Verbal Periphrases

Verbal periphrases (perífrasis verbales) are combinations of two or more verbs that function as a single unit, expressing nuances of time, aspect, or mood that single verbs cannot convey alone.

Structure: Conjugated Verb + Preposition/Connector + Infinitive/Gerund/Participle

General Pattern: [Conjugated Auxiliary Verb] + [Preposition/Connector] + [Infinitive/Gerund/Participle]

Future and Intention

IR A + Infinitive (Going to / Will)

Expresses immediate future or intention.

Structure: ir (conjugated) + a + infinitive

Examples:

• Voy a llamarte mañana = I'm going to call you tomorrow
• Va a llover = It's going to rain
• Vamos a cenar juntos = We're going to have dinner together
• Van a mudarse el próximo mes = They're going to move next month

Past Uses:

• Iba a llamarte = I was going to call you (but didn't)
• Íbamos a salir = We were going to go out (but didn't)

Recent Past

ACABAR DE + Infinitive (To have just)

Expresses an action that just happened (recent past).

Structure: acabar de (conjugated) + infinitive

Examples:

• Acabo de despertarme = I just woke up
• Acabamos de llegar = We just arrived
• Acaba de empezar la película = The movie just started
• Acaban de irse = They just left

Note: Use present tense of "acabar" even though the meaning is past.

Repetition and Return

VOLVER A + Infinitive (To do again)

Expresses repetition of an action.

Structure: volver a (conjugated) + infinitive

Examples:

• Vuelvo a intentarlo = I'm trying again
• Volvió a llamar = He called again
• Volvimos a vernos = We saw each other again
• No vuelvas a hacerlo = Don't do it again
• Volvió a equivocarse = He made a mistake again

All Tenses:

• Present: Vuelvo a estudiar = I study again
• Preterite: Volví a estudiar = I studied again
• Imperfect: Volvía a estudiar = I would study again
• Future: Volveré a estudiar = I will study again

Habitual Actions

SOLER + Infinitive (To usually / To be in the habit of)

Expresses habitual or customary actions.

Structure: soler (conjugated) + infinitive

Examples:

• Suelo tomar café por la mañana = I usually have coffee in the morning
• Suele estar muy ocupado = He's usually very busy
• Solemos ir al cine los viernes = We usually go to the movies on Fridays
• Solía vivir aquí = I used to live here (imperfect - past habit)

Note: Rarely used in future tense. For future habits, use other structures.

Obligation

TENER QUE + Infinitive (To have to / Must)

Expresses strong obligation or necessity.

Structure: tener que (conjugated) + infinitive

Examples:

• Tengo que estudiar = I have to study
• Tienes que ver esto = You have to see this
• Tenemos que salir ahora = We have to leave now
• Tienen que terminar hoy = They have to finish today
• Tenía que llamarlo = I had to call him

DEBER + Infinitive (Should / Must - moral obligation)

Expresses moral obligation or strong recommendation.

Structure: deber (conjugated) + infinitive

Examples:

• Debo estudiar más = I should study more
• Debes ser honesto = You should be honest
• Debemos ayudarlos = We should help them
• Deben llegar a tiempo = They must arrive on time
• Debería llamarla = I should call her (conditional - softer)

HAY QUE + Infinitive (One must / It's necessary to)

Expresses impersonal obligation - no specific subject.

Structure: hay que + infinitive (doesn't conjugate for person)

Examples:

• Hay que estudiar = One must study / It's necessary to study
• Hay que trabajar duro = One must work hard
• Hay que ser paciente = One must be patient
• Hay que pagar impuestos = One must pay taxes

Progressive Actions

ESTAR + Gerund (-ando/-iendo) (To be doing)

Expresses ongoing action in progress.

Structure: estar (conjugated) + gerund

Gerund Formation:

• -ar verbs: hablar → hablando
• -er verbs: comer → comiendo
• -ir verbs: vivir → viviendo

Examples:

• Estoy estudiando = I'm studying
• Está lloviendo = It's raining
• Estamos trabajando = We're working
• Están comiendo = They're eating
• Estaba durmiendo = I was sleeping

SEGUIR/CONTINUAR + Gerund (To keep doing / To continue doing)

Expresses continuation of an action.

Examples:

• Sigo estudiando = I keep studying / I'm still studying
• Continúa trabajando = He continues working
• Seguimos esperando = We keep waiting
• Siguen hablando = They keep talking

LLEVAR + Time + Gerund (To have been doing for [time])

Expresses duration of ongoing action.

Examples:

• Llevo dos horas estudiando = I've been studying for two hours
• Lleva tres años viviendo aquí = He's been living here for three years
• Llevamos un mes esperando = We've been waiting for a month

IR + Gerund (Gradual progression)

Expresses gradual development or progression.

Examples:

• Voy mejorando = I'm gradually improving
• Va oscureciendo = It's gradually getting dark
• Vamos aprendiendo = We're gradually learning
• Van entendiendo = They're gradually understanding

Beginning and End

EMPEZAR/COMENZAR A + Infinitive (To start/begin to)

Expresses the beginning of an action.

Examples:

• Empiezo a entender = I'm starting to understand
• Comenzó a llover = It started to rain
• Empezamos a trabajar = We start to work
• Empezaron a cantar = They started to sing

TERMINAR/ACABAR DE + Infinitive (To finish doing)

Expresses completion (different from "acabar de" = just did).

Examples:

• Terminé de comer = I finished eating
• Acabó de leer el libro = He finished reading the book
• Terminamos de trabajar = We finish working
• Acabaron de construir = They finished building

DEJAR DE + Infinitive (To stop doing)

Expresses cessation of an action.

Examples:

• Dejé de fumar = I stopped smoking
• Deja de llorar = Stop crying
• Dejamos de vernos = We stopped seeing each other
• Dejaron de llamar = They stopped calling

Possibility and Permission

PODER + Infinitive (Can / To be able to)

Expresses ability or permission.

Examples:

• Puedo ayudarte = I can help you
• ¿Puedes venir? = Can you come?
• Podemos salir = We can go out
• Pueden entrar = They can enter
• Podría hacerlo = I could do it (conditional)

Other Important Periphrases

PONERSE A + Infinitive (To start suddenly)

Expresses sudden beginning of action.

Examples:

• Se puso a llover = It suddenly started raining
• Me puse a estudiar = I started studying (suddenly/determinedly)
• Se pusieron a gritar = They started shouting

ECHARSE A + Infinitive (To burst into - sudden emotional action)

Used with verbs like llorar (cry), reír (laugh), correr (run).

Examples:

• Se echó a llorar = She burst into tears
• Se echó a reír = He burst out laughing
• Se echó a correr = He started running (suddenly)

Practical Dialogues

Dialogue 1: Daily Routine and Habits

English:

• A: What are you doing?
• B: I'm studying for tomorrow's exam.
• A: You always study at the last minute!
• B: I know. I should start earlier, but I usually leave everything for the end.
• A: You have to change that habit.
• B: You're right. I'm going to organize myself better next semester.
• A: I used to do the same, but I stopped procrastinating.
• B: How did you do it?
• A: I started studying a little every day. You have to be consistent.

Spanish:

• A: ¿Qué estás haciendo?
• B: Estoy estudiando para el examen de mañana.
• A: ¡Siempre sueles estudiar a último momento!
• B: Lo sé. Debería empezar antes, pero suelo dejar todo para el final.
• A: Tienes que cambiar ese hábito.
• B: Tienes razón. Voy a organizarme mejor el próximo semestre.
• A: Yo solía hacer lo mismo, pero dejé de procrastinar.
• B: ¿Cómo lo hiciste?
• A: Empecé a estudiar un poco cada día. Hay que ser constante.

Dialogue 2: Recent Events

English:

• A: You look tired. What happened?
• B: I just got back from the gym. I've been exercising for two hours.
• A: Two hours! That's a lot. You should rest.
• B: I know, but I'm training for a marathon. I have to practice every day.
• A: When is the marathon?
• B: In two months. I'm gradually improving my time.
• A: Be careful not to overdo it. You could hurt yourself.
• B: Don't worry. I'm going to take a day off tomorrow.
• A: Good idea. You need to listen to your body.

Spanish:

• A: Te ves cansado/a. ¿Qué pasó?
• B: Acabo de volver del gimnasio. Llevo dos horas haciendo ejercicio.
• A: ¡Dos horas! Eso es mucho. Deberías descansar.
• B: Lo sé, pero estoy entrenando para un maratón. Tengo que practicar cada día.
• A: ¿Cuándo es el maratón?
• B: En dos meses. Voy mejorando mi tiempo.
• A: Ten cuidado de no exagerar. Podrías lastimarte.
• B: No te preocupes. Voy a tomar un día libre mañana.
• A: Buena idea. Tienes que escuchar a tu cuerpo.

Dialogue 3: Plans and Obligations

English:

• A: Are you coming to the party tonight?
• B: I can't. I have to finish a project.
• A: Again? You keep working too much!
• B: I know, but I have to deliver it tomorrow.
• A: Can't you finish it tomorrow morning?
• B: No, I must have it ready by 9 AM. I'm going to work all night.
• A: You should manage your time better.
• B: You're right. I'm starting to realize that I need to change.
• A: Well, good luck. Let me know if I can help you.
• B: Thanks. I'll call you when I finish.

Spanish:

• A: ¿Vienes a la fiesta esta noche?
• B: No puedo. Tengo que terminar un proyecto.
• A: ¿Otra vez? ¡Sigues trabajando demasiado!
• B: Lo sé, pero debo entregarlo mañana.
• A: ¿No puedes terminarlo mañana por la mañana?
• B: No, tengo que tenerlo listo para las 9 AM. Voy a trabajar toda la noche.
• A: Deberías organizar mejor tu tiempo.
• B: Tienes razón. Empiezo a darme cuenta de que necesito cambiar.
• A: Bueno, buena suerte. Avísame si puedo ayudarte.
• B: Gracias. Te llamo cuando termine.

Quick Reference Chart

Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Periphrasis

Select the appropriate verbal periphrasis for each context.

1. I just arrived home. → (acabo de / voy a / suelo) llegar
2. We're going to travel tomorrow. → (acabamos de / vamos a / solemos) viajar
3. He usually drinks coffee. → (acaba de / va a / suele) tomar café
4. They have to work today. → (acaban de / van a / tienen que) trabajar
5. I'm eating lunch. → (acabo de / estoy / tengo que) comiendo

Exercise 2: Translate Using Periphrases

Translate these sentences using the appropriate verbal periphrasis.

1. I'm going to call you later. (ir a)
2. She just left. (acabar de)
3. We usually eat at 8. (soler)
4. You have to study more. (tener que)
5. They're watching TV. (estar + gerund)
6. I tried again. (volver a)
7. He stopped smoking. (dejar de)
8. We're starting to understand. (empezar a)

Exercise 3: Complete with the Correct Form

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the periphrasis.

1. (Yo/ir a) _____ visitar a mis padres mañana.
2. (Ella/acabar de) _____ salir hace un momento.
3. (Nosotros/soler) _____ cenar juntos los viernes.
4. (Tú/tener que) _____ terminar esto hoy.
5. (Ellos/estar) _____ (trabajar) en el proyecto.
6. (Yo/volver a) _____ leer el libro.
7. (Él/dejar de) _____ fumar el año pasado.
8. (Nosotros/empezar a) _____ aprender español.

Exercise 4: Identify the Periphrasis

Identify which periphrasis is used in each sentence.

1. Voy a estudiar esta noche.
2. Acabo de despertarme.
3. Suelen viajar en verano.
4. Tenemos que irnos ya.
5. Está lloviendo mucho.
6. Volví a equivocarme.
7. Dejó de llamarme.
8. Empezaron a cantar.

Exercise 5: Create Sentences

Create sentences using these periphrases about your own life.

1. ir a + infinitive (your plans for tomorrow)
2. acabar de + infinitive (something you just did)
3. soler + infinitive (a habit)
4. tener que + infinitive (an obligation)
5. estar + gerund (what you're doing now)

Answer Key

Exercise 1:

1. acabo de (just arrived)
2. vamos a (going to travel)
3. suele (usually drinks)
4. tienen que (have to work)
5. estoy (am eating - progressive)

Exercise 2:

1. Voy a llamarte más tarde.
2. Ella acaba de irse/salir.
3. Solemos comer a las 8.
4. Tienes que estudiar más.
5. Están viendo/mirando la televisión/tele/TV.
6. Volví a intentar(lo).
7. Dejó de fumar.
8. Empezamos a entender.

Exercise 3:

1. Voy a
2. acaba de
3. solemos
4. tienes que
5. están trabajando
6. volví a / vuelvo a
7. dejó de
8. empezamos a

Exercise 4:

1. ir a + infinitive (going to)
2. acabar de + infinitive (just did)
3. soler + infinitive (usually do)
4. tener que + infinitive (have to)
5. estar + gerund (progressive)
6. volver a + infinitive (do again)
7. dejar de + infinitive (stop doing)
8. empezar a + infinitive (start to)

Exercise 5:

Personal answers will vary. Check that:

• ir a uses present + a + infinitive
• acabar de uses present + de + infinitive
• soler uses present + infinitive
• tener que uses present + que + infinitive
• estar uses present + gerund (-ando/-iendo)

Cultural Notes

Frequency of Use

Verbal periphrases are extremely common in spoken Spanish. Native speakers use them constantly to add nuance and precision to their communication.

Most Common:

• ir a + infinitive (used constantly for future)
• tener que + infinitive (daily obligations)
• estar + gerund (describing ongoing actions)
• acabar de + infinitive (recent events)

Regional Preferences:

• Spain: Heavy use of "soler" for habits
• Latin America: Frequent use of "andar + gerund" (going around doing)
• Mexico: Common use of "traer + gerund" (to be going around doing)

Tener que vs Deber

Tener que = external obligation, necessity

• Tengo que ir al doctor (I have to go - appointment scheduled)

Deber = moral obligation, should

• Debo hacer ejercicio (I should exercise - for health)

This distinction is important in Spanish communication.

Acabar de - Present Tense Only

Remember: "acabar de" expressing "just did" is used in present tense, even though the action is in the past:

• Acabo de comer (I just ate) - not *acabé de comer

Soler - Limited Tenses

"Soler" is primarily used in present and imperfect:

• Suelo correr (I usually run)
• Solía correr (I used to run)

It's rarely used in other tenses.

Pro Tips

1. Ir a vs Future Tense: "Ir a + infinitive" is more common in speech than the future tense for near future:

   • Voy a estudiar (more common)
   • Estudiaré (more formal)

2. Gerund Formation: Remember stem-changing verbs keep the change:

   • dormir → durmiendo (not *dormiendo)
   • pedir → pidiendo (not *pediendo)

3. Position of Pronouns: With periphrases, pronouns can go before the conjugated verb or attached to the infinitive/gerund:

   • Lo voy a hacer = Voy a hacerlo
   • Me estoy vistiendo = Estoy vistiéndome

4. Multiple Periphrases: You can combine them:

   • Voy a empezar a estudiar (I'm going to start studying)
   • Acabo de dejar de fumar (I just stopped smoking)

5. Hay que - Impersonal: "Hay que" doesn't conjugate for person - it's always "hay":

   • Hay que trabajar (not *hayo que trabajar)

6. Seguir vs Continuar: Both mean "to continue," but "seguir" is more common in speech.

Action Plan: 4-Week Practice Schedule

Week 1: Future and Recent Past

• Day 1-2: Master ir a + infinitive for future plans
• Day 3-4: Practice acabar de + infinitive for recent actions
• Day 5-7: Use both in daily descriptions

Week 2: Repetition and Habit

• Day 1-3: Learn volver a + infinitive for repetition
• Day 4-5: Master soler + infinitive for habits
• Day 6-7: Describe routines and repeated actions

Week 3: Obligation and Progress

• Day 1-3: Practice tener que, deber, hay que
• Day 4-5: Master estar + gerund and other progressive forms
• Day 6-7: Combine obligation and progress periphrases

Week 4: Integration and Mastery

• Day 1-3: Practice beginning/ending periphrases (empezar a, dejar de)
• Day 4-5: Use multiple periphrases in complex sentences
• Day 6-7: Review all forms and self-assess fluency

Remember: Verbal periphrases are essential for natural, fluent Spanish. They're not optional grammar points - native speakers use them in almost every conversation!