The infinitive in French
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The infinitive
We use the infinitive:
• To give advice, warnings or orders.
• To give advice, warnings or orders.
Découper le poulet. Carve the chicken.
Ne pas fumer ici. No smoking here.
Ne pas fumer ici. No smoking here.
• After a conjugated verb.
Je voudrais boire un verre de vin. vouloir, conditionnel présent I would like to drink a glass of wine.
Muriel doit écrire un courriel à M. Therrien. devoir, présent Muriel needs to write an e-mail to Mr. Therrien.
Muriel doit écrire un courriel à M. Therrien. devoir, présent Muriel needs to write an e-mail to Mr. Therrien.
• After the preposition pour.
Tu es en France pour apprendre le français ? You’re in France to learn French?
Reminder: The French infinitive verb form is classed into 3 groups: verbs ending in -er, verbs ending in -ir, and a third group of verbs (comprendre, naître, etc.)

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