Right now, I'm confused about it. I get it right about 1/2 the time, but it's only because I'm guessing. There as to be grammatical rules about when and when not to use a with the infinitive. I just don't know what they are.
An example, but without the infinitive (courtesy Fluencia): Conocieron a mucha gente interesante en su último viaje.
I don't see what the a is doing.
You can use this thread for your question.
Based on what you asked you may be referring to two grammatical concepts:
1) the personal A
2) the simple future tense
The personal a
In general, the personal
a is used in Spanish when the direct object represents a definite person or persons. However, it is not usually used with
tener and definitely not with
hay.
The example Fluencia gave is perfect. Conocieron a mucha gente.
The
a in that phrase is the personal a because the direct object refers to people - gente.
Here is my example:
Conozco a Juan- the personal a is used before the noun Juan because he is a person.
The Future Tense
The simple future tense is formed by using the verb ir + a followed by the infinitive.
Ex, I am going to go tomorrow = Voy a ir mañana .
We are going to go to the beach= Vamos a ir a la playa.
They are going to eat at 6pm= Van a comer a las 6pm.
In this future construction the a is always followed by the infinitive. Ir +a + infinitive.
One aspect to note the personal a is often omitted in Caribbean speech patterns. You will hear and see in writing Voy hacer which is incorrect. It should be voy a hacer ..... if the a is omitted it is grammatically incorrect. As well, the personal a is often omitted when the direct object is a person in Caribbean Spanish. The usage depends on the speaker.
These are the two grammar concepts I see in your question.
-MP.
