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Empiezo a tejer ropa para mi familia.

Empiezo a tejer ropa para mi familia.
I am starting to knit clothes for my family.
From Lesson 86:Starting actions (empezar a)·Spanish (Latin America)

Questions & Answers about Empiezo a tejer ropa para mi familia.

Why is there an a between empiezo and tejer?
When you want to say you are starting to do an action, you use the formula empezar a followed by an infinitive (a verb in its basic, unconjugated form). The a is a required bridge between the conjugated verb empiezo and the infinitive tejer (to knit).
Why is it empiezo and not "empezo"?
The verb empezar (to start) is a stem-changing verb. When you conjugate it for yo (I), the e in the middle changes to ie, making it empiezo.
The English translation says "I am starting", but isn't empiezo the simple present "I start"?
Yes, but in Spanish, the simple present tense is often used to express actions happening right now. While you could say estoy empezando (I am starting), empiezo is frequently used and sounds very natural for both "I start" and "I am starting".
Why is ropa singular if the translation says "clothes"?
In Spanish, ropa is a collective noun treated as a singular word, much like "clothing" or "apparel" in English. You rarely use its plural form unless you are talking about specific items in a very technical context.
Why use para here instead of por?
You use para when indicating the recipient or the final destination of something. Since the clothes are meant for the family, para is the correct choice.

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