Log inSign up

La linterna es para iluminar la mina.

La linterna es para iluminar la mina.
The flashlight is for lighting up the mine.
From Lesson 174:Expressing purpose (para)·Spanish (Spain)

Questions & Answers about La linterna es para iluminar la mina.

Why do we use the infinitive iluminar after para instead of a word ending in -ndo?
In Spanish, whenever a verb comes immediately after a preposition like para, it must be in its full infinitive (dictionary) form. So while English says 'for lighting', Spanish uses para iluminar (literally 'for to light').
Could I use por instead of para here?
No, por would be incorrect here. While both can mean 'for', para is the specific word used to show the goal, destination, or purpose of an object. A good trick is to see if 'in order to' fits the meaning: 'The flashlight is in order to light up the mine.'
Why do we use es instead of está to say 'is for'?
The verb ser (which gives us es) is used to describe an object's permanent identity or function. When explaining what a tool is built to do, always use ser para, not estar para.
Why is 'lighting up' translated as just one word, iluminar?
English often uses phrasal verbs (a verb plus a small word like 'up' or 'out') to express an action. Spanish typically uses a single specific verb for these ideas. Here, iluminar contains the whole meaning of 'to light up' or 'to illuminate'.

Learn La linterna es para iluminar la mina and more in Spanish

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Spanish →