The Role of Infinitivo: Impersonal and Personal Forms

In Portuguese grammar, the Infinitivo is the base form of the verb, similar to the English infinitive with the word “to” included, such as “to be,” “to eat,” or “to dance.” There are two primary forms of the Infinitivo: the Impersonal Infinitivo and the Personal Infinitivo.

Impersonal Infinitivo

The Impersonal Infinitivo represents the verb in its simplest, most general form. It does not depend on a particular subject or object, nor does it indicate any tense, number, or person. The Impersonal Infinitivo is commonly used with prepositions, such as “antes de” (before), “para” (for), or “sem” (without), to indicate purpose, cause, or condition.

Example:
– É importante estudar todos os dias. (It is essential to study every day).

Personal Infinitivo

The Personal Infinitivo, as the name suggests, includes person and number, thus providing more specific information about the subject of the verb. This form is particularly useful in situations where a secondary or subordinate action is performed by a different subject than the main action.

Example:
– Quero que ele comer a comida. (I want him to eat the food).

Using the Infinitivo in Different Situations

The versatility of the Infinitivo in Portuguese grammar allows for its application across a plethora of situations. Some of the most common scenarios where the Infinitivo is employed include:

After Prepositions

Infinitivo is often used after prepositions, adding layers of meaning to the sentence.

Example:
– Ele saiu sem me dizer nada. (He left without telling me anything).

Expressing Purpose or Intention

The Infinitivo can be used to express purpose, intention, or necessity.

Example:
– Ela foi à livraria para comprar um livro. (She went to the bookstore to buy a book).

After Adjectives

When following adjectives, the Infinitivo may indicate a resulting action, a goal, or a state.

Example:
– Estou pronto para aprender português. (I am ready to learn Portuguese).

Essential Rules for Using the Infinitivo in Portuguese Grammar

To ensure proper use of the Infinitivo in Portuguese grammar, consider these essential rules:

1. Ensure agreement in person and number when using the Personal Infinitivo.
2. Remember that the Impersonal Infinitivo does not change for different subjects.
3. When using the Infinitivo after verbs expressing emotion or desire, consider the subject; if it is different from the main verb’s subject, the Personal Infinitivo is appropriate.

In conclusion, mastery of the Infinitivo in Portuguese grammar is crucial for both native speakers and learners. It opens doors to a more nuanced understanding of the language and paves the way for constructing complex sentences. With diligent practice and attention to the rules and examples provided in this comprehensive guide, achieving proficiency in the Infinitivo will become an attainable goal.