Why would I prefer to use an infinitive command over some other form?

Question

I was reading through the grammar lesson on other uses for infinitive. The lesson spoke of infinitive commands,

• "No fumar. (No smoking.)"

• "Ver las notas abajo. (See the notes below.)"

• "Batir los huevos. (Beat the eggs.)"

While I understand infinitive commands exist, in what instances are they preferred or necessary. It looks like they are generic as far as audience, or audience may be unknown. Is that something to think about when choosing the infinitive command? Thanks!

Answer 1

General commands are usually expressed in the infinitive (especially on signs).

No fumar (gerunds in English act like nouns, which in Spanish are expressed in the infinitive).

However, when giving orders or commands to somebody you need to use the imperative mode:

Don't smoke --> No fumes!

(You) see the notes below --> No veas las notas abajo

(You) beat the eggs! --> Bate los huevos!

Answer 2

Very specifically:

If you are writing instructions on how to use something, write the instruction in the infinitive.

Si está escribiendo instucciones en español, escribir la instrucción usando el infinitivo.

I don't know if you'll see this, but I'd use infinitive commands if I were writing out a recipe? - rheit, Aug 16, 2013