Imperfect Tense - Verb Haber  

Spanish Grammar Imperfect Tense Verb Haber - to have
Overview

The imperfect tense of haber is había.

Sentences using haber in the imperfect tense

Había may be used:

to express existence

Había catorce llaves en la mesa.
     There were 14 keys on the table.

Había un problema muy grave.
     There was a very serious problem.

¿Había algunos testigos?
     Were there any witnesses?

Había mucha cola.
     There was a long line.

Había unas treintas personas.
     There were about thirty people.

to indicate obligation

We usually use the formula había + que + infinitive

Había que cerrar el portón.
It was necessary to close the gate.

Había que pagar la mensualidad.
It was necessary to pay the monthly fee.

Había que comprar vegetales.
It was necessary to buy vegetables.

Había que tomar precauciones.
It was necessary to take precautions.

The verb haber has other uses which will be very important when you study intermediate Spanish.

to form the perfect tenses

¿Has aprendido muchas palabras?

Have you learned lots of words?

  • in idiomatic expressions
  • No hay de que.

    You're welcome.


    Vocabulary
    Quizzes
     
      Vocabulary Flashcards
      Vocabulary Quiz
      Photo Quiz
      Spelling Quiz
      Sentence Flashcards
      Video
      Example Sentences
      Dialogue
      Image-Sentence Match
      Word Order Quiz
      Multiple Choice Quiz
      A or B Quiz
      Fill In

    Icon Legend

    Icons are color coded by Spanish level:

    Green = Beginner
    Blue = Intermediate
    Orange = Advanced


    Black icons are unrelated to Spanish level:

    Help
    Download
    Information







    Popular Phrase: wolf in spanish | Spanish Lesson | Conjugated Verb: zambullirse - to dive, plunge [ click for full conjugation ]