Ir + a + Infinitive

What This Structure Does

The structure ir + a + infinitive is used to express the near future.

• Voy a estudiar. = I am going to study
• Vamos a salir. = We are going to leave

Core Meaning

Future based on intention, plan, or immediate decision.

When to Use It

1. Planned actions

• Voy a trabajar mañana.

2. Immediate decisions

• Voy a llamar ahora.

3. Strong intention

• Vamos a cambiar el sistema.

Comparison with Futuro Simple

• Voy a estudiar -> planned / certain
• Estudiaré -> prediction / distant future

Time Expressions

• mañana (tomorrow)
• luego (later)
• esta noche (tonight)

Key Insight

This is the most commonly used future structure in spoken Spanish.

Conjugation of ir

Full Structure

ir + a + infinitive

Examples:

• Voy a estudiar
• Vamos a trabajar
• Van a salir

Important Rules

1. Infinitive does NOT change

• voy a comer ✔
• voy a como ❌

2. Always use "a"

• voy a estudiar ✔
• voy estudiar ❌

3. Conjugate only "ir"

• voy a hablar ✔
• hablo a hablar ❌

Word Order

Standard:

• Voy a llamar a María

With Object Pronouns

Two positions possible:

• Lo voy a hacer
• Voy a hacerlo

Negative

• No voy a salir

Questions

• ¿Vas a venir?

Comparison with Present

Spanish often uses present for near future:

• Mañana trabajo
• Mañana voy a trabajar

Both are correct, but:

• ir + a -> more explicit

Cognitive Model

ir = movement toward future + infinitive = action

-> moving into an action

Pattern Check

Summary

1. ir + a + infinitive 2. expresses planned or near future 3. very common in spoken Spanish 4. easier than futuro simple

This is the foundation of future expressions.