Al + inf. What does this mean?

Question

When you use the word "al" presumably "a +el" before a verb in the beginning of a sentence like "al comer" al ser" etc. what does it mean?

Can you use it in the middle of a sentence too?

Answer 1

HI dew, it means:

When you do this.....

You could also translate it as "when", depending on context e.g., Al abrir la puerta, vi a un ladrón escapando por la ventana. Upon opening the door, I saw a thief escaping through the window. or When I opened the door, . . . or The moment I opend the door . . .

But, as given above the "textbook" translation is "Upon . . . ing".

So I guess "vi a un ladrón escapando por la ventana" doesn't mean you saw the fire escape through the window :) - Sabor, Mar 26, 2011

Jaja true. - Vince_Peña, Mar 26, 2011

Or: "Opening the door I saw a theif...." < Participle clause! - rabbitwho, Mar 26, 2011

Answer 2

Al, short for a el, is used to express motion. You use it where in English you would say "to the". I go to the doctor, today. Iré al doctor, hoy.

Correct Leatha but the question was "Al" followed by an infinitive. - Eddy, Mar 26, 2011

Oh, oops. - Leatha, Mar 26, 2011

Answer 3

Here's more info on the subject

http://spanish.about.com/od/sentencestructure/qt/al_infinitive.htm