8.12.3

Verbs Governing An Infinitive

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Verbs Governing An Infinitive

Some French verbs are followed directly by an infinitive. This means the verb in its basic form without conjugation.

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Infinitive

  • The infinitive is the base form of a verb, like manger (to eat).
  • The infinitive is not conjugated.
  • The infinitive often follows another verb.
  • The infinitive ends in '-er', '-ir', or '-re' in French.
    • Je veux manger.
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Verbs that govern an infinitive

  • Some verbs are followed directly by an infinitive.
    • vouloir - to want
    • pouvoir - to be able
    • aimer - to like/love
    • devoir - must
    • préférer - to prefer
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Using verbs with infinitives

  • The subject of the first verb does the action of the infinitive.
  • The infinitive stays the same after the governing verb.
  • Nous aimons chanter.
    • We like to sing.
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Common phrases with verbs + infinitive

  • Il faut travailler dur.
    • It is necessary to work hard.
  • Vous préférez regarder un film?
    • Do you prefer to watch a film?
  • Ils aiment jouer au football.
    • They like to play football.

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1Everyday Activities

2Personal & Social Life

3The World Around Us

4The World of Work

5The International World

6Common Tenses

7Advanced Tenses

8Extra Grammar

8.1Articles

8.2The Passive Voice

8.3Pronouns

8.4Asking Questions

8.5Nouns

8.6Prepositions

8.7Adverbs

8.8Adjectives

8.9Negative

8.10Conjunctions

8.11Miscellaneous

8.12Verbs

8.13Numbers

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