Aspectual verbal phrases or perífrasis verbales are combinations of two or more verbs that are used to express a specific aspect, or way of looking at the action, of the main verb.
They are used to indicate whether an action is in progress, completed or repeated, and can also express a change in the state of the subject.
In this post, we are going to explore what aspectual verb periphrases are, how they are used in Spanish, some examples to help you understand and use them correctly, and how to teach periphrasis in Spanish.
There are several types of aspectual verbal periphrases in Spanish, including:
Perífrasis verbales de aspecto perfectivo.
These are used to indicate that an action has been completed. Some examples are:
- haber + participle: e.g., “he comido”
- acabar de + infinitive: for example, “acabo de terminar“.
- llevar + gerund: for example, “llevo trabajando“.
Periphrasis of imperfective aspect verbs.
They are used to indicate that an action is in progress or incomplete. Some examples are:
- estar + gerund: e.g. “estoy trabajando”
- seguir + gerund: for example, “sigue estudiando“.
- ir + gerund: for example, “voy aprendiendo“.
Verbal periphrases of prospective aspect.
These are used to indicate that an action will be completed in the future. Some examples are:
- ir a + infinitive: e.g., “voy a comer“.
- tener que + infinitive: for example, “I have to study“.
- haber de + infinitive: for example, “he de terminar“.
Verbal periphrasis of inchoative aspect.
They are used to indicate that an action is beginning. Some examples are:
- empezar a + infinitive: e.g., “empiezo a trabajar”
- ponerse a + infinitive: for example, “se pone a estudiar“.
- meterse a + infinitive: for example, “me meto a cocinar”.
Examples of aspectual verb periphrasis
Here are some examples of aspectual verb periphrases in use:
He comido: This periphrasis is used to indicate that the action of eating has been completed. The verb “haber” is conjugated in the present tense and the participle “comido” is added to form the periphrasis.
Estoy trabajando: This periphrasis is used to indicate that the action of working is in progress or incomplete. The verb “estar” is conjugated in the present tense and the gerund “trabajando” is added to form the periphrasis.
Voy a comer: This periphrasis is used to indicate that the action of eating will be completed in the future. The verb “ir” is conjugated in the present tense and the infinitive “comer” is added to form the periphrasis.
Empiezo a trabajar: This periphrasis is used to indicate that the action of working is beginning. The verb “empezar” is conjugated in the present tense.
In addition to these aspects, it is important to note that periphrastic verb constructions are also used to express modality.
Modal verbs, which express the attitude or intention of the speaker, are often used in conjunction with periphrastic verb constructions to convey a more nuanced meaning. For example, the periphrastic construction “estar a punto de” is often used in conjunction with the modal verb “deber” to indicate an obligation or duty that is about to be fulfilled, as in “Debe estar a punto de salir.”
Similarly, the periphrastic construction “ir a” can be used with the modal verb “poder” to express a future possibility or potential action, as in “Puedo ir a verte mañana“.
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