The conditionnel présent is a crucial tense in French that allows speakers to express politeness, make suggestions, or describe hypothetical situations.
Structure
The conditionnel présent is formed by taking the stem of the verb’s future simple form and adding the imparfait endings.
Endings:
| Person | Ending |
|---|
| Je | -ais |
| Tu | -ais |
| Il/Elle/On | -ait |
| Nous | -ions |
| Vous | -iez |
| Ils/Elles | -aient |
Example Conjugation: Parler (to speak)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|
| Je | parlerais |
| Tu | parlerais |
| Il/Elle/On | parlerait |
| Nous | parlerions |
| Vous | parleriez |
| Ils/Elles | parleraient |
Usage
1. Polite Requests
The conditionnel présent is often used to make requests sound more polite or formal.
- Example:
- Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît.
- (I would like a coffee, please.)
2. Hypothetical Situations
It is also used to describe situations that are hypothetical or not real.
- Example:
- Si j'avais de l'argent, j'achèterais une maison.
- (If I had money, I would buy a house.)
3. Suggestions or Advice
The tense can suggest possibilities or give gentle advice.
- Example:
- Tu devrais étudier pour l'examen.
- (You should study for the exam.)
Common Verbs in the Conditionnel Présent
Avoir (to have)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|
| Je | aurais |
| Tu | aurais |
| Il/Elle/On | aurait |
| Nous | aurions |
| Vous | auriez |
| Ils/Elles | auraient |
Être (to be)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|
| Je | serais |
| Tu | serais |
| Il/Elle/On | serait |
| Nous | serions |
| Vous | seriez |
| Ils/Elles | seraient |
Aller (to go)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|
| Je | irais |
| Tu | irais |
| Il/Elle/On | irait |
| Nous | irions |
| Vous | iriez |
| Ils/Elles | iraient |
Faire (to do/make)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|
| Je | ferais |
| Tu | ferais |
| Il/Elle/On | ferait |
| Nous | ferions |
| Vous | feriez |
| Ils/Elles | feraient |
Pouvoir (to be able/can)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|
| Je | pourrais |
| Tu | pourrais |
| Il/Elle/On | pourrait |
| Nous | pourrions |
| Vous | pourriez |
| Ils/Elles | pourraient |
Key Points
- The conditionnel présent is used for politeness, making requests sound softer and more courteous.
- It describes hypothetical situations that may or may not happen.
- It’s ideal for giving suggestions or advice in a non-imperative way.
By mastering the conditionnel présent, you can communicate more diplomatically in French and convey nuances of possibility and politeness.
