A2 · Élémentaire Chapitre 4

Planning for the Future

3 Règles totales
32 exemples
6 min
Règles dans ce chapitre Pratique rapide

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of planning your future and making predictions in Spanish with confidence.

  • Express definite plans using the 'Ir + a + Infinitive' structure.
  • Conjugate regular verbs in the simple future tense.
  • Discuss predictions and promises using future tense endings.
From today's plans to tomorrow's dreams.

Ce que tu vas apprendre

Hey there, language explorer! Ready to shape your future in Spanish? You've already got a great grasp of the basics, and now it's time to level up and talk about everything that's coming next – from your weekend plans to wild predictions! First up, we'll dive into 'Ir + a + Infinitive'. This is your go-to for talking about definite plans, just like 'going to' in English. Want to say, 'I'm going to shop tomorrow,' or 'We're going to the park with friends'? This simple structure makes it super easy to express all your upcoming activities without a hitch. You'll master how to clearly state your specific, planned actions. Then, we'll move on to the 'Futuro Simple' – the simple future tense, or the 'will' tense. This is where you can say, 'I will go tomorrow,' or 'She will definitely come.' By just adding a few simple endings (like -é, -ás, -á) directly to the infinitive, you can discuss broader future events, make predictions, and even express solemn promises, like 'The weather will be sunny tomorrow' or 'I will always help you.' It's even handy for making present-tense guesses, like 'He will be hungry' (meaning 'He's probably hungry'). So, by the end of this chapter, you won't just be reacting to the present; you'll be actively discussing and shaping the future! You'll be able to confidently make social plans, chat about your next vacation, understand weather forecasts, and even make promises to your Spanish-speaking friends. Excited? Let's get started!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: describe your weekend itinerary using the 'going to' structure.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: make predictions about the weather or future events using the simple future.

Guide du chapitre

Overview

Welcome, future-fluent Spanish speaker! This chapter is your gateway to mastering how to discuss what's next, from your immediate plans to broader predictions. As an A2 Spanish grammar learner, you've already built a strong foundation, and now we're adding essential tools to talk about the future.
Being able to articulate future events is crucial for everyday conversations, allowing you to make plans, express intentions, and understand forecasts. We'll explore two primary ways to express the future in Spanish: the highly practical Ir + a + Infinitive construction and the versatile Futuro Simple (Simple Future) tense.
Understanding these structures will significantly enhance your communication skills, enabling you to confidently arrange social events, share your aspirations, and even make educated guesses about what might happen. Whether you're planning a trip, discussing tomorrow's weather, or simply telling a friend what you're going to do later, this chapter will equip you with the necessary linguistic tools. Get ready to discuss and shape your future in Spanish with confidence!

How This Grammar Works

Let's dive into the two main ways to express future actions and predictions in Spanish.
First up is Ir + a + Infinitive, which is your go-to for talking about definite, immediate plans, very much like going to in English. This structure is wonderfully straightforward. You simply take the verb ir (to go), conjugate it for the subject in the present tense, add the preposition a, and then follow it with the infinitive of the action verb.
Here's how ir is conjugated in the present tense:
* Yo voy (I go)
* Tú vas (You go - informal)
* Él/Ella/Usted va (He/She/You go - formal)
* Nosotros/as vamos (We go)
* Vosotros/as vais (You all go - informal, Spain)
* Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes van (They/You all go - formal)
So, for example:
* Voy a estudiar español mañana. (I'm going to study Spanish tomorrow.) - A clear plan.
* Ella va a visitar a su abuela este fin de semana. (She's going to visit her grandmother this weekend.) - A definite intention.
* Vamos a comer pizza esta noche. (We're going to eat pizza tonight.) - A specific, arranged activity.
Next, we have the Futuro Simple, or the Simple Future tense, which corresponds to will in English. This tense is used for broader future events, predictions, promises, and even making guesses about the present. Forming the Futuro Simple for regular verbs is surprisingly easy: you take the entire infinitive of the verb and add specific endings directly to it.
The endings are the same for all -ar, -er, and -ir verbs:
* -é (for yo)
* -ás (for tú)
* -á (for él/ella/usted)
* -emos (for nosotros/as)
* -éis (for vosotros/as)
* -án (for ellos/ellas/ustedes)
Let's see some examples:
* Yo comeré más tarde. (I will eat later.) - A general future action.
* Ella hablará con su jefe. (She will speak with her boss.) - A future event.
* Nosotros viviremos en España algún día. (We will live in Spain someday.) - A prediction or aspiration.
* Haré la tarea. (I will do the homework.) - A promise. (Note: Hacer is irregular, but still uses these endings).
* Estará cansado. (He will be tired.) - A guess about the present ("He's probably tired").

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: *Voy comprar un libro.*
✓ Correct: Voy a comprar un libro. (I'm going to buy a book.)
*Explanation:* When using Ir + a + Infinitive, the preposition a is essential between the conjugated form of ir and the infinitive verb. It acts as the to in
going to do something.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: *Mañana va a llover mucho.*
✓ Correct: Mañana lloverá mucho. (Tomorrow it will rain a lot.)
*Explanation:* While ir + a + infinitive can sometimes be used for predictions, especially in informal speech, the Futuro Simple is the more natural and grammatically precise choice for general weather forecasts or less certain predictions. Using the Futuro Simple gives the prediction a more formal or general tone, suitable for forecasts.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: *Nosotros estudiamos para el examen el lunes.*
✓ Correct: Nosotros vamos a estudiar para el examen el lunes. OR Nosotros estudiaremos para el examen el lunes. (We are going to study for the exam on Monday. / We will study for the exam on Monday.)
*Explanation:* While the present tense can sometimes imply future actions with time markers, it's generally clearer and more grammatically correct for A2 learners to use an explicit future construction. Ir + a + Infinitive emphasizes a definite plan, while Futuro Simple indicates a general future action or intention.

Real Conversations

A

A

¿Qué vas a hacer este fin de semana? (What are you going to do this weekend?)
B

B

Voy a visitar a mis amigos y luego iremos al cine. (I'm going to visit my friends and then we will go to the cinema.)
A

A

¿Crees que el equipo ganará el partido mañana? (Do you think the team will win the game tomorrow?)
B

B

¡Claro que sí! Jugarán muy bien y ganarán. (Of course! They will play very well and they will win.)
A

A

¿Cuándo vas a terminar tu proyecto? (When are you going to finish your project?)
B

B

Lo terminaré el viernes, sin falta. (I will finish it on Friday, without fail.)

Quick FAQ

Q

How do I know whether to use Ir + a + Infinitive or the Futuro Simple?

Use Ir + a + Infinitive for definite, planned, or immediate future actions, like "I'm going to eat lunch soon.

Use the Futuro Simple for broader future events, predictions, promises, or less certain future actions, like
It will be cold tomorrow."

Q

Are there irregular verbs in the Futuro Simple?

Yes, some common verbs have irregular stems but still use the same future endings. For example, tener becomes tendr-, hacer becomes har-, and decir becomes dir-. However, for A2, focus on the regular pattern first!

Q

Can I use Ir + a + Infinitive for predictions too?

Yes, absolutely! Especially in informal, spoken Spanish, Ir + a + Infinitive is very common for predictions, particularly when they feel more immediate or certain ("Look at those clouds, it's going to rain!"). The Futuro Simple is also correct for predictions and can sound a bit more formal or general.

Q

What's the most common way to talk about the future in casual Spanish?

In everyday, casual conversations, Ir + a + Infinitive is extremely common, especially for immediate or definite plans. It's often preferred over the Futuro Simple for its directness and simplicity.

Cultural Context

In many Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in informal speech, Ir + a + Infinitive is overwhelmingly the most common way to express future actions and even many predictions. It's perceived as more natural and immediate. The Futuro Simple, while grammatically correct and widely understood, often carries a slightly more formal tone or is reserved for more distant, less certain events, official announcements, or literary contexts.
However, both forms are essential for a complete understanding of Spanish grammar A2 future tenses.

Exemples clés (6)

1

Voy a ver una película en Netflix esta noche.

Je vais regarder un film sur Netflix ce soir.

Projets en espagnol : Utiliser 'aller' (Ir + a + infinitif)
2

Mañana vamos a pedir comida por Uber Eats.

Demain, nous allons commander de la nourriture via Uber Eats.

Projets en espagnol : Utiliser 'aller' (Ir + a + infinitif)
3

Te llamaré cuando llegue al aeropuerto.

Je t'appellerai quand j'arriverai à l'aéroport.

Le Futur Simple en Espagnol : Le temps des projets et des promesses
4

El próximo año viajaré por toda Europa.

L'année prochaine, je voyagerai dans toute l'Europe.

Le Futur Simple en Espagnol : Le temps des projets et des promesses
5

El próximo verano viajaré a Japón.

L'été prochain, je voyagerai au Japon.

Le futur simple en espagnol : Parler de ce qui arrivera (-é, -ás, -á)
6

Mañana comerás con nosotros, ¿verdad?

Demain tu mangeras avec nous, n'est-ce pas ?

Le futur simple en espagnol : Parler de ce qui arrivera (-é, -ás, -á)

Conseils et astuces (3)

⚠️

Le piège du 'A'

Ne saute jamais le 'a'. C'est l'erreur la plus courante pour nous, francophones ! Pense-y comme à la colle qui lie ton intention à l'action. Par exemple, dis bien :
Voy a comprar pan.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Projets en espagnol : Utiliser 'aller' (Ir + a + infinitif)
🎯

L'indice du 'R'

Si tu entends un son R juste avant la voyelle finale, c'est presque toujours le futur ou le conditionnel. Ce R est comme un phare ! Comeré
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Le Futur Simple en Espagnol : Le temps des projets et des promesses
💡

Le temps universel

Souviens-toi que les verbes en -ar, -er et -ir ont tous les mêmes terminaisons au futur. C'est la conjugaison la plus simple !
Mañana comeré pizza.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Le futur simple en espagnol : Parler de ce qui arrivera (-é, -ás, -á)

Vocabulaire clé (5)

mañana tomorrow próximo next viajar to travel comer to eat estudiar to study

Real-World Preview

coffee

Planning the Weekend

Review Summary

  • [Ir] + a + [Infinitive]
  • [Infinitive] + [é, ás, á, emos, éis, án]

Erreurs courantes

Students often forget the preposition 'a' between the conjugated 'ir' and the infinitive.

Wrong: Yo voy comer.
Correct: Yo voy a comer.

Do not add 'a' before the infinitive when using the simple future tense.

Wrong: Yo comeré a estudiar.
Correct: Yo estudiaré.

The infinitive must remain in its base form after 'voy a'.

Wrong: Yo voy a estudiaré.
Correct: Yo voy a estudiar.

Next Steps

You have done an incredible job today. Keep practicing these structures in your daily life, and you will be speaking about your future with total fluency in no time!

Write a 5-sentence prediction for your next year.

Continue to: Advanced Future and Polite Requests

Pratique rapide (9)

Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans la phrase.

Find and fix the mistake:

El próximo mes mi familia viajará a México.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: viajará
La troisième personne du singulier (mi familia) a besoin de la terminaison '-á' avec un accent.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Le Futur Simple en Espagnol : Le temps des projets et des promesses

Quelle phrase est grammaticalement correcte ?

Choose the correct way to say 'We are going to eat':

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vamos a comer
Tu as besoin de 'vamos' (pour nous), de la préposition 'a', et de l'infinitif 'comer'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Projets en espagnol : Utiliser 'aller' (Ir + a + infinitif)

Trouve et corrige l'erreur.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ellos van comer en un restaurante.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ellos van a comer en un restaurante.
La préposition 'a' est manquante entre le verbe 'van' et l'infinitif 'comer'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Projets en espagnol : Utiliser 'aller' (Ir + a + infinitif)

Remplis le blanc avec la forme correcte de 'ir' et la préposition 'a'.

Yo ___ ___ estudiar para el examen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: voy a
Comme le sujet est 'Yo', tu conjugues 'ir' en 'voy' et tu ajoutes 'a'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Projets en espagnol : Utiliser 'aller' (Ir + a + infinitif)

Remplis le blanc avec la forme correcte du futur de 'hablar'.

Mañana yo ___ con mi madre por Zoom.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hablaré
Pour former le futur de 'yo', tu ajoutes '-é' à l'infinitif 'hablar'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Le Futur Simple en Espagnol : Le temps des projets et des promesses

Complète le vide avec la forme correcte du verbe entre parenthèses.

Mañana (nosotros/comprar) ________ las entradas para el concierto.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: compraremos
Pour former le futur pour 'nosotros', ajoute '-emos' à l'infinitif 'comprar'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Le futur simple en espagnol : Parler de ce qui arrivera (-é, -ás, -á)

Quelle phrase est grammaticalement correcte ?

Choisis la phrase correcte pour 'Nous mangerons' :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Nosotros comeremos.
La forme 'nosotros' du futur n'a jamais d'accent.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Le Futur Simple en Espagnol : Le temps des projets et des promesses

Quelle phrase utilise correctement le futur ?

Choisis la phrase grammaticalement correcte :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yo viajaré a México el próximo mes.
La forme 'yo' du futur a besoin d'un accent sur le 'é' : 'viajaré'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Le futur simple en espagnol : Parler de ce qui arrivera (-é, -ás, -á)

Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans la phrase.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ellos comerán pizza esta noche, pero tú comeré ensalada.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: comerás
Le sujet 'tú' demande la terminaison '-ás' attachée à l'infinitif 'comer'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Le futur simple en espagnol : Parler de ce qui arrivera (-é, -ás, -á)

Score: /9

Questions fréquentes (6)

Oui ! Même si on l'appelle 'futur proche', c'est super utilisé pour n'importe quel événement prévu, peu importe à quel point c'est lointain. Par exemple,
Voy a graduarme en 2027
est tout à fait correct.
Oui, même si ça sonne répétitif pour nous ('Je vais aller à...'), en espagnol c'est totalement standard.
Voy a ir al gimnasio
est une phrase très courante.
Les terminaisons sont -é, -ás, -á, -emos, -éis et -án. Elles sont les mêmes pour tous les verbes réguliers, qu'ils finissent par -ar, -er ou -ir. Par exemple, hablaré, comeré, viviré.
Non ! Pour les verbes réguliers, tu ajoutes les terminaisons directement à l'infinitif complet. Regarde : hablar devient hablaré.
Non, 'ir a + infinitivo' est plus courant dans l'espagnol parlé de tous les jours. Le futur simple est préféré pour l'écriture, les discours formels et les prédictions à long terme. Par exemple, tu diras plus souvent
Voy a ir al cine
que Iré al cine.
Absolument pas ! Garde le verbe entier (par exemple, 'hablar') et ajoute la terminaison ('hablaré'). C'est l'erreur la plus fréquente des débutants. Comeré et non comé.
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Mastering Pronoun Placement and Combinations
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Advanced Future and Polite Requests
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