Verb periphrases
B1Verb periphrases combine a conjugated helper verb with the infinitive to express future, obligation, repetition, or habit.
Overview
Verb periphrases combine a conjugated helper verb with the infinitive to express future, obligation, repetition, or habit.
- 1.ir a + infinitive (near future)
- 2.Obligation: tener que / hay que / deber + inf
- 3.acabar de + infinitive (just did)
- 4.volver a + infinitive (do again)
- 5.estar a punto de + inf (about to)
- 6.soler + infinitive (usually do)
Rules
61ir a + infinitive (near future)
Conjugate 'ir', then 'a' plus infinitive to express planned or upcoming actions.
- Voy a estudiar esta tarde. — I'm going to study this afternoon.
- Vamos a comer pronto. — We're going to eat soon.always with 'a'
2Obligation: tener que / hay que / deber + inf
'tener que' = personal must, 'hay que' = impersonal must, 'deber' = should/ought to.
- Tengo que trabajar mañana. — I have to work tomorrow.personal
- Hay que respetar las reglas. — One must respect the rules.no subject
- Debes descansar más. — You should rest more.
3acabar de + infinitive (just did)
'acabar de' + infinitive describes an action just completed a moment ago.
- Acabo de llegar a casa. — I've just arrived home.
- Acabamos de comer. — We've just eaten.
4volver a + infinitive (do again)
'volver a' + infinitive expresses that an action happens again.
- Vuelvo a leer el libro. — I'm reading the book again.
- No vuelvas a llegar tarde. — Don't be late again.
5estar a punto de + inf (about to)
'estar a punto de' + infinitive means something is about to happen any moment.
- El tren está a punto de salir. — The train is about to leave.
- Estoy a punto de terminar. — I'm about to finish.
6soler + infinitive (usually do)
'soler' + infinitive describes a habit; it exists only in present and imperfect.
- Suelo desayunar a las ocho. — I usually have breakfast at eight.stem change o→ue
- Solíamos jugar en el parque. — We used to play in the park.
Test
20Test yourself – every rule is checked. You get a score at the end.