Using an infinitive as the subject
In French, the infinitive (the 'to' form of a verb) can be the subject of a sentence, similar to the '-ing' gerund in English. For example: Lire est important (Reading is important).
How It Works
Using the infinitive as a subject is a sophisticated way to discuss actions in the abstract. Here are the key rules:
- Register: Placing a bare infinitive at the start of a sentence (e.g., Mentir est mal) is common in formal writing, proverbs, and literature.
- Dislocation: In everyday spoken French, we usually 'dislocate' the subject using c'est for emphasis. Instead of Fumer est dangereux, a native speaker will say Fumer, c'est dangereux.
- Agreement: Even if the infinitive is followed by a plural object, the verb remains singular. Example: Lire des livres est utile (Reading books is useful).
- The 'De' Marker: Occasionally, you will see De before the infinitive subject (e.g., De vous voir m'a fait plaisir). This is a very formal or literary style used to refer to a specific event rather than a general truth.
- Extraposition: Often, the subject is moved to the end of the sentence using the impersonal il est + adjective + de construction.
Examples (5)
- Travailler ennoblit l'homme.
Working ennobles man.
Word by Word: To work ennobles the man.
A classic proverb using the bare infinitive as a subject to express a general truth.
- Partir, c'est mourir un peu.
Leaving is dying a little.
Word by Word: To leave, it is to die a little.
This demonstrates the common 'dislocation' where the infinitive is followed by 'c'est' for emphasis.
- Bien manger est essentiel pour la santé.
Eating well is essential for health.
Word by Word: Well to eat is essential for the health.
The infinitive can be modified by adverbs (bien) while still acting as the subject.
- Lire des poèmes m'aide à m'endormir.
Reading poems helps me fall asleep.
Word by Word: To read some poems me helps to me to fall asleep.
Notice that even though 'poèmes' is plural, the verb 'aide' is singular because the subject is the action of reading.
- De vous revoir nous a beaucoup touchés.
Seeing you again touched us a lot.
Word by Word: Of you to see again us has a lot touched.
A formal usage where 'De' introduces a specific infinitive subject.
Common Mistakes
Using the present participle (-ant) as a subject like the English gerund (-ing).
Fumant est mauvais pour la santé.Fumer est mauvais pour la santé.In French, the present participle cannot be a noun. You must use the infinitive to represent the 'act' of doing something.
Making the verb plural because the infinitive has a plural object.
Apprendre les langues sont difficiles.Apprendre les langues est difficile.The subject is the singular act of 'learning' (Apprendre), not the 'languages' (les langues).
Omitting 'de' when using the extraposed impersonal construction.
C'est important faire ça.C'est important de faire ça.While a direct subject needs no 'de' (Faire ça est important), when you move the infinitive to the end after an adjective, you must use 'de'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use an infinitive as a subject, you must first understand the basic French sentence structure (SVO) and how to identify the infinitive form of a verb. Since these constructions often involve descriptions or definitions, knowing the present tense of 'être' is also fundamental.
- être (présent)Irregular Verb Etre (To Be)
The verb 'être' is the most common verb used when an infinitive is the subject (e.g., 'Fumer est dangereux').
Level 1 - Verbs linked directly to an infinitive
Familiarity with the infinitive form of verbs is essential before using them as nouns in the subject position.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- il est + Adjective + de + InfinitiveImpersonal Judgment with Il Est...de
This is the 'extraposed' version of the infinitive subject, used to make judgments about an action.
Level 3 - c'est / il est / elle estIdentifying with C'est Versus Describing with Il/elle Est
Explains the use of 'c'est' which is frequently used to resume an infinitive subject in spoken French.
Level 1 - Present participle formation
Learners often confuse the present participle with the infinitive when trying to translate English gerunds.
Level 3 - -tion / -ment / -ageTurning Verbs into Nouns
This is the alternative to using an infinitive subject: turning the verb into a formal noun.
Level 4
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice Using an infinitive as the subject in Bubblegum
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