Why "a" is added?

Question

In sentence "El profeso llevas los libros y os los va a entregar", the "a" in front of "entregar" is added. Is it correct or a mistake? Should it be "... y os los entregar."

Answer 1

"Va a entregar" = going to deliver

Here's a little formula for you...

A form of ir + a + any infinitive = "going to...(insert verb here)". This is one way to express the future. It's called the "informal future"!

And, as Margaret said, make these little corrections:

El profesor llevas lleva los libros y os los va a entregar

I hope I helped

Many thanks!!! - PFWspanish, Jul 16, 2011

yes, about this formula "ir a + infinitive" is a neat way to use the future tense by using the present tense. Instead of saying " El profesor entregará los libros" you can say "El profesor va a entregar los libros". - margaretcorwin, Jul 16, 2011

Exactly, Margaret. I think it's called 'informal future'. :) It's a great formula! - SonrisaDelSol, Jul 16, 2011

You're welcome, PFWspanish! :D - SonrisaDelSol, Jul 16, 2011

Answer 2

The verb "ir" is usually followed by "a" - to go to (ir +a) So "El profesor lleva los libros y os los va a entregar" is correct.

The problem I think you are experiencing is that you are thinking that the infinitive "entregar" = to deliver in English already has the "to". So you are thinking the sentence is "He is going to to deliver the books". But not so, the "a" here happens to be part of "going to" (va a ).