French GCSE tenses guide: A comprehensive overview of key tenses... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
43
1
Tenses for French GCSE
Infinitives in French
Infinitives are the base form of verbs in French, typically ending in -er, -ir, or -re. They are used to express the concept of "to do something" and are essential in forming various tenses.
Example: To eat = manger, To finish = finir, To take = prendre
Infinitives are particularly useful in phrases such as "I like to dance" .
Highlight: Mastering infinitives is fundamental for how to form past tense in French GCSE online and other tenses.
Present Tense in French
The present tense in French is used to describe current actions or states. To form the present tense, remove the infinitive ending and add specific endings based on the subject pronoun and verb type.
Example: Je mange = I eat
The guide provides a comprehensive table of present tense endings for -er, -ir, and -re verbs, including all subject pronouns.
Highlight: Understanding how to form the present tense in French is essential for building a strong foundation in French grammar.
Past Tense with Avoir
The past tense with avoir is used to describe completed actions in the past. It is formed using the auxiliary verb avoir conjugated in the present tense, followed by the past participle of the main verb.
Example: J'ai mangé = I ate
The guide includes a table showing the conjugation of avoir for all subject pronouns and explains how to form past participles for -er, -ir, and -re verbs.
Vocabulary: Past participle - the form of the verb used in compound tenses, typically ending in -é, -i, or -u in French.
Highlight: This section is crucial for understanding perfect tense French examples and how to form the perfect tense in French.
Past Tense with Être
Some verbs in French form their past tense using être instead of avoir. This construction is used primarily with verbs of movement and state changes. The past participle in this form must agree in gender and number with the subject.
Example: Je suis allé = I went
The guide provides a table of être conjugations and explains the agreement rules for past participles.
Highlight: Mastering this tense is essential for understanding French perfect tense irregular verbs and their usage.
Verbs that Take Être in the Past Tense
This page lists the common verbs that use être in the past tense, including their past participles. These verbs are primarily related to movement or are opposites of each other.
Example: Devenir - devenu, Entrer - entré
Highlight: Memorizing these verbs is crucial for correctly forming the perfect tense in French examples.
Imperfect Tense in French
The imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past. It is formed by taking the nous form of the present tense, removing -ons, and adding specific endings.
Example: Je jouais = I used to play / I was playing
The guide provides a table of imperfect tense endings for all subject pronouns.
Highlight: Understanding the imperfect tense French is essential for describing past situations and habits in GCSE French.
Future Tense in French
The future tense in French can be formed using the verb aller followed by an infinitive. This construction is similar to the English "going to" future.
Example: Je vais manger = I'm going to eat
The guide includes a table showing the conjugation of aller for all subject pronouns.
Highlight: This construction is useful for expressing near-future actions in French GCSE tenses examples.
Simple Future Tense in French
The simple future tense expresses actions that will happen in the future. It is formed by adding specific endings to the infinitive of the verb.
Example: Je mangerai = I will eat
The guide provides a table of simple future endings, which are the same as the present tense conjugation of avoir.
Highlight: Mastering the simple future is crucial for discussing future plans and predictions in GCSE French tenses PDF materials.
Conditional Tense in French
The conditional tense is used to express hypothetical situations or polite requests. It is formed by adding specific endings to the infinitive of the verb.
Example: Je mangerais = I would eat
The guide includes a table of conditional endings, which are the same as the imperfect tense endings.
Highlight: Understanding the conditional tense is important for expressing possibilities and hypothetical situations in French GCSE tenses AQA examinations.
French GCSE Tenses Overview
This page introduces the concept of tenses in French GCSE, setting the stage for a comprehensive guide on various French tenses essential for GCSE students.
Highlight: Understanding French tenses is crucial for effective communication and success in GCSE French examinations.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
How to Form Tenses for French GCSE: Past, Present, and Future
French GCSE tenses guide: A comprehensive overview of key tenses for GCSE French students. This guide covers infinitives, present tense, past tense with avoir and être, imperfect tense, future tense, simple future, and conditional tense. It provides clear explanations, conjugation... Show more
Infinitives in French
Infinitives are the base form of verbs in French, typically ending in -er, -ir, or -re. They are used to express the concept of "to do something" and are essential in forming various tenses.
Example: To eat = manger, To finish = finir, To take = prendre
Infinitives are particularly useful in phrases such as "I like to dance" .
Highlight: Mastering infinitives is fundamental for how to form past tense in French GCSE online and other tenses.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Present Tense in French
The present tense in French is used to describe current actions or states. To form the present tense, remove the infinitive ending and add specific endings based on the subject pronoun and verb type.
Example: Je mange = I eat
The guide provides a comprehensive table of present tense endings for -er, -ir, and -re verbs, including all subject pronouns.
Highlight: Understanding how to form the present tense in French is essential for building a strong foundation in French grammar.
Past Tense with Avoir
The past tense with avoir is used to describe completed actions in the past. It is formed using the auxiliary verb avoir conjugated in the present tense, followed by the past participle of the main verb.
Example: J'ai mangé = I ate
The guide includes a table showing the conjugation of avoir for all subject pronouns and explains how to form past participles for -er, -ir, and -re verbs.
Vocabulary: Past participle - the form of the verb used in compound tenses, typically ending in -é, -i, or -u in French.
Highlight: This section is crucial for understanding perfect tense French examples and how to form the perfect tense in French.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Past Tense with Être
Some verbs in French form their past tense using être instead of avoir. This construction is used primarily with verbs of movement and state changes. The past participle in this form must agree in gender and number with the subject.
Example: Je suis allé = I went
The guide provides a table of être conjugations and explains the agreement rules for past participles.
Highlight: Mastering this tense is essential for understanding French perfect tense irregular verbs and their usage.
Verbs that Take Être in the Past Tense
This page lists the common verbs that use être in the past tense, including their past participles. These verbs are primarily related to movement or are opposites of each other.
Example: Devenir - devenu, Entrer - entré
Highlight: Memorizing these verbs is crucial for correctly forming the perfect tense in French examples.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Imperfect Tense in French
The imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past. It is formed by taking the nous form of the present tense, removing -ons, and adding specific endings.
Example: Je jouais = I used to play / I was playing
The guide provides a table of imperfect tense endings for all subject pronouns.
Highlight: Understanding the imperfect tense French is essential for describing past situations and habits in GCSE French.
Future Tense in French
The future tense in French can be formed using the verb aller followed by an infinitive. This construction is similar to the English "going to" future.
Example: Je vais manger = I'm going to eat
The guide includes a table showing the conjugation of aller for all subject pronouns.
Highlight: This construction is useful for expressing near-future actions in French GCSE tenses examples.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Simple Future Tense in French
The simple future tense expresses actions that will happen in the future. It is formed by adding specific endings to the infinitive of the verb.
Example: Je mangerai = I will eat
The guide provides a table of simple future endings, which are the same as the present tense conjugation of avoir.
Highlight: Mastering the simple future is crucial for discussing future plans and predictions in GCSE French tenses PDF materials.
Conditional Tense in French
The conditional tense is used to express hypothetical situations or polite requests. It is formed by adding specific endings to the infinitive of the verb.
Example: Je mangerais = I would eat
The guide includes a table of conditional endings, which are the same as the imperfect tense endings.
Highlight: Understanding the conditional tense is important for expressing possibilities and hypothetical situations in French GCSE tenses AQA examinations.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
French GCSE Tenses Overview
This page introduces the concept of tenses in French GCSE, setting the stage for a comprehensive guide on various French tenses essential for GCSE students.
Highlight: Understanding French tenses is crucial for effective communication and success in GCSE French examinations.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user