Using volver a + [infinitive] to express repetition of an action in Spanish (perífrasis verbal)

 

How to express repeating actions in Spanish

In Spanish, to express that "an action is repeated", i.e. takes place again, we can use this verbal structure:

Volver (conjugated) a + Infinitivo

We use it in different tenses. Bear in mind that when it is used in the present tense, it expresses a "future" action. Look at the following examples:

Yo vuelvo a trabajar en esa tienda este verano.I am working again in that shop this summer.

Si vuelves a llamarme engreída, me voy a enfadar contigo.If you call me vain again, I will be cross with you.

No hemos vuelto a ver a Susana.We haven't seen Susana again.

El coche volvió a derrapar en la segunda curva.The car skidded again around the second curve.

No voy a volver a pisar ese bar nunca.I am not going to set foot in that bar ever again.

 

Notice how when "Volver a" is used in this idiomatic way, the verb volver loses its literal meaning (to "physically" go back, return somewhere). The main verb in the infinitive is the one that carries the meaning in the sentence. Look at the difference:

Claudia volvió al teatroClaudia returned to the theatre [literally].
Claudia volvió a trabajar en el teatroClaudia worked at the theatre again, went back to work at the theatre.

Don't forget the preposition "a".

 

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Examples and resources

Yo vuelvo a trabajar en esa tienda este verano.I am working again in that shop this summer.
No hemos vuelto a ver a Susana.We haven't seen Susana again.
Si vuelves a llamarme engreída, me voy a enfadar contigo.If you call me vain again, I will be cross with you.
No voy a volver a pisar ese bar nunca.I am not going to set foot in that bar ever again.
El coche volvió a derrapar en la segunda curva.The car skidded again around the second curve.
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