Language/French/Grammar/Verbs-which-take-infinitive-complements-without-a-linking-preposition
Introduction[edit | edit source]
In French, some verbs can take infinitive complements directly, without requiring a linking preposition. This is different from verbs that require "à" or "de" as linking prepositions before the infinitive. Knowing which verbs allow for this structure will enhance your fluency in French.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The structure is straightforward:
Main Verb + Infinitive
List of Verbs[edit | edit source]
Here is a list of common French verbs that can take an infinitive directly as a complement:
- Aimer (to like)
- Aller (to go)
- Devoir (must, to have to)
- Pouvoir (can, to be able to)
- Vouloir (to want)
- Savoir (to know)
- Préférer (to prefer)
Examples[edit | edit source]
French | English |
---|---|
Je veux partir. | I want to leave. |
Nous allons manger. | We are going to eat. |
Tu dois étudier. | You must study. |
Il peut nager. | He can swim. |
Elle aime voyager. | She likes to travel. |
More Detailed Examples[edit | edit source]
- "Je préfère lire que sortir." (I prefer to read than to go out.)
- "Nous allons prendre le déjeuner puis partir." (We are going to have lunch and then leave.)
Practice Exercise[edit | edit source]
1. Translate: "She prefers to sing."
2. Create a sentence using "devoir" and an infinitive.
3. Convert this English sentence into French: "We can dance."
4. Identify the infinitive in this sentence: "Il veut partir."
5. Form a sentence using "aller" and an infinitive.
Answers to Practice Exercise[edit | edit source]
1. Elle préfère chanter. 2. Tu dois manger. 3. Nous pouvons danser. 4. Partir 5. Je vais courir.