B1 French GrammarDouble Infinitive Construction
Master French constructions with multiple infinitives, including faire + infinitive (causative), laisser + infinitive, and verbs of perception. Learn how to express 'having something done', 'letting someone do', and complex verb sequences.
1Faire + Infinitive (Causative)
The 'faire + infinitive' construction expresses having someone do something or having something done. 'Faire' is conjugated and the main verb stays as infinitive. Object pronouns go before 'faire'. This is essential for talking about services and getting things done.
Faire + Infinitive Patterns
| Structure | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| faire + infinitive | have done/make do | faire réparer |
| faire + inf + à/par | have X done by Y | faire faire par |
| se faire + infinitive | have done to oneself | se faire couper |
| pronoun + faire + inf | have it done | le faire réparer |
Examples
Je fais réparer ma voiture.
I am having my car repaired.
causative: someone repairs it
Elle se fait couper les cheveux.
She is having her hair cut.
reflexive causative
Il a fait construire une maison.
He had a house built.
passé composé + infinitive
Je le ferai nettoyer demain.
I will have it cleaned tomorrow.
pronoun before faire
2Laisser + Infinitive
'Laisser + infinitive' means to let or allow someone to do something. Unlike 'faire', it implies permission rather than causation. The person doing the action can be introduced with no preposition or with 'à'. Object pronouns precede 'laisser'.
Laisser + Infinitive Patterns
| Structure | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| laisser + person + inf | laisser Marie partir | let Marie leave |
| laisser + inf + object | laisser tomber le verre | let the glass fall |
| se laisser + infinitive | se laisser convaincre | let oneself be convinced |
| pronoun + laisser + inf | la laisser partir | let her leave |
Examples
Laisse-moi tranquille!
Leave me alone!
imperative + pronoun
Ils ont laissé les enfants jouer dehors.
They let the children play outside.
passé composé
Ne le laissez pas partir!
Don't let him leave!
negative imperative
Elle s'est laissé convaincre.
She let herself be convinced.
reflexive (no agreement)
3Verbs of Perception + Infinitive
Verbs of perception (voir, entendre, regarder, écouter, sentir) can be followed by an infinitive to describe what you perceive someone doing. The person observed can be a noun or pronoun. In compound tenses, the past participle may or may not agree.
Perception Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| voir | see | Je l'ai vu partir |
| entendre | hear | Je l'ai entendue chanter |
| regarder | watch | Je les regarde jouer |
| écouter | listen to | Je l'écoute parler |
Examples
J'ai vu Marie traverser la rue.
I saw Marie cross the street.
noun + infinitive
Je l'ai entendu chanter.
I heard him sing.
pronoun + infinitive
Nous les regardions danser.
We were watching them dance.
imparfait + infinitive
Elle a senti quelqu'un la suivre.
She felt someone following her.
sentir + infinitive
4Word Order and Pronoun Placement
With double infinitive constructions, object pronouns typically go before the conjugated verb (faire, laisser, voir). In compound tenses, past participle agreement varies: 'faire' never agrees, while perception verbs may agree with a preceding direct object when it's the subject of the infinitive.
Pronoun Placement
| Construction | Correct Order | Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| faire + inf | Je le fais réparer | *Je fais le réparer |
| laisser + inf | Je la laisse partir | *Je laisse la partir |
| voir + inf | Je l'ai vu tomber | *J'ai vu le tomber |
| compound | Il m'a fait attendre | *Il a fait m'attendre |
Examples
Je les ai fait venir.
I had them come.
faire: no agreement
Je l'ai laissée entrer.
I let her enter.
laisser: optional agreement
La chanson que j'ai entendue jouer...
The song that I heard being played...
perception: agreement possible
Elle s'est fait voler son sac.
She had her bag stolen.
reflexive causative