eso de + Infinitive

Eso De Construction

Level 5

'Eso de + infinitive' refers to the concept or activity of an action, often with a subjective or dismissive nuance.

How It Works

The structure eso de + infinitive is a colloquial and expressive way to refer to the concept or activity of an action. It effectively turns the infinitive into a noun phrase.

Structure:
eso + de + infinitive

Key Functions & Nuances:

  • Nominalization: It treats an entire action as a single topic or idea. For example, 'viajar' (to travel) becomes 'eso de viajar' (that thing/business of traveling).
  • Informal Tone: This construction is most common in spoken, informal Spanish. In formal writing, other structures like el + infinitive might be preferred.
  • Subjective Connotation: 'Eso de' often implies a personal opinion or a subjective take on the action. The tone can be:
    • Dismissive or Critical: 'No entiendo eso de pagar tanto por un café.' (I don't get that business of paying so much for a coffee.)
    • Generalizing: 'Eso de vivir solo tiene sus desafíos.' (That whole thing about living alone has its challenges.)
    • Referring to a Known Topic: It can refer to a topic that has been previously discussed or is common knowledge. '¿Y qué pasó con eso de mudarte a México?' (And what happened with that plan of moving to Mexico?)

Comparison with 'Lo de':
While similar, lo de + infinitive is generally more neutral. It refers to 'the matter concerning' or 'the issue of'. 'Eso de' is often more personal and opinionated.

  • Lo de: 'Tenemos que hablar lo de organizar la fiesta.' (We need to talk about the matter of organizing the party.) - Neutral, factual.
  • Eso de: 'Me da pereza eso de organizar la fiesta.' (That business of organizing the party makes me lazy.) - Subjective, expresses a feeling.

Examples (5)

  1. Eso de levantarse a las cinco de la mañana no es para mí.

    That business of getting up at five in the morning is not for me.

    Word by Word: That of getting up at the five of the morning not is for me.

    Here, 'eso de levantarse' treats the action of getting up as a general, undesirable concept.

  2. A mi abuela no le gusta eso de pedir comida a domicilio.

    My grandmother doesn't like that thing of ordering food for delivery.

    Word by Word: To my grandmother not to her pleases that of ordering food to home.

    This sentence refers to the modern habit of ordering food, framing it as a concept my grandmother dislikes.

  3. ¿Qué es eso de irte sin despedirte?

    What's this about you leaving without saying goodbye?

    Word by Word: What is that of you leaving without saying goodbye?

    Used in a question, it demands an explanation for a specific, disapproved-of action.

  4. Eso de vivir en el campo tiene sus ventajas y desventajas.

    That thing about living in the countryside has its pros and cons.

    Word by Word: That of living in the countryside has its advantages and disadvantages.

  5. Tenemos que abandonar eso de dejar todo para el último minuto.

    We have to abandon that habit of leaving everything for the last minute.

    Word by Word: We have to abandon that of leaving everything for the last minute.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'esto de' where 'eso de' fits better.

    Different MeaningEsto de trabajar los fines de semana es un problema general.
    Eso de trabajar los fines de semana es un problema general.

    'Esto de trabajar los fines de semana' is correct and treats the topic as close to the speaker. 'Eso de trabajar los fines de semana' treats it as a general idea, a little farther away. For a general statement, 'eso de' is a good choice.

Words in This Pattern