Verb + Infinitive

Level 1

In Italian, certain verbs connect directly to an infinitive (the base form of a verb) without needing a preposition like 'a' or 'di'. This is most common with modal verbs (can, must, want) and verbs of preference or perception.

How It Works

This structure is used in several specific contexts:

Modal Verbs (Servili): The most common use. Verbs like potere, dovere, and volere always follow this pattern.
Verbs of Preference: Verbs like preferire (to prefer) and desiderare (to desire) do not use prepositions. Note that piacere also connects directly to an infinitive (e.g., Mi piace cantare).
Perception Verbs: When you see or hear someone doing something, use the direct infinitive. Examples include vedere (to see) and sentire (to hear/feel).
Causative/Permissive: Using fare (to make/have someone do) or lasciare (to let).
The verb 'Sapere': When sapere means 'to know how to' (a skill), it takes the direct infinitive (e.g., So nuotare).
Impersonal Verbs: Verbs like bisognare (to be necessary) connect directly to the infinitive (e.g., Bisogna studiare).

Clitic Pronouns: Placement depends on the type of verb:

With modal verbs and sapere, you have two choices: place the pronoun before the conjugated verb or attach it to the end of the infinitive (e.g., Lo voglio fare OR Voglio farlo).
With causative verbs, the clitic belongs to fare or lasciare, not to the following infinitive. It comes before an indicative verb (Lo faccio fare, Lo lascio uscire) and attaches to an affirmative imperative (Lascialo uscire!).
With preference verbs, the pronoun must attach to the end of the infinitive (e.g., Preferisco farlo). Placing it before the conjugated verb is considered incorrect.

Examples (5)

Posso entrare?
Can I come in?
Word by Word: Can I to enter?
The modal verb 'potere' (can/be able to) connects directly to the infinitive 'entrare'.
Preferisco restare a casa stasera.
I prefer to stay home tonight.
Word by Word: I prefer to stay at house tonight.
'Preferire' is a verb of preference that does not require 'di' or 'a' before the next verb.
Ti ho sentito cantare.
I heard you singing.
Word by Word: You I have heard to sing.
'Sentire' (to hear) is a verb of perception; the action witnessed is in the direct infinitive.
Dobbiamo studiare molto.
We must study a lot.
Word by Word: We must to study much.
'Dovere' (must/have to) is a modal verb and never takes a preposition.
Non so cucinare bene.
I don't know how to cook well.
Word by Word: Not I know to cook well.
When 'sapere' refers to a skill (knowing how to), it connects directly to the infinitive.

Common Mistakes

Adding 'di' after modal verbs.
Voglio di mangiare una pizza.
Voglio mangiare una pizza.
English speakers often translate 'to' as 'di', but modal verbs (volere, potere, dovere) connect directly to the infinitive.
Using 'conoscere' for skills.
Conosco nuotare.
So nuotare.
'Conoscere' is for people or places. To say you 'know how to' do an action, you must use 'sapere' + infinitive.
Assuming all verbs of desire follow this pattern.
Spero venire alla festa.
Spero di venire alla festa.
While 'preferire' and 'desiderare' take no preposition, 'sperare' (to hope) requires 'di'. Always check the specific verb's requirements.

How It Connects

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Verb + InfinitiveLevel 1

Learn This First

To use the 'verb + infinitive' construction, you must first know how to conjugate the main verb (the first verb) in the present tense. Additionally, since modal verbs (potere, dovere, volere) are the primary examples of this pattern, familiarity with them is essential.

potere / dovere / volereModal Verbs (Potere, Dovere, Volere)
Modal verbs are the most common category of verbs that take a direct infinitive without a preposition.
Level 1

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

And 7 more in the full list.

Sources

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