Usages of Verb
Infinitives
Sp. 3 H c.9
Verb Infinitives:
1. Infinitives are typically introduced
by a conjugated verb:
ie...Quiero hacer algo hoy.
I want to do something today.
Verb Infinitives:
2. Infinitives are always used
following prepositions:
(in English – typically present participles)
ie…Por estudiar, ……
By studying ….
Después de comer …
After eating …
Common Prepositions:
Para
De
Después de
Al lado de
Cerca de
Lejos de
Sin
Por
Antes de
A
En
Con
A pesar de
Hasta
En caso de
En vez de
Verb Infinitives:
3. Infinitives are used after QUE in
phrases such as algo que, poco que,
mucho que, tanto que and nada
que:
ie…Tenían mucho que hacer.
They had a lot to do.
Verb Infinitives:
4. Infinitives are frequently used after
impersonal expressions:
ie…Es importante estudiar cada día.
It is important to study each day.
Es difícil cortar la carne.
It is difficult to cut meat.
Verb Infinitives:
5. If the object or clause doesn’t
follow the infinitive then this
construction is used:
“object+ADJ+de+infinitive”
ie…La carne es difícil de cortar.
Meat is hard to cut.
Español es fácil de aprender.
Spanish is easy to learn.
Verb Infinitives:
6. Some verbs take on different
meanings when the are followed by
certain prepositions:
ie…Hay - There is (are)
Hay que- One must
Debe - should
Debe de - must
Verb Infinitives:
6. Some verbs take on different
meanings when the are followed by
certain prepositions:
ie…Estar para – to be about to
Estar por – to be in favor of
Tener – to have (no inf.)
Tener que – to have to (always inf.)
Verb Infinitives:
7. Infinitives are used in some circular
expressions or casual commands:
ie…¿Ella relarjarse?
Her, relax?
¡A estudiar!
Off to study!
Verb Infinitives:
8. AL + infinitive means ON or UPON
DOING SOMETHING:
ie…Al estudiar
Upon studying
Verb Infinitives:
9. Hacer or mandar can be used with
an infinitive to express to have some
done: (an IOP is typically used in this formation)
ie…El professor les hizo contestar las
preguntas.
The professor had
them answer the questions.
Verb Infinitives:
10. When an EL is placed in front of
an infinitive, it is nominalized
(made into a noun):
ie…El fumar contamina el aire.
Smoking contaminates the air.