B1 Gerunds & Infinitives 5 min read Fácil

Infinitival Clauses

Use the infinitive for formal purpose clauses and after 'a putea', but use 'să' for personal desires.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Infinitival clauses allow you to use a verb as a noun or complement without needing a full 'că' clause.

  • Use the infinitive after modal verbs like 'pot' (I can): Pot citi (I can read).
  • Use it to express purpose or necessity: Am de învățat (I have to study).
  • The infinitive form in Romanian usually ends in -a, -ea, -e, or -i.
Modal/Auxiliary + Infinitive (e.g., Pot + mânca)

Overview

Welcome to the world of the Romanian infinitive. It is like a secret agent. It hides in plain sight, but you rarely see it in its full form.
In English, you use the infinitive everywhere. In Romanian, we often swap it for the subjunctive. However, the infinitive is still vital for formal speech.
It also appears after specific prepositions. Think of it as the classy cousin of the verb family. It shows up when things get serious or technical.
You will see it in manuals, laws, and formal letters. Learning this will make your Romanian sound sophisticated. It is the key to moving beyond basic conversation.
Let's unlock this tool together.

How This Grammar Works

The Romanian infinitive has two versions. We call them the short and long infinitive. The long version ends in -re and acts like a noun.
The short version is what we use in verbal clauses. This short version usually follows the particle a. It looks exactly like the dictionary form of the verb.
For example, a cânta means to sing. In modern Romanian, we use it less than English speakers do. Usually, we prefer the să structure (subjunctive). But don't worry, the infinitive still has its own special territory.
It is essential after prepositions like pentru (for) or fără (without). It also appears after a few specific modal verbs. It acts as a fixed block of meaning that doesn't change for person or number.

Formation Pattern

1
Creating an infinitival clause is quite simple. Follow these three steps:
2
Pick your base verb from the dictionary. For example, a scrie (to write).
3
Keep the particle a if the verb follows a preposition. Use pentru a scrie (in order to write).
4
Drop the a if you are using modal verbs like a putea (can). Use pot scrie (I can write).
5
Remember, the infinitive never changes its ending. It does not matter if «I,» you, or we are doing the action. The verb a munci stays a munci. This makes it much easier than conjugating regular verbs. It is like a grammar free pass where you don't have to worry about endings.

When To Use It

You will use the infinitive in four main scenarios. First, use it after prepositions to express purpose or manner. For example, pentru a învăța (to learn) or fără a spune (without saying).
This is very common in writing. Second, use it after the modal verb a putea (can/to be able to). You can say pot merge (I can go).
Third, use it in formal instructions or notices. You might see a se păstra la rece (to be kept cold) on a juice carton. Fourth, use it when the verb is the subject of a sentence.
A greși e omenește (To err is human) is a classic example. It gives your speech a poetic or philosophical vibe. Use it when you want to sound like a Romanian scholar or a very polite professional.

When Not To Use It

Avoid the infinitive with verbs of desire or command in daily speech. In English, you say
I want to eat.
In Romanian, do not say Vreau a mânca. This sounds like you stepped out of a 19th-century novel.
Instead, use the subjunctive: Vreau să mănânc. Most verbs that take an infinitive in English take să in Romanian. This is the biggest trap for English speakers.
Also, avoid using it after a trebui (must/should). Native speakers will always use trebuie să. If you use the infinitive here, people will understand you, but it will feel crunchy and unnatural.
Think of it like wearing a tuxedo to a beach party. It’s technically clothes, but it’s the wrong vibe.

Common Mistakes

Many learners forget that the infinitive doesn't change for people. They try to conjugate it while keeping the a particle. That is a big no-no. Another common slip is using a instead of să after verbs like a vrea (to want). Yes, even native speakers might use the infinitive in very specific dialects, but for B1, stick to the rules. Don't forget the a after prepositions. Saying pentru învăța is like saying for learn instead of for learning. It sounds incomplete. Also, watch out for the negative. The word nu goes between the particle a and the verb. Example: pentru a nu întârzia (in order not to be late). Putting nu anywhere else is a common grammar traffic jam.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

The main rival of the infinitive is the subjunctive (să). The subjunctive is the everyday choice. It feels warm, personal, and active.
The infinitive is the professional choice. It feels objective, cold, and general. For example, E bine să dormi (It's good that you sleep) is friendly advice.
A dormi este sănătos (To sleep is healthy) is a medical fact. Another contrast is with the gerund (-ind/-ând). We use the gerund for ongoing actions.
Use the infinitive for the concept of the action itself. If you are describing a process in a manual, use the infinitive. If you are describing what someone is doing right now, use a conjugated verb.

Quick FAQ

Q

Can I use a with any verb?

Yes, every verb has an infinitive form starting with a.

Q

Is the infinitive dying out in Romanian?

Not at all! It is just moving into formal and specialized niches.

Q

Should I use it in a job interview?

Absolutely. Using pentru a demonstra sounds much more professional than just using simple sentences.

Q

Does it have a past tense?

Yes, but it's very rare. Focus on the present infinitive first.

Q

What if I forget the a?

Most people will still understand you, but you'll sound a bit like a robot.

Meanings

An infinitival clause is a verb phrase functioning as a noun or a complement to another verb, often replacing a subordinate clause.

1

Modal Complement

Used after modal verbs to express ability, possibility, or necessity.

“Pot veni mâine.”

“Trebuie să plecăm.”

2

Purpose/Duty

Used with 'a avea' to denote obligation.

“Am de făcut teme.”

“Are de scris o scrisoare.”

3

Nominalized Infinitive

The infinitive acting as the subject of a sentence.

“A citi este o plăcere.”

“A greși este omenește.”

Infinitive Forms by Conjugation

Conjugation Suffix Example Translation
I -a a cânta to sing
II -ea a vedea to see
III -e a merge to go
IV -i a dormi to sleep
IV -î a coborî to descend

Reference Table

Reference table for Infinitival Clauses
Usage Type Romanian Example English Meaning
After 'a putea' Pot vorbi. I can speak.
Purpose (pentru a) Pentru a înțelege... In order to understand...
Negative (fără a) Fără a întreba. Without asking.
As a Subject A fuma este interzis. To smoke is forbidden.
Formal Instruction A se agita înainte de folosire. To be shaken before use.
After 'înainte de' Înainte de a pleca. Before leaving.

Espectro de formalidad

Formal
Am de îndeplinit această sarcină.

Am de îndeplinit această sarcină. (Work/Daily)

Neutral
Am de făcut asta.

Am de făcut asta. (Work/Daily)

Informal
Tre' să fac asta.

Tre' să fac asta. (Work/Daily)

Jerga
Am de rezolvat.

Am de rezolvat. (Work/Daily)

The Romanian Infinitive Map

Infinitive

After Prepositions

  • pentru a to/for
  • fără a without

Modal Verbs

  • a putea can

As Noun

  • A fuma Smoking

Infinitive vs. Subjunctive

Infinitive (A)
Formal tone
General facts
Pot scrie I can write
Subjunctive (Să)
Casual tone
Personal desires
Vreau să scriu I want to write

Should I use the Infinitive?

1

Is it after 'a putea'?

YES ↓
NO
Check prepositions.
2

Is it formal purpose?

YES ↓
NO
Use 'să' for casual.

Common Infinitive Triggers

🔗

Prepositions

  • • pentru a
  • • fără a
  • • înainte de a
⚙️

Modals

  • • a putea
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Examples by Level

1

Pot citi.

I can read.

2

Vreau să dorm.

I want to sleep.

3

Pot veni.

I can come.

4

Pot mânca.

I can eat.

1

Am de învățat.

I have to study.

2

Nu am de făcut nimic.

I have nothing to do.

3

Am de scris o scrisoare.

I have a letter to write.

4

Ai de lucrat azi?

Do you have to work today?

1

A citi este o plăcere.

Reading is a pleasure.

2

A greși este omenește.

To err is human.

3

A învăța necesită timp.

Learning requires time.

4

Înainte de a pleca, sună-mă.

Before leaving, call me.

1

A refuza propunerea ar fi o greșeală.

Refusing the proposal would be a mistake.

2

A termina proiectul la timp este prioritatea noastră.

Finishing the project on time is our priority.

3

A nu ști nu este o scuză.

Not knowing is not an excuse.

4

A fi sau a nu fi, aceasta este întrebarea.

To be or not to be, that is the question.

1

A fi fost acolo ar fi schimbat totul.

Having been there would have changed everything.

2

A se fi întâmplat asta este regretabil.

That this happened is regrettable.

3

A fi ales această cale a fost decizia corectă.

Having chosen this path was the right decision.

4

A nu se fi prezentat la examen a fost o eroare gravă.

Not having shown up for the exam was a serious error.

1

A fi fost considerat un lider este o onoare.

To have been considered a leader is an honor.

2

A se fi bucurat de succes este meritul întregii echipe.

Having enjoyed success is the merit of the whole team.

3

A fi știut adevărul ar fi prevenit tragedia.

Having known the truth would have prevented the tragedy.

4

A nu se fi lăsat învins a demonstrat caracterul său.

Not having let himself be defeated demonstrated his character.

Easily Confused

Infinitival Clauses vs Subjunctive (Conjunctiv)

Both can express actions, but the subjunctive requires 'să'.

Infinitival Clauses vs Gerund (Gerunziu)

Both are non-finite, but gerunds show ongoing action.

Infinitival Clauses vs Future Tense

Future uses the infinitive, but with an auxiliary.

Errores comunes

✗

Vreau să a citi

✓

Vreau să citesc

Don't combine 'să' with the infinitive.
✗

Pot să citi

✓

Pot citi

Modal verbs don't need 'să'.
✗

Am de mâncând

✓

Am de mâncat

Use the infinitive, not the gerund.
✗

A citi este bun

✓

A citi este bine

Use the adverb 'bine' for the action.
✗

Am de a face

✓

Am de făcut

The 'de' is enough; no need for 'a'.
✗

Trebuie de făcut

✓

Trebuie făcut

Trebuie doesn't take 'de'.
✗

Pot a veni

✓

Pot veni

No 'a' after modal.
✗

Înainte de a plecând

✓

Înainte de a pleca

Always use the infinitive after 'de a'.
✗

A fi fost plecat este bine

✓

A fi plecat este bine

Keep it simple.
✗

Vreau a merge

✓

Vreau să merg

Vreau requires subjunctive.
✗

A se fi a fi

✓

A fi

Avoid double infinitives.
✗

A nu se fi a fi

✓

A nu fi

Simplify.
✗

A fi fost a fi

✓

A fi fost

Correct compound infinitive.

Sentence Patterns

Pot ___.

Am de ___.

A ___ este important.

Înainte de a ___, sună-mă.

Real World Usage

Texting common

Am de făcut ceva.

Job Interview very common

Am de rezolvat probleme.

Social Media common

A posta e totul.

Travel common

Am de vizitat muzeul.

Food Delivery occasional

Aș dori să mănânc.

Academic Writing constant

A analiza datele este crucial.

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💡

The 'Can' Rule

If you use 'a putea', you can drop the 'a' particle. It makes you sound like a native who is in a hurry!
⚠️

The 'Vreau' Trap

Never use 'a' after 'a vrea'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Use 'să' instead.
🎯

Formal Writing

In emails, use 'pentru a' to explain why you are writing. It sounds much more professional than simple sentences.
💬

Old Romanian

You'll see the infinitive a lot in old poetry. It's like how English uses 'thou'—it adds a layer of history and drama.

Smart Tips

Use the infinitive as a subject.

E important să citești. → A citi este important.

Use 'Am de' + infinitive.

Trebuie să fac curat, să gătesc. → Am de făcut curat și de gătit.

If the subject is the same, try the infinitive first.

Vreau să plec. → Pot pleca.

Use the infinitive for instructions.

Trebuie să trimiteți documentele. → De trimis documentele.

Pronunciación

a-cân-TA

Stress

The stress in the infinitive is usually on the final syllable.

Declarative

A citi este bine. ↘

Finality and certainty.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the Infinitive as the 'Root' of the tree; it's the base form that everything else grows from.

Visual Association

Imagine a dictionary with a giant 'A' on the cover. Every time you see an infinitive, imagine the verb jumping out of the book.

Rhyme

Verbul la infinitiv, mereu e un motiv, să-l folosești activ, în mod creativ!

Story

Maria wanted to learn Romanian. She looked at the dictionary and saw 'a mânca'. She realized she could say 'Pot mânca' to order food. Now she uses infinitives for everything.

Word Web

a fia aveaa vreaa puteaa știa face

Desafío

Write 5 sentences using 'Am de...' (I have to...) about your daily chores.

Notas culturales

The infinitive is used in formal writing and proverbs.

Often uses more direct constructions.

Similar to standard but with specific regional verbs.

Derived from Latin infinitives (e.g., amare, videre, legere).

Conversation Starters

“

Ce ai de făcut azi?

“

Crezi că a citi este important?

“

Ce poți face în weekend?

“

A fi lider este dificil?

Journal Prompts

List 5 things you have to do this week using 'Am de...'.
Write a short paragraph about the importance of reading.
Describe a difficult task you completed.
Reflect on a life lesson using a proverb structure.
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Test Yourself

Choose the correct form to express purpose in a formal context.

Am sunat ___ despre programare.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pentru a întreba
In formal contexts, 'pentru a' + infinitive is the standard way to show purpose.
Which form follows the modal verb 'a putea' correctly?

Noi nu putem ___ acum.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: veni
After 'a putea', we use the short infinitive without the particle 'a'.
Complete the sentence with the correct prepositional phrase.

A intrat în cameră ___ face zgomot.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fără a
'Fără a' means 'without (doing something)' and requires the infinitive.

Score: /3

Ejercicios de practica

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct infinitive.

Eu pot ___ (citi) această carte.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: citi
After 'pot', use the infinitive.
Choose the correct sentence. Opción múltiple

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Am de mâncat.
Obligation uses 'de' + infinitive.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Vreau să a merge.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vreau să merg.
Vreau requires subjunctive.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

este / A / plăcere / citi / o

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A citi este o plăcere.
Subject-verb-complement order.
Translate to Romanian. Traducción

I have to work.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Am de lucrat.
Obligation structure.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Ce faci? B: ___ de învățat.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Am
Am de învățat is the correct phrase.
Build a sentence with 'A fi'. Sentence Building

A fi / important / este / punctual

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A fi punctual este important.
Standard sentence structure.
Match the infinitive to its meaning. Match Pairs

a citi - to eat, a mânca - to read

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a citi-read, a mânca-eat
Basic vocabulary.

Score: /8

Preguntas frecuentes (8)

No, only when the subject is the same or it's a general concept.

'Am de lucru' means 'I have work (noun)', while 'Am de lucrat' means 'I have to work (verb)'.

Subjunctive is for different subjects or specific desires.

It can be, especially when used as a subject.

Yes, 'Nu pot citi'.

Yes, but often shortened.

They keep the 'se' (e.g., 'A se spăla').

Look at the ending: -a, -ea, -e, -i.

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Infinitivo

Spanish uses the infinitive more broadly than Romanian.

French high

Infinitif

French doesn't have the 'să' subjunctive competition.

German moderate

Infinitiv

German requires 'zu' where Romanian uses the bare infinitive.

Japanese low

Dictionary form

Japanese is agglutinative; Romanian is inflectional.

Arabic low

Masdar

Arabic Masdar is strictly a noun, not a verb form.

Chinese low

Verb base

Chinese has no conjugation or infinitival markers.

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Gerund Usage
Next
Gerund vs Infinitive

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