Confused when and when not to use the preposition A

Question

Hi everyone,

I've been thinking if I used the preposition A in this sentence correctly. I know that it can be translated to "to" in English but in Spanish grammar, they don't always use "to" the same way it is used in English. I've done some research but none of the rules provided says it can be used after an adjective (bueno). Below is the sentence:

Pienso que es bueno a aprender español por las canciónes.

I was thinking to omit it but wasn't very sure if it's the right thing to do. Thanks in advance for your help

Hi Athena, we had a guy a few years ago from the Philippines named "Kikko "he was a close friend of mine , and everyones really , he had one of the sharpest wits I have ever encountered and was a terrific member and friend , I miss him a lot. - ray76, Aug 11, 2014

Really? I hope you will see him again soon. That's so nice of you for complimenting him. :-) - Athena2000, Aug 11, 2014

Answer 1

I think is good to learn spanish by the songs Pienso que es bueno aprender(to learn) ingles por las canciones. But I'm not able to explain the rule, perhaps someone more help me out.

:) - Kiwi-Girl, Jul 12, 2014

Answer 2

I made this lesson on the Spanish 'a' a while back that you may find useful. Here's an excerpt below ...

Regarding the many uses of the Spanish 'a' ...

3) To connect a verb with a following infinitive

(not needed for all verbs but common after verbs describing the start of an action or the purpose of an action, as well as verbs that describe learning, attempting, achieving or maintaining something. This forumula is also found in some common expressions, as shown below)

Empezó a nadar. She started to swim.

Two other common verbs using this formula are:

Ir + a + infinitive = to be going to do something (in the near future)

Voy a nadar. I'm going to swim.

Volver + a + infinitive = to do something again

Pablo vuelve a leer el libro. Paul reads the book again.

:) - FELIZ77, Jul 12, 2014

Answer 3

Yes, I got your point pablo064, thanks a lot for your comment. Since aprender means "to learn", there is no need to add "a" or "to".

I appreciate your help.

Answer 4

Thanks, Kiwi. The "a" thrown into sentences was (and sometimes still is) confusing, but it's starting to be less 'confuzzeling' than when I first started out on this linguistic adventure!

:) - Kiwi-Girl, Aug 11, 2014

Answer 5

Just as an update here's a free ebook on the subject

Answer 6

Thank you Kiwi-Girl.

De nada :) - Kiwi-Girl, Jul 13, 2014

Answer 7

What happens with a phrase like the following?

Voy a aprender inglés.

I think this rule applies to this sentence: Ir + a + infinitive. :-) - Athena2000, Aug 12, 2014

Answer 8

Maybe it would be easeier to see why you don´t need the preposition "a" if ou rephrase your sentence this way:

Aprender español es bueno

Subject + verb to be + predicative adjective

Es bueno aprender español...

Thank you LuisCacheux. Yep, got it. :-) - Athena2000, Aug 12, 2014

Answer 9

Luis, le dices a Athena o a mí?

:D