The periphrasis 'soler + infinitive'

Spanish: La perífrasis 'soler + infinitivo'

Level: B1 Intermediate

Category: periphrases

Explanation

The periphrasis 'soler + infinitive' is used to express habitual actions, that is, things we do frequently or out of habit. The verb 'soler' never stands alone: it always needs an infinitive after it. For example: 'Suelo desayunar a las ocho' means that normally, out of habit, I have breakfast at that time. The verb 'soler' is irregular in the present because it is stem-changing (o → ue): suelo, sueles, suele, solemos, soléis, suelen. It is equivalent to expressions like 'normally', 'generally' or 'usually', but in a more natural and economical way. In the past, 'soler' is almost always used in the imperfect (solía, solías, solía, solíamos, solíais, solían) to talk about past habits: 'As a child I used to play in the park'. It is not natural to use 'soler' in the preterite, because talking about a habit implies repetition, not a single completed action. It is one of the most useful periphrases in everyday Spanish. You will find it constantly in conversations about routines, customs and daily life.

Examples

• ¿Qué suele tomar usted por la mañana? - What do you usually have in the morning?
• Suelo desayunar un café con leche y una tostada. - I usually have a coffee with milk and toast for breakfast.
• Los clientes suelen pagar en la recepción. - Guests usually pay at the reception.
• Antes solíamos alojarnos en este hotel cada verano. - We used to stay in this hotel every summer.
• ¿A qué hora suele cerrar el mercado? - What time does the market usually close?