In this lesson, we’ll explore the construction “ir a + infinitivo”, a key structure in Spanish for expressing future intentions and planned actions. This form is the Spanish equivalent of “going to [do something]” in English and is one of the most common ways to talk about the near future in everyday conversations.
You’ll learn how to:
- Conjugate the verb “ir” in the present tense (e.g. voy, vas, va)
- Combine it with an infinitive verb to form phrases like “Voy a estudiar” (I’m going to study) or “Vamos a viajar” (We’re going to travel)
- Use this structure to talk about your upcoming plans, intentions, and scheduled events
With practical examples and guided practice, this lesson will give you the tools to speak more confidently and naturally when discussing what’s next.
Vocabulary and Structure Explanation
The structure “Ir a + infinitivo” consists of the verb “ir” conjugated appropriately followed by the preposition “a,” and then an infinitive verb. This format helps in expressing actions that are planned or expected to happen soon. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Ir (conjugated): Forms of the verb “ir” (to go) depending on the subject.
- a: Preposition that precedes the infinitive form of the verb.
- Infinitivo: The basic form of a verb without conjugation.
| Spanish Verb | English Translation | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Ir | to go | Voy a estudiar (I am going to study) |
| Comer | to eat | Vamos a comer (We are going to eat) |
| Estudiar | to study | Vas a estudiar (You are going to study) |
| Viajar | to travel | Van a viajar (They are going to travel) |
Usage in Context
The “Ir a + infinitivo” structure is very useful for discussing:
- Future Plans: Clearly expressing plans or intentions.
- Voy a aprender español este año (I am going to learn Spanish this year)
- Scheduled Events: Describing events that are arranged or planned for the future.
- Ella va a tomar un vuelo mañana (She is going to take a flight tomorrow)
- Predictions Based on Present Evidence: Making predictions about the near future based on current evidence.
- Va a llover pronto (It is going to rain soon)