grammar.verbs.ser-uses
What ser is for
Identity, origin, profession, material, time and dates, possession, and where events take place: soy de Quebec, la reunión es aquí.
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Explanation
Ser defines: identity (es mi socio), origin (somos canadienses), profession (es abogada), material (es de madera), possession (es de Juan), time (son las dos, hoy es lunes).
One trap: events use ser for location — la fiesta es en mi casa ('takes place'), while objects and people use estar (mi casa está en el centro).
A handy checklist for ser: identity, origin, profession, material, possession, time and dates, and the location of an event. The last one is the classic trap — an event 'takes place' with ser (el examen es en el aula 3) even though a thing or person sits with estar (el aula 3 está en el segundo piso).
Examples
The concert is (takes place) at the municipal theater.
Region: global
This table is (made of) oak.
Region: global
The wedding is in the garden, which is behind the church.
Region: global