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.
Related Lessons:
French grammar | Lessons by David Issoskon
