French Grammar rules Flashcards
Imparfait rule
Use to describe actions done in the past or scenes. Take nous form of the verb and add endings -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient
Imparfait vs. passe compose rule
longer/ongoing action is imparfait, shorter/single action is passé compose. *passe composse is used when amount of times is specified
Imperative rule
Used when ordering someone to do an action. Uses subjects tu, nous and vous. Subject pronoun is not used. e.g. mangeons!
Imperative exceptions/irregulars
Avoir: aie, ayons, ayez
être: sois, soyons, soyez
savoir: sache, sachons, sachez
vouloir: veuille, n/a, veuillez
Imperative rule (reflexive)
pronoun after the verb e.g. lave-toi ; when reflexive imperative in negative, pronoun back before the verb e.g. ne te lave pas (tu becomes te)
Futur proche rule
near future tense. Use present tense of aller + infinitive form of verb
Simple future tense rule
infinitive form of verb and endings : ai, as, a, ons, ez, ont e.g. parleront EXCEPTION: re verbs, shoot the e e.g. rendrAI.
Simple future tense exceptions/irregulars
être: ser- , avoir: aur- , aller: ir- , faire: fer- , pouvoir: pourr- , vouloir: voudr - , voire: verr- , venir: viendr- , savoir: saur- , devoir: devr- , envoyer: enverr-
Imparfait exception/irregular
être: ét-
What future tense is also known as ‘futur’ tense
simple future tense
Conditional tense rules
take stem of future tense + endings of imparfait (ais, ais, ait, ions, iez, aient)
future antérieur/perfect rule
futur form of auxiliary être or avoir + past participle of the verb
Futur vs. futur antérieur rule
futur antérieur action must be completed before ‘futur’ action interrupts.
Si Clause rule
si + present -> use futur tense
si + imparfait -> use conditionel tense
SI MEANS IF
Participe présent rule
-Ant ending equivalent is -ing. To form: verb in present tense ‘nous’ form -> drop off ons ending -> add -ant
