This C1 grammar test covers Spanish verbal periphrases (perífrasis verbales), including their form, meaning and use. It covers infinitive, gerund and participle periphrases, their prepositions, agreement and nuances such as probability vs. obligation. It is designed for advanced learners and teachers who want to check accurate, natural control of these structures, including negatives and questions.
Choose the one correct option (A–D) for each question. Choose your answers, then press “Check my answers”.
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About this test
This C1 grammar test covers Spanish verbal periphrases (perífrasis verbales), including their form, meaning and use. It covers infinitive, gerund and participle periphrases, their prepositions, agreement and nuances such as probability vs. obligation. It is designed for advanced learners and teachers who want to check accurate, natural control of these structures, including negatives and questions.
Topics covered
Infinitive periphrasesGerund periphrasesParticiple periphrasesDeber vs. deber deTener + participle agreementAspect and modalityError correction
How to use this test
Download the PDF and print it, or take the test online below.
Answer every question without a dictionary or time pressure.
Check your answers and note the topics you need to review.
Notes for teachers
Use Parts 1 and 2 to check form and meaning before moving on to the error-spotting and text-based tasks. The test targets typical C1 errors: wrong prepositions (empezar de, seguir a), missing participle agreement with tener (tengo preparado las maletas), normative deber vs. deber de, and literal readings of andar or venir + gerund. As follow-up, ask students to rewrite sentences with alternative periphrases (e.g. acabar + gerund vs. acabar por + infinitive) and to discuss the shifts in nuance.
C1 
