B2Spanish · Grammar

A + infinitive

A lesson from the B2 course: the rule, examples and a 20-sentence test.

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Lesson

Constructions with 'a + infinitive'

Hello there! Today we're diving into a very useful construction in Spanish: a + infinitive. It allows us to express the purpose of an action, an obligation, or something that needs to be done. Mastering this is key for fluent communication at B2 level! 🚀

Verb / Noun / Adjective + a + Infinitive

The a + infinitive construction often indicates the purpose or intention behind an action, especially after verbs of motion or those that signal beginning an activity, learning, or helping. Think of it as 'to do something' or 'in order to do something'.

Voy a estudiar para el examen.

I'm going to study for the exam.

Se sentó a leer el periódico.

He sat down to read the newspaper.

We can also use it to express an obligation or to indicate that something 'needs to be done', 'remains to be done', or 'should be done'. It often appears after nouns or expressions like hay (there is/are) or tener (to have).

Hay muchas cosas a hacer antes del viaje.

There are many things to do before the trip.

Es un problema a resolver.

It's a problem to solve.

Verb / ExpressionMeaningExample
ir a + infinitivoto go to do somethingVamos a comer fuera.
venir a + infinitivoto come to do somethingVengo a ayudarte.
empezar a + infinitivoto start doing somethingEmpezó a llover.
aprender a + infinitivoto learn to do somethingAprendí a conducir.
ayudar a + infinitivoto help to do somethingTe ayudo a limpiar.
ser / haber / tener algo a + infinitivosomething is / needs / remains to be doneHay mucho a discutir.
Watch out for the difference between a + infinitive and para + infinitive! 🚦 While both can express purpose, a is often used after specific verbs (of motion, beginning, learning) or to indicate a direct, almost obligatory purpose. Para is more general and means 'in order to' or 'for the purpose of'.
Fui a comprar pan.
Fui para comprar pan.

With verbs of motion, such as ir, we use a to indicate purpose.

Remember: Think of A as standing for Action or Agenda (things to do). It often signals an immediate intention or something that's Awaiting your attention!
  • We use a + infinitive after many verbs to express purpose (e.g., ir a, venir a, empezar a, aprender a).
  • It's used to indicate that something is obligatory or needs to be done (e.g., problemas a resolver, cosas a hacer).
  • Remember the difference with para + infinitive, which is more general and can indicate a broader purpose or destination.

Test yourself

20 questions. Answer them all, then check — you'll see what you got right and what to fix.

  1. 1

    Complete the sentence

    Me negué las preguntas.

    I refused to answer the questions.

  2. 2

    Complete the sentence

    Salimos algo rápido.

    We went out to eat something quick.

  3. 3

    Complete the sentence

    Me enseñó pan casero.

    He taught me to make homemade bread.

  4. 4

    Complete the sentence

    Al final se decidió la propuesta.

    In the end he made up his mind to accept the proposal.

  5. 5

    Complete the sentence

    Se atrevió por sí mismo.

    He dared to decide for himself.

  6. 6

    Complete the sentence

    Me invitó el fin de semana.

    He invited me to go out at the weekend.

  7. 7

    Complete the sentence

    Siéntate esta canción nueva.

    Sit down to listen to this new song.

  8. 8

    Complete the sentence

    Mañana vamos un nuevo museo.

    Tomorrow we are going to visit a new museum.

  9. 9

    Type the missing word

    Voy a la oficina más tarde.

    I'm going to call the office later.

  10. 10

    Type the missing word

    Te animo tus habilidades.

    I encourage you to improve your skills.

  11. 11

    Type the missing word

    Voy para el examen de mañana.

    I am going to study for tomorrow's exam.

  12. 12

    Type the missing word

    Estudio mucho en esa empresa.

    I study a lot to work in this company.

  13. 13

    Type the missing word

    Me comprometí la tarea antes del viernes.

    I committed to handing in the assignment before Friday.

  14. 14

    Type the missing word

    Me niego esa historia sin pruebas.

    I refuse to believe that story without proof.

  15. 15

    Put the sentence together — some words are extra

    I'm coming to clean the house for you.

  16. 16

    Put the sentence together — some words are extra

    The director refused to sign the document.

  17. 17

    Put the sentence together — some words are extra

    We are going to celebrate his birthday on Saturday.

  18. 18

    Put the sentence together — some words are extra

    Little by little I began to understand the text.

  19. 19

    Build the missing word from the letters

    Mi madre empezó la cena.

    My mother started to make dinner.

  20. 20

    Match each word to its meaning

Printable test

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