French grammar - The infinitive following adjectives or nouns - using de or à |
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In the majority of cases, an infinitive that follows (modifies) an adjective or noun is proceeded by de. The de is also used after que in the second part of a comparison: There are a few expectations where à is used instead: • After le dernier ('the last'), le seul ('the only'), le premier ('the first'), and other numerals. • If the infinitive conveys a passive meaning (eg. 'to be done'). • After adjectives showing tendency, appropriateness, and purpose, such as habile ('skillful'), lent ('slow'), 'prêt' ('ready'). |
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Il est facile de comprendre.
It is easy to understand. |
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Je n'ai pas le temps de t'attendre.
I don't have time to wait for you (familiar). |
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Est-il capable de le faire ?
Is he able to do it? |
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Je suis ravi de vous revoir.
I (male) am glad to see youIn your (formal) opinion, again. |
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Je suis ravie de faire votre connaissance.
I (female) am delighted to make your acquaintance. |
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C'est mieux de prendre le bus.
It's better to take the bus. |
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Marguerite a peur de s'endormir.
Marguerite is afraid to fall asleep. |
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Elle a aussi peur de ne pas se réveiller.
She is also afraid of not waking up. |
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C'est étrange de ne pas demander d'aide.
It's weird not asking for help. |
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Je préfère lire que de regarder la télévision.
I prefer reading to watching TV.
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Il est plus relaxant de rentrer à pied que de prendre le bus.
It is more relaxing to walk home than to take the bus.
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Elle n'a pas le temps de gravir cette montagne.
She doesn't have time to climb this mountain.
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Elle est la seule personne à avoir gravi cette montagne.
She is the only person to have climbed this mountain.
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C'est le dernier train à partir d'ici aujourd'hui.
This is the last train from here today.
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Il a été le premier garçon à m'embrasser.
He was the first boy to kiss me.
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Donnez‐moi un livre à lire.
Give me a book to read.
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J'ai un secret à te dire.
I have a secret to tell you (familiar).
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C'est le meilleur plat à commander dans ce bistrot.
This is the best dish to order in this bistro.
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La robe est propre et prête à porter.
The dress is clean and ready to wear.
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Il a tendance à se rendre tôt au travail.
He tends to come to work early.
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