espero terminar & no vamos a terminar - Why is "a" there

In Lesson 2.5 there are two examples of forming questions with 2 verbs. Espero terminar pronto & no vamos a terminar pronto. In the second sentence why is there an "a" after vamos, where there isn't one after espero in the first sentence. Is this something to do with the fact the second sentence is negative or is it something to do with the verb ir (to go)? Thanks

Hola Richard, Yes, it has to do with the verb ir The "a" must precede the infinitive after ir for "going to" or "not going to". Voy a ir a la tienda. No voy a ir, voy a comer, vamos a comer, etc. Saludos, Rich

Rich is correct. It does have to do with the verb "ir". The info below may help a bit. When you practice saying such sentences out loud repeatedly, in time it will start sounding "wrong" to you if the "a" is left out. One such expression combines the verb ir (conjugated) with an infinitive. The preposition "a" is always used. The formula is: ir a + infinitive = to be going to do something (in the near future) Voy a llevar a mi hermana a su casa. I am going to take my sister to her house. Vas a invitar a muchas muchachas. You are going to invite lots of girls. Cristina va a conversar con mi mamá. Christina is going to talk with my mom. Eduardo va a leer el libro. Edward is going to read the book. Saludos, diranu

Hola amigos, Diranu is right about after a time it will sound wrong to you. It's been second nature to me for sometime and will be for you too with practice. Saludos, Rich