French Infinitive - L'infinitif

Word order with the infinitive is a bit different from conjugated verbs: everything goes directly in front of the infinitive.

1) Object pronouns, reflexive pronouns, and adverbial pronouns always precede the infinitive.

   Tu dois y aller.
   You have to go (there).

   Fermer la fenêtre. > La fermer.
   Close the window. > Close it.

   Il faut te lever.
   You must get up.


2) Both parts of the negative adverb precede the infinitive.

   Ne pas ouvrir la fenêtre.
   Don't open the window.

   Ne jamais laisser un enfant seul.
   Never leave child unattended.


3) When you have both of the above, the negative adverb precedes any pronouns:

   Ne pas l'ouvrir.
   Don't open it.

   Ne jamais le laisser seul.
   Never leave him unattended.


French infinitive test

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