Spanish · B1 · Everyday language
Intentions Into Action in Spanish
In this guide, we focus on expressing intentions, plans, and forgotten tasks using specific Spanish verbs followed by infinitives. This is essential for coordinating daily activities with children.
What you'll learn
- Use 'intentar' and 'tratar de' to express attempts.
- Formulate plans and hopes using 'planear' and 'esperar'.
- Communicate forgotten actions using 'olvidar'.
- Understand when to use prepositions like 'de' before an infinitive.
Spanish phrases for intentions into action
Estás intentando terminar los deberes antes del entrenamiento de fútbol.
You are trying to finish your homework before football practice.
'Intentar' is followed directly by the infinitive.
Estoy intentando escuchar sin interrumpirte.
I am trying to listen without interrupting you.
The pronoun 'te' is attached to the end of the infinitive 'interrumpir'.
Planeamos invitar a dos amigos a una fiesta de pijamas.
We are planning to invite two friends for a sleepover.
'Planear' acts as the main verb followed by 'invitar'.
Planeas recoger tu habitación antes de que lleguen tus amigos.
You are planning to tidy your room before your friends arrive.
'Recoger' means to tidy up or pick up.
Espero recogerte a tiempo después de la reunión del club.
I hope to pick you up on time after the club meeting.
'Esperar' can mean both 'to hope' and 'to wait'.
Esperamos probar el nuevo juego de mesa este fin de semana.
We hope to try out the new board game this weekend.
'Probar' is used for trying things or tasting food.
Olvidaste apagar la tableta antes de la cena.
You forgot to switch off the tablet before dinner.
'Olvidar' is followed directly by an infinitive.
Olvidé traer el formulario de autorización.
I forgot to bring the permission form.
'Traer' means to bring.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
intentar
to try
Used for attempts; does not require a preposition.
tratar de
to try to
Synonym for 'intentar' but requires the preposition 'de'.
planear
to plan
Used for future intentions.
esperar
to hope
Used followed by an infinitive when the subject doesn't change.
Verbs with Infinitive Complements
In Spanish, many verbs like 'intentar', 'esperar', and 'olvidar' connect directly to an infinitive. However, 'tratar' requires 'de'. When using pronouns (me, te, lo, etc.), they can be attached to the end of the infinitive.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Link | Verb + Infinitive | Espero ir (I hope to go) |
| Prepositional Link | Tratar + de + Infinitive | Trato de estudiar (I try to study) |
| Pronoun Placement | Infinitive + Pronoun | Voy a ayudarte (I am going to help you) |
More examples
Intenta comer más verduras.
Try to eat more vegetables.
Imperative form of 'intentar'.
Olvidamos comprar la leche.
We forgot to buy the milk.
Past tense of 'olvidar'.
Trato de hacer ejercicio cada día.
I try to exercise every day.
Using 'tratar de' instead of 'intentar'.