How to Use the Passive Infinitive in French

The passive infinitive is a crucial French grammar concept that can elevate your language skills.

This structure allows you to express passive actions elegantly and naturally.

What is the Passive Infinitive?

The passive infinitive in French is formed by using the preposition "à" before an infinitive verb. It's used when the infinitive has a passive role rather than an active one.

Active vs. Passive Infinitive

To understand the difference, let's compare two sentences:

1. Active: "Je dois lire beaucoup de livres." (I have to read many books.)
2. Passive: "J'ai beaucoup de livres à lire." (I have many books to read.)

In the active sentence, the subject "je" is directly connected to the action of reading.

In the passive construction, the books are available to be read, but the subject isn't necessarily the one doing the reading.

When to Use the Passive Infinitive

The passive infinitive is commonly used after various phrases and constructions:

Indefinite Adjectives and Articles

• "J'ai d'autres choses à faire." (I have other things to do.)
• "Nous cherchons un terrain à acheter." (We're looking for a property to buy.)

Indefinite and Negative Pronouns

• "Il veut quelque chose à manger." (He wants something to eat.)
• "Je n'ai rien à faire." (I have nothing to do.)

Numbers and Quantities

• "J'ai deux tâches à accomplir." (I have two tasks to complete.)
• "Il y a beaucoup de travail à faire." (There's a lot of work to do.)

Presentatives

• "Voici le nouveau restaurant à essayer." (Here's the new restaurant to try.)
• "C'est difficile à comprendre." (It's hard to understand.)

Common Expressions Using the Passive Infinitive

French has several everyday expressions that use this structure:

1. "Maison à vendre" (House for sale)
2. "Voiture à louer" (Car for rent)
3. "Reste à voir" (Remains to be seen)
4. "À suivre" (To be continued)

Practice Exercises

To help you grasp this concept, try these exercises:

1. Transform these active sentences into passive infinitives:

   • Je dois écrire cette lettre. → ________ (Cette lettre à écrire.)
   • Nous devons finir ce projet. → ________ (Ce projet à finir.)

2. Complete these sentences using the passive infinitive:

   • J'ai beaucoup de livres ________ (à lire).
   • Il cherche un appartement ________ (à louer).

Answers to Practice Exercises

1. Transform these active sentences into passive infinitives:

   • Je dois écrire cette lettre. → Cette lettre à écrire.
   • Nous devons finir ce projet. → Ce projet à finir.

2. Complete these sentences using the passive infinitive:

   • J'ai beaucoup de livres à lire.
   • Il cherche un appartement à louer.