This lesson is about some of the most common French verbs followed by DE + infinitive. It’s essential to pay close attention to it, noting every instance where it appears. Many aspects of French grammar rely heavily on prepositions, and DE is one of the most versatile and commonly used. It can take on multiple roles, depending on the context, which makes it indispensable. You can download a PDF of this lesson guide in my private French Grammar Library.
Below is not an exhaustive list, but rather a selection of verbs I believe you’ll frequently use as your French speaking skills grow. These are verbs that will naturally come up in everyday conversation as you become more comfortable with the language.
French Verbs Followed By DE + Infinitive Video + Lesson Guide
Watch my video lesson below in which I’ll give you some clear explanations, useful examples in French and English, and practical tips to help you grasp the concept of French verbs followed by DE + infinitive.
Be sure to download your free lesson guide, which includes useful examples from the lesson and additional resources to reinforce this very important French grammar topic.
French Verbs Followed By DE + Infinitive
| accepter de to agree to | Nous acceptons D‘ASSISTER à votre mariage. We agree to attend your wedding. |
| arrêter de to stop | J’arrête DE PARLER. I stop speaking. I’m not speaking anymore. |
| avoir besoin de to need | Tu as besoin D’ÉTUDIER ces verbes. You need to study these verbs. |
| avoir envie de to want | Qui a envie D’ALLER voir le nouveau James Bond? Who wants to go see the new James Bond movie? |
| avoir l’air de to seem to | Tu as l’air DE VOULOIR dire quelque chose. You seem to want to say something. |
| avoir l’intention de to intend | On n’a pas l’intention DE VOYAGER cet hiver. We do not intend to travel this winter. |
| avoir peur de to be afraid | Mon frère a peur DE PRENDRE l’avion. My brother is afraid to fly. |
| avoir raison de to be right | Vous avez raison D’AVOIR peur. You are right to be afraid. |
| avoir tort de to be wrong | Vous avez tort DE ne pas me FAIRE confiance. You are wrong not to trust me. |
| choisir de to choose | Vous choisissez DE RESTER chez vous. You choose to stay home. |
| décider de to decide | Ils décident DE FAIRE une présentation. They decide to make a presentation. |
| demander de to ask | Je demande DE SORTIR. I’m asking to go out. |
| essayer de to try | Nous essayons DE te COMPRENDRE. We are trying to understand you. |
| être obligé(e) de to be obligated to have to | Nous sommes obligé(e)s DE PARTIR à 18h30. We are obligated to leave at 6:30 pm. We have to leave at 6:30 pm. |
| faire exprès de to do on purpose | Je ne fais pas exprès DE ne pas COMPRENDRE. I don’t mean not to understand. |
| finir de to finish | Elles finissent D’ÉCRIRE l’exercice. They finish writing the exercise. |
| offrir de to offer | J’offre D’APPORTER leurs bagages. I’m offering to bring their luggage. |
| oublier de to forget | Tu oublies toujours DE FAIRE tes devoirs. You always forget to do your homework. |
| promettre de to promise | Nous promettons DE RANGER notre chambre. We promise to clean up our room. |
| rêver de to dream | Ses petits-enfants rêvent D’ALLER à Disneyland. His / Her grandchildren dream of going to Disneyland. |
| risquer de to risk | Vous risquez DE PERDRE toutes vos affaires. You risk losing all of your belongings. |
French Verbs Followed By DE + Infinitive Video Lesson
