The past infinitive is formed by using the correct helping verb ( avoir or être) in its infinitive form and the past participle of the verb showing the action. The past infinitive is used: To express a previous action regardless of the English translation: Il est parti sans avoir dit “au revoir.” (He left without saying goodbye.) Elle a été renvoyée pour avoir menti. (She was fired for lying [having lied].) After the preposition après: Après être rentrée, je me reposerai. (After returning [having returned] home, I'll relax.) Je te téléphonerai après avoir mangé. (I'll call you after eating [having eaten].)