para + Verb
In Order to
The word para acts as a bridge between an action and its purpose. When followed by a verb, it explains why something is being done (e.g., 'I study to learn').
How It Works
The construction para + verb is the most common way to express intent in everyday Filipino.
1. Verb Forms and Subjects:
In purpose clauses, the neutral/infinitive form is the standard choice. Unlike some other languages, Filipino typically uses the neutral form regardless of whether the subject of the main clause is the same as the subject of the purpose clause. For example, Nag-aral siya para pumasa (He studied to pass) and Nag-aral siya para makapasa ka (He studied so that you would pass) both use the neutral form.
2. Negative Purpose:
To express "so that... not" or "in order not to," you can place hindi or huwag immediately after para. For example: Mag-ingat para hindi mahulog (Be careful so as not to fall).
3. Focus:
While often used with actor-focus verbs, it can also be used with object-focus verbs if the object is the main point of the purpose (e.g., para kainin ang mansanas - in order to eat the apple).
4. Register:
This pattern is standard for casual and everyday conversation. In very formal or literary writing, you might see upang used instead, but para is much more frequent in daily life.
Examples (4)
- Nag-ipon siya para bumili ng bagong laptop.
He/She saved money in order to buy a new laptop.
Word by Word: Saved he/she for to-buy of new laptop.
Here, 'para' is followed by the neutral form 'bumili' to show the purpose of saving money.
- Uminom ka ng gamot para gumaling ka agad.
Take medicine so that you get well soon.
Word by Word: Drink you of medicine for get-well you immediately.
In this example, 'para' introduces the desired result. Note that the neutral form 'gumaling' is used even though the subject 'ka' is explicitly repeated.
- Nagmadali kami para hindi mahuli sa klase.
We hurried so as not to be late for class.
Word by Word: Hurried we for not be-late in class.
You can use 'hindi' after 'para' to express a negative purpose (to avoid something).
- Mag-aral mabuti para makahanap ng magandang trabaho.
Study well in order to find a good job.
Word by Word: Study well for to-be-able-to-find of beautiful job.
The verb 'makahanap' is in the neutral form, expressing the potential to find a job as the goal.
Common Mistakes
Adding 'sa' before the verb.
Nag-aral siya para sa pumasa.Nag-aral siya para pumasa.'Para sa' is only used before nouns (e.g., 'para sa bata'). When followed by a verb, you must use 'para' alone.
Using the completed (past) aspect after 'para'.
Kumain siya para nabusog.Kumain siya para mabusog.Since a purpose is an intended goal, the verb cannot be in the completed aspect. Use the neutral or contemplated form instead.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'para' with a verb to express purpose, you need to understand how to use the neutral/infinitive form of verbs and how focus determines the structure of the purpose clause.
- Infinitive Or Command Form
The 'para + verb' construction typically uses the neutral (infinitive) form of the verb to express purpose.
Level 2 - para saFor / Intended for
Understanding 'para' as a marker of intention or destination for objects helps in extending the concept to actions.
Level 2 - Choosing The Discourse Center
The verb following 'para' must still follow focus rules to correctly identify the relationship between the purpose and the actor or object.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- upangIn Order to
Upang is the formal/literary equivalent of 'para' when expressing purpose.
Level 4 - dahilBecause
While 'para' explains the goal (looking forward), 'dahil' explains the cause (looking backward).
Level 1 - Action Not Yet Begun
While 'para' usually takes the neutral form, the contemplated aspect is used for actions that have not yet begun in other contexts.
Level 2 - nang sa gayonSo That
This is a more formal way to say 'so that' or 'in that way,' similar to the purpose expressed by 'para'.
Level 4
Words in This Pattern
Practice para + Verb in Bubblegum
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