NexoUsing verbs
Plans, obligations & verb patterns
Combine one conjugated verb with an infinitive to express plans, needs, and purposes.
In a two-verb message with one subject, conjugate the first verb and keep the second action infinitive. Preserve the connector a in ir a, que in tener que, and para before an infinitive purpose; verbs such as querer, poder, necesitar, preferir, and deber connect directly.
The useful model
Start with meaning, then choose the form.
Spanish creates efficient messages by letting one conjugated verb frame another action: Voy a estudiar, tengo que trabajar, and quiero descansar. The first form identifies the subject and adds planning, obligation, desire, ability, need, or preference.
The connector belongs to the pattern, not to the English translation. Learn ir a and tener que as complete frames, while querer, poder, necesitar, preferir, and deber take an infinitive directly. Para + infinitive names the goal of another action.
Decision routine
Work through the message in a dependable order.
Choose the relationship
Name whether the second action is a plan, obligation, desire, ability, preference, need, or purpose.
Conjugate the framing verb
Match ir, tener, querer, poder, or another first verb to the person responsible for the message.
Preserve the frame
Keep a or que when the pattern requires it, and leave the second action in the infinitive.
Check the idea
Can you explain the decision?
Ana plans to work tomorrow. Should trabajar be conjugated after va a?
Reveal the answer
Va already carries the subject and present form; the planned action remains the infinitive trabajar.
Learn it in context