"Hace ..." to mean "ago"
Notes:
- The written lesson is below.
- Links to quizzes, tests, etc. are to the left.
In a previous lesson, you learned to use the verb hacer with the present tense form of a verb to indicate the length of time an action has been taking place:
Hace + time + que + present tense form of the verb
Hace un año que estudio español.
I have been studying Spanish for one year.
When the verb is in the preterite tense, a different meaning is conveyed:
Hace + time + que + preterite tense form of the verb
Hace un año que estudié español.
I studied Spanish one year ago.
There is another way to convey the same idea:
Preterite tense form of the verb + hace + time
Estudié español hace un año.
I studied Spanish one year ago.
Note the differences and similarities:
Hace un año que estudio español.
I have been studying Spanish for one year.Hace un año que estudié español.
I studied Spanish one year ago.Estudié español hace un año.
I studied Spanish one year ago.