Spanish Plans: Using 'Going To' (Ir + a + Infinitive)
ir + a + infinitive lets you talk about all future plans using just one irregular verb.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'ir' (to go) + 'a' + an infinitive verb to talk about your immediate plans or upcoming actions.
- Conjugate 'ir' to match the subject: 'Voy a comer' (I am going to eat).
- Always include the preposition 'a' between 'ir' and the infinitive verb.
- Keep the second verb in its original infinitive form (ending in -ar, -er, or -ir).
Overview
When you articulate your intentions, near-future plans, or predictions based on present evidence in Spanish, the construction ir + a + infinitive is the most common and natural choice. This grammatical structure, often termed the "periphrastic future" or "immediate future," offers a straightforward way to discuss what is "going to happen" without employing the more complex conjugations of the simple future tense. It conveys a sense of immediacy, certainty, or pre-established intention that the simple future often lacks.
For an A2 learner, mastering this pattern is foundational, enabling clear communication about daily life and personal projects.
This construction is universally understood and preferred in virtually all spoken Spanish contexts, from casual conversations among friends to more formal discussions where one expresses a definite plan or commitment. It acts as a linguistic bridge, connecting present circumstances with future actions, making it an indispensable tool for learners at this stage. Unlike the simple future, which can sometimes imply a certain detachment or a more speculative outlook, ir + a + infinitive inherently signifies a decision has been made or an outcome is imminent based on observable facts.
Conjugation Table
| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation of ir |
Example (with a + infinitive) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| :-------------- | :------------------ | :---------------------------------- | ||
| Yo (I) | voy |
Yo voy a estudiar. (I am going to study.) |
||
| Tú (You, informal) | vas |
Tú vas a leer un libro. (You are going to read a book.) |
||
| Él / Ella / Usted (He / She / You, formal) | va |
Ella va a comer en casa. (She is going to eat at home.) |
||
| Nosotros/as (We) | vamos |
Nosotros vamos a viajar mañana. (We are going to travel tomorrow.) |
||
| Vosotros/as (You all, informal, Spain) | vais |
Vosotros vais a salir juntos. (You all are going to go out together.) |
||
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes (They / You all, formal/Latin America) | van |
Ellos van a trabajar mucho. (They are going to work a lot.) |
How This Grammar Works
ir + a + infinitive construction functions as a periphrastic verb phrase, meaning it expresses a grammatical concept (future action) using multiple words rather than a single conjugated verb form. This structure is built upon a clear division of labor among its three components:- 1
Ir(conjugated in the present indicative): This is the auxiliary verb. It carries all the grammatical information regarding the subject and the tense (present indicative, indicating the present intention to perform a future action). The literal meaning of "to go" fromirsubtly influences the overall meaning, suggesting a movement towards an action. For example, inElla va a viajar,vaindicates that "she" is the subject and the action is currently intended.
- 1
a(the preposition): This seemingly small word is crucial. It acts as a linker or preposition of purpose/direction, connecting the concept of "going" or "intending" with the subsequent action. Withouta, the construction is grammatically incomplete and illogical, similar to saying "I am going read" in English instead of "I am going to read." It indicates that the action expressed by the infinitive is the destination or purpose of the 'going' or 'intent'.
- 1Infinitive (the main verb): This is the lexical verb that conveys the core meaning of the action to be performed (e.g.,
comer,hablar,dormir). Crucially, the infinitive remains in its base, unconjugated form. It does not change based on the subject or time, as all necessary agreement information is already supplied by the conjugated form ofir. This simplicity is a major advantage for learners, allowing them to express a wide range of future actions by simply knowing the infinitive of the verb they wish to use. For instance,Voy a comerusescomerin its base form, regardless of who is going to eat.
Voy a llamar a mi hermana, you are not just stating a future event; you are expressing your present decision or plan to call your sister. This distinguishes it from other future expressions and makes it particularly potent for conveying personal agency and immediate relevance.Formation Pattern
ir + a + infinitive follows a consistent, three-step pattern. Adhering strictly to these steps ensures grammatical correctness and clear communication of your future intentions.
ir in the Present Tense.
ir (to go) to match the subject of your sentence. This is the only part of the structure that changes based on who is performing the action.
Yo voy
Tú vas
Él/Ella/Usted va
Nosotros/as vamos
Vosotros/as vais (Spain)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes van
a.
ir, you must include the preposition a. This preposition is invariant and acts as the essential link to the action verb.
Yo voy a
Tú vas a
Él va a
-ar, -er, or -ir.
Yo voy a estudiar. (I am going to study.)
Tú vas a comer. (You are going to eat.)
Él va a escribir un correo. (He is going to write an email.)
ir (present) | + a | + Infinitive |
Nosotros vamos | a | bailar. |
Ellas van | a | comprar. |
Usted va | a | llamar. |
When To Use It
ir + a + infinitive construction is versatile and used across a broad spectrum of situations where an intention, plan, or a highly probable future event is discussed. Its primary function is to express actions that are decided or imminent, emphasizing the speaker's present orientation towards a future happening. Consider the following specific applications:- Expressing Immediate or Near-Future Plans: This is the most direct use. When you have a definite plan for the coming minutes, hours, days, or even weeks, this structure is ideal.
Esta noche vamos a cenar en un restaurante nuevo.(Tonight we are going to have dinner at a new restaurant.)Voy a terminar este informe antes de las cinco.(I am going to finish this report before five.)
- Announcing Intentions or Decisions: When you have made a decision about a future action, regardless of how far in the future it is,
ir + a + infinitiveconveys your resolve. Mi hermana y yo vamos a aprender japonés el próximo año.(My sister and I are going to learn Japanese next year.)No voy a tolerar más interrupciones.(I am not going to tolerate any more interruptions.)
- Making Predictions Based on Present Evidence: If you observe something in the present that strongly indicates a future event, this construction is used to make a near-certain prediction.
Mira esas nubes: va a llover muy pronto.(Look at those clouds: it's going to rain very soon.)Tiene fiebre y tos, va a estar resfriado.(He has a fever and cough, he's going to have a cold.)
- Giving Orders or Making Strong Suggestions (with
TúorUstedforms): In certain contexts, especially when expressing an expectation or a command, this structure can be used. Vas a limpiar tu habitación ahora mismo.(You are going to clean your room right now.)Ustedes van a seguir las instrucciones del manual.(You all are going to follow the instructions in the manual.)
- Informal Offers or Volunteering: When you spontaneously offer to do something.
No te preocupes por la cena, yo voy a cocinar algo.(Don't worry about dinner, I'm going to cook something.)
- In Social Media and Texting: This is extremely common for casual communication. You will frequently see it in WhatsApp messages, Instagram captions, or tweets.
¡Qué emoción! ¡Voy a viajar a Roma!(How exciting! I'm going to travel to Rome!) -- (An Instagram caption for a travel announcement).¿Qué vas a hacer este fin de semana?(What are you going to do this weekend?) -- (A common text message query).
ir + a + infinitive is the appropriate and most natural choice.Common Mistakes
ir + a + infinitive into their Spanish. Recognizing these common errors and understanding their underlying grammatical reasons is crucial for developing accurate usage.- Omitting the Preposition
a: This is arguably the most prevalent mistake. English speakers often translate "I am going to eat" literally asYo voy comer, omitting the cruciala. In Spanish,irand the infinitive requireato connect them, indicating direction toward the action. - Incorrect:
Voy comer pizza. - Correct:
Voy a comer pizza.(I am going to eat pizza.) - Why it's wrong: The
aacts as a necessary preposition linking the intention (expressed byir) to the subsequent action (expressed by the infinitive). Without it, the sentence structure is incomplete and ungrammatical.
- Double Conjugation of the Main Verb: Learners sometimes feel compelled to conjugate the second verb (the infinitive) because it expresses the main action. This is incorrect. Only
iris conjugated; the main verb always remains in its infinitive form. - Incorrect:
Ellos van a trabajan mañana. - Correct:
Ellos van a trabajar mañana.(They are going to work tomorrow.) - Why it's wrong:
Iralready carries the tense and subject agreement. Conjugating the infinitive (trabajan) makes it a finite verb, creating two main verbs in the clause without proper coordination, which is grammatically redundant and incorrect in this construction.
- Confusing
ir + a + infinitivewith the Present Continuous for Immediate Future: While the present continuous (estar + gerundio) can sometimes express a very immediate future, it's primarily for actions currently in progress.Ir + a + infinitiveclearly denotes a planned or intended future action. - Incorrect (if the action hasn't started):
Estoy comiendo en el restaurante en una hora.(I am eating at the restaurant in an hour.) - Correct:
Voy a comer en el restaurante en una hora.(I am going to eat at the restaurant in an hour.) - Why it's wrong: Using the present continuous for a future event can sometimes be ambiguous.
Ir + a + infinitiveexplicitly sets the action in the future as a plan or intention, avoiding potential misinterpretation with an action happening right now.
- The Repetition of
ir a ir: Although it sounds repetitive to an English speaker,ir a ir(to be going to go) is grammatically correct and common. It simply means "to be going to go." Voy a ir a la playa este fin de semana.(I am going to go to the beach this weekend.)- Why it's correct: The first
irfunctions as the auxiliary verb in their + a + infinitiveconstruction, while the secondiris the main verb (infinitive) that expresses the action of "going." They serve distinct grammatical functions.
- Placement of Object Pronouns with Reflexive Verbs: With reflexive verbs or verbs that take object pronouns, learners might struggle with pronoun placement. The pronouns can either precede the conjugated
iror be attached to the infinitive. - Correct (Option 1):
Me voy a duchar.(I am going to shower myself.) - Correct (Option 2):
Voy a ducharme.(I am going to shower myself.) - Why both are correct: This is a flexibility of Spanish grammar known as clitic climbing. In periphrastic constructions involving an auxiliary and an infinitive, object and reflexive pronouns can "climb" to precede the conjugated auxiliary or remain attached to the infinitive. Both are equally correct and frequently used.
ir + a + infinitive construction.Contrast With Similar Patterns
Ir + a + infinitive stands out for its emphasis on intention and immediacy, but it is important to contrast it with the Simple Future (Futuro Simple) and the Simple Present (Presente Simple) when used for future meaning.- vs. The Simple Future (El Futuro Simple):
Ir + a + infinitive: Emphasizes a current intention, decision, or a highly probable event based on present evidence. It feels more personal, concrete, and often expresses plans that have been decided upon or are imminent. It is the dominant future form in conversational Spanish across most dialects.Vamos a comprar un coche nuevo el mes que viene.(We are going to buy a new car next month.) — This implies a decision has been made, perhaps a specific model chosen, and the action is planned.Va a nevar, el cielo está muy gris.(It’s going to snow, the sky is very gray.) — A prediction based on direct observation.- Simple Future (e.g.,
compraré,nevará): Often conveys a less immediate or less certain future, a prediction without present evidence, or a formal announcement. It can also express speculation about the present or future, or polite requests/commands. It is more common in written Spanish, news reports, and formal speeches. Compraremos un coche nuevo cuando tengamos suficiente dinero.(We will buy a new car when we have enough money.) — This sounds more conditional or less immediately decided.¿Nevvará mucho este invierno?(Will it snow a lot this winter?) — A speculative question without current evidence.- Key Distinction: Think of
ir + a + infinitiveas saying "I have decided to do X" or "X is going to happen." The Simple Future is more like "X will happen," which can be a statement of fact, a prediction, or a possibility. For A2 learners,ir + a + infinitiveis almost always the safer and more natural choice for expressing personal plans.
- vs. The Simple Present (El Presente Simple) for Future Actions:
Ir + a + infinitive: Strongly emphasizes the speaker's intention or decision. The act ofgoing to doimplies an active will or plan.Voy a visitar a mis abuelos este fin de semana.(I am going to visit my grandparents this weekend.) — This highlights your intention and the plan you have made.- Simple Present: Can be used to refer to the future, especially for scheduled events, fixed appointments, or very immediate, casual plans that are almost certain to occur. It treats a future event as if it were a present fact on a timetable.
Visito a mis abuelos este fin de semana.(I visit my grandparents this weekend.) — This implies it's a fixed appointment or a regular occurrence, like an item on a calendar.- Key Distinction: While
Mañana te llamo(I'll call you tomorrow) is perfectly grammatical and common, usingMañana te voy a llamaradds a layer of deliberate intention. Their + asuggests you've already mentally (or literally) put it on your to-do list. The simple present is more like stating a schedule;ir + ais stating a commitment or active plan. Use the simple present for events outside your immediate control (e.g.,El tren sale a las diez.– The train leaves at ten) andir + afor your personal actions and decisions.
Real Conversations
Understanding how ir + a + infinitive functions in actual spoken and written interactions provides invaluable context for its proper application. This construction is a cornerstone of daily communication, found everywhere from informal chats to professional emails.
Scenario 1
- María: Hola, ¿qué vas a hacer este sábado? (Hey, what are you going to do this Saturday?)
- Juan: ¡Hola! Creo que voy a ir al cine por la tarde con mi hermana. ¿Y tú? (Hi! I think I'm going to go to the cinema in the afternoon with my sister. And you?)
- María: Yo voy a visitar a mis tíos y luego vamos a salir a tomar algo. (I'm going to visit my aunt and uncle and then we're going to go out for a drink.)
- Observation: Notice the natural omission of "Yo" before voy a visitar by María. Also, vamos a salir clearly expresses a joint plan.
Scenario 2
- Sofía: Necesitamos revisar el informe del cliente antes del final del día. (We need to review the client report before the end of the day.)
- Carlos: Sí, voy a empezar con eso en cuanto termine esta llamada. ¿Tú vas a ayudarme? (Yes, I'm going to start on that as soon as I finish this call. Are you going to help me?)
- Sofía: Claro, yo voy a leer la sección de conclusiones. (Of course, I'm going to read the conclusions section.)
- Observation: Voy a empezar signifies Carlos's immediate intention and commitment. Vas a ayudarme is a direct question about Sofía's intention.
Scenario 3
- @ViajeroFeliz: ¡Qué ganas! Mañana por fin voy a volar a Cancún. ¡Voy a disfrutar mucho del sol y la playa! (So excited! Tomorrow I'm finally going to fly to Cancún. I'm going to enjoy the sun and the beach a lot!)
- Observation: This post uses voy a volar and voy a disfrutar to convey definite, exciting plans for the near future, illustrating personal intention and anticipation.
Scenario 4
- Padre: Cielo, ponte un abrigo, hace mucho viento. (Darling, put on a coat, it's very windy.)
- Hijo: Pero papá, ¿por qué? No tengo frío. (But dad, why? I'm not cold.)
- Padre: Créeme, va a hacer mucho frío más tarde. (Believe me, it's going to be very cold later.)
- Observation: Va a hacer mucho frío is a prediction based on the current weather conditions (windy) and general knowledge.
These examples demonstrate the versatility and naturalness of ir + a + infinitive in conveying plans, intentions, and predictions across various communication styles. It is the go-to structure for expressing what you are going to do.
Progressive Practice
Mastering ir + a + infinitive requires consistent, deliberate practice beyond memorizing conjugations. Integrate these strategies into your daily routine to solidify your understanding and improve your fluency.
- Daily Self-Narration: Begin your day by mentally (or verbally, if alone) narrating your immediate plans using this structure. For example, Voy a levantarme, voy a preparar el desayuno, voy a leer las noticias. Continue this throughout the day: Después voy a trabajar, voy a almorzar, voy a estudiar español. This active recall reinforces the pattern constantly.
- Future Planning Exercises: Write down your plans for the upcoming week, month, or even year, exclusively using ir + a + infinitive. Challenge yourself to describe specific intentions and actions. For example, La semana que viene voy a tener una reunión importante. or El próximo verano voy a viajar a Colombia.
- Dialogue Creation: Craft short dialogues with an imaginary friend or study partner where you discuss weekend plans, holiday intentions, or even what you predict will happen in a TV show. Focus on asking and answering questions using ¿Qué vas a hacer? and Voy a...
- Listening Immersion: Actively listen for ir + a + infinitive in Spanish podcasts, songs, movies, and TV shows. When you hear it, pause and try to identify the conjugated ir form, the a, and the infinitive. Pay attention to the context to understand why it was used over other future forms.
- Translation Practice (English to Spanish): Take simple English sentences expressing future intentions (e.g., "I'm going to cook dinner," "They are going to buy a house") and translate them into Spanish. Then, try translating sentences that use "will" (e.g., "I will call you") and consciously decide if ir + a + infinitive or the simple future is more appropriate based on the context and level of intention.
- Role-Playing: If you have a language exchange partner or a class, engage in role-playing scenarios where you discuss future events, such as planning a trip, describing your career goals, or predicting the outcome of a game.
- Error Awareness: When you make a mistake, especially omitting the a or double conjugating, consciously correct yourself and articulate why it was an error. This metacognitive process deepens your grammatical understanding.
Consistent engagement with these progressive practice methods will not only make the ir + a + infinitive structure second nature but also enhance your overall comprehension and production of Spanish.
Quick FAQ
ir + a + infinitive construction, addressing common learner queries and clarifying nuances.- Q: Is
ir + a + infinitiveonly for the near future? - A: Not exclusively. While often associated with the immediate future, its core meaning is present intention or decision. You can use it for plans far in the future, as long as the intention is established now. For example,
Voy a comprar una casa en cinco años(I am going to buy a house in five years) is perfectly valid if that is your current, firm plan.
- Q: How do I form negative sentences with
ir + a + infinitive? - A: Simply place
nodirectly before the conjugated form ofir. The rest of the structure remains unchanged. No voy a salir esta noche.(I am not going to go out tonight.)Ellos no van a venir a la fiesta.(They are not going to come to the party.)
- Q: What about reflexive verbs or verbs with object pronouns? Where do the pronouns go?
- A: With
ir + a + infinitive, you have two correct options for pronoun placement:
- 1Before
ir: The pronoun precedes the conjugated form ofir.
Me voy a levantar temprano.(I am going to get up early.)
- 1Attached to the infinitive: The pronoun is attached directly to the end of the infinitive.
Voy a levantarme temprano.(I am going to get up early.)
- Q: Is it correct to say
Voy a ir a...(I am going to go to...)? It sounds redundant. - A: Yes, it is absolutely correct! While it might sound repetitive,
Voy a ir a la escuela(I am going to go to school) is grammatically sound. The firstiris part of their + a + infinitiveconstruction (the auxiliary), and the secondiris the main verb "to go" (the infinitive). They perform distinct functions.
- Q: Can I use
ir + a + infinitivein formal contexts, like a job interview? - A: Yes, definitely. When discussing future plans, commitments, or aspirations in a formal setting,
ir + a + infinitiveconveys clarity and determination. For example,Voy a aprender nuevas habilidades para este puesto(I am going to learn new skills for this position) sounds professional and intentional.
- Q: Is there a difference in usage between Spain and Latin America?
- A: The structure
ir + a + infinitiveitself is identical and equally prevalent throughout the Spanish-speaking world. The primary difference you will encounter is the use ofvosotros(and its correspondingvais) in Spain for informal plural "you," whereas Latin America usesustedes(andvan) for both formal and informal plural "you." - Spain:
Vosotros vais a estudiar juntos.(You all are going to study together.) - Latin America:
Ustedes van a estudiar juntos.(You all are going to study together.)
Conjugation of 'Ir' (To Go)
| Subject | Conjugation of Ir | Preposition | Infinitive |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Yo
|
voy
|
a
|
estudiar
|
|
Tú
|
vas
|
a
|
estudiar
|
|
Él/Ella/Usted
|
va
|
a
|
estudiar
|
|
Nosotros/as
|
vamos
|
a
|
estudiar
|
|
Vosotros/as
|
vais
|
a
|
estudiar
|
|
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes
|
van
|
a
|
estudiar
|
Meanings
This construction is used to express future intentions, planned actions, or predictions based on current evidence.
Immediate Future
Actions planned for the near future.
“Voy a comprar pan.”
“Vamos a salir pronto.”
Logical Prediction
Predicting something based on current signs.
“Va a llover pronto.”
“El coche va a chocar.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Ir + a + Inf
|
Voy a comer
|
|
Negative
|
No + Ir + a + Inf
|
No voy a comer
|
|
Question
|
¿Ir + a + Inf?
|
¿Vas a comer?
|
|
Past Intention
|
Iba + a + Inf
|
Iba a comer
|
|
Plural
|
Van + a + Inf
|
Van a comer
|
|
Reflexive
|
Voy + a + [Inf]se
|
Voy a ducharme
|
Formality Spectrum
Voy a ingerir alimentos. (Eating)
Voy a comer. (Eating)
Voy a zampar. (Eating)
Voy a darle al diente. (Eating)
The Future Path
Intentions
- Voy a viajar I am going to travel
Predictions
- Va a llover It is going to rain
Examples by Level
Voy a comer.
I am going to eat.
Vas a estudiar.
You are going to study.
Vamos a jugar.
We are going to play.
Van a dormir.
They are going to sleep.
¿Vas a ir al cine?
Are you going to go to the cinema?
No voy a trabajar hoy.
I am not going to work today.
Va a llover pronto.
It is going to rain soon.
Vamos a comprar comida.
We are going to buy food.
Iba a llamarte, pero se me olvidó.
I was going to call you, but I forgot.
Todo va a salir bien.
Everything is going to turn out well.
Vas a tener que estudiar más.
You are going to have to study more.
No creo que vaya a funcionar.
I don't think it is going to work.
Si sigues así, vas a arruinarlo todo.
If you keep going like this, you are going to ruin everything.
Estábamos a punto de irnos cuando llegaste.
We were about to leave when you arrived.
Va a ser un día muy largo.
It is going to be a very long day.
No van a permitir que entremos.
They are not going to allow us to enter.
Parece que el proyecto va a requerir más tiempo.
It seems the project is going to require more time.
No me digas que vas a renunciar ahora.
Don't tell me you are going to quit now.
Iban a casarse en junio, pero lo pospusieron.
They were going to get married in June, but they postponed it.
Va a ser difícil convencerlos.
It is going to be difficult to convince them.
Dada la coyuntura, el mercado va a sufrir cambios drásticos.
Given the situation, the market is going to undergo drastic changes.
Iba a ser una velada inolvidable, y así fue.
It was going to be an unforgettable evening, and so it was.
No es que vaya a cambiar mucho, pero es necesario.
It is not that it is going to change much, but it is necessary.
Va a resultar contraproducente si no actuamos ya.
It is going to prove counterproductive if we don't act now.
Easily Confused
Learners don't know when to use one or the other.
Learners forget the 'a'.
Present tense can imply future.
Common Mistakes
Voy a como
Voy a comer
Voy comer
Voy a comer
Ellos voy a comer
Ellos van a comer
Voy a comiendo
Voy a comer
¿Vas tú a comer?
¿Vas a comer?
Va a lloverá
Va a llover
Voy a ir a la tienda
Voy a la tienda
Iba a comeré
Iba a comer
Voy a que comer
Voy a comer
Va a serlo
Va a ser
Va a haberán problemas
Va a haber problemas
Voy a haberme ido
Voy a haberme ido
Va a ser de ser
Va a ser
Sentence Patterns
Yo voy a ___.
¿Vas a ___ con nosotros?
No creo que él vaya a ___.
Todo va a ___ bien.
Real World Usage
¿Qué vas a hacer?
Voy a aportar valor.
Voy a pedir pizza.
Voy a visitar Madrid.
¡Voy a publicar esto!
Va a llover.
Keep it simple
Don't conjugate the second verb
Use time markers
Regional variations
Smart Tips
Always use 'ir a' instead of the simple future for immediate plans.
Keep it in the infinitive form to avoid conjugation errors.
Use contractions if possible, though 'ir a' doesn't contract.
Use 'va a' when you see evidence.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'a' often links to the following vowel.
Question
↗¿Vas a comer?
Rising intonation at the end.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember: 'I'm going to' = 'Ir a'. Just add the verb!
Visual Association
Imagine yourself walking (ir) toward a giant letter 'A' that leads to a door (your infinitive verb).
Rhyme
Conjugate 'ir', add an 'a', the next verb stays the same way!
Story
Juan is standing at the bus stop. He says, 'Voy a viajar' (I am going to travel). He sees the bus coming and says, 'Va a llegar' (It is going to arrive). He is ready for his future.
Word Web
Challenge
Write down 5 things you are going to do tomorrow using this structure.
Cultural Notes
In Spain, 'ir a' is used constantly for immediate plans.
Often used with 'ahorita' (right now).
Uses 'vos' form: 'Vas a ir'.
Derived from the Latin 'ire' (to go) + 'ad' (to) + infinitive.
Conversation Starters
¿Qué vas a hacer este fin de semana?
¿Vas a estudiar español mañana?
¿Qué vas a pedir de comer?
¿Crees que va a llover hoy?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Yo ___ a comer.
Ellos ___ a estudiar.
Find and fix the mistake:
Voy a como.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
We are going to sleep.
Answer starts with: Vam...
A: ¿Vas a salir? B: No, ___.
Use 'va' and 'llover'.
Which is an infinitive?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesYo ___ a comer.
Ellos ___ a estudiar.
Find and fix the mistake:
Voy a como.
a / comer / voy / yo
We are going to sleep.
A: ¿Vas a salir? B: No, ___.
Use 'va' and 'llover'.
Which is an infinitive?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisespelícula / ver / voy / una / a
Are you (informal) going to dance?
Match the items:
Tú ___ a comprar una computadora.
How do you say 'Are you (formal) going to pay?'
Ella va a duerme.
They are going to travel.
mañana / trabajar / vamos / a
Nosotros vamos ___ salir esta tarde.
Choose the 'vosotros' form:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It is better to use the simple future for distant events, but 'ir a' is acceptable.
It is neutral and used in almost all contexts.
It is a preposition required by the verb 'ir' when followed by an infinitive.
Yes, e.g., 'Voy a ducharme' or 'Me voy a duchar'.
Conjugating the second verb.
Yes, it is a direct equivalent of 'going to'.
Yes, it is universal.
Just add 'no' before 'ir'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Aller + infinitive
None, the structure is identical.
Werden + infinitive
German does not use a motion verb for the future.
Going to + infinitive
English uses 'to', Spanish uses 'a'.
Verb + tsumori
Japanese does not use a verb of motion.
Sa- / Sawfa + verb
Arabic uses prefixes, not periphrastic constructions.
Yào + verb
Chinese does not conjugate verbs.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Spanish Future Perfect: Speculating About the Past (Se habrá ido)
Overview The **Spanish Future Perfect** (`el pretérito perfecto futuro`), also known as the `futuro compuesto` or `antec...
Spanish Guessing Game: The Conditional of Conjecture (Serían las cinco)
Overview The Spanish simple conditional tense, `el condicional simple`, is typically introduced as the equivalent of th...
Spanish Future Simple: Talking about 'Will' (-é, -ás, -á)
Overview The **futuro simple** (simple future) tense in Spanish articulates actions and events that `will` happen. Unlik...
Spanish Future Perfect: Actions Completed by (Futuro Perfecto)
Overview By this time tomorrow, will you have finally finished that Netflix series everyone is talking about? Or will yo...
Spanish Simple Future: The 'Will' Tense (Futuro Simple)
Overview The **Futuro Simple**, or Simple Future tense, in Spanish denotes actions, events, or states occurring at a lat...
