When to use Para before an Infinitive

Question

Is there a rule about this? When do we use "para + the infinitive of a verb" In some instances this wouldn't sound right...por ejemplo "necesito trabajar" would never be "necesito para trabajar". But in other instances it sounds correct to say something like "necesito trabajar para obtener mas dinero"

thoughts?

Answer 1

Para + infinitive = "in order" to do something.

"Necesito para trabajar" would mean "I need in order to work", or "I need for to work", and wouldn't make sense, like you said.

"Necesito trabajar para obtener más dinero" would mean "I need to work in order to get/make/obtain more money".

I hope that helps...

thanks so much. think of it in terms of "in order.." helps me a lot - Cal_ifornia, Dec 10, 2011

Quickest "accept" in SD history :)) - ian-hill, Dec 10, 2011

Yay! I win!! - Tosh, Dec 10, 2011

haha i don't even know what it means when i click "accept". im new, and just click buttons haha!! - Cal_ifornia, Dec 10, 2011

nice explanation Tosh :) - Kiwi-Girl, Dec 10, 2011

Answer 2

Another use is with estar to mean "to be about to" or "to be ready to" + infinitive

Estoy para salir. (I'm ready to leave. I am about to leave.)

Estamos para hacer comer. (We're ready to eat. We're about to eat.)

Yes Good one Kiwi Thank you for reminding me of this application of para :) - FELIZ77, Dec 11, 2011

Answer 3

Here is when I asked the same thing:

http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/189757/explanation-for-para-infinitive

Read that for more of an explanation.

Answer 4

Well, Para means to or in order to do something

Necesito ganar más dinero para viajar en todo el mundo

= I need to earn more money in order to travel around the world

The para + infinitve construction is used whenever you need to signify in order to do something eg You have to use eggs (in order) to make an omelette

= Hay que usar huevos para cocinar una tortilla.

I hope this helps