A2 Spanish grammar
Spanish Infinitive Patterns After Verbs and Prepositions
When two verbs share a subject, Spanish often conjugates the first and keeps the second in the infinitive. Prepositions and impersonal expressions can also introduce an infinitive.
Spanish infinitive patterns: Keep the second verb in the infinitive
After querer, poder, necesitar, and similar verbs, conjugate only the first verb when the subject stays the same.
Queremos aprender español.Quick check
I need to buy bread.
Use antes de and después de plus infinitive
When both actions have the same subject, use an infinitive after antes de or después de.
Me ducho antes de desayunar.Use infinitives in impersonal statements
Hay que plus an infinitive and an infinitive used as a subject express a general action without naming one actor.
Es importante descansar. Hay que dormir bien.Common mistakes
Queremos aprendemos español.
Queremos aprender español.
Do not conjugate both verbs for the same subject.
Antes de desayuno, me ducho.
Antes de desayunar, me ducho.
The action after antes de stays infinitive.
Es importante descansas.
Es importante descansar.
After es importante, use the infinitive in this general pattern.
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Infinitive patterns FAQ
What does infinitive patterns cover?
When two verbs share a subject, Spanish often conjugates the first and keeps the second in the infinitive. Prepositions and impersonal expressions can also introduce an infinitive.
What is the first rule to remember?
After querer, poder, necesitar, and similar verbs, conjugate only the first verb when the subject stays the same.
What is another important A2 pattern?
When both actions have the same subject, use an infinitive after antes de or después de.
How can I practise Spanish infinitive patterns?
Complete the focused round, review each correction, and repeat the lesson when its skills become due again.