French II: Synonyms and Antonyms
French II: The Infinitive
The past infinitive is formed by using the correct helping verb ( avoir or être) in its infinitive form and the past participle of the verb showing the action. The past infinitive is used:
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To express a previous action regardless of the English translation:
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Il est parti sans avoir dit “au revoir.” (He left without saying goodbye.)
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Elle a été renvoyée pour avoir menti. (She was fired for lying [having lied].)
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After the preposition après:
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Après être rentrée, je me reposerai. (After returning [having returned] home, I'll relax.)
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Je te téléphonerai après avoir mangé. (I'll call you after eating [having eaten].)
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