Unit 4.1
Infinitive
Introduction
The infinitive [infinitivo] is one of the non-personal forms of the verb, which has neither gender nor number. It is also the base form [forma base] of the verb.
Form
The infinitive is used:
- in the periphrasis hay que + infinitive, when the subject of the sentence is indeterminate or unspecific;
- with DC nd IC personal pronouns which are placed after it and joined with it in one word (escucharlo, darle…);
- as a subject in noun subordinate sentences after verbs such as gustar, encantar, doler, interesar…;
- with adverbs of time antes de and después de (in temporal adverbial subordinate clauses).
Example
- Hay que cambiar de impresora porque esta ya no funciona;
- Estoy triste porque hubo un eclipse y no pude verlo;
- Os gustaba ir al río de vacaciones en 1995;
- Hace tiempo que me pongo la mascarilla antes de bajar a la calle;
- Lávate las manos al menos una vez después de llegar a casa.
Use
{See infinitive, Level A1}
Summary
The infinitive is the base form of the verb. It is an impersonal form of the verb and therefore has neither gender nor number.
For example:
— «Hay que lavarse las manos antes de comer.»= Hay que + infinitive;
— «Lávate las manos antes de comerlo.» = after the personal pronoun CD;
— «Me gusta comer con las manos lavadas.» = after the verb gustar;
— «Antes de comer debe lavarse las manos.» = Antes de + infinitive.
Check the contents of the {Form} section. Then move on the {Example} sections, which shows you the usage in context.
Exercises
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