Imperativus Pro Infinitivo (IPI) is a syntactical feature in which a verbal form superficially resembling the imperative is realized, instead of the expected infinitive.
The Imperativus Pro Infinitivo is a remarkable feature of, for example the Frisian languages.
- North Frisian (Mooring): Ik häi änjörsne niinj lust än mååg seelew wat tu ääsen klåår.
- Sater Frisian: Ik hiede jêrsene neen lûst on moakje selwen wet to iten kloar.
- West(erlauwer) Frisian: Ik hie juster gjin nocht en meitsje sels wat te iten klear.
The sentences reads in English "Yesterday I did not feel like making dinner myself".
Famous quotes containing the word pro:
“The upbeat lawyer/negotiator of preadolescence has become a real pro by now—cynical, shrewd, a tough cookie. You’re constantly embroiled in a match of wits. You’re exhausted.”
—Ron Taffel (20th century)