What Must Come After the Construction “Acabar De”
Acabar de is a commonly used Spanish construction that means “to have just done something.” It is formed by conjugating the verb acabar in the present tense followed by the preposition de and an infinitive verb. While this construction is widely understood and used, it is essential to understand what must come after it to communicate effectively.
After the construction “acabar de,” we must use an infinitive verb to complete the sentence. This infinitive verb can be used in any tense depending on the context of the sentence. For example:
1. Acabo de comer (I have just eaten).
2. Acabamos de llegar (We have just arrived).
3. Acabas de estudiar (You have just studied).
The infinitive verb that follows “acabar de” can also be in the progressive form:
4. Acabo de estar trabajando (I have just been working).
Additionally, we can use “acabar de” in the negative form:
5. No acabo de entender (I don’t quite understand).
When using “acabar de” in the past tense, it indicates an action that had just occurred before another past event:
6. Acabé de leer el libro antes de irme a dormir (I finished reading the book before going to sleep).
7. Acabábamos de salir cuando empezó a llover (We had just left when it started raining).
FAQs:
1. Can “acabar de” be used in other tenses?
No, “acabar de” is used in the present tense to indicate an action that had just happened.
2. Can I use “acabar de” with any verb?
Yes, “acabar de” can be used with any verb in Spanish.
3. Can “acabar de” be used in the progressive form?
Yes, “acabar de” can be used in the progressive form to indicate an ongoing action that had just occurred.
4. Can “acabar de” be used in negative sentences?
Yes, “acabar de” can be used in negative sentences to indicate that something was not fully completed or understood.
5. Can “acabar de” be used in the past tense?
Yes, “acabar de” can be used in the past tense to indicate an action that had just occurred before another past event.
6. Are there any exceptions to using “acabar de”?
No, there are no exceptions to using “acabar de.”
7. Can “acabar de” be used to express future actions?
No, “acabar de” is used to express completed actions in the past or present, not future actions.
In conclusion, understanding what must come after the construction “acabar de” is crucial for effective communication in Spanish. By using the correct infinitive verb, tense, and form, we can convey the timing and completion of actions accurately.
