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Tag: Spanish Verbs
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Understanding the Passive Voice in Spanish | My Language Classes
How to Use “Ser” + Past Participle in Spanish
Are you struggling to understand how to use the passive voice in Spanish? Do phrases like “La carta fue escrita” leave you confused? You’re not alone! Mastering the “ser” + past participle construction can feel tricky at first, but it’s actually one of the most powerful tools for clear, natural Spanish communication.
The passive voice in Spanish is a must-know grammar structure for learners who want to sound more advanced, express actions formally, or shift focus from the person doing an action to the action itself. This structure is used in books, news articles, and real-life conversations—everywhere Spanish is spoken.
In this blog, we’ll walk you step-by-step through:
- What the passive voice is in Spanish
- How it works with “ser” + past participle
- When and how to use it naturally in everyday conversations
- Easy-to-follow grammar rules and lots of examples
- Real-world usage, common mistakes, and helpful tips
- A fun exercise with answers to test your learning
Whether you’re just starting out or brushing up for an exam, this guide will give you everything you need to understand and master passive voice with “ser” + past participle in Spanish—clearly, confidently, and correctly.
Let’s dive in!
What Is the Passive Voice with “Ser” + Past Participle? Explanation and Overview
The passive voice in Spanish is a way to shift the focus of a sentence from who does something to what is being done. It often answers the question: What happened? or What was done? This structure is commonly used in news reports, formal writing, and when the subject is unknown or not important.
At the heart of the Spanish passive voice is this formula:
“Ser” (to be) + past participle
(El verbo “ser” + participio pasado)Just like in English—where we say “The book was written” instead of “Someone wrote the book”—Spanish uses ser + past participle to form these types of passive sentences.
🔍 Let’s break it down:
- Ser: This is the verb “to be.” It must be conjugated to match the tense and the subject of the sentence.
- Past participle: This is the form of the verb that usually ends in -ado or -ido (similar to “-ed” in English). It must agree in gender and number with the subject.
📘 Examples:
Spanish Sentence English Translation La carta fue escrita por Ana. The letter was written by Ana. Los libros fueron leídos en clase. The books were read in class. El coche fue reparado ayer. The car was repaired yesterday. Las ventanas fueron abiertas. The windows were opened. 🧠 Why Use the Passive Voice?
- When the person who did the action doesn’t matter El edificio fue construido en 1995.
(The building was built in 1995.) - When the focus is on the action or result, not the person La decisión fue tomada rápidamente.
(The decision was made quickly.) - When the doer is unknown or obvious El documento fue firmado.
(The document was signed.)
The passive voice gives your Spanish a more refined and formal tone. It helps you write and speak like a native, especially in written texts, storytelling, and formal reports.
Everyday Sentences Using the Passive Voice: 10 Common Examples
Now that you understand the basics of the passive voice in Spanish, it’s time to see how it works in real-life, everyday situations. These examples will help you get a feel for how native speakers use the “ser” + past participle structure naturally in speech and writing.
The great thing is, once you start noticing the passive voice, you’ll realize it’s everywhere—in stores, schools, news, and even casual chats!
Here are 10 common passive voice sentences you might hear or use in daily life:
🔟 Spanish Passive Voice Examples
- La comida fue preparada por mi abuela.
The food was prepared by my grandmother. - Los boletos fueron comprados ayer.
The tickets were bought yesterday. - El examen fue corregido por el profesor.
The test was graded by the teacher. - Las llaves fueron encontradas en la mesa.
The keys were found on the table. - La película fue dirigida por un famoso director.
The movie was directed by a famous director. - El correo fue enviado esta mañana.
The mail was sent this morning. - Los niños fueron recogidos por sus padres.
The children were picked up by their parents. - La puerta fue cerrada con fuerza.
The door was closed firmly. - Las cartas fueron entregadas a tiempo.
The letters were delivered on time. - El pastel fue hecho con mucho amor.
The cake was made with a lot of love.
✅ Quick Tip:
Notice how the verb “ser” changes based on the tense and the subject (singular/plural), and how the past participle agrees with the subject in gender and number:
- Fue (singular) vs. Fueron (plural)
- Preparado / preparada / preparados / preparadas
By practicing sentences like these, you’ll train your ear and mind to recognize and use the Spanish passive voice more confidently. Keep these examples handy, or even better—try turning your own daily routines into passive sentences!
When to Use the Passive Voice in Spanish: All the Key Situations
Understanding when to use the passive voice with “ser” + past participle is just as important as knowing how to form it. The passive voice is not used in every sentence—it’s used with a purpose. Below are the main situations where this grammar structure is used naturally and correctly in Spanish.
📌 Key Situations for Using the Passive Voice in Spanish
1. ✅ When the person doing the action is unknown
Sometimes we don’t know who did something—and that’s okay! Spanish uses the passive voice to focus on the action, not the doer.
La ventana fue rota.
(The window was broken.)
We don’t know who broke it!
2. ✅ When the person doing the action is unimportant
In many formal or informational contexts, who did something is less important than what was done.
La carretera fue construida en 2001.
(The highway was built in 2001.)
3. ✅ When you want to sound formal or objective
This is common in news reports, academic writing, instructions, or official announcements.
La ley fue aprobada por el Congreso.
(The law was approved by Congress.)
4. ✅ When writing or speaking in a professional or academic tone
The passive voice is often preferred in scientific reports, school projects, or business presentations.
El informe fue revisado por el comité.
(The report was reviewed by the committee.)
5. ✅ When the result of the action is more important than the person doing it
If the end result is your focus, rather than the person performing the action, the passive voice is the perfect choice.
Los resultados fueron publicados en línea.
(The results were published online.)
6. ✅ To shift focus or emphasize the subject receiving the action
This is a powerful tool when you want to highlight the object of an action instead of the agent.
El premio fue ganado por la estudiante más joven.
(The prize was won by the youngest student.)
🧠 Remember:
- Passive voice is not as common in everyday conversation as in written or formal language.
- Spanish often prefers active voice or reflexive structures, but “ser” + past participle is ideal for certain contexts like those above.
- By knowing when to use the passive voice in Spanish, you’ll make your communication more accurate, clear, and natural—especially in settings that require more formal or descriptive language.
Conjugation Rules for Using “Ser” + Past Participle in the Passive Voice
To use the passive voice correctly in Spanish, you need to conjugate the verb “ser” to match the tense and the subject of your sentence. Then, you pair it with the past participle of the main verb, which must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the subject.
Let’s break this down step by step, so it’s easy to follow.
🧱 Step 1: Conjugate “Ser” in the Needed Tense
Here are the most commonly used tenses for ser in the passive voice:
Tense “Ser” Conjugation (Singular) “Ser” Conjugation (Plural) Present es son Preterite fue fueron Imperfect era eran Future será serán Conditional sería serían Present Perfect ha sido han sido ✔️ Tip: The preterite is the most common tense used in the passive voice for past events.
🧱 Step 2: Add the Past Participle of the Main Verb
The past participle is usually formed like this:
- AR verbs → -ado
- hablar → hablado (spoken)
- ER / IR verbs → -ido
- comer → comido (eaten)
- vivir → vivido (lived)
⚠️ Don’t forget! The past participle must agree with the subject:
- Masculine singular → -ado / -ido
- El libro fue escrito.
- Feminine singular → -ada / -ida
- La carta fue escrita.
- Masculine plural → -ados / -idos
- Los libros fueron escritos.
- Feminine plural → -adas / -idas
- Las cartas fueron escritas.
📚 Conjugation Examples
Let’s see how it all fits together with real examples across different tenses:
✔️ Preterite Passive Voice
- El informe fue escrito por el jefe.
(The report was written by the boss.) - Los correos fueron enviados por Marta.
(The emails were sent by Marta.)
✔️ Present Passive Voice
- La comida es servida caliente.
(The food is served hot.) - Las tareas son corregidas cada noche.
(The assignments are corrected every night.)
✔️ Future Passive Voice
- El paquete será entregado mañana.
(The package will be delivered tomorrow.) - Las cartas serán firmadas por el director.
(The letters will be signed by the director.)
✔️ Conditional Passive Voice
- El proyecto sería terminado en dos días.
(The project would be finished in two days.) - Las decisiones serían tomadas con cuidado.
(The decisions would be made carefully.)
Passive Voice Grammar Rules You Need to Know
Now that you’ve learned the structure and conjugation of “ser” + past participle, it’s time to go deeper into the grammar rules behind the passive voice in Spanish. These rules will help you avoid mistakes and use this structure correctly in real conversations and writing.
Here’s everything you need to keep in mind when forming passive voice sentences.
📘 1. Use “Ser” — Not “Estar” — in Passive Voice
Always remember that the passive voice in Spanish is formed with “ser”, not “estar.”
- ✔️ La canción fue cantada por ella.
(The song was sung by her.) - ❌ La canción estuvo cantada por ella. (Incorrect!)
🔑 “Estar” + past participle is used for describing states, not passive actions.
📘 2. The Past Participle Must Match the Subject
The past participle must agree in gender and number with the subject of the sentence, even though it comes after the verb “ser.”
- Masculine singular: El libro fue escrito.
- Feminine singular: La carta fue escrita.
- Masculine plural: Los informes fueron revisados.
- Feminine plural: Las tareas fueron corregidas.
📘 3. You Can Mention the Agent (Who Did the Action) — But You Don’t Have To
If you want to say who did the action, use the word “por” followed by the agent:
- La cena fue preparada por mi madre.
(The dinner was prepared by my mother.)
If the agent is unknown, obvious, or not important, just leave it out:
- La cena fue preparada.
(The dinner was prepared.)
📘 4. Don’t Overuse the Passive Voice in Informal Spanish
In everyday Spanish, especially in spoken language, the passive voice with “ser” is used less often than in English. Spanish prefers active or reflexive structures in casual settings.
Instead of:
La puerta fue cerrada.
A native might say:
Se cerró la puerta. (The door was closed.)Use “ser + participio” more often in formal writing, news, or when the agent matters.
📘 5. You Can Use Different Tenses Depending on the Situation
Use the right tense of “ser” to express the time frame:
- Present: Es construido — is built
- Preterite: Fue construido — was built
- Imperfect: Era construido — was being built
- Future: Será construido — will be built
- Conditional: Sería construido — would be built
- Present Perfect: Ha sido construido — has been built
📘 6. The Past Participle Always Stays in Passive Form
Even when you change the tense of “ser,” the past participle remains passive in form and keeps agreement rules.
- La casa fue pintada.
- La casa será pintada.
- La casa ha sido pintada.
🎯 You only change “ser,” not the participle form.
📝 Quick Review:
- ✅ Use “ser” + participio pasado
- ✅ Make the participle agree in gender/number
- ✅ Use “por” if you include the agent
- ✅ Choose the correct tense of “ser”
- ✅ Use in formal, written, or objective contexts
By keeping these key grammar rules in mind, you’ll use the Spanish passive voice correctly, clearly, and naturally in any setting.
Important Tips for Using the Passive Voice Correctly
The Spanish passive voice can feel unfamiliar at first, especially if you’re used to more direct or active sentence structures. But with the right strategies, you can learn to use it naturally, confidently, and correctly.
Here are some simple but powerful tips to help you master the use of “ser” + past participle in Spanish.
🧠 1. Focus on the Action, Not the Actor
The passive voice is ideal when the person doing the action is not the focus of the sentence. This helps make your language sound more neutral, formal, or objective.
La canción fue escrita en 1990.
(The song was written in 1990.)
– We care more about when and what, not who.
🔁 2. Practice with Common Verbs First
Start using the passive voice with frequently used verbs, such as:
- escribir (to write) → escrito
- hacer (to do/make) → hecho
- abrir (to open) → abierto
- ver (to see) → visto
- decir (to say) → dicho
- romper (to break) → roto
El correo fue enviado
(The mail was sent)Learning these irregular past participles early will help you avoid mistakes.
⏱️ 3. Choose the Right Tense of “Ser” Based on the Time Frame
Always ask: When did the action happen?
- If it happened in the past: Use fue / fueron
- If it’s happening now: Use es / son
- If it will happen later: Use será / serán
El documento será firmado mañana.
(The document will be signed tomorrow.)
👀 4. Watch Out for Agreement Errors
Double-check that the past participle agrees with the gender and number of the subject:
- La puerta fue cerrada ✔️
- Los informes fueron revisados ✔️
This is one of the most common mistakes—but one of the easiest to fix!
🔄 5. Practice Switching Between Active and Passive Voice
Take an active sentence and try converting it to passive:
- Active: Ana preparó el almuerzo.
- Passive: El almuerzo fue preparado por Ana.
This will help you internalize the structure and build fluency faster.
📺 6. Listen and Read in Spanish
Pay attention to how the passive voice is used in:
- News articles and TV reports
- Instructions and manuals
- History documentaries
- Books and short stories
The more exposure you get, the more natural it will feel to use it yourself.
🎤 7. Say It Out Loud
Practicing out loud helps your brain connect grammar with real communication. Read example sentences and say them slowly and clearly to improve fluency and memory.
Las decisiones fueron tomadas con cuidado.
(The decisions were made carefully.)
✅ Bonus Tip: Make Flashcards!
Create cards with different tenses of “ser” on one side and examples of past participles on the other. Mix and match to practice forming full passive voice sentences.
With these easy-to-remember tips, you’ll start using the passive voice in Spanish more naturally and accurately—whether you’re speaking, writing, or just trying to understand what you’re reading or hearing.
Common Mistakes with the Passive Voice and How to Fix Them
The Spanish passive voice is powerful—but only when used correctly. Many learners make small but important errors when using “ser” + past participle, especially if they’re translating directly from English or forgetting agreement rules.
Here are the most common mistakes Spanish learners make with the passive voice—and simple ways to fix them.
❌ 1. Using “Estar” Instead of “Ser”
Mistake:
El libro estuvo escrito por ella.Why it’s wrong:
The passive voice must be formed with “ser”, not “estar”. Using “estar” changes the meaning and describes a state, not an action.✅ Fix:
El libro fue escrito por ella.
(The book was written by her.)
❌ 2. Forgetting Gender and Number Agreement in the Past Participle
Mistake:
La casa fue pintado. ❌Why it’s wrong:
“La casa” is feminine, so “pintado” must be changed to “pintada”.✅ Fix:
La casa fue pintada.
(The house was painted.)
❌ 3. Forgetting to Include or Misusing “Por” with the Agent
Mistake:
La carta fue escrita Juan. ❌Why it’s wrong:
When you name the person doing the action in a passive sentence, you must use “por” (by).✅ Fix:
La carta fue escrita por Juan.
(The letter was written by Juan.)
❌ 4. Using Passive Voice in Casual Speech Too Often
Mistake:
La puerta fue cerrada por mí. (in casual conversation) ❌Why it’s wrong:
Native Spanish speakers often avoid the passive voice in informal speech. A reflexive construction is usually preferred.✅ Fix:
Yo cerré la puerta.
Or
Se cerró la puerta.
(The door was closed.)
❌ 5. Incorrect Verb Tense of “Ser”
Mistake:
La película es filmada ayer. ❌Why it’s wrong:
The sentence refers to the past, so “ser” should be in the preterite tense, not present.✅ Fix:
La película fue filmada ayer.
(The movie was filmed yesterday.)
❌ 6. Translating Word-for-Word from English
Mistake:
It was given to him → Fue dado a él. ❌Why it’s tricky:
Spanish doesn’t always use the passive voice the same way English does. Sometimes, a different construction is more natural.✅ Fix:
Se le dio.
(It was given to him.)
❌ 7. Mixing Up Past Participles and Infinitives
Mistake:
El proyecto fue completar por el equipo. ❌Why it’s wrong:
“Completar” is the infinitive. You need the past participle, which is “completado.”✅ Fix:
El proyecto fue completado por el equipo.
(The project was completed by the team.)
🛠 Quick Fix Recap:
- ✅ Use ser, not estar
- ✅ Match the gender and number of the participle
- ✅ Use “por” with the agent
- ✅ Pick the correct tense
- ✅ Avoid using passive voice too much in casual talk
- ✅ Don’t translate literally from English
- ✅ Use the past participle, not infinitives
20 Passive Voice Example Sentences for Better Understanding
The best way to truly understand how to use the Spanish passive voice with “ser” + past participle is by seeing it in action. These example sentences cover a range of tenses, subjects, and contexts, so you can recognize how this structure works in real situations.
We’ll include both singular and plural, masculine and feminine subjects—and mix in different verb tenses for full understanding.
📘 Examples in the Present Tense
- La comida es servida caliente.
(The food is served hot.) - Las tareas son corregidas por la profesora.
(The assignments are corrected by the teacher.) - El correo es entregado a las ocho.
(The mail is delivered at eight.) - Las reglas son explicadas en clase.
(The rules are explained in class.) - El coche es limpiado cada semana.
(The car is cleaned every week.)
🕰 Examples in the Preterite Tense (Simple Past)
- El libro fue escrito por Gabriel García Márquez.
(The book was written by Gabriel García Márquez.) - La carta fue enviada ayer.
(The letter was sent yesterday.) - Los regalos fueron abiertos por los niños.
(The gifts were opened by the children.) - Las preguntas fueron contestadas correctamente.
(The questions were answered correctly.) - El contrato fue firmado por ambas partes.
(The contract was signed by both parties.)
⏳ Examples in the Imperfect Tense (Was Being…)
- La casa era construida por obreros locales.
(The house was being built by local workers.) - Los pasteles eran decorados con frutas.
(The cakes were being decorated with fruit.)
🔮 Examples in the Future Tense
- El examen será corregido mañana.
(The exam will be corrected tomorrow.) - Las decisiones serán tomadas por el comité.
(The decisions will be made by the committee.) - La cena será preparada por el chef.
(The dinner will be prepared by the chef.)
🎯 Examples in the Conditional Tense
- El problema sería resuelto por un experto.
(The problem would be solved by an expert.) - Las entradas serían vendidas en la taquilla.
(The tickets would be sold at the box office.)
⏱️ Examples in the Present Perfect (Has Been…)
- El informe ha sido enviado a tiempo.
(The report has been sent on time.) - Las puertas han sido cerradas por seguridad.
(The doors have been closed for safety.) - El museo ha sido renovado recientemente.
(The museum has been renovated recently.)
These examples show how “ser” + past participle helps describe actions done to the subject—not by it. The verb “ser” adjusts to the tense, and the past participle always agrees with the subject in gender and number.
Passive Voice Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge
Let’s see how well you understand the structure and usage of the passive voice in Spanish using “ser” + past participle. Below are 20 sentences with missing words. Each sentence is written to test your knowledge of:
- Verb tense
- Past participle agreement (gender and number)
- Correct form of “ser”
- Using “por” when needed
👉 Fill in the blanks using the correct form of “ser” and the past participle of the verb provided in parentheses. Some sentences will also require the word “por”.
✏️ Fill in the Blanks
- La novela ________ ________ en 1985. (escribir)
- Los platos ________ ________ por el camarero. (servir)
- El paquete ________ ________ esta mañana. (entregar)
- Las cartas ________ ________ con mucho cariño. (escribir)
- La fiesta ________ ________ por mis padres. (organizar)
- Los boletos ________ ________ en la taquilla. (vender)
- La puerta ________ ________ por el viento. (abrir)
- El informe ________ ________ a tiempo. (terminar)
- Las luces ________ ________ durante la tormenta. (apagar)
- El discurso ________ ________ por el presidente. (dar)
- La tarea ________ ________ por el estudiante. (hacer)
- Las fotos ________ ________ en el periódico. (publicar)
- El documento ________ ________ por el abogado. (firmar)
- El edificio ________ ________ el año pasado. (construir)
- Los errores ________ ________ rápidamente. (corregir)
- La canción ________ ________ por un famoso cantante. (cantar)
- Las ventanas ________ ________ para dejar entrar aire. (abrir)
- El mensaje ________ ________ ayer. (enviar)
- Las maletas ________ ________ por el botones. (llevar)
- El museo ________ ________ recientemente. (renovar)
Check Your Answers for the Passive Voice Exercise
Here are the completed sentences. The correct answers are in bold, and each sentence includes an English translation so you can understand the meaning clearly.
✅ Answers
- La novela fue escrita en 1985.
(The novel was written in 1985.) - Los platos fueron servidos por el camarero.
(The dishes were served by the waiter.) - El paquete fue entregado esta mañana.
(The package was delivered this morning.) - Las cartas fueron escritas con mucho cariño.
(The letters were written with a lot of care.) - La fiesta fue organizada por mis padres.
(The party was organized by my parents.) - Los boletos fueron vendidos en la taquilla.
(The tickets were sold at the ticket office.) - La puerta fue abierta por el viento.
(The door was opened by the wind.) - El informe fue terminado a tiempo.
(The report was finished on time.) - Las luces fueron apagadas durante la tormenta.
(The lights were turned off during the storm.) - El discurso fue dado por el presidente.
(The speech was given by the president.) - La tarea fue hecha por el estudiante.
(The homework was done by the student.) - Las fotos fueron publicadas en el periódico.
(The photos were published in the newspaper.) - El documento fue firmado por el abogado.
(The document was signed by the lawyer.) - El edificio fue construido el año pasado.
(The building was built last year.) - Los errores fueron corregidos rápidamente.
(The mistakes were corrected quickly.) - La canción fue cantada por un famoso cantante.
(The song was sung by a famous singer.) - Las ventanas fueron abiertas para dejar entrar aire.
(The windows were opened to let air in.) - El mensaje fue enviado ayer.
(The message was sent yesterday.) - Las maletas fueron llevadas por el botones.
(The suitcases were carried by the bellboy.) - El museo fue renovado recientemente.
(The museum was renovated recently.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Passive Voice in Spanish
Learning how to use the passive voice in Spanish—especially with “ser” + past participle—can raise a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common doubts Spanish learners have, answered clearly and simply.
❓1. What is the difference between active and passive voice in Spanish?
- Active voice: The subject does the action.
→ Juan escribió la carta.
(Juan wrote the letter.) - Passive voice: The subject receives the action.
→ La carta fue escrita por Juan.
(The letter was written by Juan.)
❓2. When should I use “ser” instead of “estar” in passive voice?
Use “ser” for the true passive voice—to focus on the action being done to something.
La casa fue construida en 1990.
(The house was built in 1990.)Use “estar” for describing states or results, not actions.
La puerta está cerrada.
(The door is closed.)
❓3. Why does the past participle have to match gender and number?
Because in passive voice, the participle acts like an adjective—and adjectives in Spanish must agree with the subject.
La película fue vista. (feminine singular)
Los informes fueron leídos. (masculine plural)
❓4. Can I use the passive voice in everyday conversation?
Yes, but with care. In formal or written Spanish, the passive voice is common. In everyday speech, people often prefer active voice or reflexive constructions.
- Passive: La puerta fue cerrada.
- Reflexive: Se cerró la puerta.
Both are grammatically correct, but the reflexive version is often more natural in conversation.
❓5. What if I don’t know who did the action?
Great! That’s when passive voice is most useful.
Los documentos fueron perdidos.
(The documents were lost.)
– No need to say who lost them.
❓6. Can I use different tenses of “ser” in passive voice?
Yes! Use the tense of “ser” that matches the time of the action.
- Present: es / son
- Past (preterite): fue / fueron
- Future: será / serán
- Conditional: sería / serían
❓7. Is the passive voice common in Spanish newspapers?
Yes! It’s very common in news reports, history books, academic writing, and official documents, where the action matters more than the person doing it.
La ley fue aprobada por el congreso.
(The law was passed by Congress.)
❓8. What’s the difference between passive voice and reflexive passive (se + verb)?
- True passive: Uses “ser + participle”
→ La carta fue escrita. - Reflexive passive: Uses “se + verb”
→ Se escribió la carta.
Both are correct, but “se” passives are more common in spoken Spanish.
❓9. Are all verbs allowed in the passive voice?
No. Only transitive verbs (verbs that take a direct object) can be used in the passive voice.
- Correct: La canción fue cantada. (cantar has a direct object)
- Incorrect: Fue dormido. (dormir is intransitive—you can’t “sleep” something)
❓10. What’s the easiest way to remember how to form passive voice?
Use this formula:
➡️ Subject + form of “ser” + past participle (+ por + agent)And remember:
- Match participle with subject (gender and number)
- Use correct “ser” tense
- Add “por” only if you want to name the person/thing doing the action
Key Takeaways: Passive Voice Summary and Important Points
The passive voice in Spanish using “ser” + past participle may sound tricky at first, but once you understand the structure and practice a bit, it becomes a powerful tool in your Spanish-speaking journey.
Here’s a bullet-point summary of the most important points:
✅ What You Need to Remember
- The passive voice shows that the action is done to the subject, not by the subject.
- La carta fue escrita por Ana.
(The letter was written by Ana.)
- La carta fue escrita por Ana.
- The basic structure is:
➡️ Subject + conjugated “ser” + past participle (+ por + doer) - The verb “ser” is conjugated according to the tense of the action:
- Present: es / son
- Preterite: fue / fueron
- Imperfect: era / eran
- Future: será / serán
- Conditional: sería / serían
- Perfect tenses: ha sido / han sido, etc.
- The past participle must agree in gender and number with the subject:
- La casa fue construida.
- Los libros fueron leídos.
- Use “por” when you want to include who did the action:
- La película fue dirigida por un famoso director.
- The passive voice is more common in formal writing, news, academic language, and official documents.
- In spoken Spanish, it’s often replaced by the reflexive passive:
- Se vendieron las entradas.
- Only transitive verbs (those with a direct object) can be used in the passive voice.
- Be careful not to confuse with “estar + participle”, which describes states, not actions:
- La puerta está cerrada. (It’s closed – state)
- La puerta fue cerrada. (It was closed – action)
💡 Quick Reference Formula
Passive Voice in Spanish = Subject + Ser (in correct tense) + Past Participle (matched to subject) + [por + agent (optional)]
This summary gives you the solid foundation to recognize and use the passive voice like a pro—whether you’re reading, writing, or speaking Spanish.
Conclusion: Mastering the Passive Voice in Spanish | My Language Classes
The Spanish passive voice using “ser” + past participle is more than just a grammar rule—it’s a powerful way to add variety, clarity, and fluency to your Spanish. Whether you’re reading a news article, writing an essay, or describing events with more precision, knowing how to use the passive voice can elevate your language skills to a whole new level.
Remember:
- Passive voice is all about shifting the focus from who does something to what happens.
- It helps you sound more natural in formal settings and understand Spanish more deeply.
- The key is to always match “ser” to the right tense and make the past participle agree with the subject in gender and number.
With plenty of real-life examples, clear explanations, and practice exercises in this guide, you’re now well-prepared to use the passive voice correctly and confidently.
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Understanding ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ | My Language Classes
Verb Phrases in Spanish Explained
If you’ve ever wondered how to say things like “I stopped eating sugar,” “I started studying again,” or “I’m still learning Spanish” in Spanish—then you’re in exactly the right place.
Spanish verb phrases like “dejar de”, “volver a”, and “seguir” are simple but powerful expressions that help you talk about habits, changes, and ongoing actions in everyday conversations. These are called perífrasis verbales or verb phrase structures, and they’re essential grammar tools every Spanish learner needs to master—whether you’re just starting out or trying to sound more fluent.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use these everyday phrases with real-life examples, clear rules, and helpful tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re saying you’ve stopped doing something (dejar de), started again (volver a), or are still doing it (seguir), you’ll soon be able to express yourself naturally and confidently in Spanish.
Let’s dive into these high-frequency verbs and start using them like a native speaker!
What Is ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’? Explanation and Overview
When learning Spanish, it’s important not just to learn verbs, but also the common phrases that come with them. That’s where ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ come in. These are called verb phrases (or perífrasis verbales in Spanish), and they help describe how actions happen over time—whether they stop, start again, or continue.
Let’s break each one down simply:
✅ Dejar de + infinitive
Meaning: To stop doing something
English equivalent: to quit, to stop, to give up- Example: Dejé de fumar. – “I stopped smoking.”
✅ Volver a + infinitive
Meaning: To do something again
English equivalent: to go back to, to do again, to return to- Example: Volvimos a ver esa película. – “We watched that movie again.”
✅ Seguir + gerund (verb ending in -ando/-iendo)
Meaning: To continue doing something
English equivalent: to keep doing, to still be doing- Example: Sigo estudiando español. – “I’m still studying Spanish.”
Why These Phrases Matter
These verb structures are used every single day by native Spanish speakers to talk about actions that:
- Have stopped (dejar de)
- Have started again (volver a)
- Are still happening (seguir)
They help you:
- Express your routines and habits
- Talk about personal goals or changes
- Understand native conversations more easily
- Sound more natural when speaking Spanish
Simple Pattern to Remember
Verb Phrase Structure Example English Meaning dejar de dejar de + [infinitive] to stop doing something volver a volver a + [infinitive] to do something again seguir seguir + [gerund] to continue doing something
Everyday Sentences Using ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’: 10 Common Examples
The best way to learn how to use ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ is by seeing them in real sentences. These examples are taken straight from everyday conversations. You’ll hear phrases like these all the time from native Spanish speakers.
Each example includes the Spanish sentence and its English translation, so you can see exactly how the meaning works.
✅ Examples with “Dejar de” (To Stop Doing Something)
- Dejé de comer carne hace dos años.
I stopped eating meat two years ago. - ¿Vas a dejar de fumar algún día?
Are you going to stop smoking someday? - Mi hermana dejó de estudiar medicina.
My sister quit studying medicine. - Tenemos que dejar de gastar tanto dinero.
We have to stop spending so much money.
🔁 Examples with “Volver a” (To Do Again)
- Volvimos a hablar después de muchos años.
We talked again after many years. - Voy a volver a intentar mañana.
I’m going to try again tomorrow. - ¿Volverás a visitarnos este verano?
Will you visit us again this summer?
🔄 Examples with “Seguir” (To Keep Doing Something)
- Sigo aprendiendo español todos los días.
I keep learning Spanish every day. - ¿Todavía sigues trabajando en la misma empresa?
Are you still working at the same company? - El niño seguía llorando cuando llegamos.
The child was still crying when we arrived.
These simple examples show how these verbs help you talk about real actions, past or present. You can mix them with almost any activity—eating, working, learning, reading, or even relaxing!
When to Use ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’: All the Key Situations
Now that you’ve seen some real examples, it’s time to break down exactly when to use each of these Spanish verb phrases. These expressions are common, but each one has a unique purpose. Knowing when to use them is the key to speaking naturally and correctly.
Let’s explore the different situations for each phrase, with simple examples and explanations.
✅ When to Use “Dejar de” – To Stop Doing Something
Use “dejar de + infinitive” when you want to talk about:
- Quitting a habit
Ejemplo: Dejé de fumar. – I quit smoking. - Ending an activity
Ejemplo: Dejamos de ver la serie. – We stopped watching the series. - Stopping a repeated behavior
Ejemplo: ¿Por qué no dejas de interrumpirme? – Why don’t you stop interrupting me? - Changing lifestyle choices
Ejemplo: Mi papá dejó de tomar alcohol. – My dad stopped drinking alcohol.
🔁 When to Use “Volver a” – To Do Something Again
Use “volver a + infinitive” when you’re talking about doing something again or returning to a past action.
- Restarting something after stopping
Ejemplo: Volví a estudiar después de un año. – I started studying again after a year. - Revisiting old habits or routines
Ejemplo: Voy a volver a correr por las mañanas. – I’m going to start running again in the mornings. - Giving something another try
Ejemplo: Tenemos que volver a intentarlo. – We have to try again. - Resuming contact or communication
Ejemplo: Volví a hablar con mi ex. – I started talking to my ex again.
🔄 When to Use “Seguir” – To Continue Doing Something
Use “seguir + gerund (verb ending in -ando or -iendo)” to talk about actions that are still happening or that continue over time.
- Ongoing actions in the present
Ejemplo: Sigo estudiando cada noche. – I still study every night. - Continued habits or routines
Ejemplo: ¿Sigues yendo al gimnasio? – Do you still go to the gym? - Actions that didn’t stop in the past
Ejemplo: Seguía hablando aunque nadie escuchaba. – He kept talking even though no one was listening. - To show persistence or determination
Ejemplo: Sigue luchando por sus sueños. – He keeps fighting for his dreams.
🔑 Quick Comparison Table
Situation Use This Verb Phrase Example Quitting or stopping something dejar de + infinitive Dejé de usar redes sociales. Doing something again volver a + infinitive Volvimos a salir juntos. Continuing or still doing something seguir + gerund Sigo trabajando en mi proyecto. Each of these verb phrases connects your ideas to time—past, present, or future—making your Spanish sound much more natural.
Conjugation Rules for ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’
To use ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ correctly, you need to know how to conjugate them in different tenses. These verbs work just like regular verbs (mostly), but since you’re combining them with another verb, it’s important to get the structure right.
Here’s how to conjugate each of them in the most common tenses: present, past, and future.
✅ 1. Dejar de + Infinitive
“Dejar” is a regular -ar verb, so it’s easy to conjugate.
📅 Present Tense – “I stop / am stopping”
Subject Conjugation Example Yo dejo de Yo dejo de comer pan. (I stop eating bread.) Tú dejas de Tú dejas de hablar. (You stop talking.) Él/Ella deja de Él deja de correr. (He stops running.) Nosotros dejamos de Nosotros dejamos de pelear. (We stop fighting.) Ellos dejan de Ellos dejan de jugar videojuegos. (They stop playing video games.) ⏳ Past Tense (Preterite) – “I stopped”
| Yo | dejé de | Dejé de estudiar medicina. (I stopped studying medicine.)
| Tú | dejaste de |
| Él/Ella | dejó de |
| Nosotros | dejamos de |
| Ellos | dejaron de |🔮 Future Tense – “I will stop”
| Yo | dejaré de | Dejaré de procrastinar. (I will stop procrastinating.)
| Tú | dejarás de |
| Él/Ella | dejará de |
| Nosotros | dejaremos de |
| Ellos | dejarán de |
🔁 2. Volver a + Infinitive
“Volver” is an irregular -er verb. The stem changes from o → ue in the present tense.
📅 Present Tense – “I do again / I return to”
| Yo | vuelvo a | Vuelvo a intentar. (I try again.)
| Tú | vuelves a |
| Él/Ella | vuelve a |
| Nosotros | volvemos a |
| Ellos | vuelven a |⏳ Past Tense (Preterite) – “I did again”
| Yo | volví a | Volví a correr. (I ran again.)
| Tú | volviste a |
| Él/Ella | volvió a |
| Nosotros | volvimos a |
| Ellos | volvieron a |🔮 Future Tense – “I will do again”
| Yo | volveré a | Volveré a llamarte. (I will call you again.)
| Tú | volverás a |
| Él/Ella | volverá a |
| Nosotros | volveremos a |
| Ellos | volverán a |
🔄 3. Seguir + Gerund (-ando / -iendo)
“Seguir” is an e → i stem-changing verb in the present tense.
📅 Present Tense – “I keep doing / I am still doing”
| Yo | sigo | Sigo estudiando. (I’m still studying.)
| Tú | sigues |
| Él/Ella | sigue |
| Nosotros | seguimos |
| Ellos | siguen |⏳ Past Tense (Imperfect) – “I was still doing”
| Yo | seguía | Seguía trabajando hasta tarde. (I was still working late.)
| Tú | seguías |
| Él/Ella | seguía |
| Nosotros | seguíamos |
| Ellos | seguían |🔮 Future Tense – “I will still be doing”
| Yo | seguiré | Seguiré estudiando mañana. (I’ll keep studying tomorrow.)
| Tú | seguirás |
| Él/Ella | seguirá |
| Nosotros | seguiremos |
| Ellos | seguirán |
🧠 Tip to Remember
- Use infinitives after dejar de and volver a
(Ex: dejar de fumar, volver a leer) - Use the gerund (-ando/-iendo) after seguir
(Ex: seguir caminando, seguir aprendiendo)
‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ Grammar Rules You Need to Know
Understanding how these verb phrases work in Spanish is key to using them correctly. Even though they’re commonly used in casual conversation, they follow very specific grammar rules. Let’s break these rules down in a way that’s easy to remember and apply—whether you’re writing or speaking Spanish.
✅ Rule #1: Use the Right Verb Form + Verb Structure
Each of the three expressions follows a unique structure:
Verb Phrase Structure You Must Follow Example in Spanish English Translation dejar de dejar de + infinitive Dejé de comer azúcar. I stopped eating sugar. volver a volver a + infinitive Volvimos a bailar. We danced again. seguir seguir + gerund Sigo estudiando español. I’m still studying Spanish.
✅ Rule #2: No Article or Preposition Before the Second Verb
Don’t use “el”, “la”, or “de” before the second verb. The structure should be clean and direct, like:
- ❌ Dejé de la fumar.
✅ Dejé de fumar. - ❌ Volví a de correr.
✅ Volví a correr. - ❌ Sigo de leer.
✅ Sigo leyendo.
✅ Rule #3: Follow Gender and Number Only for the Subject
These verb phrases do not change based on the gender of the action or object—only the subject needs to match the verb conjugation:
- Ella deja de hablar. (She stops talking.)
- Ellos vuelven a entrenar. (They train again.)
- Nosotros seguimos trabajando. (We keep working.)
✅ Rule #4: You Can Use These in Any Tense
These verb phrases work with any verb tense—present, past, future, or even subjunctive. Here’s how:
- Present: Sigo leyendo cada noche. – I keep reading every night.
- Past (preterite): Dejaron de ir al parque. – They stopped going to the park.
- Future: Volveré a llamarte mañana. – I will call you again tomorrow.
- Subjunctive (advanced): Espero que no vuelvas a hacerlo. – I hope you don’t do it again.
✅ Rule #5: You Can Add Time Expressions for Clarity
Adding time words makes your sentences even more natural:
- Dejé de correr hace un mes. – I stopped running a month ago.
- Volvimos a salir el viernes pasado. – We went out again last Friday.
- ¿Sigues estudiando todos los días? – Are you still studying every day?
✅ Rule #6: Negative Sentences Use “No” Before the Conjugated Verb
To make a sentence negative, simply place “no” before the first verb (not the second one!):
- No dejo de pensar en ti. – I can’t stop thinking about you.
- No volvió a llamarme. – He didn’t call me again.
- No seguimos hablando. – We’re no longer talking.
These grammar rules are the foundation of using ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ correctly. Practice them a few times, and they’ll soon become second nature.
Important Tips for Using ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ Correctly
If you want to speak Spanish with confidence and sound more like a native, mastering ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ is a must. These little phrases pack a big punch, but they can also be tricky. Here are some simple but powerful tips to help you use them smoothly in conversations, writing, and beyond.
💡 Tip #1: Don’t Translate Word-for-Word from English
These verb phrases don’t always have direct word-for-word equivalents in English. For example:
- “Seguir comiendo” literally means “to follow eating,” but it actually means “to keep eating.”
- “Volver a estudiar” literally means “to return to study,” but it means “to study again.”
✅ What to do instead: Learn the phrase as a full expression, not just as separate words.
💡 Tip #2: Always Double-Check the Verb Form That Follows
This is one of the most common errors! Make sure you’re using:
- Infinitive with “dejar de” → Dejé de fumar.
- Infinitive with “volver a” → Voy a volver a leer ese libro.
- Gerund with “seguir” → Sigo aprendiendo español.
❌ Wrong: Volví a caminando
✅ Right: Volví a caminar
💡 Tip #3: Pay Attention to Stem Changes in Conjugation
Both “volver” and “seguir” are stem-changing verbs in the present tense.
- Volver → yo vuelvo, tú vuelves
- Seguir → yo sigo, tú sigues
Practice these forms a few times until they feel natural when you say them.
💡 Tip #4: Use with Emotional or Motivational Phrases
These expressions are great when talking about personal growth, change, or persistence:
- Dejé de tener miedo. – I stopped being afraid.
- Volveré a intentarlo. – I’ll try again.
- Sigo creyendo en mí. – I still believe in myself.
They’re perfect for stories, life updates, and goals.
💡 Tip #5: Practice with Real-Life Routines
Use these phrases to talk about your daily habits or life changes. Try writing a few sentences like:
- “I stopped drinking soda.”
- “I’m still learning piano.”
- “I want to start exercising again.”
Translate them into Spanish using the structures you’ve learned:
- Dejé de tomar refrescos.
- Sigo aprendiendo piano.
- Quiero volver a hacer ejercicio.
💡 Tip #6: Combine with Other Verbs for Fluency
Once you’re confident with the basics, use them in longer sentences:
- Después de dejar de trabajar, empecé a viajar.
(After I stopped working, I started traveling.) - Voy a seguir estudiando aunque esté cansado.
(I’m going to keep studying even if I’m tired.)
This will take your Spanish to the next level!
💡 Tip #7: Practice Speaking Out Loud
The more you say these phrases aloud, the easier they’ll feel. Try these quick drills:
- “Yo dejo de…”
- “Tú vuelves a…”
- “Nosotros seguimos…”
Mix and match them with different verbs to create natural phrases in seconds.
Common Mistakes with ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ – and How to Fix Them
Even advanced Spanish learners sometimes slip up with ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’. The good news is, these mistakes are easy to fix once you understand why they happen. Here are the most common errors learners make—and exactly how to avoid them.
❌ Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Verb Form After the Phrase
This is the #1 error students make.
- ❌ Sigo a estudiar español.
✅ Sigo estudiando español. (I’m still studying Spanish.) - ❌ Volvimos a jugando fútbol.
✅ Volvimos a jugar fútbol. (We played soccer again.)
Fix it:
- Always use the infinitive after ‘dejar de’ and ‘volver a’
- Always use the gerund (-ando/-iendo) after ‘seguir’
❌ Mistake 2: Translating Directly from English
Some learners try to translate word for word:
- ❌ I stop to smoke → Paro a fumar
✅ Dejo de fumar → (I stop smoking) - ❌ We keep to talk → Seguimos a hablar
✅ Seguimos hablando → (We keep talking)
Fix it:
Learn these as fixed expressions, not just individual words.
❌ Mistake 3: Forgetting Stem Changes in the Present Tense
Verbs like seguir and volver change their stems in the present tense.
- ❌ Yo volvo a leer
✅ Yo vuelvo a leer (I read again) - ❌ Yo seguo estudiando
✅ Yo sigo estudiando (I keep studying)
Fix it:
- Volver → vuelvo, vuelves, vuelve…
- Seguir → sigo, sigues, sigue…
❌ Mistake 4: Using “de” or “el” Between the Two Verbs
This one’s sneaky and common:
- ❌ Dejé de el fumar
✅ Dejé de fumar - ❌ Volví de correr
✅ Volví a correr
Fix it:
Never add extra words between the two verbs unless absolutely necessary. Keep it direct.
❌ Mistake 5: Misplacing “no” in Negative Sentences
The word “no” must go before the conjugated verb, not in the middle of the phrase.
- ❌ Dejé no de hablar.
✅ No dejé de hablar. (I didn’t stop talking.) - ❌ Seguimos no trabajando.
✅ No seguimos trabajando. (We didn’t keep working.)
Fix it:
Always put “no” before the main verb.
❌ Mistake 6: Forgetting the Verb Phrase Entirely
Sometimes students leave out one of the pieces:
- ❌ Volví estudiar
✅ Volví a estudiar
Fix it:
Always include the full phrase:- dejar de
- volver a
- seguir + gerund
🧠 Final Reminder
The more you practice, the more natural these phrases will feel. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—but be sure to learn from them. Practice speaking, writing, and listening to these structures in real contexts.
20 Example Sentences Using ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ for Better Understanding
Now that you know how ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ work, it’s time to see them in real-life, everyday sentences. These examples are designed to help you understand how native speakers naturally use these verb phrases in casual and formal situations.
Let’s break them into groups for clarity:
📌 1–7: Sentences with ‘Dejar de’ (To stop doing something)
- Dejé de comer carne hace dos años.
(I stopped eating meat two years ago.) - ¿Cuándo vas a dejar de fumar?
(When are you going to stop smoking?) - Mi hermana dejó de estudiar medicina.
(My sister stopped studying medicine.) - No dejo de pensar en ti.
(I can’t stop thinking about you.) - Dejamos de ver esa serie porque era aburrida.
(We stopped watching that show because it was boring.) - ¿Por qué dejaste de hablar con Ana?
(Why did you stop talking to Ana?) - Ellos dejaron de usar redes sociales.
(They stopped using social media.)
🔁 8–14: Sentences with ‘Volver a’ (To do something again)
- Volví a ver esa película anoche.
(I watched that movie again last night.) - Vamos a volver a intentarlo.
(We’re going to try again.) - ¿Volviste a llamar al doctor?
(Did you call the doctor again?) - Ella volvió a ganar el premio.
(She won the prize again.) - Volveremos a visitar España el próximo año.
(We’ll visit Spain again next year.) - No quiero volver a pasar por eso.
(I don’t want to go through that again.) - ¿Puedes volver a explicarlo, por favor?
(Can you explain it again, please?)
🔄 15–20: Sentences with ‘Seguir’ (To continue or still be doing something)
- Sigo aprendiendo español todos los días.
(I keep learning Spanish every day.) - ¿Tú sigues trabajando en esa empresa?
(Are you still working at that company?) - Seguimos esperando la respuesta.
(We’re still waiting for the answer.) - Mi perro sigue durmiendo en mi cama.
(My dog still sleeps in my bed.) - Los niños siguen jugando afuera.
(The kids keep playing outside.) - Aunque fallé, sigo intentándolo.
(Even though I failed, I keep trying.)
Reading and repeating these example sentences out loud will help you remember the structure and usage of these powerful phrases. You can even write your own sentences using similar patterns!
‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of dejar de + infinitive, volver a + infinitive, or seguir + gerund.
- Ella ________ (dejar) de fumar hace un año.
- Nosotros ________ (volver) a estudiar para el examen.
- Yo ________ (seguir) trabajando en el mismo proyecto.
- ¿Tú ________ (dejar) de jugar al fútbol?
- Mis amigos ________ (volver) a viajar a México.
- Él ________ (seguir) aprendiendo a tocar la guitarra.
- Nosotros no ________ (dejar) de practicar español.
- ¿Por qué no ________ (volver) a llamar a tu mamá?
- Vosotros ________ (seguir) viendo esa serie?
- María ________ (dejar) de comer dulces.
- Yo ________ (volver) a leer ese libro porque me gustó.
- Ellos ________ (seguir) corriendo todas las mañanas.
- Tú no ________ (dejar) de pensar en el problema.
- Nosotros ________ (volver) a salir esta noche.
- Ella ________ (seguir) trabajando en su proyecto final.
- ¿Usted ________ (dejar) de usar el teléfono tanto?
- Ellos ________ (volver) a invitar a sus amigos a la fiesta.
- Yo ________ (seguir) estudiando para mejorar mi español.
- ¿Vosotros ________ (dejar) de ir al gimnasio?
- Él ________ (volver) a escribir cartas a sus abuelos.
Check Your Answers for the ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ Exercise
- Ella dejó de fumar hace un año.
(She stopped smoking a year ago.) - Nosotros volvimos a estudiar para el examen.
(We studied again for the exam.) - Yo sigo trabajando en el mismo proyecto.
(I’m still working on the same project.) - ¿Tú dejaste de jugar al fútbol?
(Did you stop playing soccer?) - Mis amigos volvieron a viajar a México.
(My friends traveled to Mexico again.) - Él sigue aprendiendo a tocar la guitarra.
(He keeps learning to play the guitar.) - Nosotros no dejamos de practicar español.
(We don’t stop practicing Spanish.) - ¿Por qué no vuelves a llamar a tu mamá?
(Why don’t you call your mom again?) - ¿Vosotros seguís viendo esa serie?
(Are you all still watching that series?) - María dejó de comer dulces.
(Maria stopped eating sweets.) - Yo volví a leer ese libro porque me gustó.
(I read that book again because I liked it.) - Ellos siguen corriendo todas las mañanas.
(They keep running every morning.) - Tú no dejas de pensar en el problema.
(You can’t stop thinking about the problem.) - Nosotros volvemos a salir esta noche.
(We’re going out again tonight.) - Ella sigue trabajando en su proyecto final.
(She’s still working on her final project.) - ¿Usted deja de usar el teléfono tanto?
(Do you stop using the phone so much?) - Ellos vuelven a invitar a sus amigos a la fiesta.
(They invite their friends to the party again.) - Yo sigo estudiando para mejorar mi español.
(I keep studying to improve my Spanish.) - ¿Vosotros dejasteis de ir al gimnasio?
(Did you all stop going to the gym?) - Él volvió a escribir cartas a sus abuelos.
(He wrote letters to his grandparents again.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’
Here are some of the most common questions learners ask about these tricky but essential Spanish verb phrases:
❓ 1. Can I use ‘seguir’ with an infinitive instead of a gerund?
No. ‘Seguir’ is always followed by a gerund (the -ando or -iendo form). For example:
- Correct: Sigo estudiando. (I keep studying.)
- Incorrect: Sigo estudiar.
❓ 2. Is ‘volver a’ the same as ‘otra vez’?
They both mean “again,” but ‘volver a’ is used specifically with verbs to indicate repeating an action, while ‘otra vez’ is an adverb and can be placed elsewhere in the sentence.
- Volví a estudiar. (I studied again.)
- Estudié otra vez. (I studied again.)
Both are correct, but volver a links directly with the verb.
❓ 3. Can I use ‘dejar de’ to mean “to leave something behind”?
No. ‘Dejar de’ means “to stop doing something,” not “to leave something behind.” For example:
- Dejé de fumar = I stopped smoking.
- Dejé mi libro en casa = I left my book at home.
They’re different verbs and meanings.
❓ 4. Can I use ‘seguir’ in the past tense?
Yes! You can conjugate ‘seguir’ in the past, but remember to keep the gerund form after it.
- Seguí estudiando. (I kept studying.)
- Seguimos hablando. (We kept talking.)
❓ 5. How do I make negative sentences with these phrases?
Place “no” before the conjugated verb:
- No dejo de pensar. (I don’t stop thinking.)
- No vuelvo a llamar. (I don’t call again.)
- No sigo trabajando. (I don’t keep working.)
❓ 6. Can I use these phrases with reflexive verbs?
Yes! Just follow the same rules and place the reflexive pronoun before the conjugated verb:
- Dejé de quejarme. (I stopped complaining.)
- Volvió a levantarse temprano. (He got up early again.)
- Sigo sintiéndome bien. (I still feel good.)
Key Takeaways: ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ Summary and Important Points
- ‘Dejar de + infinitive’ means to stop doing something.
Example: Dejé de fumar. (I stopped smoking.) - ‘Volver a + infinitive’ means to do something again or repeat an action.
Example: Volví a estudiar. (I studied again.) - ‘Seguir + gerund (-ando/-iendo)’ means to keep doing something or continue an action.
Example: Sigo aprendiendo español. (I keep learning Spanish.) - Always use the infinitive after ‘dejar de’ and ‘volver a’.
Incorrect: Dejé de fumando.
Correct: Dejé de fumar. - Always use the gerund after ‘seguir’.
Incorrect: Sigo estudiar.
Correct: Sigo estudiando. - Remember the stem changes in present tense:
- Volver → vuelvo, vuelves, vuelve…
- Seguir → sigo, sigues, sigue…
- Place “no” before the conjugated verb to make negatives:
No dejo de pensar. (I don’t stop thinking.) - These phrases are used a lot in everyday conversation to talk about habits, repeated actions, or ongoing processes.
- Practice speaking, writing, and listening with these phrases to build natural fluency.
Conclusion: Mastering ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ to Boost Your Spanish Skills
Understanding how to use ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ is a game-changer for anyone learning Spanish. These versatile verb phrases help you express stopping actions, repeating activities, and continuing habits — essential skills for sounding natural and fluent.
With practice, you’ll find these phrases popping up everywhere: in conversations, books, music, and daily life. Keep practicing with real examples, and soon you’ll use them effortlessly.
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Perífrasis Verbales in Spanish: Master Verbal Periphrases with Easy Rules & Examples
Learning Spanish grammar can sometimes feel overwhelming, but understanding perífrasis verbales (verbal periphrases) is essential for mastering the language. These special verb constructions help express intentions, actions in progress, repetition, obligation, probability, and more.
In simple terms, a perífrasis verbal is a combination of two verbs that work together as a single unit to convey a specific meaning. The first verb is conjugated, while the second verb usually appears in its infinitive, gerund, or participle form. For example:
✅ Voy a estudiar español. (I am going to study Spanish.)
✅ Estoy aprendiendo español. (I am learning Spanish.)
✅ Tengo que practicar español. (I have to practice Spanish.)These expressions are extremely common in everyday conversations and essential for speaking naturally and fluently in Spanish.
In this guide, we will explore:
✔️ Common expressions using verbal periphrases
✔️ How and when to use them correctly
✔️ Grammar rules and tricky points to keep in mind
✔️ 20 example sentences with translations
✔️ Exercises and answers to test your understandingBy the end of this lesson, you will have a strong grasp of Spanish verbal periphrases and be able to use them confidently in daily conversations. Let’s get started!
Common Expressions
Here are 10 essential expressions using perífrasis verbales:
- Voy a estudiar español. (I am going to study Spanish.)
- Tienes que hacer la tarea. (You have to do the homework.)
- Está lloviendo mucho. (It is raining a lot.)
- Llevo tres años viviendo en Madrid. (I have been living in Madrid for three years.)
- Debes decir la verdad. (You must tell the truth.)
- Volvió a llamar a su amigo. (He/She called their friend again.)
- Sigo aprendiendo japonés. (I am still learning Japanese.)
- Hay que comer frutas y verduras. (One must eat fruits and vegetables.)
- Empezó a nevar de repente. (It suddenly started to snow.)
- Debe de estar en casa ahora. (He/She must be at home now.)
Usage of Perífrasis Verbales in Spanish
Verbal periphrases allow Spanish speakers to express time, obligation, ongoing actions, repetition, probability, and more with precision. Below are the six main categories, along with common structures and example sentences that help illustrate their usage in real-life communication.
1. Perífrasis to Express the Future or Intention
- Ir a + infinitive → Expresses near-future actions or intentions
✅ Voy a estudiar español. (I am going to study Spanish.)
✅ ¿Vas a viajar este verano? (Are you going to travel this summer?) - Estar por + infinitive → Indicates something is about to happen
✅ Estoy por llamar a mi amigo. (I’m about to call my friend.)
✅ El tren está por salir. (The train is about to leave.) - Andar + gerundio → Indicates an action happening intermittently or informally
✅ Anda diciendo mentiras sobre mí. (He/She keeps spreading lies about me.)
✅ Ando buscando un buen restaurante. (I’m going around looking for a good restaurant.)
2. Perífrasis to Express Obligation or Necessity
- Tener que + infinitive → Expresses personal obligation
✅ Tienes que hacer la tarea. (You have to do the homework.)
✅ Tengo que estudiar para el examen. (I have to study for the exam.) - Deber + infinitive → Expresses moral obligation or strong recommendation
✅ Debes decir la verdad. (You must tell the truth.)
✅ Deberías ayudar a tus padres. (You should help your parents.) - Haber de + infinitive → Expresses a formal obligation or a personal resolution
✅ Has de respetar las normas de la empresa. (You must respect the company rules.)
✅ Hemos de salir temprano mañana. (We have to leave early tomorrow.) - Haber que + infinitive → Expresses necessity in an impersonal way
✅ Habrá que esperar hasta mañana. (We will have to wait until tomorrow.)
✅ Habrá que ver cómo reacciona. (We will have to see how he/she reacts.)
3. Perífrasis to Express Actions in Progress
- Estar + gerundio → Expresses an action happening right now
✅ Está lloviendo mucho. (It is raining a lot.)
✅ Estoy aprendiendo español. (I am learning Spanish.) - Llevar + gerundio → Indicates the duration of an action
✅ Llevo tres años viviendo en Madrid. (I have been living in Madrid for three years.)
✅ Llevamos una hora esperando. (We have been waiting for an hour.) - Ir + gerundio → Expresses a gradual action
✅ Voy entendiendo mejor la gramática. (I am gradually understanding grammar better.)
✅ Va mejorando su español con el tiempo. (His/Her Spanish is improving over time.) - Andar + gerundio → Indicates an action done repeatedly or without a clear direction
✅ Anda buscando trabajo desde hace meses. (He/She has been looking for a job for months.)
✅ Siempre anda diciendo cosas sin pensar. (He/She is always saying things without thinking.)
4. Perífrasis to Express the Start, Continuation, or End of an Action
- Empezar a + infinitive → Expresses the beginning of an action
✅ Empezó a nevar de repente. (It suddenly started to snow.)
✅ Ana empezó a trabajar en una nueva empresa. (Ana started working at a new company.) - Volver a + infinitive → Expresses repetition of an action
✅ Volvió a llamar a su amigo. (He/She called their friend again.)
✅ Tengo que volver a estudiar este tema. (I have to study this topic again.) - Seguir + gerundio → Expresses continuity of an action
✅ Sigo aprendiendo japonés. (I am still learning Japanese.)
✅ Seguimos esperando el autobús. (We are still waiting for the bus.) - Dejar de + infinitive → Expresses the interruption of an action
✅ Dejé de fumar el año pasado. (I stopped smoking last year.)
✅ Por favor, deja de molestar. (Please stop bothering me.) - Acabar de + infinitive → Expresses an action that was completed very recently
✅ Acabo de terminar el informe. (I just finished the report.)
✅ Acabamos de llegar a casa. (We just got home.)
5. Perífrasis to Express Probability or Assumption
- Deber de + infinitive → Expresses probability or speculation
✅ Debe de estar en casa ahora. (He/She must be at home now.)
✅ Debe de hacer frío afuera. (It must be cold outside.) - Tener que + infinitive → Can also indicate probability
✅ Tienen que estar cansados después de un día tan largo. (They must be tired after such a long day.)
✅ Tiene que ser muy interesante ese libro. (That book must be very interesting.) - Venir a + infinitive → Expresses approximation or estimation
✅ Esto viene a costar unos 50 euros. (This costs approximately 50 euros.)
✅ Viene a ser lo mismo. (It turns out to be the same.) - Parecer + infinitive → Expresses a tentative assumption
✅ Parece ser una persona amable. (He/She seems to be a kind person.)
✅ Parece haber un problema con la conexión. (There seems to be a problem with the connection.)
6. Perífrasis to Express the Result of an Action (Advanced / C1 Level)
- Tener + participio → Expresses a completed action with an effect
✅ Tengo hechas todas mis tareas. (I have all my tasks done.)
✅ Ya tienes escrita la carta. (You already have the letter written.) - Llevar + participio → Emphasizes the quantity of something completed
✅ Llevo leídos tres capítulos del libro. (I have read three chapters of the book.)
✅ Llevamos recorridos 100 kilómetros. (We have traveled 100 kilometers.)
Final Thoughts on Usage👇👇
These six key categories of verbal periphrases allow for more precise, natural, and advanced communication in Spanish. For students preparing for DELE C1, mastering these expressions is essential for achieving fluency and accuracy in both spoken and written Spanish.
Conjugation of Perífrasis Verbales in Spanish
Verbal periphrases always consist of two or more verbs:
- An auxiliary (conjugated) verb → This verb provides tense, mood, person, and number.
- A main verb (non-conjugated) → This verb remains in infinitive, gerund, or past participle form.
Let’s break down the conjugation for each type of periphrasis across different verb forms.
1. Conjugation with Infinitive (Perífrasis de Infinitivo)
These periphrases use an auxiliary verb followed by an infinitive verb.
Conjugation Examples:
✅ Tener que + infinitive (Expressing obligation)
Subject Present Preterite Imperfect Future Yo Tengo que estudiar Tuve que estudiar Tenía que estudiar Tendré que estudiar Tú Tienes que salir Tuviste que salir Tenías que salir Tendrás que salir Él/Ella Tiene que trabajar Tuvo que trabajar Tenía que trabajar Tendrá que trabajar Nosotros Tenemos que esperar Tuvimos que esperar Teníamos que esperar Tendremos que esperar Vosotros Tenéis que comer Tuvisteis que comer Teníais que comer Tendréis que comer Ellos/Ellas Tienen que irse Tuvieron que irse Tenían que irse Tendrán que irse 📝 Other common periphrases with infinitives:
- Ir a + infinitive → Voy a viajar, Iba a viajar, Fui a viajar, Iré a viajar
- Deber + infinitive → Debo estudiar, Debía estudiar, Debí estudiar, Deberé estudiar
2. Conjugation with Gerund (Perífrasis de Gerundio)
These periphrases use an auxiliary verb with a gerund (-ando, -iendo) to show ongoing or repetitive actions.
Conjugation Examples:
✅ Estar + gerundio (Expressing an ongoing action)
Subject Present Preterite Imperfect Future Yo Estoy estudiando Estuve estudiando Estaba estudiando Estaré estudiando Tú Estás comiendo Estuviste comiendo Estabas comiendo Estarás comiendo Él/Ella Está trabajando Estuvo trabajando Estaba trabajando Estará trabajando Nosotros Estamos escribiendo Estuvimos escribiendo Estábamos escribiendo Estaremos escribiendo Vosotros Estáis leyendo Estuvisteis leyendo Estabais leyendo Estaréis leyendo Ellos/Ellas Están durmiendo Estuvieron durmiendo Estaban durmiendo Estarán durmiendo 📝 Other common periphrases with gerunds:
- Seguir + gerundio → Sigo aprendiendo, Seguí aprendiendo, Seguía aprendiendo, Seguiré aprendiendo
- Andar + gerundio → Anda diciendo cosas raras, Andaba diciendo cosas raras
3. Conjugation with Past Participle (Perífrasis de Participio)
These periphrases use an auxiliary verb followed by a past participle (-ado, -ido, irregular forms) to express a completed or resulting action.
Conjugation Examples:
✅ Llevar + participio (Expressing quantity of completed actions)
Subject Present Preterite Imperfect Future Yo Llevo terminados dos libros Llevé terminados dos libros Llevaba terminados dos libros Llevaré terminados dos libros Tú Llevas hechos los deberes Llevaste hechos los deberes Llevabas hechos los deberes Llevarás hechos los deberes Él/Ella Lleva corregidos los errores Llevó corregidos los errores Llevaba corregidos los errores Llevará corregidos los errores Nosotros Llevamos vistos muchos episodios Llevamos vistos muchos episodios Llevábamos vistos muchos episodios Llevaremos vistos muchos episodios Vosotros Lleváis aprendidas tres canciones Llevasteis aprendidas tres canciones Llevabais aprendidas tres canciones Llevaréis aprendidas tres canciones Ellos/Ellas Llevan completados cinco informes Llevaron completados cinco informes Llevaban completados cinco informes Llevarán completados cinco informes 📝 Other common periphrases with participles:
- Tener + participio → Tengo hechas las tareas, Tenía hechas las tareas
- Dar por + participio → Doy por terminada la reunión, Daba por terminada la reunión
4. Conjugation of Verbal Periphrases with Reflexive Verbs
Some periphrases involve reflexive verbs, meaning the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) must be placed correctly.
Example: Ir a + infinitive with a reflexive verb
✅ Me voy a duchar. (I am going to take a shower.)
✅ Voy a ducharme. (I am going to take a shower.)📌 Placement Rules:
- The reflexive pronoun can be before the conjugated verb or attached to the infinitive/gerund.
- Gerund example:
✅ Me estoy duchando. = ✅ Estoy duchándome.
Key Takeaways on Conjugation 👇👇
✔ The first verb (auxiliary verb) is conjugated in the required tense.
✔ The second verb remains in the infinitive, gerund, or participle form.
✔ In reflexive periphrases, the pronoun can be before the conjugated verb or attached to the non-conjugated verb.
✔ Some periphrases work with multiple conjugation patterns depending on tense and aspect.
Grammar Rules for Perífrasis Verbales in Spanish
Verbal periphrases follow specific grammatical structures that determine their correct usage. Below, we’ll break down these rules to help you use them accurately.
1. Structure of Verbal Periphrases
A verbal periphrasis consists of:
✅ Auxiliary verb (conjugated) + Link word (sometimes) + Main verb (non-conjugated)Types of Non-Conjugated Main Verbs:
- Infinitive: Voy a estudiar (I am going to study)
- Gerund: Estoy estudiando (I am studying)
- Participle: Tengo hecha la tarea (I have the homework done)
Some periphrases require a preposition (de, a, por, en, con) between the verbs:
- Acabar de + infinitive → Acabo de llegar. (I just arrived.)
- Tener que + infinitive → Tienes que comer. (You have to eat.)
2. Agreement Between Verbs
📌 The first verb is conjugated, while the second verb remains unchanged:
✅ Debemos estudiar. (We must study.)
✅ Seguí trabajando. (I kept working.)📌 If the first verb changes in tense or mood, the second verb does not:
✅ Voy a viajar. (I am going to travel.) → Future intention
✅ Fui a viajar. (I was going to travel.) → Past intention
3. Reflexive Verbs in Verbal Periphrases
When using reflexive verbs in periphrases, the reflexive pronoun can be:
✅ Before the conjugated auxiliary verb: Me voy a duchar. (I am going to shower.)
✅ Attached to the infinitive or gerund: Voy a ducharme.For periphrases with gerunds, an accent is needed when the pronoun is attached:
✅ Estoy bañándome. (I am taking a bath.)
4. Subjunctive with Verbal Periphrases
Some periphrases require the subjunctive mood in certain cases:
✅ Puede que + subjunctive → Puede que llueva mañana. (It might rain tomorrow.)
✅ Deber de + subjunctive → Debe de haber llegado ya. (He must have arrived already.)
5. Verbal Periphrases and Passive Voice
Certain periphrases work in passive constructions:
✅ Se debe trabajar con esfuerzo. (One must work hard.)
✅ Las tareas deben de estar terminadas. (The tasks must be finished.)
6. Key Exceptions & Irregular Cases
❌ Not all verbs can form periphrases. Some verbs need prepositions but don’t function as periphrases (e.g., “insistir en hacer algo” is not a periphrasis).
❌ Perífrasis with ‘estar + participio’ are NOT true periphrases but function as descriptions (Está roto = It is broken).
Key Takeaways on Grammar Rules
✔ First verb is conjugated; second verb remains infinitive, gerund, or participle.
✔ Some periphrases require prepositions (a, de, por, en).
✔ Reflexive pronouns can attach to infinitives/gerunds but require accents.
✔ Some periphrases use the subjunctive.
✔ Certain periphrases work in passive voice.
Things to Keep in Mind About Perífrasis Verbales
While verbal periphrases are widely used in Spanish, there are some tricky points, exceptions, and special considerations to be aware of. Let’s explore them in detail.
1. Not All Verb + Infinitive Constructions Are Perífrasis
Not every combination of a conjugated verb + an infinitive forms a true verbal periphrasis. Some verbs simply govern an infinitive without forming a fixed grammatical structure.
❌ Incorrect example (not a periphrasis):
- Quiero cantar. (I want to sing.) → “Querer” acts as a modal verb, not a periphrasis.
✅ Correct periphrasis example:
- Voy a cantar. (I am going to sing.) → “Ir a + infinitive” is a true verbal periphrasis.
📌 Tip: If the first verb can stand alone with full meaning (like quiero in quiero cantar), it’s not a periphrasis.
2. Differences Between “Deber” and “Deber de”
Many learners confuse these two structures:
✅ Deber + infinitive → Expresses obligation.
- Debes estudiar más. (You must study more.)
✅ Deber de + infinitive → Expresses probability or assumption.
- Debe de estar en casa. (He must be at home.)
📌 Tip: If you can replace “deber de” with “probablemente”, it means probability.
3. When to Use “Tener que” vs. “Haber que”
✅ Tener que + infinitive → Expresses a personal obligation.
- Tengo que trabajar. (I have to work.)
✅ Haber que + infinitive → Expresses a general necessity (impersonal).
- Hay que estudiar mucho. (One must study a lot.)
📌 Tip: Haber que is only used in third-person singular (hay que).
4. Reflexive Verbs in Perífrasis: Placement of Pronouns
When using reflexive verbs, the pronoun position changes depending on the structure.
✅ Before the conjugated verb:
- Me voy a duchar. (I am going to shower.)
✅ Attached to the infinitive or gerund:
- Voy a ducharme.
- Estoy duchándome. (With accent for correct stress)
📌 Tip: If attaching a pronoun to a gerund, add an accent to maintain pronunciation.
5. Some Perífrasis Have Multiple Meanings Depending on Context
✅ Andar + gerundio → Usually means “to go around doing something,” but can also express a negative tone (complaints).
- Ando buscando un nuevo trabajo. (I am looking for a new job.) → Neutral
- Anda diciendo tonterías. (He keeps saying nonsense.) → Negative
📌 Tip: Be careful with the tone and context when using andar + gerundio.
6. Perífrasis Can Change Meaning in Different Tenses
Some periphrases change in meaning depending on the tense:
✅ Ir a + infinitive (Present) → Future intention
- Voy a comprar pan. (I am going to buy bread.)
✅ Ir a + infinitive (Past) → Unfulfilled intention
- Iba a comprar pan, pero se me olvidó. (I was going to buy bread, but I forgot.)
📌 Tip: In past tenses (iba a + infinitive), the action never happened!
7. Be Aware of Regional Variations
Some periphrases are more common in certain Spanish-speaking regions.
✅ “Ir a + infinitive” is universally used to express future actions.
✅ “Llevar + gerundio” (e.g., llevo estudiando 2 años) is more common in Spain.
✅ “Estar por + infinitive” (meaning “to be about to do something”) is more common in Latin America.📌 Tip: Spanish varies across regions, so be mindful of how certain periphrases are used differently.
Key Takeaways on Tricky Points & Exceptions
✔ Not all verb + infinitive structures are periphrases.
✔ Deber vs. Deber de → Obligation vs. probability.
✔ Tener que vs. Haber que → Personal vs. impersonal obligation.
✔ Reflexive pronouns can attach to infinitives or gerunds (with accents).
✔ Some periphrases change meaning in past tenses.
✔ Regional differences exist for some periphrases.
More Example Sentences Using Perífrasis Verbales
Each sentence demonstrates a different type of verbal periphrasis in Spanish with its English translation.
1. Perífrasis to Express the Future or Intention
🔹 Ir a + infinitive → Expresses near-future actions or intentions.
- Voy a comprar un coche nuevo el próximo mes.
I am going to buy a new car next month. - Mañana vamos a visitar a mis abuelos.
Tomorrow we are going to visit my grandparents.
🔹 Estar por + infinitive → Indicates something is about to happen.
- El avión está por despegar, abróchense los cinturones.
The plane is about to take off, fasten your seatbelts. - La película está por comenzar, apaga el teléfono.
The movie is about to start, turn off your phone.
2. Perífrasis to Express Obligation or Necessity
🔹 Tener que + infinitive → Expresses personal obligation.
- Tengo que hacer la tarea antes de salir.
I have to do my homework before going out. - Mi hermano tiene que cuidar a su perro este fin de semana.
My brother has to take care of his dog this weekend.
🔹 Haber que + infinitive → Expresses general obligation.
- Hay que ser responsable con el trabajo.
One must be responsible with work. - Para mantenerse sano, hay que hacer ejercicio regularmente.
To stay healthy, one must exercise regularly.
🔹 Deber + infinitive → Expresses moral or ethical obligation.
- Debes respetar las opiniones de los demás.
You must respect other people’s opinions. - Debemos ayudar a quienes lo necesitan.
We must help those in need.
3. Perífrasis to Express the Start, Continuation, or End of an Action
🔹 Empezar a + infinitive → Expresses the beginning of an action.
- Empezamos a estudiar japonés este semestre.
We started studying Japanese this semester. - El bebé empezó a caminar la semana pasada.
The baby started walking last week.
🔹 Ponerse a + infinitive → Expresses a sudden or voluntary start of an action.
- Me puse a reír cuando escuché el chiste.
I started laughing when I heard the joke. - Se puso a llover justo cuando salimos.
It started raining just as we went out.
🔹 Seguir + gerundio → Expresses the continuation of an action.
- Sigo aprendiendo francés en mi tiempo libre.
I am still learning French in my free time. - Después de tanto tiempo, él sigue trabajando en la misma empresa.
After so much time, he is still working at the same company.
🔹 Llevar + gerundio → Expresses the duration of an action.
- Llevo estudiando español cinco años.
I have been studying Spanish for five years. - Llevamos viviendo aquí desde 2010.
We have been living here since 2010.
🔹 Acabar de + infinitive → Expresses an action that has just finished.
- Acabo de hablar con mi madre por teléfono.
I just talked to my mother on the phone. - Acabamos de llegar a casa después del viaje.
We just arrived home after the trip.
🔹 Dejar de + infinitive → Expresses stopping an action.
- Dejé de comer azúcar por motivos de salud.
I stopped eating sugar for health reasons. - Ellos dejaron de fumar hace años.
They stopped smoking years ago.
4. Perífrasis to Express Probability or Assumption
🔹 Deber de + infinitive → Expresses probability or assumption.
- Debe de estar cansado después del viaje.
He must be tired after the trip. - La tienda debe de estar cerrada a esta hora.
The store must be closed at this hour.
🔹 Poder + infinitive → Expresses possibility.
- Puede llover más tarde, lleva un paraguas.
It might rain later, take an umbrella. - El tren puede haber llegado ya.
The train might have arrived already.
5. Perífrasis to Express Repetition or Habit
🔹 Volver a + infinitive → Expresses repeating an action.
- Volví a ver la película porque me encantó.
I watched the movie again because I loved it. - Voy a volver a intentarlo mañana.
I am going to try again tomorrow.
🔹 Soler + infinitive → Expresses a habit or customary action.
- Suele desayunar café y tostadas.
He usually has coffee and toast for breakfast. - No suelo salir los domingos.
I don’t usually go out on Sundays.
6. Perífrasis to Express Gradual Progress or Result
🔹 Ir + gerundio → Expresses gradual progress of an action.
- Voy aprendiendo español poco a poco.
I am gradually learning Spanish. - Ellos van mejorando en cada partido.
They are improving in every match.
🔹 Acabar + gerundio → Expresses an action that results in something.
- Acabé perdiendo mi teléfono en el viaje.
I ended up losing my phone on the trip. - Siempre acaba discutiendo con su hermano.
He always ends up arguing with his brother.
🔹 Andar + gerundio → Expresses doing something continuously or aimlessly.
- Ando buscando un libro interesante para leer.
I am going around looking for an interesting book to read. - Anda diciendo mentiras sobre mí.
He is going around telling lies about me.
Exercise: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences using the correct perífrasis verbal. The verb to be used is given in parentheses in its plain form.
Example:
(_______) estudiar más para el examen. (Tener que)
✅ Tengo que estudiar más para el examen.
💡 I have to study more for the exam.Complete the sentences:
- Mañana __________ a la playa con mis amigos. (Ir a – viajar)
- El tren __________ en cinco minutos. (Estar por – salir)
- Para ser saludable, __________ frutas y verduras. (Haber que – comer)
- Mis abuelos __________ la televisión todas las noches. (Soler – ver)
- No puedo hablar ahora, __________ con el director. (Estar – hablar)
- Después de muchos intentos, __________ ganar el torneo. (Acabar – conseguir)
- ¿__________ a llamarme más tarde? (Volver a – llamar)
- Es tarde, ya __________ en casa. (Deber de – estar)
- Mi hermano __________ el violín hace dos años. (Dejar de – tocar)
- Mis amigos __________ mudarse a otra ciudad. (Pensar – mudarse)
- Cuando terminó la película, todos __________ a aplaudir. (Ponerse a – aplaudir)
- Si sigues así, __________ problemas en el futuro. (Poder – tener)
- Él __________ mucho en el trabajo últimamente. (Andar – quejarse)
- Mis padres __________ de preparar la cena. (Acabar de – preparar)
- Desde hace años, ella __________ en la misma empresa. (Llevar – trabajar)
- El maestro dijo que __________ más para el examen. (Tener que – estudiar)
- Después del accidente, él __________ caminar lentamente. (Ir – recuperar)
- El cielo está nublado, __________ a llover pronto. (Estar por – llover)
- Siempre __________ levantarse temprano para hacer ejercicio. (Solía – levantarse)
- El niño __________ llorar cuando vio su juguete roto. (Echarse a – llorar)
Answers
(Complete the sentences with the correct perífrasis verbal. The correct answer is in bold.)
- Mañana voy a viajar a la playa con mis amigos.
Tomorrow I am going to travel to the beach with my friends. - El tren está por salir en cinco minutos.
The train is about to leave in five minutes. - Para ser saludable, hay que comer frutas y verduras.
To be healthy, one must eat fruits and vegetables. - Mis abuelos suelen ver la televisión todas las noches.
My grandparents usually watch television every night. - No puedo hablar ahora, estoy hablando con el director.
I can’t talk now, I am talking with the director. - Después de muchos intentos, acabé consiguiendo ganar el torneo.
After many attempts, I ended up managing to win the tournament. - ¿Vas a volver a llamarme más tarde?
Are you going to call me again later? - Es tarde, ya debe de estar en casa.
It’s late, he must be at home already. - Mi hermano dejó de tocar el violín hace dos años.
My brother stopped playing the violin two years ago. - Mis amigos piensan mudarse a otra ciudad.
My friends are planning to move to another city. - Cuando terminó la película, todos se pusieron a aplaudir.
When the movie ended, everyone started clapping. - Si sigues así, puedes tener problemas en el futuro.
If you continue like this, you might have problems in the future. - Él anda quejándose mucho en el trabajo últimamente.
He has been complaining a lot at work lately. - Mis padres acaban de preparar la cena.
My parents just finished preparing dinner. - Desde hace años, ella lleva trabajando en la misma empresa.
She has been working at the same company for years. - El maestro dijo que tenemos que estudiar más para el examen.
The teacher said that we have to study more for the exam. - Después del accidente, él va recuperando la capacidad de caminar.
After the accident, he is gradually recovering his ability to walk. - El cielo está nublado, está por llover pronto.
The sky is cloudy, it is about to rain soon. - Siempre solía levantarse temprano para hacer ejercicio.
He used to get up early to exercise. - El niño se echó a llorar cuando vio su juguete roto.
The child started crying when he saw his broken toy.
Summary: Key Takeaways on Perífrasis Verbales
- Perífrasis verbales are verb phrases formed by combining an auxiliary verb and a main verb (infinitive, gerund, or participle).
- They help express time, aspect, and modality in Spanish.
- They can be grouped into six main categories based on their function:
- To express the future or intention: Ir a + infinitive, Estar por + infinitive
- To express obligation or necessity: Tener que + infinitive, Haber que + infinitive
- To express habit or repetition: Soler + infinitive, Andar + gerundio, Volver a + infinitive
- To express progress or continuity: Estar + gerundio, Llevar + gerundio, Seguir + gerundio, Ir + gerundio
- To express completion or result: Acabar de + infinitive, Acabar + gerundio, Dejar de + infinitive, Tener + participio
- To express probability or assumption: Deber de + infinitive, Poder + infinitive
- Each periphrasis has specific grammar rules and conjugation patterns based on tense and subject.
- Some tricky points and exceptions include:
- “Haber que” is always used impersonally (e.g., Hay que estudiar – One must study).
- “Deber de” expresses probability (Debe de estar en casa – He must be at home), while “deber” alone expresses obligation (Debes estudiar – You must study).
- “Ir + gerundio” implies gradual progress rather than a general present action.
Conclusion
Mastering perífrasis verbales is essential for achieving fluency in Spanish, especially at an advanced level. These verb constructions help convey nuance, intention, progression, obligation, and probability, making your speech and writing sound more natural and precise.
By understanding the different types of periphrasis and their specific uses, you can express yourself more effectively in various contexts. Whether you are talking about the future, describing habits, or indicating probability, using these structures correctly will improve your communication skills and comprehension.
To reinforce your learning:
- Practice regularly by using these structures in daily conversations.
- Read books, articles, and listen to native speakers to see them in real use.
- Do exercises and quizzes to test your understanding.
With continuous exposure and practice, you will develop greater confidence and fluency in using perífrasis verbales naturally in Spanish! 🚀✨
💡 Which perífrasis verbal do you use the most in Spanish? Share your thoughts in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you use these expressions in daily conversations.
📢 Learning is more fun together! Share this post with your friends and fellow Spanish learners. 🚀
If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.
Happy learning! 😊
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Pretérito Indefinido vs. Imperfecto – Usage and Contrast Between Two Types of Past Tense in Spanish
Mastering Spanish Past Tenses with Confidence
Struggling to decide between Pretérito Indefinido and Pretérito Imperfecto? You’re not alone! These two essential Spanish past tenses often confuse learners — but once you crack the code, your ability to speak and write about the past in Spanish will skyrocket.
In this practical guide, you’ll discover the clear differences between Pretérito Indefinido and Pretérito Imperfecto, along with simple usage rules, real-life examples, and helpful tips that will make choosing the right tense second nature.
Whether you’re preparing for a Spanish grammar exam, polishing your skills for travel, or just aiming for fluent Spanish communication, mastering these tenses is non-negotiable. By understanding when to use simple past (pretérito perfecto simple) versus habitual or descriptive past (pretérito imperfecto), you’ll add depth and precision to your Spanish storytelling.
🔥 What you’ll learn in this post:
- How to use Pretérito Indefinido vs. Pretérito Imperfecto
- Key grammar rules and timelines
- 20+ example sentences with English translations
- A practice quiz with answers to test yourself
So grab your notebook or open your favorite language app — it’s time to unlock one of the most powerful grammar tools in the Spanish language!
Understanding Pretérito Indefinido and Pretérito Imperfecto
Pretérito Indefinido (Simple Past) Usage:
Used to describe actions that are completed in the past with a definite beginning and end.
- Single events: “Ayer fui al cine.” (Yesterday, I went to the cinema.)
- Sequential actions: “Llegué a casa, cené y me acosté.” (I arrived home, had dinner, and went to bed.)
- Specific duration: “Viví en Madrid por tres años.” (I lived in Madrid for three years.)
Pretérito Imperfecto (Imperfect Past) Usage:
Used for habitual actions, descriptions, and ongoing past actions with no definite beginning or end.
- Habitual actions: “Cuando era niño, jugaba en el parque todos los días.” (When I was a child, I used to play in the park every day.)
- Descriptions: “La casa era grande y tenía un jardín bonito.” (The house was big and had a beautiful garden.)
- Simultaneous actions: “Mientras leía, escuchaba música.” (While I was reading, I was listening to music.)
2. Formation of Pretérito Indefinido and Pretérito Imperfecto
Regular Verbs Conjugation
Pretérito Indefinido:
Subject -AR Verbs (Hablar) -ER Verbs (Comer) -IR Verbs (Vivir) Yo hablé comí viví Tú hablaste comiste viviste Él/Ella/Usted habló comió vivió Nosotros/as hablamos comimos vivimos Vosotros/as hablasteis comisteis vivisteis Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes hablaron comieron vivieron Pretérito Imperfecto:
Subject -AR Verbs (Hablar) -ER Verbs (Comer) -IR Verbs (Vivir) Yo hablaba comía vivía Tú hablabas comías vivías Él/Ella/Usted hablaba comía vivía Nosotros/as hablábamos comíamos vivíamos Vosotros/as hablabais comíais vivíais Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes hablaban comían vivían
3. Common Irregular Verbs in Pretérito Indefinido & Imperfecto
Verb Pretérito Indefinido (Yo Form) Pretérito Imperfecto (Yo Form) Ser fui era Ir fui iba Ver vi veía Tener tuve tenía Hacer hice hacía Decir dije decía Poner puse ponía Estar estuve estaba Poder pude podía Querer quise quería
❌ Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Mixing up Pretérito Indefinido and Pretérito Imperfecto is one of the most frequent grammar mistakes among Spanish learners. Let’s look at the most common slip-ups — and how to fix them like a pro!
1. 📍 Using Pretérito Indefinido for Habitual Actions
Mistake: Cada verano fuimos a la playa.
Why it’s wrong: “Cada verano” (every summer) indicates a repeated, habitual action — not a one-time event.
Correct: Cada verano íbamos a la playa.
✅ Use Imperfecto for actions that happened regularly in the past.
2. ⌛ Using Pretérito Imperfecto for Completed Actions
Mistake: Ayer comía una pizza deliciosa.
Why it’s wrong: “Ayer” points to a specific, completed event.
Correct: Ayer comí una pizza deliciosa.
✅ Use Indefinido for actions with a defined start and end point.
3. 🧩 Forgetting Context Clues
Mistake: Choosing the tense randomly without thinking about the time frame.
How to fix it: Pay attention to time markers like:- Indefinido: ayer, el año pasado, una vez, en 2019
- Imperfecto: siempre, normalmente, cada día, cuando era niño
4. 💬 Mixing Both Tenses Incorrectly in the Same Sentence
Mistake: Cuando llegó, yo le abría la puerta.
Why it’s wrong: “Llegó” (arrived) is a completed action, and the ongoing action (opening the door) should also be in imperfect.
Correct: Cuando llegó, yo le abría la puerta.
✅ Use Indefinido for the interrupting action and Imperfecto for the ongoing one.
Pro Tip 💡
When in doubt, ask yourself:
- Is this a completed action? → Use Pretérito Indefinido
- Is this a habitual or ongoing action? → Use Pretérito Imperfecto
More Example Sentences
🕒 Pretérito Indefinido (Completed Past Actions):
- Ayer terminé mi tarea temprano.
Yesterday I finished my homework early. - El año pasado viajé a España.
Last year I traveled to Spain. - Compré un coche nuevo la semana pasada.
I bought a new car last week. - El concierto empezó a las ocho.
The concert started at eight. - Pedro ganó el premio en 2020.
Pedro won the prize in 2020. - Anoche cenamos en un restaurante elegante.
Last night we had dinner at a fancy restaurant. - Fui al médico el lunes.
I went to the doctor on Monday. - Ella escribió tres páginas en su diario.
She wrote three pages in her journal. - Ellos llegaron tarde a la reunión.
They arrived late to the meeting. - El examen terminó a las diez.
The exam ended at ten.
🔁 Pretérito Imperfecto (Ongoing or Habitual Past Actions):
- Cuando era pequeño, tenía un perro.
When I was little, I had a dog. - Siempre me gustaba leer antes de dormir.
I always liked to read before sleeping. - Mi abuela cocinaba todos los domingos.
My grandmother used to cook every Sunday. - En la escuela, escribíamos en cuadernos grandes.
At school, we used to write in big notebooks. - Cuando vivíamos en Barcelona, íbamos a la playa a menudo.
When we lived in Barcelona, we often went to the beach. - Los niños jugaban en el parque cada tarde.
The kids used to play in the park every afternoon. - Yo leía mucho cuando tenía tiempo libre.
I used to read a lot when I had free time. - Mi padre trabajaba en una oficina en el centro.
My father used to work in an office downtown. - Nosotros veíamos dibujos animados los sábados por la mañana.
We used to watch cartoons on Saturday mornings. - Antes, la gente escribía cartas en lugar de correos electrónicos.
In the past, people used to write letters instead of emails.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Gender & Plurality: Nouns and adjectives must agree in gender and number.
- Time Expressions: “Ayer” (yesterday) & “anoche” (last night) indicate Pretérito Indefinido, while “siempre” (always) & “antes” (before) suggest Pretérito Imperfecto.
- Mixed Usage: Some sentences may require both tenses: “Mientras estudiaba, sonó el teléfono.” (While I was studying, the phone rang.)
Exercise: Fill in the blanks
Complete the following sentences using the correct form of the verb in brackets—either Pretérito Indefinido or Pretérito Imperfecto.
- Cuando era niño, siempre __________ con mis amigos. (jugar)
- Ayer __________ una película muy interesante. (ver)
- Mi abuela __________ cuentos antes de dormir. (contar)
- La semana pasada __________ a la montaña. (ir)
- De pequeños, nosotros __________ mucho chocolate. (comer)
- El año pasado mi hermana __________ una guitarra. (comprar)
- Cuando vivía en México, __________ todos los días al trabajo en bici. (ir)
- El sábado pasado __________ una fiesta en casa de Laura. (haber)
- Antes, mis padres __________ en el campo. (vivir)
- Yo __________ muy feliz cuando estaba en la universidad. (ser)
- ¿Tú __________ en Madrid en 2019? (estar)
- Los niños __________ dibujos animados cada mañana. (ver)
- Mi primo __________ su pasaporte en el hotel. (olvidar)
- En el colegio, nosotros siempre __________ en grupo. (trabajar)
- Ayer por la tarde, ellos __________ a las cartas. (jugar)
- Mi madre __________ la cena cuando llegué. (preparar)
- Cuando era joven, Juan __________ muy tímido. (ser)
- ¿Qué __________ tú cuando sonó el teléfono? (hacer)
- Anoche, Marta __________ hasta tarde. (estudiar)
- Cuando llovía, nosotros no __________ al parque. (salir)
✅ Answers
Cuando era niño, siempre jugaba con mis amigos.
When I was a child, I always played with my friends.Ayer vi una película muy interesante.
Yesterday I watched a very interesting movie.Mi abuela contaba cuentos antes de dormir.
My grandmother used to tell stories before sleeping.La semana pasada fui a la montaña.
Last week I went to the mountains.De pequeños, nosotros comíamos mucho chocolate.
As kids, we used to eat a lot of chocolate.El año pasado mi hermana compró una guitarra.
Last year my sister bought a guitar.Cuando vivía en México, iba todos los días al trabajo en bici.
When I lived in Mexico, I used to go to work by bike every day.El sábado pasado hubo una fiesta en casa de Laura.
Last Saturday there was a party at Laura’s house.Antes, mis padres vivían en el campo.
Before, my parents used to live in the countryside.Yo era muy feliz cuando estaba en la universidad.
I was very happy when I was in college.¿Tú estuviste en Madrid en 2019?
Were you in Madrid in 2019?Los niños veían dibujos animados cada mañana.
The children used to watch cartoons every morning.Mi primo olvidó su pasaporte en el hotel.
My cousin forgot his passport at the hotel.En el colegio, nosotros siempre trabajábamos en grupo.
In school, we always worked in groups.Ayer por la tarde, ellos jugaron a las cartas.
Yesterday afternoon, they played cards.Mi madre preparaba la cena cuando llegué.
My mom was preparing dinner when I arrived.Cuando era joven, Juan era muy tímido.
When he was young, Juan was very shy.¿Qué hacías tú cuando sonó el teléfono?
What were you doing when the phone rang?Anoche, Marta estudió hasta tarde.
Last night, Marta studied until late.Cuando llovía, nosotros no salíamos al parque.
When it rained, we didn’t go out to the park.
✅ Conclusion: Mastering Spanish Past Tenses
Understanding the difference between Pretérito Indefinido and Pretérito Imperfecto is essential for speaking and writing accurately in Spanish. While the Indefinido is perfect for expressing completed actions at specific moments, the Imperfecto helps describe ongoing or habitual actions from the past. By practicing regularly and recognizing context clues, you’ll gain confidence in choosing the right past tense every time.
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