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)
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Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources
Ménager le vin quand le tonneau est à sa fin, c'est s'y prendre un peu tard.
(Proverbe agricole)Sparing the wine when the barrel is at its end is getting to it a bit late.
(Farmer's proverb)
(Proverbe agricole)Sparing the wine when the barrel is at its end is getting to it a bit late.
(Farmer's proverb)
Poser un lapin le jour de la Saint-Valentin, ça craint !Standing someone up on Valentine's Day, that sucks!
