Infinitives After Verbs and Prepositions

In brief

An Italian infinitive is the dictionary form of a verb, such as parlare, prendere, or dormire. It can follow another verb to say what someone wants, decides, or starts to do. It also follows prepositions in expressions of purpose or sequence. English often uses ‘to’ in these translations, but Italian does not use a single equivalent in every construction.

Form

Conjugated verb + infinitive (voglio partire); conjugated verb + di/a + infinitive (decido di partire; comincio a studiare); per/prima di/senza + infinitive (per imparare; prima di uscire; senza aspettare).

Usage

• Use an infinitive directly after volere, potere, or dovere to express wanting, being able, or needing to do something.
• Use di before the infinitive after decidere and a after cominciare; the preceding verb determines the link.
• Use per + infinitive for purpose, prima di + infinitive for ‘before doing,’ and senza + infinitive for ‘without doing.’

Examples

• Voglio imparare l’italiano. — I want to learn Italian.
• Abbiamo deciso di restare a casa. — We decided to stay home.
• Comincio a lavorare alle nove. — I start working at nine.
• Studio ogni giorno per parlare meglio. — I study every day to speak better.

Common mistake

❌ Ho deciso andare a casa.

✅ Ho deciso di andare a casa.

Unlike a direct infinitive after voglio, the infinitive after decidere needs di.

Remember

Learn common verb + infinitive combinations with their link word; English ‘to’ does not reliably predict it.