17.1.2 Reference to future time
^72 (p. 408)
A fixed event, something which has been pre-arranged (especially with verbs of
motion) or which is intended:El viernes 8 es festivo.
Friday the 8th is a holiday.Los exámenes empiezan pasado mañana.
The exams begin the day after tomorrow.Salimos mañana temprano. (see 72.2)
We (are due to, intend to) leave early tomorrow.17.1.3 Reference to past time
^73 (p. 415)
(a) In formal style, usually as an alternative to the preterite:En 1978 se aprueba (= se aprobó) la nueva Constitución. (see 73.4)
The new Constitution was approved in 1978.(b) In colloquial use, as an alternative to either the preterite or the imperfect, to create
an impression of greater vividness. Although this possibility exists in English, the
usage is more common in Spanish.Estoy en la calle, cuando se me acerca un hombre y me dice...
I was in the street, when a man came up to me and said...17.1.4 As an imperative
^69 (p. 385)
Primero levantas el auricular y luego metes la moneda. (see 42.1)
First you lift up the receiver and then you insert the coin.Sigue usted todo recto hasta el primer semáforo y luego tuerce a la
derecha. (see 69 )
Go straight on as far as the first traffic-light and then turn right.17.2 Perfect
73.1–73.2 (pp. 415–416)
(a) Referring to events taking place over a period of time including the present:Todavía/aún no hemos terminado. (see 73.1.4)
We have not finished yet.Los he visto dos veces. (see 73.1.4)
I’ve seen them twice.17.2
Perfect