Bristow

Why bien is used in the sentences? Please explain in details! Hi, all, Kindly check the following sentences and questions: 1. Le agradecería que me enviara la documentación o bien que me indicara si existe la posibilidad de consultarla en el propio Instituto. 2. Le ruego que tenga a bien facilitarme toda la información al respecto archivada en el Instituto. My questions are: 1. Why is bien used here? Can I omit it?(I guess it's used cuz the writer wants to emphasize something?) 2. How does it translate here? not well, I guess? 3. Is this a pattern or a rule(grammar regulation, or commonly used, or even a language habit) on this matter? Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Jul 4, 2016 3:15 PM

Answers · 5

1. Why is bien used here? Can I omit it?(I guess it's used cuz the writer wants to emphasize something?) in this case you can omit it an the meaning it is still the same, but this is a common way to say "either" "o bien"= either. example: he passengers can either travel by air or by sea. Los pasajeros pueden viajar en avión o bien en barco. thus, your sentece can be written as : "I would be grateful if you either sent me the documentation or tell me if it is possible to consult it at the Institute." 2. the other expression is "tenga a bien" which is a conjugation of "tener a bien" which means "be so kind as to" hope this helps :) Saludos

July 4, 2016

1) In the first sentence "o bien" is used as a conjunction. It's used to introduce a possibility and "bien" can be omitted without changing the meaning. In the second sentence "que tenga a bien" (or "tener a bien" in general) is used when you want to ask something kindly. In my opinion is extremely formal and is rarely used. 2) O bien = either .... or. Tener a bien = be so kind as to kindly 3) There is no a specific rule, but you have to keep in mind that "o bien" is used in the same way of "o" and "tener a bien" must be conjugated in the same way of the verb "tener". Saludos!

July 4, 2016

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