Infinitive |
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English |
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| The infinitive is composed of two words: to + the dictionary form of the
verb. For example: to speak, to dance. |
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| Although the infinitive is the most basic form of the verb, it cannot be
used in a sentence without another verb which is conjugated. For example: To learn is exciting. In this sentence to learn is the infinitive and is is the conjugated verb. |
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| The dictionary form of the verb, rather than the infinitive, is used after
such verbs as let, must, should and can. For example: Mr. Smith let his daughter drive his new car. Note you do not use the word to before drive. |
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Spanish |
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| The infinitive is only composed of one word, the verb. For example: hablar (to speak), comer (to eat), vivir (to live) |
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| The infinitive form is always used for a verb that follows any verb other
than ser (to be), estar (to be) or haber
(to have). |
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| John and Mary want to dance together. Juan y María quieren bailar juntos. |
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| I can leave tomorrow. Puedo salir mañana. |
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| You should study more. Usted debe estudiar más. |
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