What is an infinitive and when is it used?

An infinitive is a verb that has not been changed and is in its original form, eg with an -re, -er or -ir ending, meaning “to …”. An infinitive is commonly found: As a second verb (particuraly after verbs aimer, aller, savoir, espérer, préférer) J’espère travailler – I hope to travel After a modal verb (pouvoir, devoir, vouloir) Je dois finir mes devoirs ce soir – I have to finish my homework this evening After verbs taking the preposition à Nous apprenons à danser – We are learning to dance After verbs taking the preposition de Je refuse de marcher – I refuse to walk After certain prepositions, such as pour, sans, au lieu de, avant de (for/without/instead of/before) Elle mange un sandwich avant de jouer dehors – She eats a sandwich before playing outside Sometimes on its own Vivre ici n’est pas facile – Living here is not easy