§ 49.

The Infinitive Active is merely the verb treated as a noun, and is always, as stated (§ 46), attended by one or other of the definitives (§ 18). It may be used with the preposition kei, making a present imperfect indicative, or with the preposition i, making a past imperfect indicative.

Examples.

• He aha tana? He pupuri i tou hoiho, What is his (object)? To hold your horse.

• E haere ana ia ki te mahi, he is going to work.

• Kei te pupuri ahau, I am holding.

• I te pupuri ahau, I was holding.

• Kei te aha ia? What is he doing? (What is he at?).

• Kei te mahi ia, He is at work.