Can you put por before a verb?
Usa "por" antes de un verbo? Si puede, cuando usa "por" antes de un verbo, u cuando uso "para" antes de un verbo. Si puede, contesta en ingles.
If you can use por before a verb, when would you use it instead of para. Please answer in english if possible.
Gracias/ Thank You
3 Answers
Both "estar por + infinitive" and "estar para + infinitive" are commonly used.
"Estar por + infinitive" is used to indicate that someone feels like doing something or is in the mood to do something. "Estoy por ir al cine...estamos por tomar una coca...están por escuchar música". In these sentences, all of the people are in the mood to do the activity. (Or put "no" in front of the verb and they are not in the mood.)
"Estar para + infinitive" means that someone is about to do something, or on the verge of doing something. "Estamos para salir....estoy por ir a la casa de mi tía...está por cometer un error tremendo". In these sentences, all of these people are on the verge of doing something.
Regarding "por" before verbs, anytime you say "thank you for + verb", you will say "gracias por + infinitive" In English we use the gerund form (the -ing form), but in Spanish the infinitive is used. Examples: "Thank you for helping me...Gracias por ayudarme." "Thank you for giving us the advice...Gracias por darnos los consejos" "Thank you for taking the time...Gracias por tomar el tiempo."
I hope this has helped.
Yes you can.
Estoy por comprar un auto.
EDIT:
Mountaingirl
I am not sure about what you are saying about "estar para + inf" as someone is about to do something.
That's "estar por"
"estar para" examples:
estoy para ti, I am at your service
estoy para recoger la basura - I am here to pick up trash
yes.
