What Is an Ir Conjugation Chart?
An ir conjugation chart is a helpful tool that displays how the verb “ir” changes depending on tense and subject. In Spanish, verbs must match the subject performing the action and the time the action takes place, such as the past, present, or future.
For example, “ir” doesn’t follow the regular conjugation patterns of other verbs. Instead, it’s an irregular verb, meaning its forms don’t align with typical rules. Learning its conjugations through a chart can make understanding these irregularities much simpler. By studying these variations, you’ll learn how to express movement or intentions across various contexts.
How Do You Conjugate “Ir” in the Present Tense?
The present tense of “ir” is essential for expressing actions happening now or in the near future. Here’s the conjugation chart for “ir” in the present tense:
Subject PronounConjugationExample Sentence
Yo voy Yo voy al mercado. (I go to the market.)
Tú vas Tú vas a la escuela. (You go to school.)
Él/Ella/Usted va Ella va al cine. (She goes to the cinema.)
Nosotros/as vamos Nosotros vamos a la playa. (We go to the beach.)
Vosotros/as vais Vosotros vais al parque. (You all go to the park.)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes van Ellos van a casa. (They go home.)
Notice the irregularity? None of these forms resemble the infinitive “ir.” Despite this, the present tense conjugations are commonly used, so memorizing them is a great first step.
“Ir” in the Past: How to Use It in the Preterite Tense
The preterite tense is used to talk about actions completed in the past. The verb “ir” in the preterite shares forms with “ser” (to be), which can initially seem confusing. However, context will help you determine the meaning. Here’s the conjugation chart:
Subject PronounConjugationExample Sentence
Yo fui Fui al museo. (I went to the museum.)
Tú fuiste Fuiste a la fiesta. (You went to the party.)
Él/Ella/Usted fue Él fue a España. (He went to Spain.)
Nosotros/as fuimos Fuimos al concierto. (We went to the concert.)
Vosotros/as fuisteis Vosotros fuisteis al zoológico. (You all went to the zoo.)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes fueron Ellos fueron a la playa. (They went to the beach.)
How to Use “Ir” in Sentences
When using “ir” in the preterite tense, ensure the sentence clearly indicates movement or past action. For example:
- Ellos fueron al mercado. (They went to the market.)
Why Is “Ir” Special in the Preterite Tense?
“Ser” and “ir” share the same conjugation in the preterite tense, making it unique. Context is critical in understanding whether the verb refers to “to go” or “to be.” For example:
- Fue increíble. (It was incredible.)
- Fue al Parque. (He went to the park.)
How to Make Predictions with “Ir”
In conversational Spanish, “ir” is often paired with “a” to predict or describe future intentions. For example:
- Voy a estudiar esta noche. (I am going to study tonight.)
What Is the Imperfect Tense of “Ir”?
The imperfect tense describes ongoing or habitual actions in the past. Unlike the preterite, which focuses on completed actions, the imperfect provides context. Here’s how to conjugate “ir” in the imperfect tense:
Subject PronounConjugationExample Sentence
Yo iba Yo iba a la tienda cada día. (I used to go to the store every day.)
Tú ibas Tú ibas al colegio temprano. (You used to go to school early.)
Él/Ella/Usted iba Ella iba al parque con frecuencia. (She used to go to the park often.)
Nosotros/as íbamos Íbamos al cine los sábados. (We used to go to the movies on Saturdays.)
Vosotros/as ibais Vosotros ibais a la montaña. (You all used to go to the mountain.)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes iban Ellos iban al gimnasio. (They used to go to the gym.)
The imperfect tense helps you describe past routines or set the scene in storytelling.
Using “Ir” for the Future: The Future Tense
The future tense expresses what will happen. Unlike its irregular present and past forms, “or” in the future tense follows standard rules. Here’s the chart:
Subject PronounConjugationExample Sentence
Yo iré Iré al trabajo mañana. (I will go to work tomorrow.)
Tú irás Irás a la reunión. (You will go to the meeting.)
Él/Ella/Usted irá Ella irá a la boda. (She will go to the wedding.)
Nosotros/as iremos Iremos a la fiesta. (We will go to the party.)
Vosotros/as iréis Vosotros iréis al campo. (You all will go to the countryside.)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes irán Ellos irán al hospital. (They will go to the hospital.)
What Does the Conditional Tense of “Ir” Mean?
The conditional tense describes hypothetical or polite actions. The conjugation for “ir” is as follows:
Subject PronounConjugationExample Sentence
Yo iría Iría contigo si tuviera tiempo. (I would go with you if I had time.)
Tú irías Irías a la playa, ¿verdad? (You would go to the beach, right?)
Él/Ella/Usted iría Ella iría al concierto. (She would go to the concert.)
Nosotros/as iríamos Iríamos juntos. (We would go together.)
Vosotros/as iríais Iríais a esa ciudad. (You all would go to that city.)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes irían Ellos irían a cenar. (They would go to dinner.)
How to Conjugate Regular IR Verbs in the Present
Most IR verbs follow regular ir conjugation patterns in the present tense. Here’s an example with vivir (to live):
- Yo vivo (I live)
- Tú vives (You live)
- Él/Ella vibe (He/She lives)
Examples of Common IR Verbs in the Present
- Abrir (to open): Yo abro la puerta. (I open the door.)
- Escribir (to write): Ellos escriben una carta. (They write a letter.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid with IR Conjugation
- Confusing “ir” with “ser” in the preterite tense.
- Forgetting irregular forms in the present tense.
The Past Tense: How to Conjugate IR Verbs
Regular IR verbs in the past tense often follow standard patterns, but irregular verbs like “ir” require memorization. Practice and repetition can solidify your understanding.
The Bottom Line
Mastering the “ir” conjugation chart is vital for effective communication in Spanish. While it requires practice due to its irregularities, understanding its various tenses will help you express yourself clearly. With patience and consistent effort, you’ll confidently use “ir” in any conversation.