Introduction
The verb empêcher is an essential part of the French language, used to convey the idea of prevention or interference. It signifies stopping someone or something from doing an action or causing an event.
Conjugation of Empêcher
Present Tense
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | empêche |
| Tu | empêches |
| Il/Elle/On | empêche |
| Nous | empêchons |
| Vous | empêchez |
| Ils/Elles | empêchent |
Imperfect Tense
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | empêchait |
| Tu | empêchais |
| Il/Elle/On | empêchait |
| Nous | empêchions |
| Vous | empêchiez |
| Ils/Elles | empêchaient |
Past Participle
- empêché
Compound Past (Passé Composé)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | ai empêché |
| Tu | as empêché |
| Il/Elle/On | a empêché |
| Nous | avons empêché |
| Vous | avez empêché |
| Ils/Elles | ont empêché |
Examples of Empêcher
- Present Tense:
- Imperfect Tense:
- Passé Composé:
- Present Tense:
- Imperfect Tense:
Usage
The verb empêcher is often followed by the preposition “de” when referring to an action or event being prevented.
More Examples:
- Tu ne peux pas m’empêcher de parler.
- (You can't stop me from speaking.)
- La pluie a empêché le match de se dérouler.
- (The rain prevented the match from taking place.)
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Conclusion
Empêcher is a powerful verb in French, crucial for expressing the idea of prevention or obstruction. Whether you're stopping an event from happening or preventing someone from taking action, empêcher is the go-to verb.