Interested in the French language? The different verbs might give you concern, but in both English and French, there is a striking similarity in the structure of verbs. This is something you can take advantage of in the language.
This guide focuses on the similarities that the different tenses have, and it allows you to use your knowledge of English in acquiring the French language. If you are in the A2-B1 level, this is perfect in enhancing your fluency in French.
1. Present Tense = Le Présent
Both English and French use the present tense for stuff that’s happening now, habits, and truths.
English: I eat breakfast every morning.
French: Je prends le petit-déjeuner tous les matins.
English: She works in Paris.
French: Elle travaille à Paris.
See? Super similar. Once you get the hang of the verb endings in French (-er, -ir, -re verbs), you’ll be golden.
2. Present Continuous = Le Présent Progressif (Le + en train de)
English uses the present continuous for things happening at this moment. French either uses the simple present or être en train de to say the same thing.
English: I am reading a book.
French: Je lis un livre.
French (emphasis on ongoing action): Je suis en train de lire un livre.
Pro Tip: Use être en train de when you want to really show that the action is going on, just like the -ing form in English.
3. Past Simple = Le Passé Composé
The passé composé is for actions that are done and over with. It’s close to the English past simple, mostly when you’re talking about something that’s finished.
English: I visited London last year.
French: J’ai visité Londres l’année dernière.
English: They ate dinner early.
French: Ils ont dîné tôt.
Heads up: Passé composé uses avoir or être + past participle, which is kind of different from English. Still, the idea of a completed action is the same.
4. Past Perfect = Le Plus-que-parfait
Just like English uses the past perfect for actions that happened before another action in the past, French uses the plus-que-parfait.
English: I had already eaten when she arrived.
French: J’avais déjà mangé quand elle est arrivée.
English: He had finished his homework before dinner.
French: Il avait fini ses devoirs avant le dîner.
Think of it as the past of the past. It’s made with the imparfait of avoir/être + past participle and is a lot like the English structure.
5. Future Simple = Le Futur Simple
Both languages use the simple future to talk about what’s to come.
English: I will go to the store tomorrow.
French: J’irai au magasin demain.
English: She will call you later.
French: Elle t’appellera plus tard.
Notice how English uses will + verb, while French uses the verb stem + future endings (-ai, -as, -a…).
6. Future Perfect = Le Futur Antérieur
The future perfect is for actions that will be done before something else in the future. It’s almost the same as in English.
English: By next week, I will have finished this book.
French: D’ici la semaine prochaine, j’aurai terminé ce livre.
English: They will have left before you arrive.
French: Ils seront partis avant que tu arrives.
It’s built with the future of avoir/être + past participle, which mirrors English’s will have + past participle.
7. Conditional = Le Conditionnel
The conditional is for hypothetical actions in both languages.
English: I would go to Paris if I had time.
French: J’irais à Paris si j’avais le temps.
English: She would buy that dress if it were on sale.
French: Elle achèterait cette robe si elle était en soldes.
The setup is familiar: would + verb in English = stem + conditional endings (-ais, -ait, -ions…).
8. Applying the Knowledge
Understanding the interactions of French tenses simplifies the language a great deal. To gain mastery, try to:
- Sentece Comparison: Transcribe a sentence both in French and English.
- Identify Tenses: Attempt to observe the patterns and relationships between the tenses.
- Dual Language Reading: Engage with texts or books written in French and English side by side.
- Converse: Discuss your daily activities trying to use the appropriate tenses in French.
- Compose Brief Narratives: Write a story in English and then translate it into French, paying close attention to the corresponding tenses.
9. Quick Tip: Tricky Verbs
Some verbs don’t play by the rules. Focus on the most common ones first:
- être = to be: je suis, tu es, il est…
- avoir = to have: j’ai, tu as, il a…
- aller = to go: je vais, tu vas, il va…
- faire = to do/make: je fais, tu fais, il fait…
Try making simple sentences in English and then flipping them into French using these verbs ASAP.
In Conclusion
Mastering French tenses becomes far easier when you understand their relationship to English. Recognizing parallels reduces confusion and enhances confidence. Stick to the essentials, draw from real-life instances, and steadily rehearse.
Albert Learning, for example, teaches students how different concepts interlink. Our classes encourage active application, enabling you to converse in French spontaneously and effortlessly.
