Question

Can someone please explain to me whatever rule dictates why sentence one requires del while sentence two only requires el.

1. Los libros están cerca del escritorio.

2. Los lápices están sobre el cuaderno.

Answer 1

Every time the preposition DE is followed by the article EL they unite and form DEL.

Step-by-step explanation:

DEL = the preposition DE and the article EL.

There is a rule in Spanish that dictates that every time the preposition DE is followed by the article EL they unite and form DEL. Be aware it does NOT apply to the other articles. Eg. Mi amiga está cerca de la cafetería.

The adverb CERCA (near) is used with DE. But only when the location is stated. Eg. Los libros están cerca.