Expertlatin
- How is the passive infinitive formed?
- Where do infinitives come from?
- What is a passive infinitive?
- Why do we use passive infinitive?
How is the passive infinitive formed?
To form the present passive infinitive of a verb of the first, second or fourth conjugation, remove the '-e' ending from the present infinitive and add '-i'. To form the present passive infinitive of a verb of the third conjugation, remove the '-ere' ending from the present infinitive and add '-i'.
Where do infinitives come from?
The word is derived from Late Latin [modus] infinitivus, a derivative of infinitus meaning "unlimited". In traditional descriptions of English, the infinitive is the basic dictionary form of a verb when used non-finitely, with or without the particle to.
What is a passive infinitive?
The passive infinitive is used in some constructions using the passive voice. It is particularly common after modal verbs (may, should, could, etc.) to indicate what is possible or what is correct. The passive infinitive is formed: to be + past participle.
Why do we use passive infinitive?
Infinitives are used in the passive voice when the focus is on the receiver of the action (infinitive), not the doer of it. It is formed using (to + be + past participle) and perfect passive infinitive (to + have + been + past participle).
