con + Infinitive

Means with Con

Level 4

Use con + infinitive to show how something is done. It means 'by doing something'. For example, Con estudiar, aprobarás means 'By studying, you will pass'.

How It Works

The structure con + infinitive is a concise way to explain the means by which something is accomplished. It directly translates to the English construction "by + verb-ing".

Key Functions:

  • Expressing Means: Its primary use is to answer the question "how?". It specifies the action required to produce a result.
    Example: Se aprende mucho con viajar. (One learns a lot by traveling.)

  • Implying Sufficiency: It often carries the nuance that the action is sufficient on its own to cause the outcome. This is frequently emphasized with words like solo or simplemente.
    Example: Con solo presionar este botón, se enciende la máquina. (By just pressing this button, the machine turns on.)

  • Expressing a Condition: In some contexts, it can function like a conditional clause, similar to si (if).
    Example: Con trabajar más, podrías comprar un coche. (By working more, you could buy a car. / If you worked more, you could buy a car.)

Comparison with other structures:

  • vs. para + infinitive: Con expresses the means (how), while para expresses the purpose (why).
    Con: Consiguió el trabajo con hablar directamente con el gerente. (He got the job by speaking directly with the manager.)
    Para: Habló con el gerente para conseguir el trabajo. (He spoke with the manager in order to get the job.)

  • vs. Gerund (-ando/-iendo): The gerund can also express means and is often interchangeable. However, con + infinitive can sometimes place a stronger emphasis on the action as a specific condition or method.
    Con + Infinitivo: Con practicar cada día, mejorarás. (By practicing every day, you will improve.)
    Gerundio: Practicando cada día, mejorarás. (By practicing every day, you will improve.)

Examples (5)

  1. Con hablar con ella, resolverás el malentendido.

    By talking to her, you will resolve the misunderstanding.

    Word by Word: With to talk with her, you will resolve the misunderstanding.

  2. Se arregló todo con pedir disculpas.

    Everything was fixed by apologizing.

    Word by Word: Itself fixed everything with to ask for apologies.

  3. Con solo leer el resumen, no entenderás la trama completa.

    By just reading the summary, you won't understand the whole plot.

    The word 'solo' (just/only) is often used with this structure to emphasize that the action alone is not enough (in negative sentences) or is surprisingly sufficient (in positive ones).

  4. Con tener un poco de paciencia, lo lograrás.

    By having a little patience, you will achieve it.

    Word by Word: With to have a little of patience, it you will achieve.

  5. No se gana nada con quejarse todo el tiempo.

    Nothing is gained by complaining all the time.

    Word by Word: Not itself is gained nothing with to complain all the time.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'con' for purpose instead of 'para'.

    Voy al gimnasio con estar en forma.
    Voy al gimnasio para estar en forma.

    'Para + infinitive' expresses the purpose or goal ('in order to'). 'Con + infinitive' expresses the means or method ('by doing'). You go to the gym in order to be fit, not by means of being fit.

How It Connects

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con + InfinitiveLevel 4Means with Con

Learn This First

To use 'con + infinitive' to express means (e.g., 'con estudiar mucho'), you first need to be familiar with the preposition 'con' and recognize the infinitive form of Spanish verbs.

Words in This Pattern