Inklingo

How to Say "to submit" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forto submitis presentaruse 'presentar' when submitting documents, reports, or applications in a general context, such as to a company, school, or for administrative purposes.

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presentar

preh-sehn-TAHRpɾesenˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'presentar' when submitting documents, reports, or applications in a general context, such as to a company, school, or for administrative purposes.
An illustration of a hand submitting a stack of official documents tied with a ribbon onto a large desk.

Examples

Necesitas presentar la solicitud antes del viernes.

You need to submit the application before Friday.

Mi abogado presentó las pruebas al juez.

My lawyer presented the evidence to the judge (or submitted the evidence).

Use with Direct Objects

This meaning always requires a direct object: you must 'presentar' something (the document, the report, the complaint).

interponer

in-ter-po-NERinteɾpoˈneɾ

verbC1legal/official
Use 'interponer' specifically when filing official paperwork or legal actions with a court or similar authority.
A wooden gavel resting on top of a formal blue folder on a desk.

Examples

Decidieron interponer una demanda contra la empresa.

They decided to file a lawsuit against the company.

El abogado va a interponer un recurso de apelación mañana.

The lawyer is going to lodge an appeal tomorrow.

Es necesario interponer la queja ante el organismo correspondiente.

It is necessary to submit the complaint to the relevant body.

Think of the verb 'poner'

This word is just the verb 'poner' (to put) with 'inter-' in front. It follows the exact same irregular patterns for all its changes.

Formal Context Only

In casual conversation, you wouldn't use this for everyday 'putting.' It is strictly for formal legal actions or putting one thing physically between others.

Don't conjugate it regularly

Mistake:Yo interponí una queja.

Correction: Yo interpuse una queja. (Because the past form of 'poner' is 'puse', the past of 'interponer' is 'interpuse').

General vs. Official Submission

Learners often confuse 'presentar' and 'interponer' by using the more general 'presentar' for legal filings. Remember, 'interponer' is reserved for formal, often legal, submissions to authorities.

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