Help with different uses of the word "to"

[ItsThaMonsta]

I have seen "a", "para", "de" and "que" used in place of the word "to". From my own conclusion which is probably wrong... it seem like you use "a" when there really isn't any action. Like if I was to say I am going "to" the store, I would use "a". Is that right? And as for "que". It seems like it is used before action verbs. Like, "to eat", "to run" ...

¿Puedo tener algo que comer? or something like that. I also know that "var" is always followed with the form "a" and tener is with "que". But I don't know anything about "para" or "de".

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by ItsThaMonsta

I have seen "a", "para", "de" and "que" used in place of the word "to". ¿Puedo tener algo que comer? or something like that. I also know that "var" is always followed with the form "a" and tener is with "que". But I don't know anything about "para" or "de".

The problem is that you need to identify the use of the word 'to' in English which has several different functions, (preposition, conjunction, adverb etc.) each of which is translated into a different word in Spanish. I can't give all examples, but:

I walk to the shop: preposition denoting direction.
I eat to live: indicating purpose.
I like to play: part of the English infinitive.

There are so many different uses, you have to (!) work out the function in English. Once you have done that, the Spanish equivalent is fairly easy to work out.

Not much help, but it's a start.

[chileno]

The way I see it, and according to the dictionary, it almost means all of the prepositions...

To me mainly it means a/ para/ por/ hasta and denotes also a verb.

[Rusty]

When certain verbs are followed by an infinitive, certain prepositions are required, while other verbs don't take a preposition at all. I posted a link to a website that lists a number of these verbs with the corresponding prepositions. If you can't find the link, I'll repost it.

The preposition that accompanies a verb (and there may be more than one) must be learned. This is as important as knowing the gender of a noun, which must also be learned. There's no easy way out.
Some of the prepositions are counter-intuitive to the English speaker. Some verbs don't need a preposition, where there is one in the other language.

Here are a few examples:

to dream about = soñar con
to think about = pensar en
to consist of = consistir en
to try to = tratar de
to look for = buscar
to know how to = saber
to intend to = intentar
to stop = dejar de

By the way, the word 'to' doesn't always appear with the English infinitive. When it doesn't, this is known as a bare infinitive. When it does, we have a full infinitive. Don't be tempted to think that a Spanish infinitive will function just like an English infinitive. That's usually not the case.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by Rusty

By the way, the word 'to' doesn't always appear with the English infinitive.

You must remember that.

[chileno]

And because of that, is why I recommend to transcribe and translate a novel of your choosing and liking in the foreign language. It will make you aware of stuff like that...

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by chileno

And because of that, is why I recommend to transcribe and translate a novel of your choosing and liking in the foreign language. It will make you aware of stuff like that...

Um - how many have you done so far?

[chileno]

Originally Posted by Perikles

Um - how many have you done so far?

I stopped doing it 29 years ago.

Now, remember, not bad for someone who does not know grammar in his own language and much less in the second language (if one can call that second language!)

[laepelba]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Here are a few examples:

to dream about = soñar con
to think about = pensar en
to consist of = consistir en
to try to = tratar de
to look for = buscar
to know how to = saber
to intend to = intentar
to stop = dejar de

Rusty - I know this isn't a comprehensive list, but extremely helpful, nonetheless! THANKS!!

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by laepelba

Rusty - I know this isn't a comprehensive list, but extremely helpful, nonetheless! THANKS!!

You're welcome!
Were you able to find a more comprehensive list?

[laepelba]

I haven't gone looking for one yet because this one gives me plenty to work on.

[Rusty]

I posted a link in another thread, as I already stated. It has a lot more to work on.