CLASS 8 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE
Modality with common verbs and the infinitive in Latvian
How it works
In the Latvian language, modality is often expressed by verbs such as ‹varēt› (can), ‹drīkstēt› (may), ‹vajadzēt› or the common form ‹vajag› (must, should, need to) and ‹gribēt› (want). After such verbs, an infinitive often follows, for example ‹Es varu lasīt›. The finite verb is adapted to person and number, while the infinitive remains unchanged. ‹mīlēt› can also occur with an infinitive, but then it denotes preference or habit rather than modality proper.
Note
After verbs such as ‹varēt›, ‹drīkstēt›, ‹vajadzēt›/‹vajag› and ‹gribēt›, the infinitive of the main verb stands in Latvian. The finite verb is conjugated, the infinitive remains unchanged. Example: ‹Viņa grib dziedāt›. With ‹vajag›, a dative often stands, for example ‹Tev vajag mācīties›.
After verbs such as ‹varēt›, ‹drīkstēt›, ‹vajadzēt›/‹vajag› and ‹gribēt›, the infinitive of the main verb stands in Latvian. The finite verb is conjugated, the infinitive remains unchanged. Example: ‹Viņa grib dziedāt›. With ‹vajag›, a dative often stands, for example ‹Tev vajag mācīties›.
An example
Choose the sentence in which ‹gribēt› is used correctly with an infinitive:
Correct is: ‹Viņš grib spēlēt futbolu›, because the finite verb ‹grib› stands before the infinitive ‹spēlēt›.
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50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Latvian. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.