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Course: French English Spanish Greek
Explanations in: Greek English Spanish French
C2

Matices de los tiempos: aspecto, distancia y cortesía

I've been meaning to, I was wondering, he was to become, el present perfect en las noticias.

UsoEjemploMatiz
pasado de cortesíaI was wondering if you could help me.más cortés que «I wonder»
continuo de cortesíaI'm hoping you can come.menos directo que «I hope»
intención no realizadaI've been meaning to call you.llevo tiempo queriendo llamarte
futuro en el pasado (destino)He was to become president.llegaría a ser presidente
plan anuladoI was going to call, but I forgot.iba a llamar, pero…
present perfect de actualidadThe Prime Minister has resigned.noticia reciente, luego past simple para los detalles
presente en titularesMan bites dog.titulares de prensa en presente

Test yourself

  1. Hazlo más cortés: Can you lend me your car?
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    I was wondering if you could lend me your car.
  2. Traduce: «Llevo semanas queriendo escribirte.»
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    I've been meaning to write to you for weeks.
  3. Traduce: «Llegaría a ser famoso.» (lo sabemos hoy)
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    He was to become famous.
  4. Traduce: «Iba a decírtelo, pero…»
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    I was going to tell you, but…