In French one verb can be followed by another verb. In some situations the verb is followed directly with an infinitive (J’aime danser). In other situations the verb is followed by à or de. Here we’ll look at verbs that are followed with an infinitive.
You cannot say J’espère que je + verb. You cannot have the same subject appear twice separated by que. In this instance you need to use the subject once at the beginning of the sentence followed by the infinitive. If there are two subjects separated by que then either the indicative or subjunctive is used.
- 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 demarrer 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:
- Infinitive Mood
- Top 10 French Verbs Followed By À (blog post)
- Verbs Followed by À (complete list)
- Verbs followed by de (complete list)
- Verbs Not Followed By A Preposition
Suggested audio French courses from Frenchtoday.com
David Issokson is a lifelong language enthusiast. His head is swimming with words and sounds as he speaks over six languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private online lessons. When procrastinating working on his site, FrenchLearner.com, David enjoys his time skiing and hiking in Teton Valley, Idaho.
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Bonjour! My name is David Issokson. I'm based in Victor, Idaho (near Jackson, Wyoming) and have helped hundreds of students to learn French online since 2013.
