Preposition Change before Infinitives
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.
An infinitival complement may express an intended action rather than a topic: pensa a enviar l'informe asks somebody to remember the task. In contrast, pensa en l'informe merely identifies what occupies their thoughts. This meaning difference matters more than mechanically swapping en for a. With insisteix a revisar-ho, formal a links the insistence to an action. Check the verb and its sense before applying the same adjustment to another construction.
Examples (3)
- Pensa a enviar l’informe.
Remember to send the report.
- Insisteix a revisar-ho personalment.
She insists on reviewing it personally.
- Es complau a presentar els resultats.
He is pleased to present the results.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Identify the lexical construction before adjusting a governed preposition before an infinitive.
Related Patterns
Practice Preposition Change before Infinitives in Bubblegum
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