MarshLatinII.wordpress.com Complementary Infinitives A complementary infinitive is one that works in conjunction with a modal verb (one that requires an infinitive to create a complete thought). Examples include: possum "be able (to)", "can" audeo "dare (to)" soleo "is accustomed (to)" Occasional Complements Here are some verbs that sometimes pattern with complementary infinitives (but sometimes do not take complementary infinitives): cupio "desire (to)" debeo "ought (to)", "must" volo "want (to)", "wish (to)" Complementary Infinitives in a Sentence Here are some examples of complementary infinitives: Furem fur cognoscere potest "a thief is able to recognize a thief" Canis cenam edere vult "the dog wants to eat his dinner". Subjective Infinitives serve as the subject of another verb. You have seen this most frequently with the phrase necesse est, necesse is a neuter singular adjective. You have also seen the subjective infinitive with licet and in a variety of other expression with forms of sum and neuter singular adjectives: Examples Necesse est Cornëliö ad Cüriam ïre. It is necessary for Cornelius to go to the Senate House. Perïculösum est prope arënam sedëre. It is dangerous to sit near the track. OR: Sitting near the track is dangerous. Erräre est hümänum. To err is human. Objective Infinitive An objective infinitive serves as the direct object of another verb. You have seen this use with the verbs iubëre and vetäre. Such infinitives always have an expressed accusative subject, which may be some other noun or pronoun Or, if they reflect the subject of themain verb, a reflexive pronoun: Examples Caupö servös adiuväre iubet. The innkeeper orders his servants to help. Cornëlius puerös exïre vetuit. Cornelius forbade the boys to go out.