Lesson 4

Beginners

7. WHAT IS AN INFINITIVE?

An infinitive is the name of the verb.

IN ENGLISH

The infinitive is composed of two words: to + the dictionary form of

the verb (to speak, to dance). By dictionary form, we mean the form of

the verb that is listed as the entry in the dictionary (speak, dance).

Although the infinitive is the most basic form of the verb, it can never

be used in a sentence without another verb which is conjugated (see

What is a Verb Conjugation?, p. 39).

To learn is exciting.

infinitive main verb

It’ s (it is) important to be on time.

            main verb        infinitive

Paul and Mary want to dance together.

            main verb infinitive

It has started to rain.

auxiliary main infinitive

—verbs——-]

The dictionary form of the verb, i.e., the infinitive without the to, is

used after such verbs as must and let

Paul must do his homework.

dictionary form

The parents let the children watch the television.

dictionary form

IN SPANISH

The infinitive form is composed of only one word that ends with the

letters -ar, -er, or -ir. These letters are called the infinitive endings

The word to in the English infinitive has no Spanish equivalent.

            hablar  to speak

comer to eat

            vivir    to live

John and Mary want to dance together

Juan y Maria quieren bailar juntos.

infinitive

Ice. Leave tomorrow.

Pmtdo salir mañana.

infinitive

a should study more.

S debe estudiar más.

infinitive

            These endings also tell you which group each verb belongs to:

            -ar       —*      1st group or conjugation

            -er       —*      2nd group or conjugation

            -ir        —>      3rd group or conjugation

It is important for you to identify the group to which a verb belongs so

that you will know what pattern to follow when conjugating that verb.

Lb a sentence the infinitive form is always used for a verb that follows

y verb other than ser (to be), estar (to be), or haber (to have).

1. the last two examples there is no “to” in the English

dut you tat an infinitive must be used in Spanish.

            ~ the equivalent of a verb in an English-Spanish dic-

t look for the specific meaning of the English verb. In

            to change the meaning of a verb by placing short

            -s or adverbs) after them. For example, the verb look

‘1~g~s meaning depending on the word that follows.

Column B

to search for

I am looking for a book.

to take care of

I am looking after the children.

xc beware of

Look out for lions.

In Spanish, it is generally not possible to change the meaning of a verb

by adding a preposition or adverb as in Column A above. An entirely

different verb would be used for each of the various meanings above.

When consulting a dictionary, all the examples above under Column

A will be found under the dictionary entry look (mirar), but you will

have to search under that entry for the expression look for (buscar) or

look after (cuidar) to find the correct Spanish equivalent. Don’t select

the first entry under look and then add on the Spanish equivalent for

after; the result will be meaningless in Spanish.