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Learn how to express recent actions with "acabar de", beginnings with "empezar a", and repetitions with "volver a" + infinitive verbs, e.g., "Acabo de probar", "Empecé a probar", "Volví a pedir".
  1. The phrase acabar de + infinitivo is used to express an action that has just been completed.
  2. The verb empezar a is used to express the beginning of an action.
  3. It is used volver a to indicate the repetition of an action.
FórmulaUsoEjemplo
Acabar de + infinitivoPara expresar una acción que ha terminado recientemente. (To express an action that has just finished.)Acabo de probar la tortilla.
Empezar a + infinitivoPara indicar el inicio de una acción. (To indicate the beginning of an action.)Empecé a probar las tapas después de llegar al restaurante.
Volver a + infinitivoPara indicar la repetición de una acción. (To indicate the repetition of an action.)Volví a pedir las croquetas porque estaban deliciosas.

Exercise 1: "Acabar de", "empezar a" , "volver a" + infinitivo

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

empiezan a, acaban de, empecé a, vuelve a, acabamos de, acabas de

1. Acción recién terminada:
: Ellas ... llegar en el restaurante.
(They have just arrived at the restaurant.)
2. Repetición de una acción:
: Él ... probar el pincho, está delicioso.
(He tries the skewer again, it is delicious.)
3. Acción recién terminada (ellos):
: Hace unos momentos ... ordenar la comida para llevar y se van a casa.
(They have just ordered the food to take away and are going home.)
4. Acción recién terminada:
: Nosotros ... pedir comida rápida.
(We have just ordered fast food.)
5. Inicio de una acción:
: Ellos ... probar las tapas en cuanto llegan al restaurante.
(They start tasting the tapas as soon as they arrive at the restaurant.)
6. Repetición de una acción:
: Ella ... pedir patatas fritas porque la última vez le gustó mucho.
(She asks for chips again because she liked them a lot last time.)
7. Inicio de una acción:
: Yo ... sentirme lleno después de la pasta.
(I started to feel full after the pasta.)
8. Acción recién terminada:
: Tú ... probar la tortilla, ¿verdad?
(You have just tasted the omelette, haven’t you?)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Select the correct sentence that properly uses the periphrases 'acabar de', 'empezar a' or 'volver a' with the infinitive according to the context.

1.
The preposition 'de' is missing after 'acabar' to form the correct periphrasis.
'Acabar de' is the correct form; 'acabar a' is not appropriate in this expression.
2.
'Empezar de' is not used in this periphrasis; it must be 'empezar a'.
The preposition 'a' is missing after 'empezar' to maintain the correct construction.
3.
The preposition 'a' is missing between 'volver' and the infinitive verb.
'Volver de' is not the correct form in this expression; 'volver a' must be used.
4.
Incorrect use of preposition and verb form; it should be 'acabo de terminar el pedido'.
The gerund should not be used with 'acabar de'; the infinitive is required after 'acabar de'.

Understanding the Spanish Periphrases "Acabar de", "Empezar a", and "Volver a" + Infinitive

This lesson focuses on three essential Spanish verbal periphrases that allow you to talk about different timings of actions: completion, beginning, and repetition. Mastering "acabar de" + infinitive, "empezar a" + infinitive, and "volver a" + infinitive will help you express recent actions, recent starts, and repeated behaviors clearly and naturally.

1. "Acabar de" + Infinitive – Expressing Recently Completed Actions

Use the structure acabar de + infinitive to indicate that something has just happened very recently. It refers to actions that have just been completed.

Example: Acabo de probar la tortilla. (I just tried the omelet.)

2. "Empezar a" + Infinitive – Indicating the Beginning of an Action

The verb empezar combined with a + infinitive signifies the start of an action.

Example: Empecé a probar las tapas después de llegar al restaurante. (I started trying the appetizers after arriving at the restaurant.)

3. "Volver a" + Infinitive – Expressing Repetition of an Action

When you want to say that an action happens again or is repeated, use volver a + infinitive.

Example: Volví a pedir las croquetas porque estaban deliciosas. (I ordered the croquettes again because they were delicious.)

Key Highlights and Useful Expressions

  • Infinitive after the periphrases: Always use the infinitive form of the verb after these constructions.
  • Prepositions: "acabar" requires de, "empezar" requires a, and "volver" requires a to connect to the infinitive verb.
  • Common verbs with these structures: probar (to try), pedir (to order), llamar (to call), terminar (to finish).

Note on Differences Between English and Spanish Structures

In English, actions recently completed or started are often expressed through auxiliary verbs or adverbs (e.g., "I just tried," "I started to try"). Spanish uses specific verb + preposition + infinitive structures that must be constructed correctly to convey the exact timing of actions.

For example, English uses "just" to indicate a recent completion, while Spanish uses acabar de. The formality and phrase order differ, so it's important to memorize and practice these constructions.

Useful Phrases and Equivalents

  • Acabar de + infinitive: "to have just (done something)"
  • Empezar a + infinitive: "to start (doing something)"
  • Volver a + infinitive: "to do (something) again"

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