Verbal periphrases in Spanish

Although we know that Spanish verb tenses are difficult to learn from scratch, mastering periphrases in Spanish will allow you to express actions more precisely, nuance meanings, and communicate much more naturally in real-life situations. That's why mastering verbal periphrases is a fundamental step in advancing your Spanish level.

In this article, you will discover what a Spanish verbal periphrasis is, the main types that exist, clear examples, and practical exercises to consolidate everything you have learned with don Quijote. Keep reading and don't miss anything!

What is a Spanish verbal periphrasis?

A Spanish verbal periphrasis is a construction formed by two or more verbs that function as a single verbal unit and express a joint meaning. These structures are very common in everyday conversation and allow you to express nuances of time, intention, obligation, or probability that cannot always be conveyed with a single verb.

Generally, a periphrasis is composed of an auxiliary verb (conjugated) + an impersonal form of the main verb (infinitive, gerund, or participle). In some cases, it is necessary to add a linking word such as “a”, “de”, or “que.”

For example:

• Voy a estudiar español (I am going to study Spanish)
• Estoy aprendiendo mucho (I am learning a lot)
• Tengo que trabajar mañana (I have to work tomorrow)

In the above examples, the two verbs form a single idea. They do not function independently, but as a joint structure.

Types of verbal periphrases in Spanish

There are different types of verbal periphrases in Spanish, but they are usually classified into two main groups: aspectual periphrases and modal verbal periphrases. Let's take a closer look at them.

1. Aspectual periphrases

Aspectual periphrases indicate how the action unfolds: whether it is beginning, in progress, finished, etc. In turn, these periphrases are divided into:

Periphrases of beginning: they indicate that an action is beginning.

• Empezar a + infinitive
• Comenzar a + infinitive
• Ponerse a + infinitive

Examples:

• Empecé a estudiar español el año pasado (I started studying Spanish last year)
• Se puso a llorar sin motivo (She started crying for no reason)
• Vamos a empezar la clase (Let's start the class)

Periphrases of duration or progress: express that the action is in progress.

• Estar + gerund
• Seguir + gerund
• Llevar + gerund

Examples:

• Estoy estudiando para el examen (I'm studying for the exam)
• Sigue trabajando en el proyecto (Keep working on the project)
• Llevo viviendo en Madrid tres años (I've been living in Madrid for three years)

Periphrases of completion: indicate that the action ends or is completed.

• Acabar de + infinitive
• Terminar de + infinitive
• Dejar de + infinitive

Examples:

• Acabo de llegar a casa (I just got home)
• Terminó de hacer los deberes (I finished my homework)
• Dejé de fumar hace años (I quit smoking years ago)

2. Modal verbal periphrases

Modal verb periphrases express obligation, necessity, possibility, or probability. They are very important in everyday communication. Here are some of them:

Periphrases of obligation: those that use these verbs: tener que + infinitive, deber + infinitive, and hay que + infinitive. Examples:

• Tengo que estudiar más (I have to study more)
• Debes practicar cada día (You should practice every day)
• Hay que respetar las normas (You have to respect the rules)

Possibility or probability periphrases: these use the verbs poder + infinitive and deber de + infinitive. Also, remember that periphrases with the verb deber can express obligation or probability, for example:

• Debe estudiar (He must study) is an obligation
• Debe de estudiar (He must study) is a probability

Examples:

• Puede llover mañana (It may rain tomorrow)
• Debe de estar cansado (He must be tired)
• Es importante no confundir (It is important not to confuse)

How can you identify a verbal periphrasis in Spanish?

To recognize a verbal periphrasis in Spanish, you can check:

• If the second verb does not function on its own.
• If both verbs express a single action.
• If you cannot replace the second verb with a noun.

For example, in “Quiero estudiar español” (I want to study Spanish), there is no periphrasis because “quiero” retains its own meaning. On the other hand, in “Tengo que estudiar español” (I have to study Spanish), there is a periphrasis because it expresses obligation as a unit.

Examples with Spanish verbal periphrases

Now that you have seen the types of periphrases that exist in Spanish and how they are divided, here are some examples of everyday situations that you may encounter in your daily life:

• Voy a viajar a España este verano (I'm going to travel to Spain this summer)
• Estamos aprendiendo nuevas expresiones (We are learning new expressions)
• Tienes que practicar la pronunciación (You have to practice your pronunciation)
• Acaban de anunciar los resultados (They just announced the results)
• Puede ser difícil al principio (It can be difficult at first)

Note that, in all cases, the structure functions as a single unit of meaning.

Fill in the correct periphrasis

Below are some sentences for you to complete with the correct form of the verb in parentheses. The correct answers are at the end of the article.

1. Yo __________ (estar / estudiar) para el examen ahora mismo.
2. Nosotros __________ (tener que / salir) temprano mañana.
3. María __________ (acabar de / llegar) a casa.
4. Ellos __________ (poder / venir) esta noche.
5. Tú __________ (deber de / estar) cansado después del viaje.
6. El profesor __________ (empezar a / explicar) el tema nuevo ayer.
7. Nosotros __________ (seguir / trabajar) en el proyecto.
8. Ana __________ (dejar de / fumar) hace dos años.
9. Yo __________ (ir a / viajar) a España este verano.
10. Vosotros __________ (llevar / estudiar) español tres meses.

Now that you know what a verbal periphrasis is in Spanish, what the main types are, and how to use them correctly, you will have realized that they are essential for speaking Spanish naturally.

Modal verbal periphrases are especially important, as they allow you to express necessity, possibility, or probability, which are very common structures in everyday communication.

The best way to master them is to practice constantly, listen to real conversations, and use them in authentic contexts. Over time, periphrases will become a natural part of your Spanish speech. But if you want to give your level a complete boost, we recommend our intensive Spanish courses, where you will learn to master periphrases and all types of Spanish verbs. Come discover Spain with don Quijote. We are waiting for you!

Answers: estoy estudiando, tenemos que salir, acaba de llegar, pueden venir, debes de estar, empezó a explicar, seguimos trabajando, dejó de fumar, voy a viajar, lleváis estudiando.