In French, there are situations where a verb can be followed by another verb. For example, “J’aime danser” (I like to dance). In other situations the verb is followed by the preposition à or de + infinitive.
- J’espère partir demain. I hope to leave tomorrow.
- Nous aimons voyager en France. We like traveling in France.
- Je sais chanter cette chanson. I know how to sing this song.
- Je n’ose pas parler. I don’t dare to speak.
- Nous espérons partir demain. We hope to leave tomorrow.
- Je préfère commander la pizza. I prefer to order the pizza.
Verbs not followed by a preposition
INFINITIVE | ENGLISH |
aimer | to like, love |
aller | to go |
avouer | to admit |
compter | to intend, count on |
désirer | to desire, wish |
détester | to hate |
devoir | must, have to |
écouter | to listen to |
espérer | to hope |
faire | to make, do |
falloir | must, to be necessary |
laisser | to let, allow |
oser | to dare |
paraître | to appear, seem |
penser | to think, intend |
pouvoir | to be able |
préférer | to prefer |
prétendre | to claim |
savoir | to know |
sembler | to seem |
sentir | to feel, think |
souhaiter | to wish |
venir | to come |
vouloir | to want |
Verbs of movement are also followed with an infinitive and no preposition.
- Je viens te chercher à l’aéroport. I’ll come to get you at the airport.
- Je monte prendre les boîtes. I’m going up to get the boxes.
- Je descends démarrer la voiture. I’m going down to start the car.
- Je sors chercher les poubelles. I’m going out to get the trash bins.