Por + infinitive

Question

I am using Rosetta Stone to learn Spanish and I have come across the sentence: "Estoy por limpiar el piso."

I already know that "Estoy limpiando el piso" means I am cleaning the floor.

But how does the meaning change when you use the word "por" followed by the infinitive? I appreciate any explanations.

im about to clean the floor - Rey_Mysterio, Aug 28, 2012

Answer 1

Si añades el "por" le das caracter de futuro a la oración , es decir , si "Estoy por limpiar el piso" quiere decir que esa persona va a limpiar el piso dentro de poco. (que es caso como decir "Voy a limpiar el piso dentro de poco)

Answer 2

"Estoy por limpiar el piso"

Could this also equate to "I'm all for cleaning the floor". ?

Which can mean I think it is a good idea but not necessarily to be done by me.

Yes i'm with you there Ian. - kenwilliams, Aug 28, 2012

Answer 3

"Estoy por limpiar el piso" Is like "I'm about to clean the floor" "Estoy limpiando el piso" says that you're doing it actively.

Por + infinitve, can be something different. Estoy por + infinitive = I'm about to

Por + inf. = Porque + verbo conjugado: Por venir tarde, no entró = Porque vino tarde... + For coming late, he didn't get in.

Answer 4

You might find this lesson useful: Por vs Para

Here's an excerpt:

estar + por = to have a mind to, to feel like, to fancy, to be in favour of, to be in the mood to

Estoy por bailar. I feel like dancing.

por + inf = yet to be, pending or on a deadline

Las tareas están por hacer. The chores still need doing. (are yet to be done)

Tengo un montón de ropa por planchar. (as opposed to purpose or use - La plancha es para planchar.)

Estar + para + inf = about to, to be on the point of, on the verge of

El bús está para salir. The bus is about to leave.