Infinitiv

Infinitiv is a non-finite verb form used across many languages to express an action in a general, unconjugated way. It names the action itself rather than a specific subject performing it in a particular tense. Infinitives can function as the base form of a verb for dictionary entries, and they often appear in clauses that depend on another word, such as another verb, adjective, noun, or preposition.

In many languages, the infinitive has specific phonological or syntactic forms. English commonly distinguishes between the to-infinitive (to read, to go) and the bare-infinitive (read, go) in certain contexts, such as after modal verbs or after verbs of perception. The infinitive can also act as a noun, as in “To err is human.”

German and other Germanic languages use the term Infinitiv for the base form of the verb (lesen, gehen). German also employs the “zu-Infinitiv” in many subordinate clauses or with certain expressions (Es ist wichtig, zu lesen). Romance languages typically preserve an infinitive form (hablar, comer) used after other verbs or with prepositions to express purpose, intention, or obligation.

The infinitive often contrasts with finite verb forms that carry person, number, mood, or tense. It also participates in periphrastic constructions, verbal nouns (gerunds), and clauses of purpose or result. Some languages have more than one infinitive or auxiliary constructions that fulfill infinitive-like functions.

See also: non-finite verb, to-infinitive, bare infinitive, verbal noun.