Verbs (when to use) Flashcards
Features which are inherent
Guillermo is serious and has a very good heart.
present simple
Guillermo es serio y tiene muy buen corazón
to show n days, weeks, etc.
Since
(I have spent 6 years studying Spanish)
present simple
Llevo seis años estudiando español.
happens habitually
It rains a lot in Galicia
present simple
Llueve mucho en Galicia.
to make narrative sound more exciting
A few days later the Civil War started
present simple
Unos días después empieza la Guerra Civil.
to show an event in the future is scheduled or prearranged
The party is tomorrow morning at 8
present simple
La fiesta es mañana a las ocho.
happening or is true now
I’m in shape
present simple
Estoy en forma
generally considered true
Time goes by
present simple
El tiempo pasa
to show an event is imminent
Are you coming with me?
present simple
¿Vienes conmigo?
With “por poco” in the past tense
I was so tired that I almost fell asleep in the conference
Present simple
Estana tan cansada que por poco duermo en la conferencia
An event that is, was, or will be actually in progress never in preterit, perfect or pluperfect
(Miguel is reading)
Continuous
Miguel está leyendo
To show an event is surprising or temporary
María was working as a translating
Continuous
María estaba trabajando de intérprete
to emphasise idea of repetitive actions that are or were still continuing
(He was always thinking of her)
Continuous
Siempre estaba pensando en ella
In preterit, perfect or pluperfect to show that an event lasted a certain length of time + is finished
(I was waiting for you all morning)
Continuous
Te he estado esperando todo la mañana
Never used for events not actually in progress
Continuous
Never used for events that are not really actions but conditions or states
Continuous
