How do I use sans with an infinitive?

Understanding “Sans” in French

“Sans” is a preposition in French that translates to “without” in English. It is used to indicate the absence of something or someone. For example, “sans sucre” means “without sugar”. When “sans” is followed by a verb, it is typically followed by the infinitive form of the verb, not a conjugated verb or a gerund.

Basic Structure: Sans + Infinitive

The most important rule to remember is that “sans” should be directly followed by the infinitive form of the verb. The infinitive is the base form of the verb, such as “manger” (to eat), “parler” (to speak), or “finir” (to finish). Unlike English, which often uses the gerund (-ing form), French does not use “en” or any other form after “sans”.

Examples of “Sans” with an Infinitive

• Il est parti sans dire au revoir. (He left without saying goodbye.)
• Tu as réussi sans tricher. (You succeeded without cheating.)
• Je ne peux pas vivre sans aimer. (I can’t live without loving.)
• Elle est sortie sans prendre son parapluie. (She went out without taking her umbrella.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many English speakers make the mistake of translating literally from English. In English, you would say “without doing,” “without saying,” etc. In French, always use the infinitive after “sans”, not the present participle (the “-ing” form).

• Incorrect: sans disant (wrong)
• Correct: sans dire (right)
• Incorrect: sans allant (wrong)
• Correct: sans aller (right)

How Does “Sans” with an Infinitive Affect Meaning?

Using “sans” with the infinitive emphasizes that the action expressed by the verb did not take place. It is a concise way to say that something was not done, often with a nuance of omission or lack. This construction is very common in both written and spoken French, making it essential for learners aiming for fluency.

Additional Examples in Context

• Il a réussi l’examen sans étudier. (He passed the exam without studying.)
• Ils sont partis sans prévenir. (They left without warning.)
• Nous avons continué sans nous arrêter. (We continued without stopping.)

Tips for Practicing “Sans” with an Infinitive

• Whenever you want to express “without doing something” in French, remember to use the infinitive after “sans”.
• Practice by translating simple English sentences to French, focusing on this structure.
• Read French articles, stories, or dialogues and underline examples of “sans” followed by an infinitive to reinforce your understanding.
• Use language learning platforms like Talkpal to get instant feedback and practice in real conversations.

Conclusion: Mastering “Sans” + Infinitive

Using “sans” with an infinitive is a straightforward yet essential structure in French grammar. By remembering to always follow “sans” with the verb’s infinitive form, you will avoid common pitfalls and express yourself more naturally. Practice this construction regularly, and soon it will become second nature. For more tips and interactive lessons on French grammar, visit the Talkpal AI language learning blog and accelerate your journey to French fluency.