DELE A2 Future with Ir a + Infinitive: Practice Test & Review
The construction ir a + infinitive is the most common way to talk about the future in Spanish. It is used for plans, intentions, and predictions based on what you can see. It appears in every section of the DELE A2 exam, and it is easier than the future tense because you only have to conjugate ir.
This page gives you a five-part practice quiz: an evaluation set to see where you stand, three practice sets to drill the construction, and a challenge set to confirm mastery. If you get stuck, scroll down for the full explanation. Ready? Start with the evaluation set below.
Grammar Guide
The Rule
Ir a + infinitive is the most common way to express the future in Spanish. It translates as “going to” in English and is used for plans, intentions, and predictions based on evidence.
Voy a estudiar = I’m going to study.
Va a llover = It’s going to rain.
The construction has three parts: the verb ir (conjugated), the preposition a, and the infinitive.
Conjugation of Ir
| Subject | Ir | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yo | voy | Voy a salir. | I’m going to go out. |
| Tú | vas | Vas a comer. | You’re going to eat. |
| Él / Ella / Usted | va | Va a llegar. | He’s going to arrive. |
| Nosotros | vamos | Vamos a viajar. | We’re going to travel. |
| Vosotros | vais | Vais a ver. | You’re going to see. |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes | van | Van a venir. | They’re going to come. |
Ir is irregular. The forms are voy, vas, va, vamos, vais, van.
When to Use Ir a + Infinitive
| Use | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Near-future plan | Esta tarde voy a estudiar. | This afternoon I’m going to study. |
| Intention | Voy a aprender español. | I’m going to learn Spanish. |
| Prediction based on evidence | Mira las nubes. Va a llover. | Look at the clouds. It’s going to rain. |
| Immediate future | ¡Va a caerse! | He’s going to fall! |
| Question about plans | ¿Qué vas a hacer mañana? | What are you going to do tomorrow? |
Time Markers
| Marker | Meaning |
|---|---|
| mañana | tomorrow |
| esta tarde | this afternoon |
| esta noche | tonight |
| esta semana | this week |
| el próximo verano | next summer |
| la semana que viene | next week |
| el mes que viene | next month |
| el próximo año | next year |
These markers signal future meaning but do not require any particular tense. The tense you choose (ir a + infinitive, simple future, or present) depends on the type of future you mean.
Ir a + Infinitive vs. Simple Present
| Ir a + infinitive | Simple present |
|---|---|
| Near-future plan | Habit or routine |
| Voy a ir al cine mañana. | Voy al cine todos los viernes. |
| I’m going to go to the cinema tomorrow. | I go to the cinema every Friday. |
Use ir a + infinitive for a specific future action. Use the present for habits and routines.
Ir a + Infinitive vs. Simple Future
| Ir a + infinitive | Simple future |
|---|---|
| Near, planned actions | Distant, unscheduled events |
| More common in speech | More formal, more common in writing |
| Voy a llamarte. | Te llamaré. |
| I’m going to call you. | I will call you. |
Both express the future. Ir a + infinitive is more common in everyday conversation. The simple future is more formal and often used for promises or distant predictions.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the preposition a.
✗ Voy estudiar.
✓ Voy a estudiar.
The construction requires a between the conjugated ir and the infinitive. - Conjugating the infinitive.
✗ Voy a estudio.
✓ Voy a estudiar.
The infinitive never changes. Only ir changes form. - Using the present for a specific future plan.
✗ Mañana voy al cine. (if you mean a specific plan)
✓ Mañana voy a ir al cine.
For a specific near-future plan, ir a + infinitive is clearer. - Using ir a + infinitive for a habit.
✗ Todos los días voy a desayunar a las siete.
✓ Todos los días desayuno a las siete.
Habits use the simple present.
Quick Decision Chart
| Ask yourself | Answer | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Is it a near-future plan? | Yes | Ir a + infinitive |
| Is it an intention? | Yes | Ir a + infinitive |
| Is it a prediction based on what you see? | Yes | Ir a + infinitive |
| Is it a recurring habit? | Yes | Simple present |
| Is it a formal or distant prediction? | Yes | Simple future |
| Is it a promise? | Yes | Simple future or ir a + infinitive |
Two Sentences That Show the Difference
Voy a estudiar esta tarde.
I’m going to study this afternoon.
- Near-future plan (ir a + infinitive).
Estudio todos los días.
I study every day.
- Habit (simple present).
Va a llover.
It’s going to rain.
- Prediction based on evidence (ir a + infinitive).
Te llamaré mañana sin falta.
I will call you tomorrow without fail.
- Formal promise (simple future).
