para + Infinitive

In Order to

Level 1

Use 'para' followed by a verb in its original '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form (infinitive) to state the purpose of an action.

How It Works

In Spanish, 'para' is a preposition that often indicates purpose, goal, or destination. When you combine it with an infinitive (the basic, unconjugated form of a verb ending in -ar, -er, or -ir), you create a simple and powerful way to express 'in order to' do something.

Formula: Action + para + infinitive (verb)

  • Action: Estudio mucho. (I study a lot.)
  • Purpose: aprobar el examen. (to pass the exam.)
  • Combined: Estudio mucho para aprobar el examen. (I study a lot in order to pass the exam.)

This is a very common structure. Remember that the verb in this para + infinitive pattern stays unconjugated.

It's important not to confuse 'para' with 'por'. While both can sometimes be translated as 'for', para + infinitive commonly states a goal; por can also express purpose with certain infinitives. For a detailed comparison, see por vs para.

Who Performs the Intended Action?
The main subject often also performs the infinitive: Estudio para aprender (I study to learn). But this is not an absolute same-subject rule: Te doy dinero para comprar pan can mean that you will buy the bread. The context identifies who acts. Para que + subjunctive makes the finite clause explicit: Te doy dinero para que compres pan.

Other Uses of Para
This lesson covers purpose with an infinitive. Para also appears before nouns and pronouns, as in para Ana or para mí. Do not treat the infinitive rule as a ban on those different complements.

Examples (5)

  1. Estudio español para viajar a México.

    I study Spanish in order to travel to Mexico.

    Word by Word: I study Spanish for to travel to Mexico.

  2. Necesito dinero para comprar un libro.

    I need money to buy a book.

    Word by Word: I need money for to buy a book.

  3. Ella corre para estar en forma.

    She runs to be in shape.

    Word by Word: She runs for to be in shape.

  4. Vamos al supermercado para comprar comida.

    We are going to the supermarket to buy food.

    Word by Word: We go to the supermarket for to buy food.

  5. Uso mi teléfono para llamar a mis amigos.

    I use my phone to call my friends.

    Word by Word: I use my phone for to call my friends.

Common Mistakes

  • Conjugating the verb after 'para'

    Trabajo mucho para gano más dinero.
    Trabajo mucho para ganar más dinero.

    This purpose pattern takes an infinitive, para ganar. A finite clause would need que and subjunctive, as in para que gane; para gano does not form either construction.

  • Adding que while retaining the infinitive in a purpose clause.

    Leo libros para que aprender cosas nuevas.
    Leo libros para aprender cosas nuevas.

    Use para aprender for the infinitive pattern. Para que requires a finite subjunctive clause, such as para que mis hijos aprendan. Por can express a goal with certain infinitives in other contexts.

How It Connects

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para + InfinitiveLevel 1In Order to

Learn This First

To use 'para + infinitive', a learner must understand that 'para' is a preposition used to indicate purpose and that it must be followed by the base (infinitive) form of a verb rather than a conjugated one.

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