4 I. THE INFINITIVE.
- How many forms are there of the infinitive?
The old infinitive and the new infinitive.
- How is the old infinitive formed?
The old infinitive is formed by adding the affix ‘a’ (palatal) to the crude-form, or in the case of strong verbs to the strengthened crude-form.
Ex: áka (= to become), ákka (= to make), par̥aya (=to say), koṭukka (= to give).
When a vowel follows, this ‘a’ is sometimes elided.
Ex: áké =áka + é.
- What is the form of the new infinitive?
It is formed by adding the affix ‘ka’ to the crude-form or in the case of strong verbs to the strengthened crude-form.
Ex: koḷḷuka (= to take), koṭukkuka (= to give), par̥aka (= to say).
