A2Lesson 9: Basic Clause Patterns & Everyday Usage

Ir + infinitive for plans and near future

Ir + infinitive is one of the most important Brazilian future patterns. It expresses plans, decisions, predictions, and next steps in a direct way.

The Core Idea

Ir + infinitive is one of the most important Brazilian future patterns. It expresses plans, decisions, predictions, and next steps in a direct way.
This structure appears constantly in conversation because it sounds direct and natural. It is one of the first future forms you need for actual interaction.

Structure Snapshot

  • ir + infinitive

Main Rules at a Glance

StepRule
Rule 1Use "ir + infinitive" for near future and planned actions: "vou estudar", "a gente vai sair".
Rule 2This pattern is extremely common in speech and often replaces the synthetic future in ordinary conversation.
Rule 3Keep the infinitive after "ir": "vai comprar", "vamos ligar", "vou fazer".
Rule 4Do not confuse "vou estudar" with movement "vou ao mercado".

How It Works

  1. Use "ir + infinitive" for near future and planned actions: "vou estudar", "a gente vai sair".
  2. This pattern is extremely common in speech and often replaces the synthetic future in ordinary conversation.
  3. Keep the infinitive after "ir": "vai comprar", "vamos ligar", "vou fazer".
  4. Do not confuse "vou estudar" with movement "vou ao mercado".

Usage and Register

  • The context shows whether "ir" is acting as an auxiliary or as a full verb of movement.

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