Take the fastest path to fluent French
Generally, when talking about an activity in English, we use either the -ing form of the verb or the to + verb form:
Dieting is useful. / To diet is useful.
I love going on holiday. / I love to go on holiday.
Learn how to use infinitive verbs in French
Now look at these examples:
In French, you will always use the infinitive in those cases.
Case of reflexive infinitives
When the infinitive is a reflexive verb, the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) matches the subject of the sentence (i.e. the person referred to).
See also Conjugate reflexive verbs in the near future in French using aller + infinitive (Le Futur Proche)
Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »
Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources
Se faire les yeux doux par écran interposé, si ça marchait, ça se saurait !Put down that phone!
Making doe eyes with a screen in-between, if that worked, we would know!
(Proverbe agricole)Sparing the wine when the barrel is at its end is getting to it a bit late.
(Farmer's proverb)
