Blog

Understanding French Infinitive Verbs: What Are They and How Do You Use Them?

"French infinitive verbs illustration"
French Language

Understanding French Infinitive Verbs: What Are They and How Do You Use Them?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Table of Contents

    Introduction to Infinitive Verbs:

    Embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of French infinitive verbs! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the world of infinitive verbs, exploring what they are and how to use them effectively in French speech. Get ready to expand your linguistic horizons and master this essential aspect of French grammar!

     

    Basic Usage:

    1. To Express Actions:

      Infinitive verbs signify actions without specifying a subject. For example:
      Infinitive Verb: “Parler” (to speak)
      Example: “J’aime parler français.” (I like to speak French.)
      Hindi Pronunciation: “पार-ले” (paar-le)

    2. As Object of a Verb:

      They can function as the object of another verb. For example:
      Infinitive Verb: “Manger” (to eat)
      Example: “Je veux manger une glace.” (I want to eat an ice cream.)
      Hindi Pronunciation: “मां-जे” (maanjay)

    3. After Certain Expressions:

      Infinitive verbs follow specific expressions like “aller” (to go), “aimer” (to like), “vouloir” (to want), etc. For example:
      Infinitive Verb: “Chanter” (to sing)
      Example: “Elle va chanter une chanson.” (She is going to sing a song.)
      Hindi Pronunciation: “शाँ-ते” (shaante)

     

    Conditions and Exceptions:

    • No Subject Agreement:
    • Infinitive verbs remain unchanged regardless of the subject’s gender or number. For example:
      Example: “Il aime danser.” (He likes to dance.) vs. “Elle aime danser.” (She likes to dance.)
    • Split Infinitive:
      Adverbs can be inserted between the “to” and the verb, unlike in English. For example:
      Example: “Il veut vraiment chanter.” (He really wants to sing.)
      Hindi Pronunciation: “वुआ-ले” (voo-a-le)

     

    Funny Example:

    Picture a friend named Pierre, notorious for his off-key singing. When he offers to sing, another friend quips, “Pierre veut chanter pour faire fuir les oiseaux!” (Pierre wants to sing to scare away the birds!) Hindi Pronunciation: “प्यार-वूअ-ले” (pyaar-voo-a-le)

     

    LEARN MORE WITH US :

    Eager to master infinitive verbs and enhance your French proficiency? Enroll in our A1 French course at Learn Language Store and uncover the nuances of French grammar in an enjoyable and interactive manner! With us, you’ll gain the skills to express yourself fluently and confidently in French. Join today and kickstart your language learning journey!

    Learn Languages Store

    330, 3rd Floor, Big Splash (Near Vashi Bus Depot), Sector 17
    Vashi,
    Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400703
    Phone: +91-9594113111
    Email: services@learnlanguages.store
    5/5 (1 Review)
    5/5 (1 Review)

    Leave your thought here

    Select the fields to be shown. Others will be hidden. Drag and drop to rearrange the order.
    • Image
    • SKU
    • Rating
    • Price
    • Stock
    • Availability
    • Add to cart
    • Description
    • Content
    • Weight
    • Dimensions
    • Additional information
    Click outside to hide the comparison bar
    Compare
    X
    Alert: You are not allowed to copy content or view source !!