Chapter 4: Essential Irregular Verbs & Infinitives
Verb Infinitives
In Latin, the infinitive is the base form of the verb, translated in English as "to" plus the action (e.g., "to love," "to carry"). It is used to describe actions in a general sense and is often paired with another verb to express intentions, abilities, or obligations.
For 1st Conjugation verbs, the infinitive ends in -are. Here are some examples using familiar vocabulary:
amare - to love
laudare - to praise
portare - to carry
spectare - to watch
vocare - to call
parare - to prepare
stare - to stand
Uses of the Infinitive
Infinitives are commonly used after verbs such as volo (I want), possum (I am able), and debeo (I ought). Though these specific verbs aren’t in our vocabulary yet, the infinitive verbs listed above can be combined in basic phrases to express intentions or actions.
Examples:
amo amare - I love to love
paro portare - I prepare to carry