"Para" + infinitive
Is the only time para will be used in front of an infinitive when it means in order to? Sometimes I see it in front of an infinitive and adding "in order to" does not sound right.
For example, the beginning of a Spanish section in a book is called "Para empezar". Why would it be titled in order to begin? Why not just to begin?
2 Answers
I think the use of "in order to" is a handy crutch, used mostly for teaching purposes.
Since para is used for destination, objective, purpose, etc... then any use that completely fails to make sense with "in order to" is probably a sign that "por" is the better choice. I can't think of any expression involving "in order to ..." that doesn't state purpose.
Se puede usarlo para indicar inminencia o propósito.
Examples from the dictionary.
He is ready to win.
Él está preparado para ganar.
The meal is ready to be served.
La comida está lista para servir.
