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Infinitives

Overview

The infinitive is the uninflected form of the verb such as to read, to write, to count, etc. Infinitives are divided into three categories: -ar, er, and -ir verbs. In addition to being the source of conjugated verbs, they also serve specific functions as parts of speech in their own right. They can be used in a causative construction, after verbs of sensory perception, after prepositions, as nouns, and as verbal objects.

Uses

Causative constructions

If a speaker does not actually perform an action, but instead causes something to happen, a causative construction can result. Verbs such as mandar, hacer, and dejar typically form part of the utterance.

Senses

Infinitives can follow verbs that imply a sensory perception, such as sentir, percibir, ver, oír, oler, etc.

Following prepositions

After prepositions such as después de, antes de, para, sin, etc. the infinitive follows, despite the -ing ending in English.

The infinitive as a noun

The infinitive can be used as a noun, and it can function as a subject or as an object. As in the previous use, care should be taken not to allow the distraction of English usage, i.e. an -ing ending.

Verbal object

Mirroring English syntax, many verbs precede the infinitive, which acts as an object of the verb.

See also

Verbs