Expressions involving the Infinitive

In Swedish, expressions involving the infinitive are commonly used to express various actions, intentions, or possibilities. These expressions are formed by combining a verb in its infinitive form with a helping verb or a preposition. Understanding how to use these expressions will greatly enhance your ability to communicate in Swedish.

Infinitive with Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are used to express ability, possibility, necessity, and obligation. In Swedish, the modal verbs kan (can), vill (want to), ska (shall/will), måste (must), and bör (should) are commonly used with the infinitive to convey these meanings. Here's how you can form sentences using the infinitive with modal verbs:

1. Jag kan sjunga - I can sing.
2. Vi vill resa - We want to travel.
3. Han ska lära sig - He shall/will learn.
4. Du måste göra det - You must do it.
5. De bör prata mer - They should talk more.

Infinitive with Prepositions

Prepositions are used to indicate relationships between words and clauses. In Swedish, some prepositions are commonly used with the infinitive to express purpose, cause, manner, or result. Here are some examples of prepositions used with the infinitive:

1. För att lära sig svenska - To learn Swedish.
2. Utan att skrika - Without screaming.
3. Efter att ha ätit - After having eaten.
4. I syfte att förbättra - In order to improve.
5. På grund av att vara sjuk - Due to being sick.

Infinitive as a Subject or Object

The infinitive can also function as the subject or object of a sentence. Here's how you can use the infinitive in these positions:

1. Att resa är min passion - To travel is my passion. (Infinitive as subject)
2. Han älskar att spela gitarr - He loves to play the guitar. (Infinitive as object)

Special Verbs with the Infinitive

Certain verbs in Swedish are typically used with the infinitive to express specific actions or states. These verbs include att börja (to start), att fortsätta (to continue), att sluta (to stop), att tycka om (to like), and att försöka (to try). Here are some examples:

1. Jag började läsa en bok - I started reading a book.
2. Vi fortsatte arbeta trots motgångar - We continued working despite setbacks.
3. Han slutade röka för hälsans skull - He stopped smoking for the sake of his health.
4. Hon tycker om att sjunga i duschen - She likes to sing in the shower.
5. Vi försökte övertala honom att komma med - We tried to persuade him to come along.

Conclusion

Mastering expressions involving the infinitive will greatly expand your ability to express yourself in Swedish. By using modal verbs, prepositions, and specific verbs with the infinitive, you can convey various meanings and intentions with ease. Practice forming sentences using these expressions, and soon you'll find yourself speaking Swedish more naturally and confidently.