1.2.2

The Infinitive

Test yourself

The Infinitive

The infinitive is the form of the verb that translates as 'to do something' (e.g. 'to speak', 'to walk', 'to play').

Illustrative background for As a noun (e.g. objects)Illustrative background for As a noun (e.g. objects) ?? "content

As a noun (e.g. objects)

  • The infinitive can be used as a noun in Spanish. It can be an object in the sentence.
    • Comer (🍴) es una necesidad.
      • Eating (or to eat) is a necessity.
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Two verbs together

  • When two verbs are used next to each other, the second verb must be an infinitive.
    • Yo sé hablar español.
      • I know how to speak Spanish.
    • E.g. Ellos no saben nadar (🏊).
      • They are not able to swim.
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After prepositions (e.g of, for, by)

  • After some prepositions (words like of, by, or for), we need to use the infinitive.
    • Tratamos de comer (🍴) una dieta más sana.
      • We try to eat a healthier diet.

Jump to other topics

1The Basics

2Current & Future Study & Employment

3Identity & Culture

3.1Me, My Family & Friends

3.2Me, My Family & Friends - Translations

3.3Technology in Everyday Life

3.4Technology in Everyday Life - Translations

3.5Free Time Activities

3.6Free Time Activities - Translations

3.7Customs & Festivals in Spanish Speaking Countries

3.8Customs & Festivals - Translations

4Areas of Interest

4.1Home, Town, Neighbourhood & Region

4.2Home, Town, Neighbourhood & Region - Translations

4.3Social Issues

4.4Social Issues - Translations

4.5Global Issues

4.6Global Issues - Translations

4.7Travel & Tourism

4.8Travel & Tourism - Translations

5Listening Practice

6Common Tenses

7Important Verbs

8Advanced Tenses

9Extra Grammar

9.1Articles

9.2Negatives

9.3Nouns

9.4Asking Questions

9.5Adjectives

9.6Adverbs

9.7Conjunctions

9.8Pronouns

9.9By, With, From, Of

9.10Verbs

9.11Comparisons

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