Infinitives
Usage
Spanish infinitives are used in many ways:
1. As the Subject of a Sentence
- Leeres divertido. —Readingis fun.
- Fumarestá prohibido. —Smokingis prohibited.
2. After Certain Verbs
Some verbs are followed directly by an infinitive:
- Quierosalir. — I wantto leave.
- Necesitoestudiar. — I needto study.
3. After Prepositions
The infinitive always follows prepositions:
- Voy acerrarla puerta. — I’m goingto closethe door.
- Antes decomer, lavo las manos. — Beforeeating, I wash my hands.
4. To Express Purpose
- Estudio paraaprender. — I study in orderto learn.
- Trabajo mucho paraviajar. — I work a lot totravel.
5. In Impersonal Expressions
- Es importantebeberagua. — It’s importantto drinkwater.
- Hay queguardarsilencio. — One mustbe quiet.
Examples
Summary
- Spanish infinitives end in-ar,-er, or-ir.
- They are used as subjects, after certain verbs, after prepositions, and to express purpose.
- They correspond to the English "to" form of the verb.
- Always use the infinitive form in these contexts without conjugating.
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Last updated: Thu Jul 17, 2025