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A2Grammar cheat sheet
Infinitive verb patterns
High-priority A2 grammar concept for TEF/TCF preparation: Infinitive verb patterns.
Quick rule
Use infinitives after modal verbs, many prepositions, and fixed verb patterns.
Patterns to memorize
- modal + infinitive: je peux partir
- pour/avant de/sans + infinitive
- verb pattern: décider de, commencer à, aider à
Where to use it
- Giving reasons or goals
- Writing concise action plans
- Avoiding unnecessary conjugation
High-value examples
Je vous écris pour demander des renseignements.
I am writing to ask for information.
Purpose with pour + infinitive.
Nous avons décidé de changer de fournisseur.
We decided to change supplier.
Décider de + infinitive.
Common mistakes
- Conjugating the second verb after a modal
- Forgetting de after décider
- Using pour que when the subject does not change
Mini drill
- Write 3 modal + infinitive sentences.
- Write 3 pour + infinitive purpose sentences.
- Learn 5 verb + à/de + infinitive patterns.
Exam target
Use Infinitive verb patterns in level-appropriate sentences.Recognize common errors and produce a corrected version.Apply the form in short exam-style writing.