Infinitive
Spanish: AQA A Level, topic 16.14.1
The Infinitive
The infinitive is the form of the verb that translates as 'to do something' (e.g. 'to speak', 'to walk', 'to play').
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Infinitive
Select the right form of a verb that would go after 'tratamos de' in Spanish?