Difference between revisions of "Language/French/Grammar/Introduction-What-are-infinitives"
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Revision as of 20:12, 13 September 2023
Introduction
Understanding infinitives is crucial for mastering French, as they form the base of verbs and are used in various expressions and constructs. An infinitive is the most basic form of a verb, unmarked for tense, mood, or person. This lesson will introduce you to infinitives in French and explore their significance and uses.
Definition
In French, infinitives are the raw form of a verb, the way you would find it in a dictionary. The infinitive is not conjugated and thus can be considered the "neutral" form of the verb. In French, infinitives end in "-er," "-ir," or "-re."
Types of Infinitives
French infinitives can be classified into three main categories based on their endings:
- -er verbs: like "manger" (to eat), "parler" (to speak)
- -ir verbs: like "finir" (to finish), "choisir" (to choose)
- -re verbs: like "prendre" (to take), "être" (to be)
Usage
Infinitives can be used in various grammatical constructs, such as:
- After prepositions: "avant de manger" (before eating)
- With modal verbs: "Je veux manger" (I want to eat)
- To give commands: "Ne pas toucher !" (Do not touch!)
Examples
Here are some sentences that utilize infinitives in French:
- J'aime nager. (I like to swim.)
- Il doit partir. (He has to leave.)
- Nous venons de manger. (We have just eaten.)
Practice Exercise
Identify the infinitive in the following sentence: "Elle adore lire." Translate into French: "I need to speak." Create a sentence using an -ir verb in its infinitive form.
Answers to Practice Exercise
Lire J'ai besoin de parler. Nous aimons finir nos devoirs tôt.