Infinitive
The infinitive is a verbal noun. It is verbal in that it is formed from a verbal stem, modified by adverbs, and admits the constructions of a finite verb. It is a noun in that it can be the subject or object of a verb, and can exhibit case syntax.- Subject: The infinitive can serve as the subject of a verb, particularly impersonal verbs such as δεῖ. Smyth 1984-1988 “συμφέρει αὐτοῖς φίλους εἶναι” Xen. Ec. 11.23; it is for their interest to be friends
- Object: The infinitive can serve as the object of verbs that imply a supplementary action. Smyth 1989-1990 “παίδευσις καλὴ διδάσκει χρῆσθαι νόμοις” Xen. Hunt. 12.14; a good education teaches obedience to the laws
- Complementary: The infinitive can complement adjectives, adverbs, and substantives that imply ability or suitability. Smyth 2000-2007 “δεινὸς λέγειν, κακὸς βιῶναι” Aeschin. 3.174; skilled in speaking, evil in life
- Purpose: The infinitive can express purpose, particularly after verbs implying choosing or giving. Smyth 2008-2011 “παρέχω ἐμαυτὸν ἐρωτᾶν” Plat. Apol. 33b; I offer myself to be questioned
- In Consecutive/Result Clauses: A result clause introduced by ὥστε expressing the idea that something was intended to or could occur as a natural result of an action is expressed by the infinitive. Smyth 2258-2272 “ἔχω τριή̀ρεις ὥστε ἑλεῖν τὸ ἐκείνων πλοῖον” Xen. Anab. 1.4.8; I have triremes (so as) to catch their vessel
- Absolute: The infinitive can be used absolutely in parenthetical phrases. Smyth 2012 “ἀληθές γε ὡς ἔπος εἰπεῖν οὐδὲν εἰρήκασιν” Plat. Apol. 17a not one word of truth, I may say, did they utter
- Imperative: The infinitive can be used to express a command. Smyth 2013 “ἀκούετε λεῴ: κατὰ τὰ πάτρια τοὺς χόας πίνειν” Aristoph. Ach. 1000; hear ye, good people! drink the Pitchers as our sires drank!
- Exclamatory: The infinitive can be used absolutely in exclamations. Smyth 2015 “ἐμὲ παθεῖν τάδε” Aesch. Eum. 837; that I should suffer this!
- Wishes: The infinitive can be used in place of an optative of wish. Smyth 2014 “ὦ Ζεῦ, ἐκγενέσθαι μοι Ἀθηναίους τείσασθαι” Hdt. 5.105; oh Zeus, that it be granted to me to punish the Athenians!
- In Indirect Discourse: The infinitive can be used in to represent a finite verb in indirect discourse after verbs expressing the idea of saying, believing, and thinking. Smyth 2616-2024 “ἔφη ἢ ἄξειν Λακεδαιμονίους ἢ αὐτοῦ ἀποκτενεῖν” Thuc. 4.28; he said that he would either bring the Lacedaemonians or kill them on the spot
- Articular Infinitive: The infinitive can be used with the article as if it were a noun. Smyth 2025-2037 “ἀνίη καὶ τὸ φυλάσσειν” Hom. Od. 20.52; to watch is also trouble
