Nonfinite – à mode impersonnel
Let's Define It!
What's a *nonfinite* verbs?
A nonfinite verb (un verbe à mode impersonnel) is one that does not provide any information about (a) tense, (b) person and (c) number.
A verb will be considered nonfinite because it is basically is stripped of the common attributes of a conjugated verb (mentioned above).
A nonfinite verb takes its traits from a nonfinite mood. There are 3 types of nonfinite moods:
- infinitive mood
- participle mood (past participles agreeing with a direct object can reveal a gender and number)
- gerund mood
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Let's Pronounce It!
What does it sound like in French?
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Let's Have an Example or Two!
Can a little reinforcement do the trick?
Here are some examples of nonfinite verbs that do not indicate the tense, number and person -- they will be underlined below for your convenience
- Il refuse de quitter les lieux. / He refuses to leave the premises. (infinitive)
- Nous mangeons en écoutant de la musique. We are eating while listening to music.
- Son secret a été devoilé . His secret has been revealed.
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