Verbs with à, de or no preposition in French

Determining whether to use “à”, “de” or no preposition can feel confusing — and that’s totally normal. The choice isn’t based on one simple rule. Instead, it comes from history, usage, and how French structures meaning

That’s why the best approach is to learn verbs in groups and practice them in context. In this guide, you’ll discover:

• verbs that take à + infinitive

• the ones that take de + infinitive

• verbs that use no preposition

• cases where the preposition actually changes the meaning

By the end, you’ll recognize patterns, avoid common mistakes, and feel more confident speaking and writing in French.

Let’s see why some French verbs need à, others need de, and some connect directly to an infinitive with no preposition at all.

To begin with, French may requires a preposition between many verbs and the infinitive. But, unfortunately, which one isn’t predictable from English. Let see a few everyday examples :

• Détester faire du sport — to hate exercising
• Décider de partir — to decide to leave
• Aider à cuisiner — to help cook

From English, there’s no obvious pattern — and that’s why learners hesitate.

To be fair, some tendencies exist, but they’re not reliable enough to bet your life on.

Many of these expressions come from Latin structures that stayed in French. Native speakers don’t “choose” consciously — they simply know what sounds right. So don’t worry if it takes time; it’s normal.

Tip: think of each verb as a package — réussir à, essayer de, vouloir + infinitive. You’ll build automatic reflexes faster.

Sometimes, adding or removing a preposition completely changes the sense:

• Je viens d’acheter un croissant → I just bought one (completed action)

• Je viens acheter un croissant → I’m coming to buy one (intention)

Another example:

• Je pense préparer le dîner → I’m thinking of preparing dinner (plan)

• Je pense à préparer le dîner → I remember / I’m considering preparing dinner

Reading and listening often helps your brain recognize what simply sounds French.

Verbs with à often suggest purpose, ability, or result.

Memorize short lists and patterns rather than guessing. Common verbs include :

Memorize in small groups:

Examples:

• commencer à travailler

• apprendre à nager

• réussir à finir

• hésiter à parler

A useful nuance: apprendre à can mean to learn or to teach:

• Elle apprend à conduire. (She’s learning how to drive)

• Elle apprend à sa fille à conduire. (She’s teaching her daughter how to drive)

Many high-frequency verbs require de before an infinitive. They often express decisions, attempts, habits, or obligations.

Some examples:

Also notice that imperatives and negatives keep “de” :

• Arrête de crier! (Stop screaming)
• N’oublie pas de fermer la porte. (Don’t forget to close the door)

Use de + infinitive after emotions and expressions:

Some verbs link directly to an infinitive — no à, no de. These are often verbs of desire, ability, movement, or perception.

These verbs are called semi-auxiliary or modal verbs and connect directly to an infinitive:

aimer, adorer, aller, détester, devoir, entendre, faire, laisser, oser, préférer, pouvoir, savoir, venir, vouloir

Examples:

• Tu peux venir. (You can come)

• Je dois faire la vaisselle. (I must do the dishes)

• Elle aime chanter. (She likes to sing)

Group them by meaning:

• preference → adorer, aimer, détester, vouloir, préférer

• necessity, ability, intention → devoir, pouvoir, savoir, vouloir, oser

• movement → aller, venir

• causation → faire, laisser

• perception→ entendre

1) Negatives: the infinitive stays the same

In negative sentences, only the main verb changes.
The infinitive remains unchanged.

For instance:
Je ne peux pas venir – (I can’t come.)

2) Object pronouns go before the infinitive

When you add pronouns like le, la, lui, leur, me, te, nous, vous, they come right before the infinitive — not before the main verb.

Example:
Je veux le voir. (I want to see him.)

2) Reflexive verbs keep the reflexive pronoun

With reflexive verbs attach the reflexive pronoun to the infinitive form.

Example:
Elle préfère se lever tôt. (She prefers to wake up early.)

The smartest strategy?

➡️ Learn verbs with their preposition as one unit, inside real sentences.
➡️ Notice patterns and let your ear guide you.
➡️ And remember — even native speakers sometimes hesitate!

I hope you enjoyed this guide! If you have questions, feel free to reach out via the contact form.  À très bientôt — and happy practicing! ✨