Preposition Change before Infinitives

Level 4

Some governed en or amb complements use a or de before an infinitive in careful formal writing.

How It Works

Learn the preposition with each governing verb. Before a noun, pensar en can mean thinking about something; before an intended action, pensar a fer una cosa commonly means remembering to do it. Insistir en una proposta gives insistir a presentar-la in careful formal usage.

The change is not a general ban on en or amb before every infinitive. Particular verbs, meanings and less formal registers differ. Keep established expressions such as tenir prou amb and compare the actual construction rather than applying a blind replacement.

An infinitive normally leaves its subject unexpressed. If you need a finite clause with its own subject, examine the separate rule for the preposition before que.

Examples (3)

  1. Pensa a tancar la finestra.

    Remember to close the window.

  2. Insisteix a pagar el compte.

    He insists on paying the bill.

  3. Es conforma a rebre una resposta.

    She is content to receive an answer.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Preposition Change before InfinitivesLevel 4

Learn This First

Recognize lexical preposition government before replacing or dropping its complement marker. Recognize an infinitive and its own complements before changing prepositions or moving clitics.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern