Voy a estudiar.
English: I am going to study.
- Language
- Spanish
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Verbos modales y especiales
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In Spanish, basic verbal periphrases are two-verb constructions that express actions in progress, intention, obligation, or the near future. One verb is conjugated and the other is in the infinitive or gerund.
When to use it
Use these forms in Spanish to talk about what someone is going to do, what they have to do, or what they are doing right now.
Key forms
- ir a + infinitivo
- tener que + infinitivo
- estar + gerundio
Examples
Tienes que trabajar.
English: You have to work.
Estamos comiendo.
English: We are eating.
Ella va a viajar mañana.
English: She is going to travel tomorrow.
Estoy leyendo un libro.
English: I am reading a book.
Tips
- Remember to conjugate only the first verb; the second verb stays in the infinitive or gerund.
- Do not use 'de' after 'tener que' or 'ir a'. For example: 'tengo que estudiar', not 'tengo de que estudiar'.
- With 'estar + gerundio', make sure to use the correct form of 'estar' for the subject.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Some verbs may have irregular forms (for example, 'ir' is irregular: voy, vas, va...).