Verbs Governing An Infinitive
French: Cambridge International GCSE, topic 8.12.3
Verbs Governing An Infinitive
Some French verbs are followed directly by an infinitive. This means the verb in its basic form without conjugation.
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.
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
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.
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.