Trying to do something

The idea

Use intentar directly before an infinitive to describe an attempted action.

Examples

• Intento recordar su nombre.I try to remember their name.
• Mi padre intenta cocinar sin sal.My father tries to cook without salt.
• Intentamos llegar antes de la lluvia.We try to arrive before the rain.
• ¿Intentas aprender una canción nueva?Are you trying to learn a new song?
• La niña intentó mover la caja.The girl tried to move the box.
• Mis vecinos intentan ahorrar agua.My neighbors try to save water.

Watch out

Do not insert de before the infinitive in this construction.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct form: Yo ___ abrir el paquete. (intento / intenta)

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   intento

   intento agrees with the speaker.

2. Choose the correct form: Nosotros ___ escribir una carta. (intentamos / intentan)

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   intentamos

   intentamos names the group including the speaker.

3. Choose the correct form: Ayer el músico ___ tocar el piano. (intentó / intento)

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   intentó

   intentó is the accented third-person past form.

Use it today

Describe something you are trying to do this week.