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andare a fare la spesa

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

neutral

How it works

This is a phrasal verb or a fixed expression composed of the verb 'andare' (to go), the preposition 'a', the infinitive verb 'fare' (to do/make), and the noun phrase 'la spesa' (the shopping/groceries). 'Andare a fare' is a common construction to express 'to go to do something', and 'fare la spesa' is a specific idiom meaning 'to do the shopping' for groceries.

Sample sentences

Oggi pomeriggio devo andare a fare la spesa al supermercato.

This afternoon I have to go grocery shopping at the supermarket.

Se non hai tempo di andare a fare la spesa, posso andarci io.

If you don't have time to go grocery shopping, I can go.

Siamo andati a fare la spesa per la cena di stasera.

We went grocery shopping for tonight's dinner.

Quick facts

gender_of_spesa:'Spesa' is a feminine noun, hence 'la spesa'.

idiomatic_usage:'Fare la spesa' is an idiom specifically referring to grocery shopping or general household shopping, not just any kind of 'shopping' (which might be 'fare shopping' or 'comprare').

conjugation_of_andare:The verb 'andare' will be conjugated according to the subject and tense (e.g., 'vado a fare...', 'siamo andati a fare...').

Often used with

Mnemonic

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Example

Oggi pomeriggio devo andare a fare la spesa al supermercato.

This afternoon I have to go grocery shopping at the supermarket.

Se non hai tempo di andare a fare la spesa, posso andarci io.

If you don't have time to go grocery shopping, I can go.