Usage of the "Ir" Verb

Question

Sometimes I see the use of "ir" verb with "a" - example: Vamos a almorzar; but sometime I see the user of "ir" verb with "al" - example: Vamos al parque.

Would pls. explain when to use with the "ir" verb with "al" vs. "a"?

Muchos gracias!

Answer 1

Ir + a + infinitive means Going to do something. Vamos a comer means We are going to eat.

Ir al + place means To go somewhere. Vamos al parque means We are going to the park.

You beat me. - 0074b507, Apr 2, 2011

Very clear answer!! - ZitaSavitri, Apr 2, 2011

"Vamos a la tienda." "al" is just "a" + "el" - samdie, Apr 3, 2011

Answer 2

delete-already answered

The preposition "a" has several uses.

Ir+a+verb infinitive is a periphrasis like tener que that has a special meaning. It means going to (in all tenses) and whatever the verb is.

Voy a comer=I am going to eat (referring to near future time)

Fui a comer=I was going to eat (near future time in the past)

Vamos al parque. Here the "a" is just the normal prepostion "to". We are going to the park.

Muchos gracias!! - ZitaSavitri, Apr 2, 2011