Narrative infinitive

Level 5

The narrative infinitive (infinitif de narration) is a high-level literary device used to describe a sudden, rapid action. It replaces a conjugated verb with de + infinitive to create a sense of speed and drama.

How It Works

The infinitif de narration (also called the infinitif historique) is a specialized tool for storytelling. It is used to heighten the pace of a narrative, often moving from a descriptive passage into a flurry of action.

Key Characteristics:

  • The 'de' Marker: The present infinitive must be introduced by the preposition de. Even though it describes past actions, the past infinitive is not used here.
  • Subject Placement: An explicit subject is standard and necessary to identify this construction. If the subject is a pronoun, you must use a tonic pronoun (e.g., Et lui de répondre). Omission of the subject is a rare exception reserved for extremely rapid-fire sequences.
  • Introductory Anchors: This construction is most commonly triggered by the conjunction et or the adverb aussitôt. These signal the sudden transition to action.
  • Punctuation: In literary contexts, this shift is often preceded by a colon (:) or a semicolon (;) to mark the break from the previous description.
  • Pronoun Placement: If the verb is reflexive, the reflexive pronoun must still be placed between the de and the infinitive (e.g., et lui de se lever).
  • Register: This is primarily literary and formal. You will find it in the fables of La Fontaine or high-level journalism.

While it often replaces the passe simple, it doesn't just tell what happened; it emphasizes the abruptness of the event.

Examples (4)

  1. Ainsi dit le renard ; et flatteurs d'applaudir.

    So said the fox; and the flatterers [began] to applaud.

    Word by Word: Thus said the fox; and flatterers of to-applaud.

    A classic example from La Fontaine. The infinitive 'applaudir' shows the immediate reaction of the crowd.

  2. L'ennemi approchait, et chacun de s'enfuir.

    The enemy was approaching, and everyone [suddenly] fled.

    Word by Word: The enemy was-approaching, and everyone of to-flee.

    The shift from the descriptive 'approchait' (imparfait) to the narrative infinitive 's'enfuir' emphasizes the panic.

  3. Et l'orateur d'ajouter : « Nous ne céderons jamais ! »

    And the orator added: 'We will never yield!'

    Word by Word: And the orator of to-add: 'We not will-yield never!'

    Common in journalistic style to add a dramatic flair to a report.

  4. Les chiens de courir, les chevaux de galoper.

    The dogs [started] running, the horses [started] galloping.

    Word by Word: The dogs of to-run, the horses of to-gallop.

    Using multiple narrative infinitives in a row creates a 'telegraphic' effect of chaotic, simultaneous action.

Common Mistakes

  • Using a subject pronoun instead of a tonic pronoun.

    Et il de rire.
    Et lui de rire.

    In this construction, if the subject is a pronoun, you must use a tonic pronoun (moi, lui, eux, etc.) rather than a standard subject pronoun.

  • Omitting the preposition 'de'.

    Et les gens crier.
    Et les gens de crier.

    The narrative infinitive requires the 'de' to function correctly; without it, the sentence is ungrammatical.

  • Using it in casual conversation.

    Hier, j'ai vu un chien et moi de courir !
    Hier, j'ai vu un chien et j'ai commencé à courir.

    This pattern is highly literary. Using it in speech sounds pretentious or 'affected' unless you are intentionally being theatrical.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Narrative infinitiveLevel 5

Learn This First

To understand the narrative infinitive, you need to be familiar with the literary register of French narration, specifically the use of the infinitive as a substitute for conjugated past tenses. You also need to understand the structural role of the preposition 'de' when it introduces an infinitive.

Words in This Pattern