les verbes suivis de l'infinitif
We are learning about infinitifs following a verb, so its either nothing following, like aimer...
the preposition "a", like chercher a
and the preposition "de", like accepter de...
I just want to know is there actually a pattern as to which of these follow each verb? Because there are a lot of it in my text, do i have to just memorize every verb?
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Yes, there are patterns, but it takes a while to "see" them.
The infinitive is used principally after another verb or after a preposition. Some verbs are followed directly by the infinitive, without a preposition:
aimer mieux/préférer = to prefer
aller = to go
compter = to intend
croire = to believe
désirer/vouloir = to wish, to want
devoir = to have to, be
(supposed) to
entendre = to hear
espérer = to hope
faire = to make, have,
cause
falloir = to be necessary
laisser = to let, allow
oser = to dare
pouvoir = to be able
savoir = to know how
valoir mieux = to be better
venir = to come
voir = to see
Some verbs rquire à before the following infinitive:
aider à = to help
aimer (à) = to like
s'amuser à = to enjoy, amuse
oneself by
apprendre à = to learn
avoir à = to have to
commencer à
/se mettre à = to begin
continuer à = to continue
enseigner à = to teach
hésiter à = to hesitate
inviter à = to invite
réussir à = to succeed in
tenir à = to be anxious,
insist on
venir à = to happen to
(NOTE: you can classify some of the verbs = verbs of beginning, teaching, learning)
(The à is often omitted with aimer.
Nous aimons (à) patiner. = We like to skate.
Some verbs require de before the following infinitive:
cesser de = to stop
craindre de = to fear, be
afraid
décider de = to decide
empêcher de = to prevent
essayer de/tâcher de = to try
finir de = to finish
oublier de = to forget
prier de = to beg
refuser de = to refuse
regretter de = to regret
remercier de = to thank for
se souvenir de = to remember
venir de = to have just
also:
conseiller (à quelqu'un) de
= to advise (some-
one) to
défendre (à quelqu'un) de
= to forbid (some-
one) to
demander (à quelqu'un) de
= to ask (someone)
to
dire (à quelqu'un) de= to tell (some-
one) to
ordonner (à quelqu'un) de
= to order (some-
one) to
permettre (à quelqu'un) de
= to permit (some-
one) to
promettre (à quelqu'un) de
= to promise (some-
one) to
Do the best you can with classifying and memorizing the lists. You will probably want to print them out so you can refer to them. BTW this is only about half of "Prepositions with Infinitives" but I'll post the rest after I take care of my rescue animals.
Mme
Part II:
Most adjectives and nouns are followed by "de" before the infinitive.
Je suis contente d'apprendre la bonne nouvelle. = I am pleased to learn the good news.
NOTE: The adjective prêt/e (ready) is followed by à.
Other prepositions followed by the infinitive are: pour (to, in order to, for the purpose of), afin de (in order to), avant de (before), sans (without), au lieu de (instead of).
The preposition par (by) is used only after commencer and finir. In other cases, "by + a verb" is translated by "en + the present participle."
An infinitive that is passive in meaning is preceded by à.
Y a-t-il quelque chose à voir? = Is there anything to see (= to be seen)?
Impersonal expressions composed of "il + être + adjective" require "de" before the infinitive. In this case, the infinitive is really the subject.
Il est bon de dire la vérité. = It is good to tell the troth. (= To tell the truth is good.)
NOT: Notice the difference in the use of the prepositions before the infinitive in the following French sentences.
Il est difficile d'apprendre le chinois. = It is difficult to learn Chinese. (impersonal)
Le chinois est difficile à apprendre. = Chinese is difficult to learn. (passive)
French makes clear the meaning of "it" by two distinct constructions. The translations of these sentences into English, although identical, have two different meanings.
Il est intéressant de lire. = It is interesting to read. (= Reading is interesting.)
C'est intéressant à lire. = It is interesting to read. (= The book, The letter, etc. is interesting to read.)
Memorize: Il est bon de..... and C'est bon à.....
Mme
When it comes to verbs followed by infinitives in French, there isn't a specific pattern that applies to all verbs. However, there are certain tendencies that can guide you in determining which preposition (if any) to use after a verb. Here are the main categories:
1. Verbs followed by the infinitive without a preposition:
- These verbs include "aimer" (to like/love), "vouloir" (to want), "préférer" (to prefer), "désirer" (to desire), and others. They are generally verbs related to emotions, desires, preferences, and intentions. In these cases, you don't need to use any preposition before the infinitive.
2. Verbs followed by the preposition "à" + infinitive:
- Some verbs require the preposition "à" before the infinitive, such as "apprendre" (to learn), "commencer" (to begin/start), "continuer" (to continue), "penser" (to think), "essayer" (to try), and many others. The preposition "à" indicates the purpose or intention behind the action.
3. Verbs followed by the preposition "de" + infinitive:
- Another group of verbs is followed by the preposition "de" before the infinitive. These verbs include "accepter" (to accept), "refuser" (to refuse), "décider" (to decide), "arrêter" (to stop), "permettre" (to allow), and more. The preposition "de" indicates the action or the reason behind the action.
It's important to note that there are exceptions and that some verbs can be followed by different prepositions depending on the context or meaning. In such cases, it's best to consult a reliable French grammar resource or dictionary for clarification. Although there are many verbs in French, you don't necessarily have to memorize all of them right away. With practice and exposure, you will naturally become familiar with the common patterns and usage.