The Spanish Near Future Tense (Futuro Próximo)
ir + a + infinitive — the grammar point that makes students feel they can REALLY communicate
Suddenly, they can talk about weekend plans, goals, and intentions — all with one simple structure. But most worksheets teach it through endless drills disconnected from real life. Here's how I teach it differently.
Why "Ir + a + Infinitive" is Perfect for A1-A2
It's simple, logical, and immediately useful. Unlike the complex future tense, the Near Future just uses:
- The present tense of ir (which students already know)
- The word a
- Any infinitive verb
"Ella va a estudiar mañana."
Students go from zero to communicating about the future in one lesson.
The 5 Activities That Actually Work
1. Clear Visual Explanation
Before exercises, I give a color-coded breakdown: IR + A + INFINITIVO. Three boxes, three colors. Pattern visible instantly.
2. Conjugation with Real Subjects
Instead of yo, tú, él...: "What is Messi going to do this weekend? What are YOU going to do tonight?" Real people = real communication.
3. Error Correction
Show common mistakes: "Voy a comes pizza" — wrong! Students love finding errors, and it reinforces the structure better than fill-in-the-blank.
4. "El Plan Secreto" — The Game
Students write a secret plan using ir + a + infinitive. Others guess who it belongs to. Genuine communication — they WANT to use the structure to win!
5. Personal Production
Finally, students write about their real plans for the weekend, next year, or future goals. This is where grammar becomes language.
💻 Digital Bonus
For online/hybrid classes, I use the Interactive Easel version so students complete activities on their devices without printing.
Get the Complete Ready-to-Use Worksheet
Includes "El Plan Secreto" game, error correction, visual breakdown, and answer keys.
🛒 Worksheet on TpT 📚 Worksheet on TESNeed More A1-A2 Grammar?
Spanish A1-A2 Grammar Bundle — 9 essential worksheets at 20% off
Bundle on TpTFuturo Próximo | ir + a + infinitivo | A1-A2 Spanish