Présent de l’indicatif – Present Tense in French

Key takeaways

• The présent de l’indicatif is the most common French tense, used for actions happening now, habits, and general truths.
• Regular verbs follow predictable endings (-er, -ir, -re), while irregular verbs must be memorized.
• It corresponds to both English simple present (I eat) and present continuous (I am eating).
• It can also express near future in some contexts.
• Mastering it is essential for daily French communication.

When you begin learning French, the present tense is the very first tool you need. From simple sentences like “Je parle français” (I speak French) to “Nous mangeons une pizza” (We are eating pizza), the présent de l’indicatif gives you the power to talk about actions, habits, and truths.

What Is the French Present Tense?

The présent de l’indicatif is used in four main ways:

1. Actions happening now – Je lis un livre. → I am reading a book.
2. Habits and routines – Elle travaille tous les jours. → She works every day.
3. General truths – L’eau bout à 100 degrés. → Water boils at 100 degrees.
4. Near future events – Demain, nous partons à 8h. → Tomorrow, we’re leaving at 8.

If you want a structured introduction, this explanation of French present tense conjugation covers the key functions and patterns. Learners who prefer step-by-step grammar notes can check detailed guide to present tense rules, which also highlights tricky irregulars. And for a broader perspective, this complete guide to French present tense conjugation patterns provides full charts of endings and examples.

How to Form the French Present Tense

French verbs are grouped into three main categories:

• -er verbs: parler, aimer, jouer → most common, most regular.
• -ir verbs: finir, choisir, réussir → follow a different but regular pattern.
• -re verbs: vendre, attendre, perdre → less common, distinct endings.

Present Tense Endings

French Present Tense Conjugation Examples

Regular Verbs

Irregular Verbs

Some of the most important French verbs are irregular in the present tense.

If you want to go further,  step-by-step breakdown of present tense rules gives extra attention to these irregulars, while this complete guide to conjugation patterns provides more examples of verbs you’ll use every day.

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When to Use the French Present Tense

You’ll use présent de l’indicatif constantly:

• Right now: Je regarde la télévision. → I am watching TV.
• Habits: Ils prennent le bus tous les matins. → They take the bus every morning.
• General truths: Le soleil se lève à l’est. → The sun rises in the east.
• Near future: Nous partons demain. → We’re leaving tomorrow.

Present Tense vs. English Usage

French present tense can cover what English expresses with two forms:

• Je lis un livre. → I read a book.
• Je lis un livre. → I am reading a book.

In English, simple and continuous are separate, but in French they’re both handled by the présent de l’indicatif. If you want to practice these differences, try these online French present tense activities, which reinforce when to use each form.

Common Mistakes with the French Present Tense

1. Mixing irregular with regular endings 
   
   • ❌ Je suis aller
   • ✅ Je vais
2. Using infinitive instead of conjugated form 
   
   • ❌ Je parler français
   • ✅ Je parle français
3. Confusing present with futur proche 
   
   • ❌ Demain je pars (correct, but can sound ambiguous).
   • ✅ Je vais partir demain (clear future).

Exercises: Practice the French Present Tense

1. Fill in the blanks: 
   
   • Je ________ (être) étudiant.
   • Nous ________ (aller) au marché.
   • Ils ________ (finir) leurs devoirs.
2. Translate into French: 
   
   • I am reading a book.
   • She works in Paris.
   • We are going to the cinema tonight.
3. Correct the mistakes: 
   
   • Tu parlons français. → ________
   • Ils finit le travail. → ________

Answers

1. suis, allons, finissent
2. Je lis un livre, Elle travaille à Paris, Nous allons au cinéma ce soir
3. Tu parles français | Ils finissent le travail

Tips for Mastering the French Present Tense

• Focus on the most common irregular verbs (être, avoir, aller, faire).
• Conjugate aloud to internalize the endings.
• Build simple sentences about your day-to-day life.
• Read short dialogues and highlight verbs in the present.

To grow beyond this tense, check our guide on learning French effectively. You’ll also benefit from our overview of French verb tenses, which shows how the present tense fits into the whole system. And if you want realistic goals, here’s how long it takes to learn French fluently.

Summary

The présent de l’indicatif is the foundation of French grammar. It allows you to describe daily routines, present actions, and even future plans. With regular endings and a list of high-frequency irregulars to memorize, you’ll be ready to communicate confidently.

If you want to practice naturally, start by using the tense in role-plays or guided lessons while you learn French with Promova. With time, conjugating verbs like parler, finir, être, avoir, and aller in the present will feel automatic.