Voy a / voy a ir

[FooWho]

I think this is a grammar questions, so hopefully this is the right place. I am using the Pimsleur audio lessons to help me learn Spanish. In my lesson this morning, I learned the construction "voy a" to say "I am going to". So for example, sentences that were used were like, "Voy a comer algo." This was explained to mean, "I am going to eat something."

Later, in discussing this with a co-worker, she told me that it really wasn't right and that it would be more correct to say, "Voy a ir a comer algo."

Is there a way that is more correct? Is there a difference between the two usages? Thanks for the help!

[chileno]

Originally Posted by FooWho

I think this is a grammar questions, so hopefully this is the right place. I am using the Pimsleur audio lessons to help me learn Spanish. In my lesson this morning, I learned the construction "voy a" to say "I am going to". So for example, sentences that were used were like, "Voy a comer algo." This was explained to mean, "I am going to eat something."

Later, in discussing this with a co-worker, she told me that it really wasn't right and that it would be more correct to say, "Voy a ir a comer algo."

Is there a way that is more correct? Is there a difference between the two usages? Thanks for the help!

I am going to eat = Voy a comer

I am going to go to that corner and eat my lunch = Voy a ir a esa esquina y comer mi almuerzo.

[Rusty]

As you've learned it is by far the most common way to say that you're going to do something. This form is used more frequently than the future tense.

What you're co-worker said is also correct, but it is conveying the idea of going somewhere to do something. That isn't necessary if you're just trying to communicate that you're going to do something.

[FooWho]

¡Muchas gracias, amigos!

That was a very quick answer!