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:
“It is sweet and honourable to die for one’s country.
[Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.]”
—Horace [Quintus Horatius Flaccus] (65–8 B.C.)