Periphrastic constructions are ways of expressing verb meanings using two or more words instead of a single verb form. They often involve:
An auxiliary verb (like tener, ir, estar, haber)
A main verb in a non-finite form (infinitive, gerund, or past participle)
These constructions allow you to talk about:
Tense (when something happens)
Aspect (the nature or flow of the action)
Mood (attitude toward the action)
Voice (active vs. passive)
Key Periphrastic Constructions
1. Ir + a + Infinitivo (Near Future)
Expresses an action that is going to happen soon.
Equivalent to English "going to [do something]".
Spanish Example
Voy a estudiar.
English Example
I’m going to study.
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2. Tener que + Infinitivo (Obligation)
Expresses necessity or obligation.
Equivalent to English "have to [do something]".
Spanish Example
Tengo que trabajar.
English Example
I have to work.
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3. Deber + Infinitivo (Duty / Probability)
Expresses a moral duty or strong recommendation.
Can also express probability or conjecture.
Spanish Example
Debes estudiar más.
English Example
You should study more.
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4. Estar + Gerundio (Present Progressive)
Expresses an action in progress.
Equivalent to English "[am/is/are] …-ing".
Spanish Example
Estoy hablando.
English Example
I am speaking.
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5. Seguir / Continuar + Gerundio (Continue Doing)
Expresses the continuation of an action.
Spanish Example
Sigo estudiando.
English Example
I’m still studying.
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6. Acabar de + Infinitivo (Just Did)
Expresses a recently completed action.
Equivalent to English "have just [done something]".
Spanish Example
Acabo de llegar.
English Example
I just arrived.
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7. Volver a + Infinitivo (Do Again)
Expresses the repetition of an action.
Spanish Example
Volví a llamar.
English Example
I called again.
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8. Dejar de + Infinitivo (Stop Doing)
Expresses the cessation of an action.
Spanish Example
Dejé de fumar.
English Example
I stopped smoking.
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9. Haber + Past Participle (Perfect Tenses)
Expresses completed actions with relevance to the present (present perfect) or to a past point in time (past perfect).
Spanish Example
He estudiado.
English Example
I have studied.
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10. Ser + Past Participle (Passive Voice)
Expresses the passive voice (focus on the action or result rather than who did it).
Spanish Example
La carta fue escrita.
English Example
The letter was written.
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Summary
Periphrastic constructions in Spanish combine auxiliary verbs with non-finite verb forms to express complex meanings related to time, aspect, mood, and voice. They are essential for talking about:
Future plans (ir a …)
Obligations (tener que …, deber …)
Ongoing actions (estar …-ando/iendo)
Recent actions (acabar de …)
Repeated or stopped actions (volver a …, dejar de …)
Completed actions and passive voice (haber …, ser …)
Mastering these constructions will greatly enhance your ability to express nuanced ideas in Spanish.
