The Use of the Infinitive, Instead of a Finite Verb in French (Classic Reprint)

Benjamin F. Luker

ISBN 10: 1332072224 / ISBN 13: 9781332072224

Published by Forgotten Books, 2015

About this Item

Zustand: Sehr gut | Sprache: Englisch | Produktart: Bücher.

Seller Inventory # 26050543/2

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Use of the Infinitive, Instead of a Finite Verb in French (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1332072224
• ISBN 13: 9781332072224
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Sehr gut
• Seller catalogs:
  • Bücher

About this title

Synopsis

This book probes the phenomenon of an infinitive used imperatively in the French language rather than the more traditional finite verb form. This grammatical construction, used most frequently in negative statements in Old French, is predominantly found in the Old French period, though it is not unheard of in Modern French, typically within general directions, medical prescriptions, or cross-references. The author's research suggests that this infinitive construction is the result of an ellipsis of some form of the verb vouloir, falloir, or devoir, later being adopted in its pure infinitive form in Modern French. Of particular interest to scholars of Medieval French, or those interested in general historical linguistics, this book provides a thorough overview of the subject, delving into the etymology and evolution of this unique construction.