The perfect infinitive (haber)

The perfect infinitive

To express satisfaction or gratitude about a completed action—like reflecting on a successful quarter or a major achievement—you can use the perfect infinitive.

The perfect infinitive is formed using haber (in its infinitive form) plus a past participle:

  • haber
    • obtenido, compartido, visto, etc.

You will often use this structure after adjectives expressing emotion, linked by the preposition de.

We are satisfied to have obtained this achievement.
Estamos satisfechos de haber obtenido este logro.
I am grateful to have shared this achievement with you.
Estoy agradecido de haber compartido este logro con ustedes.

Giving reasons and thanks with "por"

When explaining why an effort was worth it (valer la pena) or thanking a colleague for a past action, use the preposition por followed by the perfect infinitive.

The collaboration was worth it for having improved the project.
La colaboración valió la pena por haber mejorado el proyecto.
Thank you for having been an outstanding colleague on the team.
Gracias por haber sido un colega destacado en el equipo.

After expressions and modal verbs

The perfect infinitive can also follow impersonal expressions, like es un honor, or verbs like deber to make assumptions about a completed action (e.g., "must have finished").

It is an honor to have collaborated with the team.
Es un honor haber colaborado con el equipo.
They didn't rest, that's why they must have finished the project early.
No descansaron, por eso deben haber terminado el proyecto temprano.

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