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