Introduction
One of the most common mistakes Spanish learners make is writing or saying lo voy hacer when they mean to express the near future tense. This phrase sounds natural to English speakers because it mirrors how we construct future intentions in English, but it violates a fundamental rule of Spanish grammar. Understanding why this construction is incorrect and learning the proper way to form the near future tense with infinitives is essential for any student serious about mastering Spanish grammar. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the rules governing infinitives in Spanish, examine why lo voy hacer fails grammatically, and provide you with clear examples and alternatives that will help you speak and write Spanish correctly.
Understanding the Near Future Tense in Spanish
What Is the Near Future Tense?
The near future tense, also called the immediate future or perifrastic future, is used to express an action that will happen very soon. In Spanish, it is formed using the present tense of the verb ir (to go) followed by the preposition a and then an infinitive verb. This structure allows Spanish speakers to talk about plans, intentions, or actions about to occur with a sense of immediacy and certainty.
For example, instead of using the simple future tense (which would be haré for I will do), Spanish speakers often prefer the near future construction because it sounds more natural and conversational. This tense is extremely common in everyday Spanish, and you will hear it constantly in Spain, Latin America, and wherever Spanish is spoken.
The Correct Structure: Ir + a + Infinitive
The correct formula for the near future tense is straightforward: subject + present tense of ir + a + infinitive. Let’s break this down step by step.
First, you need the present tense conjugation of ir:
Yo voy
Tú vas
Él/ella/usted va
Nosotros vamos
Vosotros vais
Ellos/ellas/ustedes van
Next, you must include the preposition a. This is not optional; it is grammatically required. The preposition a marks the relationship between the verb ir and the infinitive that follows.
Finally, you add the infinitive form of the action verb. An infinitive is the base form of a verb, such as hacer (to do), comer (to eat), escribir (to write), or estudiar (to study).
Why “Lo Voy Hacer” Is Grammatically Incorrect
The Critical Missing Element: The Preposition A
The phrase lo voy hacer is wrong because it omits the preposition a, which is mandatory in the near future construction. When you say or write lo voy hacer, you are removing a grammatically essential element. Spanish grammar does not allow the verb ir to connect directly to an infinitive in this context; the preposition a must stand between them.
The correct form is lo voy a hacer, with the a included. This small preposition is not just a nice-to-have element; it is fundamental to the grammatical structure. Omitting it creates a sentence that is not only incorrect but also sounds unnatural to native Spanish speakers.
Understanding the Role of the Preposition A
In Spanish, prepositions serve specific grammatical functions, and a has several uses. In the context of the near future tense, a indicates the direction or purpose toward which the action of ir is directed. When you conjugate ir, you are saying you are going, and a tells us that you are going toward performing a particular action.
This is similar to how a functions in other Spanish phrases. For instance, when you say voy a la escuela (I am going to school), the a indicates direction toward a place. Likewise, in voy a estudiar (I am going to study), the a indicates direction toward an action.
Why English Speakers Make This Mistake
English speakers frequently create the error of saying lo voy hacer because English does not require an equivalent preposition in this construction. In English, we simply say I am going to do something without any preposition between going and the action. Spanish learners naturally transfer this English word order and grammar pattern to Spanish, creating an incorrect sentence.
This type of error is called negative transfer or language interference. It occurs when features of your native language influence your learning and use of a second language in ways that create errors. Being aware of this tendency helps you actively correct yourself and build better habits in Spanish.
The Correct Form and Proper Usage
The Right Way: Ir + A + Infinitive
The correct construction is voy a hacer, which means I am going to do. Here are several complete examples in different contexts:
Voy a estudiar mañana. (I am going to study tomorrow.)
Ella va a llamar por teléfono. (She is going to call on the phone.)
Nosotros vamos a viajar a México. (We are going to travel to Mexico.)
Ustedes van a comer en ese restaurante. (You all are going to eat at that restaurant.)
El niño va a jugar en el parque. (The boy is going to play in the park.)
Notice that in each example, the structure remains consistent: the conjugated form of ir, followed by a, followed by the infinitive verb form. This pattern applies regardless of which subject pronoun you use or which action verb you choose.
Using Object Pronouns with the Near Future
Now, let’s address the phrase in question more directly. Sometimes learners write or say lo voy hacer when they mean I am going to do it. The lo is an object pronoun that replaces a masculine noun and means it. The problem is not the lo itself but rather the missing a.
The correct way to say this is lo voy a hacer. In this construction, lo functions as a direct object pronoun that comes before the conjugated verb voy. The a still appears between voy and hacer. So the complete structure is: lo voy a hacer (I am going to do it).
Here are additional examples with object pronouns:
La voy a comprar. (I am going to buy it [feminine].)
Los voy a invitar. (I am going to invite them.)
Te voy a ayudar. (I am going to help you.)
Nos van a esperar. (They are going to wait for us.)
Common Related Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Confusing Near Future with Other Constructions
Some learners mix up the near future with other verbal constructions. For example, the structure acabar de + infinitive means to have just done something. While this also uses an infinitive, it does not require a. You would say Acabo de hacer (I have just done it), not Acabo a hacer. The preposition rules differ depending on the construction, so it is important to learn each pattern distinctly.
Another common construction is tener que + infinitive, which means to have to do something. Again, this does not use a. You say Tengo que estudiar (I have to study), not Tengo a estudiar. Each verbal structure has its own grammar rules, and mixing them creates errors.
Remembering to Include A in All Near Future Constructions
The safest way to avoid the lo voy hacer mistake is to make the inclusion of a automatic. Every single time you form the near future, repeat the pattern aloud: ir, a, infinitive. This rhythm will help cement the rule in your memory. Create flashcards, write example sentences repeatedly, or speak practice dialogues that incorporate the near future frequently.
You might also memorize a simple rule: Whenever you see voy, vas, va, vamos, vais, or van followed by an infinitive in a future time context, you must have a between them. This manual check will help you catch your own mistakes before you make them.
Practical Examples in Real Contexts
Everyday Conversations
Imagine a conversation between two friends planning their weekend:
Person A: ¿Qué vas a hacer el sábado?
Person B: Voy a ir de compras y luego voy a comer con mi familia.
Person A: ¿Y después? ¿Vas a estudiar?
Person B: Sí, voy a estudiar para el examen de español.
In this dialogue, you see the near future used naturally multiple times, always with a included. This is how native speakers construct sentences when discussing plans and future intentions.
Written Communication
When writing emails, messages, or essays in Spanish, the near future tense appears frequently. For example:
Querido profesor, le escribo para decirle que voy a entregar el proyecto el viernes. (Dear professor, I am writing to tell you that I am going to submit the project on Friday.)
El próximo mes, la empresa va a abrir una nueva oficina en Barcelona. (Next month, the company is going to open a new office in Barcelona.)
In formal and informal written contexts alike, the structure remains the same: ir + a + infinitive.
Summary of the Grammar Rule
The Essential Takeaway
To form the near future tense in Spanish correctly, you must follow this pattern: conjugate ir, add the preposition a, and then use the infinitive form of your action verb. Never omit the a, as it is grammatically mandatory. The phrase lo voy hacer is incorrect because it lacks this required preposition. The correct form is lo voy a hacer.
Conclusion
Understanding why lo voy hacer is incorrect requires recognizing that Spanish has specific grammatical rules that differ from English. The preposition a is not optional in the near future construction; it is essential. By learning the correct structure of ir + a + infinitive and practicing it consistently, you will avoid this common error and develop greater fluency and accuracy in Spanish. Remember that language learning involves building new habits, and consciously correcting yourself until the correct pattern becomes automatic is part of that process. With awareness and practice, the near future tense will become second nature, and you will speak and write Spanish with increasing confidence and correctness.
