Every modifiable word in the Russian language has an initial form. For example, the nominative singular form is the initial for nouns (мама - mother). And the infinitive is the initial form of verbs (ходить - to walk). Today we will get to know this verb form in more detail.

What is the infinitive

So, the infinitive is the initial form of verbs, which can be found in the dictionary. Such verbs denote only an action, state or process, but do not give us information about the time, gender, person and number in which they are used.

The verb in an indefinite form answers two questions: «что делать?» - бегать (to run), плавать (to swim) and «что сделать?» - побегать (to have a run), уплыть (to swim away).

Suffixes for the Russian verbs in infinitive

The infinitive consists of a base and a suffix. The main suffixes with which the infinitive is formed are -ть/-ться, -ти, and also -чь/-чься, which are part of the base.

Suffixes -ть/-ться are most often used if they are also preceded by a suffix indicated by a vowel letter: лежать (to lie), слежаться (to clod).

The suffix -ти stands when there is a consonant letter in front of it, which is part of the root: грести (to scull), трясти (to shake).

The endings -чь/-чься: печь (to bake), печься (to care for).

The suffix -ти is usually stressed, the exception is verbs with the prefix -вы, then the stress falls on the prefix: прийтѝ (to come), вы̀йти (to leave).

When is infinitive used in the Russian language

In addition to specifying an indefinite form in the dictionary, it can also be used in various sentences in speech.

When constructing the future tense.

Я буду читать завтра. - I'll read it tomorrow.

Она будет заплетать косы. - She will braid her hair.

With verbs denoting the beginning, continuation or end of an action.

Я начала писать книгу. - I started writing a book.

Он продолжает печь пироги каждый вечер. - He continues baking pies every night.

Сегодня мы закончили готовиться к сложному докладу. - Today we have finished preparing for a difficult report.

After words such as «должен», «готов», «рад», «намерен», «обязан».

Я должен написать это сочинение сегодня. - I have to write this essay today.

Я рад помочь вам. - I am glad to help you.

Я готов сделать все ради тебя. - I am ready to do everything for you.

In combination with adverbs and adjectives.

Им некуда идти. - They have nowhere to go.

В такой ситуации трудно сразу подобрать слова. - In such a situation, it is difficult to find the words immediately.

With verbs of movement: идти, ездить, поехать, лететь.

Они поехали принять участие в конференции. - They went to take part at the conference.

Они летят кататься в швейцарских Альпах. - They went to ski in the Swiss Alps.

Pay attention! The infinitive in Russian is never used after the verb "знать".

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A source: https://golearnrussian.com/verbs-in-russian-the-infinitive/