Spanish · B1 · Everyday language
Trying Planning Remembering in Spanish
This guide focuses on linking verbs like 'to try', 'to plan', and 'to forget' with other actions using infinitives. In Spanish, these structures allow parents to talk about daily routines, future intentions, and minor mishaps in a gentle, clear way.
What you'll learn
- Use 'intentar' and 'tratar de' to talk about efforts.
- Form sentences with 'planear' and 'esperar' for future intentions.
- Corrects use of 'olvidar' with infinitives for past events.
- Recognize when prepositions like 'de' are needed between verbs.
Spanish phrases for trying planning remembering
Intento leer contigo todas las noches.
I'm trying to read with you every evening.
'Intento' comes from 'intentar'. It is followed directly by the infinitive.
Intentas ordenar tu escritorio antes de los deberes.
You're trying to tidy up your desk before homework.
'Deberes' is a common term for school homework in Spain.
Planeamos invitar a tu amigo el viernes.
We're planning to invite your friend over on Friday.
The personal 'a' is used before 'tu amigo' because the object is a specific person.
Planeo recogerte después del fútbol.
I'm planning to pick you up after football.
Pronouns like 'te' can be attached to the end of the infinitive 'recoger'.
Esperas terminar tu libro esta semana.
You're hoping to finish your book this week.
'Esperar' means both 'to wait' and 'to hope'.
Espero ir a tu excursión escolar.
I'm hoping to come along on your class trip.
'Excursión' is the standard term for a school field trip.
Olvidaste guardar tu libro de lectura.
You forgot to pack your reading book.
'Guardar' is often used for putting things away or packing them into a bag.
Olvidé traer tu bolsa de deporte.
I forgot to bring your sports bag along.
Use the preterite tense 'olvidé' for a specific instance of forgetting.
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
Usually followed directly by an infinitive.
tratar de
to try / to attempt
A common synonym for intentar, but requires the preposition 'de'.
planear
to plan
Used for intentions and scheduled activities.
olvidar
to forget
Can be used as 'olvidar' or 'olvidarse de'.
Infinitive Complements
In Spanish, many verbs expressing intention or mental states connect directly to a second verb in its infinitive form (ending in -ar, -er, -ir).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Intentar | intentar + [infinitive] | Intento estudiar. |
| Planear | planear + [infinitive] | Planeo cocinar. |
| Esperar | esperar + [infinitive] | Espero verte. |
Prepositions with Verbs
Some verbs require a specific preposition before the infinitive. 'Tratar' requires 'de', while 'intentar' does not.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tratar de | tratar + de + [infinitive] | Trato de ayudar. |
| Olvidarse de | olvidarse + de + [infinitive] | Me olvidé de llamar. |
More examples
Trato de no llegar tarde.
I try not to be late.
Adding 'no' before the infinitive makes the action negative.
¿Planeas ir al parque hoy?
Are you planning to go to the park today?
Questions follow the same word order as statements.
Espero que no se te olvide la merienda.
I hope you don't forget your snack.
A slightly more advanced construction using the subjunctive for a wish.