Verb Phrases
Spanish: AQA A Level, topic 16.5.8
Tu Opinión
Using these verbs in the present tense can let you express your opinion.
Creer que - to think/believe that
- Creo que - I think that.
- Crees que - you think that.
- Cree que - he/she thinks that.
- Creemos que - we think that.
- Creéis que - you think that.
- Creen que - they think that.
Pensar que - to think that
- Pienso que - I think that.
- Piensas que - you think that.
- Piensa que - he/she thinks that.
- Pensamos que - we think that.
- Pensáis que - you think that.
- Piensan que - they think that.
Opinar que - to be of the opinion that
- Opino que - I am of the opinion that.
- Opinas que - you are of the opinion that.
- Opina que - he/she is of the opinion that.
- Opinamos que - we are of the opinion that.
- Opináis que - you are of the opinion that.
- Opinan que - they are of the opinion that.
Saber que - to know that
- (Yo) sé que - I know that.
- Sabes que - you know that.
- Sabe que - he/she knows that.
- Sabemos que - we know that.
- Sabéis que - you know that.
- Saben que - they know that.
Set Expressions
Hay - there is/there are
- This expression does not change.
- Even if the subject is plural it stays as 'hay'.
- Hay un riesgo - there is a risk.
- Hay muchas manzanas - there are a lot of apples.
Acabar de - to have just (done something)
- In Spanish to say that 'you have just done something', the verb 'acabar de' is used.
- 'Acabar de' is a regular AR verb and is always followed by an infinitive.
- Acabo de leer el libro - I have just read the book.
- Acaban de nadar en la piscina - they have just swam in the pool.
Tener que - to have to/need to
- The verb 'tener' is used with 'que' to say that you 'have to do something'.
- 'Tener' follows its present tense conjugation and it is always followed by the infinitive.
- Tengo que comer fruta - I need to eat fruit.
- Sam tiene que hacer más ejercicio - Sam has to do more exercise.
Dejar de - to stop
- When used by itself, 'dejar' means to leave someone or something behind.
- When used with 'de' the meaning changes to 'to stop'.
- In this form 'dejar de' is always followed by an infinitive.
- 'Dejar' is a regular AR verb.
- Mi hermana no deja de hablar - My sister does not stop talking.
- Tengo que dejar de fumar - I need to stop smoking.
Valer la pena - to be worth the trouble
- This is used in the 'él/ella' form and the 'ellos/ellas' form.
- Vale la pena - It is worth the trouble.
Test yourself on Verb Phrases
How do you say 'we know that' in Spanish?
¿Qué significa 'creéis que' en inglés?
How do you say 'they are of the opinion that' in Spanish?
How do you say 'you (plural) have to' in Spanish?