What is the difference between 'desde hace' and 'hace...que'?

Both structures mean the same thing: an action that started in the past and continues. 'Desde hace' places the duration after the verb (e.g., 'Vivo aquí desde hace dos años'), while 'hace...que' places the duration at the start (e.g., 'Hace dos años que vivo aquí'). You can use either, but be consistent within a sentence.

Can I use 'desde hace' with the preterite tense?

No, never. 'Desde hace' always requires the present tense because it describes an action that is still ongoing. If the action is finished, you would use 'durante' (for) with the preterite (e.g., 'Viví aquí durante dos años' – I lived here for two years).

How do I say 'I have been studying Spanish for two years' in Spanish?

You say 'Estudio español desde hace dos años.' Remember: present tense (estudio) + desde hace + duration. Alternatively, 'Hace dos años que estudio español.' Both are correct.

What is the question form for asking how long something has been happening?

Use '¿Desde hace cuánto tiempo...?' followed by the present tense. For example, '¿Desde hace cuánto tiempo vives en Madrid?' (How long have you lived in Madrid?). You can also use '¿Cuánto tiempo hace que...?' (e.g., '¿Cuánto tiempo hace que vives en Madrid?').

Do I need to use 'desde hace' with 'ser' or 'estar'?

Yes, you can use it with both, but be careful with meaning. 'Soy profesor desde hace diez años' means 'I have been a teacher for ten years' (a permanent state). 'Estoy enfermo desde hace tres días' means 'I have been sick for three days' (a temporary state). The choice of ser/estar follows normal rules.

Is 'desde hace' used in Spain and Latin America the same way?

Yes, the structure is standard across all Spanish-speaking regions. However, in some Latin American countries, you might hear 'desde' alone with a duration in informal speech (e.g., 'Vivo aquí desde dos años'), but this is considered incorrect in formal writing and exams. Stick to 'desde hace' for GCSE.

Grammar (Foundation): Number, Quantity, Dates and Time (desde hace + present tense)

WJEC

GCSE

This topic covers the grammatical requirements for Foundation tier learners regarding numbers, quantity, dates, and time, specifically focusing on the receptive knowledge of the structure 'desde hace + present tense'.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

In Spanish, expressing duration — how long something has been happening — requires a specific structure that differs from English. The phrase 'desde hace' combined with the present tense is used to indicate an action that started in the past and continues into the present. For example, 'Estudio español desde hace dos años' means 'I have been studying Spanish for two years.' This construction is essential for describing ongoing situations, habits, or states that began at a point in the past and are still true now.

This topic is part of the WJEC GCSE Spanish Foundation tier grammar syllabus. It appears in both written and spoken tasks, particularly when talking about personal experiences, routines, or facts about your life. Mastering 'desde hace + present tense' allows you to add precision to your descriptions and avoid common errors that can lose marks. It also connects to other time expressions like 'desde' (since) and 'hace...que' (it's been...since), which you will encounter at Higher tier.

Understanding this structure is not just about memorising a formula; it's about grasping how Spanish conceptualises time differently from English. While English uses the present perfect ('have been doing'), Spanish uses the present tense with 'desde hace' to emphasise the ongoing nature of the action. This distinction is crucial for accurate communication and for achieving higher marks in your GCSE exams.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→'Desde hace' + present tense = an action that started in the past and continues now. Example: 'Vivo aquí desde hace cinco años' (I have lived here for five years).
→The time period always follows 'desde hace'. It can be a number + time unit (e.g., 'tres meses') or a specific duration (e.g., 'mucho tiempo').
→The verb is always in the present tense, even though the action began in the past. Never use the preterite or imperfect with this structure.
→To ask a question about duration, use '¿Desde hace cuánto tiempo...?' + present tense. Example: '¿Desde hace cuánto tiempo estudias español?'
→This structure is different from 'hace...que' + present tense, which is an alternative with the same meaning. Example: 'Hace dos años que estudio español.'

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Correct identification of numbers and quantities in context
Accurate use of dates and time expressions
Receptive understanding of 'desde hace + present tense' to describe duration of actions continuing into the present

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Correct identification of numbers and quantities in context
Accurate use of dates and time expressions
Receptive understanding of 'desde hace + present tense' to describe duration of actions continuing into the present

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Focus on recognizing 'desde hace' as a marker for 'for' or 'have been doing' when reading or listening
💡Practice writing out dates and times in Spanish to ensure accuracy in spelling and format
💡Remember that 'desde hace' + present tense is for receptive knowledge only at Foundation tier
💡In writing tasks, using 'desde hace + present tense' shows the examiner you can manipulate time expressions accurately. It is a high-frequency structure that can boost your marks in the 'Range of language' criterion.
💡In speaking, practice using this structure naturally when talking about your hobbies, studies, or where you live. For example, 'Toco la guitarra desde hace cuatro años.' This demonstrates your ability to give extended answers.
💡Avoid mixing tenses. If you start a sentence with 'desde hace', the verb must be in the present tense throughout that clause. Check your verb endings carefully.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing 'desde hace' with other time-related prepositions
Misinterpreting the duration implied by 'desde hace' in the present tense
Incorrectly translating dates or times due to lack of familiarity with Spanish formats
Using the present perfect instead of the present tense. Incorrect: 'He vivido aquí desde hace cinco años.' Correct: 'Vivo aquí desde hace cinco años.' The present perfect is not used for ongoing actions in Spanish.
Confusing 'desde hace' with 'desde' alone. 'Desde' means 'since' and is used with a specific point in time (e.g., 'desde 2020'). 'Desde hace' is used with a duration (e.g., 'desde hace dos años'). They are not interchangeable.
Omitting 'hace' and just using 'desde' with a duration. Incorrect: 'Estudio español desde dos años.' Correct: 'Estudio español desde hace dos años.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Present tense conjugation of regular and common irregular verbs (e.g., ser, estar, tener, vivir, estudiar).
•Basic time expressions: numbers, days, months, and years.
•Understanding of 'desde' (since) to refer to a specific starting point.

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Completa

Elige

Rellena

Escribe

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Practice questions tailored to this topic

Grammar (Foundation): Number, Quantity, Dates and Time (desde hace + present tense)

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC GCSE Spanish

Appendix A: Prescribed Vocabulary List (organised by theme/sub-theme)

Appendix B: Grammar Requirements – Foundation Tier

Current and Future Study and Employment

Current Study – School/College Life

How to Revise Grammar (Foundation): Number, Quantity, Dates and Time (desde hace + present tense) — WJEC GCSE Spanish

Examiner Tips for Grammar (Foundation): Number, Quantity, Dates and Time (desde hace + present tense)

Common Mistakes in Grammar (Foundation): Number, Quantity, Dates and Time (desde hace + present tense)

Key Marking Points

Grammar (Foundation): Number, Quantity, Dates and Time (desde hace + present tense)

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'desde hace' and 'hace...que'?

Can I use 'desde hace' with the preterite tense?

How do I say 'I have been studying Spanish for two years' in Spanish?

What is the question form for asking how long something has been happening?

Do I need to use 'desde hace' with 'ser' or 'estar'?

Is 'desde hace' used in Spain and Latin America the same way?

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC GCSE Spanish

Appendix A: Prescribed Vocabulary List (organised by theme/sub-theme)

Appendix B: Grammar Requirements – Foundation Tier

Current and Future Study and Employment

Current Study – School/College Life