Time expressions using hacer

Question

I'm currently practising using time expressions with hacer, namely "hace que" and "desde hace".

It seems pretty straightforward:

Hace varios días que estudian para el examen or no comemos juntos desde hace más que un año.

Is this correct? And as far as I understand, both varities are equal and can be used in the same way?

Glad you posted this. I have a hard time getting this in my head what it means exactly. - katydew, Aug 18, 2011

Answer 1

Well done! Both indeed indicate for how long something has been going on.

If you're interested, there's also a 3rd option with exactly the same meaning:

Llevar + gerundio.

Llevo dos meses viviendo aquí

I've been living here for two months

Everyone should become familar with this construction, it's used a lot. - rodneyp, Aug 18, 2011

Answer 2

Hace varios días que estudian para el examen or no comemos juntos desde hace más de un año.

Only one correction: you cannot say "Hace más que un año". With non-comparative quantitative expressions that indicate that a certain amount has been exceeded, the preposition "de" is compulsory, i.e. the correct phrase is "más de + [quantity]" (e.g. un año) and not "más que + [quantity]" if you are not making a comparison.

P.D. S1r_Wakka's suggestion is very useful.

Lazarus. When you eventually get round to writing that book, put me down for a copy :) - billygoat, Aug 18, 2011

If I ever do, I'll announce it here, don't worry. - lazarus1907, Aug 18, 2011