al

to the

al(ahl)

contraction

1. (used to indicate direction)

a. to the

Vamos al centro comercial después de clases.

We're going to the shopping mall after class.

b.

no direct translation

¿Cuánto tardas en ir al trabajo?

How long does it take you to go to work?

Este año no viajaremos al extranjero.

We won't be going abroad this year.

2. (used to indicate movement)

a. into the

Miguel se lanzó al agua.

Miguel jumped into the water.

b.

no direct translation

Súbete al muro para ver mejor.

Get up on the wall to get a better view.

Se subió al coche y se fue.

He got in the car and left.

3. (used to indicate position)

a. in the

Estuvimos al sol toda la tarde.

We sat in the sun all afternoon.

b.

no direct translation

Me gusta hacer ejercicio al aire libre.

I like exercising outdoors.

Nos sentamos al fondo de la sala.

We sat at the back of the room.

4. (used to indicate frequency)

a. a

Tome el medicamento dos veces al día.

Take the medication twice a day.

preposition

5. (used with an infinitive)

a. when

Al decirle que tenía que ponerse a trabajar, Josué se enfadó mucho con su hermana.

When she told him he needed to get to work, Josue got really mad at his sister.

b. as

Al no poder encontrar trabajo, Mark decidió emigrar.

As he couldn't find a job, Mark decided to emigrate.

c. by

Al nombrarme vocero del movimiento, Carlos me dejó ver que confía en mí.

By appointing me spokesman of the movement, Carlos let me know he trusts me.

al

Copyright © 2006 Harrap Publishers Limited

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