Introduction
The infinitive is the base form of a verb in French, equivalent to "to" + verb in English. It is an essential part of vocabulary and grammar, used in conjugation, verb phrases, and expressions.
Infinitive Forms
In French, infinitives end in one of three regular endings: -er, -ir, or -re.
Examples:
- -er: parler (to speak)
- -ir: finir (to finish)
- -re: vendre (to sell)
Usage of Infinitives
1. As the Base Form of the Verb
The infinitive is used as the base or dictionary form of the verb.
- Example:
- J’aime chanter. (I like to sing.)
2. After Conjugated Verbs
Infinitives often follow conjugated verbs, especially in verb constructions.
- Example:
- Je veux manger. (I want to eat.)
- Nous allons étudier. (We are going to study.)
3. After Prepositions
Infinitives follow certain prepositions, such as "à," "de," and "pour."
- Example:
- Il est important de comprendre. (It is important to understand.)
- Elle est venue pour aider. (She came to help.)
4. In Commands or Instructions
The infinitive is used in giving instructions or making impersonal commands.
- Example:
- Ne pas toucher! (Do not touch!)
- Fermer la porte. (Close the door.)
Common Infinitive Constructions
Verb + Infinitive
Many verbs are followed directly by an infinitive.
- aimer (to like/love)
- J’aime lire. (I like to read.)
- pouvoir (can/to be able)
- Je peux venir. (I can come.)
- devoir (must/have to)
- Tu dois étudier. (You must study.)
- vouloir (to want)
- Elle veut danser. (She wants to dance.)
Verb + Preposition + Infinitive
Some verbs require a preposition before the infinitive.
- commencer à (to begin to)
- Il commence à travailler. (He begins to work.)
- apprendre à (to learn to)
- Nous apprenons à nager. (We are learning to swim.)
- continuer à (to continue to)
- Elle continue à écrire. (She continues to write.)
- accepter de (to agree to)
- Il accepte de venir. (He agrees to come.)
- essayer de (to try to)
- J’essaie de comprendre. (I try to understand.)
- refuser de (to refuse to)
- Elle refuse de partir. (She refuses to leave.)
Noun + Preposition + Infinitive
Infinitives can follow nouns with prepositions to explain purpose or function.
- Example:
- J’ai un livre à lire. (I have a book to read.)
- C’est l’heure de manger. (It's time to eat.)
Infinitive in Negative Form
When negating an infinitive, place "ne pas" before the verb.
- Example:
- Il préfère ne pas parler. (He prefers not to speak.)
- Elle a décidé de ne pas venir. (She decided not to come.)
Infinitive with Reflexive Verbs
Reflexive verbs in the infinitive form include the reflexive pronoun.
- Example:
- Je vais me laver. (I am going to wash myself.)
- Elle doit se réveiller tôt. (She has to wake up early.)
Common Infinitive Verbs
Here’s a list of commonly used infinitive verbs in French:
| Infinitive | Translation |
|---|---|
| être | to be |
| avoir | to have |
| faire | to do/make |
| dire | to say |
| aller | to go |
| voir | to see |
| savoir | to know |
| vouloir | to want |
| pouvoir | to be able/can |
| devoir | to must/have to |
| prendre | to take |
| donner | to give |
| trouver | to find |
| parler | to speak |
| mettre | to put |
| demander | to ask |
| comprendre | to understand |
| partir | to leave |
| rester | to stay |
| travailler | to work |
| lire | to read |
| écrire | to write |
| jouer | to play |
| manger | to eat |
| boire | to drink |
| acheter | to buy |
| ouvrir | to open |
Conclusion
The infinitive in French is a versatile and fundamental part of the language, appearing in verb phrases, after prepositions, and in expressions. Understanding how to use infinitives will help you communicate more effectively and construct sentences with ease.