Infinitiefbehandeling

Infinitiefbehandeling is a term used in linguistics and language description to refer to how infinitives are treated within a language’s grammar. It covers the form, distribution, and function of non-finite verb forms, and how these forms interact with other elements in clauses. The concept is particularly relevant for languages with explicit infinitive constructions, but it can also guide the analysis of related non-finite structures across languages.

Morphology and forms. In many Germanic languages, the infinitive is a non-finite verb form that is not marked for person or tense. Dutch, for example, uses the infinitief in its bare form (lopen) and in forms with te (om te lopen) for certain purposes. The bare infinitive often appears after modal or auxiliary verbs (ik moet gaan) or in certain object and complements, while the te-infinitive is common in purpose clauses (om te rusten) and in other subordinate constructions. Other languages combine infinitives with additional markers or with independent infinitive-like clauses.

Syntax and functions. Infinitives frequently function as nouns, complements, or modifiers within larger clauses. They can serve as subjects (Te leren kost tijd), objects (Ik hoop te vertrekken), or complements of adjectives and verbs. Infinitives also participate in adjunct constructions, purpose clauses, and reported speech in various ways, with language-specific constraints on where and how they may appear.

Cross-linguistic variation and pedagogy. The exact marking and use of infinitives vary by language, affecting how grammars describe clauses, annotation schemes, and teaching materials. Infinitiefbehandeling emphasizes consistent categorization of non-finite verbs, their triggers, and their interaction with tense, aspect, and mood, to support accurate parsing, translation, and language teaching.

See also: infinitive, non-finite verb, om te-infinitive, bare infinitive, clause structure.