Verbal periphrasis is an essential aspect of Spanish grammar that allows you to express complex ideas and nuances using combinations of verbs. In this guide, we will provide a thorough understanding of Spanish verbal periphrasis, including its types, structure, and usage, to help you improve your language skills and enhance your writing.

What is Verbal Periphrasis?

Verbal periphrasis refers to the combination of two or more verbs to convey a single, unified meaning. These verb combinations work together to provide additional layers of meaning, such as aspects of time, modality, or aspect, which cannot be conveyed by a single verb.

Types of Verbal Periphrasis in Spanish

There are several types of verbal periphrasis in Spanish, each with its own unique function and usage. We will explore these types in detail, along with examples to illustrate their use.

Aspectual Verbal Periphrasis

Aspectual periphrasis emphasizes the development or completion of an action. Some common aspectual periphrasis combinations include:

Inchoative Periphrasis

This type of periphrasis indicates the beginning of an action. It uses the verb “empezar” (to start) or “comenzar” (to begin) followed by the infinitive or gerund form of the main verb.

• Empezar a + infinitive: Empezamos a estudiar (We start to study)
• Comenzar + gerund: Comenzamos estudiando (We start studying)

Iterative Periphrasis

This periphrasis highlights the repetition of an action. It uses the verb “volver” (to return) followed by the infinitive form of the main verb.

• Volver a + infinitive: Volvemos a estudiar (We study again)

Terminative Periphrasis

This periphrasis indicates the completion of an action. It uses the verb “acabar” (to finish) or “terminar” (to end) followed by the infinitive or gerund form of the main verb.

• Acabar de + infinitive: Acabamos de estudiar (We just finished studying)
• Terminar + gerund: Terminamos estudiando (We finish studying)

Modal Verbal Periphrasis

Modal periphrasis expresses the speaker’s attitude towards an action, such as necessity, probability, or possibility. Common modal periphrasis combinations include:

Obligative Periphrasis

This periphrasis conveys obligation or necessity. It uses the verb “tener” (to have) followed by the infinitive form of the main verb.

• Tener que + infinitive: Tenemos que estudiar (We have to study)

Potential Periphrasis

This periphrasis expresses possibility or probability. It uses the verb “poder” (to be able to) followed by the infinitive form of the main verb.

• Poder + infinitive: Podemos estudiar (We can study)

Temporal Verbal Periphrasis

Temporal periphrasis indicates the relationship between actions in terms of time. Some common temporal periphrasis combinations include:

Anteriority Periphrasis

This periphrasis expresses that an action occurred before another. It uses the verb “haber” (to have) followed by the past participle form of the main verb.

• Haber + past participle: Hemos estudiado (We have studied)

Posteriority Periphrasis

This periphrasis shows that an action will occur after another. It uses the verb “ir” (to go) followed by the infinitive form of the main verb.

• Ir + infinitive: Vamos a estudiar (We are going to study)

Tips for Using Verbal Periphrasis

To effectively use verbal periphrasis in your Spanish writing, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Pay attention to verb tense and agreement: Ensure that the auxiliary verb matches the tense and subject of the main verb.
2. Practice identifying and using various types of periphrasis: Familiarize yourself with the different types and their functions to expand your Spanish vocabulary and expression.
3. Use periphrasis to add nuance and depth to your writing: Employ periphrasis combinations to convey complex ideas and enhance the quality of your writing.

With a strong understanding of verbal periphrasis, you’ll be well-equipped to express complex ideas and nuances in your Spanish writing. Practice using these verb combinations in your daily conversations and written work to sharpen your language skills and elevate your understanding of Spanish grammar.