Learn Spanish (Latin America): Al arrancar la máquina, verificar su funcionamiento. - Upon starting the machine, verify its functioning.

Al arrancar la máquina, verificar su funcionamiento.

Upon starting the machine, verify its functioning.

Breakdown of Al arrancar la máquina, verificar su funcionamiento.

his/her/its/their/your (formal)

to start (a vehicle/engine)

Questions & Answers about Al arrancar la máquina, verificar su funcionamiento.

Why is verificar in the infinitive here instead of an imperative command like verifica or verifique?

In Spanish, it is very common to use the infinitive form to give impersonal instructions, commands, or rules. You will see this all the time in manuals, recipes, and on signs. Because this instruction is a general step in a manual and not directed at one specific person, the sentence uses verificar instead of a conjugated command.

Why do we use al before arrancar?

The structure al plus an infinitive is a common way to say 'upon doing something' or 'when doing something'. Here, al arrancar translates to 'upon starting'. It is an efficient way to establish when an action happens without needing to conjugate a second verb like cuando arrancas (when you start).

Doesn't arrancar usually mean to pull out or to tear off?

Yes, in many contexts it does. However, when talking about machines, motors, or vehicles, arrancar is the standard verb for 'to start' (like starting a car engine). You could also use encender, but arrancar specifically implies getting a motor running.

Why use funcionamiento here instead of función?