Master Spanish Verb Periphrases and Combinations

Understanding Verb Combinations

Verb combinations, or periphrases, are the union of several verbs that form a single unit and function as a single core. They serve to indicate nuances such as obligation, possibility, doubt, and more.

Structure of Verb Periphrases

The structure typically consists of a conjugated auxiliary verb (indicating person, number, time, and mode) which loses some of its original meaning, followed by an infinitive, a gerund, or a participle. For example: "I go to the patio." In some cases, the two components are linked by a preposition or a conjunction, such as: "broke into applause."

Modal Periphrases

These are constructed with an infinitive and express the speaker's attitude toward the action.

Obligation

The speaker stresses the necessity of the action:

• Have + to + infinitive: We have to check out.
• Must + infinitive: We must come out.
• Have + to + infinitive: You must be more attentive.
• Should + infinitive: You must make an effort.

Probability or Doubt

The speaker expresses uncertainty or lack of security:

• Duty + to + infinitive: It should be at 6 pm.
• Come + to + infinitive: That shirt will cost you €50.
• May + infinitive: It may rain today.
• Want to + infinitive: I understand that this is true.
• Might + infinitive: We might eat at 3.

Aspectual Periphrases

These indicate the specific stage or development of the action.

Inchoative: Starting the Action

Focuses on the moment the action begins:

• Start + to + infinitive: He began to sing.
• Be + to + infinitive: They began to sing.
• Burst + into + infinitive: He began to cry.

Ingressive: Action About to Begin

Indicates that the action is imminent:

• Go + to + infinitive: It is going to rain.
• Pass + to + infinitive: To tell what happened.
• Be ready + to + infinitive: I was about to leave.

Durative: Action in Progress

Indicates that an affirmative action is currently happening:

• Be + gerund: He is drawing with a pencil.
• Continue + gerund: It is still raining.
• Go + gerund: Go distributing posters.

Resultative: Completed Action

Indicates the action is finished or is the result of a previous action:

• Be + participle: It is determined.
• Carry + participle: I have read three pages of the book.
• Leave + participle: I left what I wanted.
• Have + past participle: I have glimpsed the first pages.

Iterative: Repeated Action

Indicates that the action is repeated:

• Return + to + infinitive: To play again.

Frequentative: Habitual Action

Indicates that the action occurs frequently or habitually.