Infinitif (Présent) - Actif (Basic Format)

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Infinitif (Présent) – actif (Basic format)

The Infinitif  (occasionally referred to as the Infinitif présent) is the most basic form of the French verb, it is not conjugated.

It is simply the way every verb appears in the dictionary, it's the default verb form, or base form.

It always ends in "-er",  "-ir", or  "-re", all of which usually mean "ing" or "to", depending on its role in the sentence (subject or object).

Note: The Infinitif can be used as the 'subject' of a verb, as in Example 1 below, or it can behave as the 'object' (action receiver) of a verb, as in Example 2 below.

The Infinitif can also be used after prepositions and small phrases as shown in the examples in other sections of this tense.

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Examples:

Example 1 (gender-neutral, number-neutral)

Parler une langue seconde avec précision (, cela) demande beaucoup de pratique.

To speak a second language with precision requires a lot of practice.

Speaking a second language with precision requires a lot of practice.

Example 2 (gender-neutral, number-neutral)

J'aime parler aux touristes.

I love to speak to tourists.

I love speaking to tourists.