AUXILIARY VERBS When to use them

AUXILIARY VERBS

The auxiliary verbs Haber, Tener, Ser and Estar are extremely importan. Although irregular, they should be thoroughly learnt before all other verbs, regular and irregular.

When to use them

Many students find confusing the fact that To have an To be can each be translated by two different verbs in Spanish.

1. Tener (To have) means to hold or to possess as a principal verb.

• I have a red car (Yo) Tengo un coche rojo

2. Haber (To have) as auxiliary verb precede a past participle of other verbs:

• I have seen a red car (Yo) He visto un coche rojo

3. Estar (To be) is used in speaking of any temporary condition or action, or of the place in which a person or thing is:

• I am speaking (Yo) Estoy hablando
• He is there (El) Está allí

4. Ser (To be) is used in speaking of a permanent state or condition, a profession or calling, or a natural characteristic, property in anything  is always  expressed by Ser; Passive voice requires Ser:

• I am a doctor (Yo) Soy un doctor
• I am Spanish (Yo) Soy español
• I am feared (Yo) Soy temido
• It is mine (Ello) Es mio