Expressing purpose with para
In English, we often say "to" or "in order to" when explaining why we are doing an action. In Spanish, you express this goal or purpose using the preposition para followed by an infinitive (the base, unconjugated form of a verb).
| The miner uses the pickaxe to break the stone. | El minero usa el pico para romper la piedra. |
| We have to dig to make the tunnel. | Tenemos que cavar para hacer el túnel. |
| One must dig deep to extract the mineral. | Hay que cavar profundo para extraer el mineral. |
Stating what objects are for
You can also combine the verb ser with para and an infinitive to explain the intended use or function of an object, such as the heavy tools you might use in a mine.
| The flashlight is for lighting up the mine. | La linterna es para iluminar la mina. |
| The pickaxe is not for cutting the branch. | El pico no es para cortar la rama. |
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