Perífrasis verbales are combinations of two verbs that convey a meaning that’s different from that of the separate verbs. Let’s take a look at some of them:

1. estar + gerund – ongoing action -> Estoy buscando mi libro. (I am looking for my book.)

2. seguir + gerund – continuity -> Sigo dando clases de español. (I keep teaching Spanish.)

3. Deber + infinitive – moral obligation, need -> Debes agradecerle a tu maestro el haberte ayudado. (You must thank your teacher for helping you.)

4. Deber de + infinitive – strong assumption -> Su marido la dejó por otra, así que debe de sentirse sola. (Her husband left her for another woman so she must be lonely.)

5. Tener que + infinitive – personal obligation -> Tengo que estar en la escuela a las 2. (I have to be at school at 2.)

6. Haber que + infinitive – impersonal obligation -> Hay que subir las escaleras para llegar a su oficina. (You have to go up the stairs to go to his office.)

7. Echar a / ponerse a / romper a + infinitive – sudden action -> Echó a reír. (He burst into laughter). Rompieron a llorar. (They started crying.) Estaba tan nerviosa que se puso a hablar y nadie pudo callarla. (She was so nervous she started taking and no one could shut her up.)

Nos vemos prontito!