Infinitif (Infinitive)

The infinitif is the base form of the verb, used to express the action without indicating the subject or tense. It can function as a noun and is often used after certain verbs, prepositions, and expressions.

Mood:

The infinitive mood is considered a non-finite form of the verb. It does not convey time or subject, allowing it to function as the action itself.

Usage:

• To express actions in a general sense: Aimer, c'est important. (To love is important.)
• After certain verbs: Je veux partir. (I want to leave.)
• After prepositions: Je pense à voyager. (I think about traveling.)
• In constructions with modal verbs: Je peux manger. (I can eat.)
• As a subject: Manger est un plaisir. (Eating is a pleasure.)

Formation:

The infinitive form of verbs typically ends in -er, -ir, or -re.

Examples of Infinitives:

• -ER Verbs: parler (to speak), aimer (to love)
• -IR Verbs: finir (to finish), choisir (to choose)
• -RE Verbs: vendre (to sell), attendre (to wait)

Common Expressions:

• Il faut (de) (It is necessary (to))
• Je voudrais (to) (I would like (to))
• Aimer (to) (To love)

Examples:

• Il faut étudier pour réussir. (It is necessary to study to succeed.)
• J'aimerais aller au cinéma. (I would like to go to the cinema.)
• Manger des légumes est bon pour la santé. (Eating vegetables is good for health.)