Near Future with 'ir a'

01

Formation

This structure is formed using the present tense of the verb ir (to go), followed by the preposition a, and then the main verb in its infinitive form (e.g., hablar, comer, vivir).

Formula: conjugated ir + a + infinitive

The verb ir is irregular in the present tense:

• yo voy - I go
• tú vas - you (singular, informal) go
• él/ella/usted va - he/she/you (formal) goes
• nosotros/as vamos - we go
• ustedes van - you (plural) go
• ellos/ellas van - they go

• Yo voy a trabajar mañana.

  I am going to work tomorrow.

• Nosotros vamos a cenar tacos.

  We are going to have tacos for dinner.

• ¿Ustedes van a salir esta noche?

  Are you all going out tonight?

02

Common Uses

This construction is very versatile and is used in several key situations.

1. Plans and Intentions

This is the primary use. It describes actions that have already been decided upon.

• Voy a estudiar medicina en la UNAM.

  I'm going to study medicine at UNAM.

• Mis amigos y yo vamos a ver el partido de fútbol el domingo.

  My friends and I are going to watch the soccer game on Sunday.

2. Predictions Based on Evidence

It is used to make a prediction about the future when there is clear evidence in the present.

• Mira el cielo. Va a llover muy fuerte.

  Look at the sky. It's going to rain very hard.

• El bebé está bostezando. Ya se va a dormir.

  The baby is yawning. He's going to sleep now.

3. Imminent Actions

It can describe an action that is about to happen immediately.

• ¡Agárrate! El camión ya va a arrancar.

  Hold on! The bus is about to leave.

• Espérame, ya te voy a abrir la puerta.

  Wait for me, I'm going to open the door for you now.

03

Placement of Object Pronouns

When using object pronouns (lo, la, los, las) or reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos), you have two correct options for placement.

Option 1: Before the conjugated verb ir.

• Tengo que comprar tortillas. Las voy a comprar en la tiendita.

  I have to buy tortillas. I'm going to buy them at the corner store.

• Me voy a bañar antes de salir.

  I'm going to take a shower before going out.

Option 2: Attached to the end of the infinitive.

• Tengo que comprar tortillas. Voy a comprarlas en la tiendita.

  I have to buy tortillas. I'm going to buy them at the corner store.

• Voy a bañarme antes de salir.

  I'm going to take a shower before going out.

Both placements are grammatically correct and common in Mexico. The choice is often a matter of personal preference or rhythm of speech.