Spanish · B1 · Everyday language
Plans that need a second verb in Spanish
In Spanish, expressing plans, hopes, and attempts often involves using a primary verb followed immediately by an infinitive. Unlike English (which uses 'to') or German (which uses 'zu'), some Spanish verbs link directly to the infinitive, while others require a specific preposition like 'de'.
What you'll learn
- Master the use of 'tratar de' to express attempts.
- Use 'esperar' and 'planear' to talk about future intentions.
- Correctiy link 'olvidar' with an infinitive for forgotten actions.
- Understand which verbs require the preposition 'de' before a second verb.
Spanish phrases for plans that need a second verb
Estoy tratando de hablar más despacio.
I am trying to speak more slowly.
'Tratar' always requires 'de' before the infinitive when it means 'to try'.
Planeamos quedarnos un poco más de tiempo.
We are planning to stay a little longer.
'Planear' is followed directly by the infinitive without a preposition.
Espero terminar para el jueves.
I hope to finish by Thursday.
'Esperar' connects directly to the infinitive when the subject remains the same.
¿Olvidaste anotar el número?
Did you forget to write down the number?
'Olvidar' is used here in the preterite (past) tense followed by the infinitive.
Ella está tratando de encontrar un asiento más tranquilo.
She is trying to find a quieter seat.
Note the placement of 'de' between the action and the goal.
Esperamos verte pronto de nuevo.
We hope to see you again soon.
The pronoun 'te' (you) is attached to the end of the infinitive 'ver'.
Planeo practicar todas las tardes.
I am planning to practise every afternoon.
Spanish often uses the present tense ('planeo') to express current ongoing plans.
Por favor, intenta cerrar la puerta en silencio.
Please try to close the door quietly.
'Intentar' is a synonym for 'tratar de' but does NOT use the preposition 'de'.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Tratar de
To try to
Requires the preposition 'de' before the next verb.
Intentar
To try
Does not require a preposition; followed directly by the infinitive.
Esperar
To hope / To wait
In this context, it means 'to hope'.
Anotar
To write down / To note
Commonly used for phone numbers or quick notes.
Verbs with Prepositions vs. Direct Infinitives
In Spanish, the second verb stays in its base form (infinitive). The main verb determines if a linking word (like 'de') is needed.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tratar + de | Tratar de + [Infinitive] | Trato de estudiar. |
| Intentar (Direct) | Intentar + [Infinitive] | Intento estudiar. |
| Esperar (Direct) | Esperar + [Infinitive] | Espero viajar. |
| Olvidar (Direct) | Olvidar + [Infinitive] | Olvidé llamar. |
More examples
No olvides comprar leche.
Don't forget to buy milk.
An imperative (command) followed by a direct infinitive.
Tratamos de no hacer mucho ruido.
We try not to make much noise.
Notice 'no' is placed before the infinitive but after 'de'.
¿Qué planeas hacer este fin de semana?
What do you plan to do this weekend?
A common way to ask about future intentions.