Unipersonals

1 . The typical unipersonal verbs are: llover, nevar, tronar, helar, lloviznar, diluviar, granizar, relampaguear, amanecer, anochecer, and in general verbs referring to atmospheric fenomena. These verbs are used without subject, in third person of the singular or in infinitive. Hoy llueve. Mañana nevará. Ayer estuvo diluviando. These clauses have grammar impersonality, because it is… Continue reading Unipersonals

Ser and estar: action and result

1 Many verbs express action, for instance: levantarse, sentarse, estirarse, etc. To express the result of an action, the verb estar is usually followed by past participle. Notice that the verb ser is never used in this case; this verb followed by participle forms passive clauses. See Passive sentences Action Result Levantarse de algún sitio… Continue reading Ser and estar: action and result

Ir a + infinitive

1 This periphrasis is mainly used in present indicative and shows that: Something is on the point of occurring. ¡Te vas a caer, cuidado! Deja ese martillo tranquilo que te vas a hacer daño. Something is someone’s intention. Voy a llamar al jefe. Vamos a solucionar el problema del paro. 2 In imperfect indicative, this… Continue reading Ir a + infinitive

Gerund: progressive periphrasis

1 Estar + gerund Is built with conjugated tenses of the verb estar followed by gerund. This structure is mainly used with the verb estar in present indicative or in imperfect indicative. Present (ind.) Imperfect (ind.) Yo estoy comiendo Yo estaba pensando Tú estás escribiendo Tú estabas cantando Él está hablando Él estaba leyendo Nosotros… Continue reading Gerund: progressive periphrasis