Problems with the ex

Ex is a prefix that is used with nouns or adjectives to express that someone has stopped being what they were. And although we normally want to keep our exes as far away as possible, the truth is that the RAE asks us to bring them as close as possible.

This prefix must be written next to the word it accompanies without the use of a hyphen: ex-husband, ex-girlfriend, ex-boss...

Although we must write this prefix attached to the word, there are some exceptions that we must remember. Take a good look at this!

• When it is an expression made up of several words that have a unitary meaning, it must be written separately:

The former prime minister has just appeared live to talk about the importance of the Spanish language.

• When we encounter a word that begins with a capital letter we must put a hyphen:

John Lennon is my favorite ex-Beatle.

• When it serves to make a distinction between two words we also put a hyphen:

Tomorrow I will take the train express heading to the beautiful city of Valencia to drink a very cool horchata.

That man is a ex-prisoner who is reintegrating into society.

And now I give you another piece of information that you must surely know. It works as a noun when referring to a former spouse:

For example: I hope I don't run into my ex at the San Juan party.

If you have more than one former partner, then you should know that in the plural the form of the prefix does not change since it is an invariable prefix.

For example:All of my friend's exes are salsa dancers.

It is very important not to use it in the past tense because then we remove the value of the prefix.

For example: Paco was my ex-husband.

Since the verb is in the indefinite past tense, we must understand that the condition of “ex-husband” occurred in the past but no longer exists today. If this is your case: congratulations! Reconciling with your ex is never easy. If, on the contrary, you have not yet made peace, then you must keep the verb in the present:  Paco is my ex-husband.

Do you know the old professions of these famous actors?

Come with me because you will be surprised:

Brad Pitt: Former refrigerator deliveryman and former limousine driver.

Charlize Theron: former ballet dancer.

Brendan Fraser: former perfume salesman.

Johnny Deep: former telemarketing feather seller.

Nicole Kidman: former usher at a cinema.

Tom Cruise: former newspaper deliveryman.

Sylvester Stallone: former lion keeper.

If you want to learn much more about Spanish prefixes,come study spanish to our Spanish school!

Article written by Rita Rodríguez Varela for Hispania, Spanish school.