Infinito (Infinitive)

The Infinito is the base form of the verb and is used to express actions or states without conjugating for person or tense. It is commonly used after modal verbs, in impersonal expressions, and in compound tenses.

Mood:

The Infinito is a non-finite form, meaning it does not indicate a specific tense or subject.

Usage:

• After modal verbs: Posso parlare. (I can speak.)
• In compound tenses (with auxiliary verbs): Ho deciso di partire. (I decided to leave.)
• In impersonal expressions: È importante studiare. (It is important to study.)
• As a subject or object: Mangiare è divertente. (Eating is fun.)

Formation:

The infinitive form typically ends in -are, -ere, or -ire depending on the verb's group.

Examples of Regular Verbs in the Infinitive:

• -ARE Verbs: parlare (to speak), mangiare (to eat), lavorare (to work)
• -ERE Verbs: credere (to believe), vedere (to see), correre (to run)
• -IRE Verbs: dormire (to sleep), capire (to understand), finire (to finish)

Irregular Infinitives:

Some verbs have irregular infinitive forms. Examples include:

• Essere (to be)
• Avere (to have)
• Fare (to do/make)
• Venire (to come)

Common Time Expressions:

• Prima di (before)
• Dopo (after)

Examples:

• Devo studiare per l’esame. (I have to study for the exam.)
• Vorrei mangiare una pizza. (I would like to eat a pizza.)
• Lui ha deciso di partire. (He decided to leave.)