The gérondif and the present participle
en mangeant = while eating / by eating: the French «-ing» form.
Formation
Take the nous stem of the present (without -ons) and add -ant. The gérondif is en + this form.
| Infinitive | nous | Present participle | Gérondif |
|---|---|---|---|
| parler | parlons | parlant | en parlant |
| finir | finissons | finissant | en finissant |
| faire | faisons | faisant | en faisant |
| être | — | étant | en étant |
| avoir | — | ayant | en ayant |
| savoir | — | sachant | en sachant |
Uses of the gérondif
| Use | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous | Il chante en conduisant. | He sings while driving. |
| Manner / means | On apprend en pratiquant. | You learn by practising. |
| Condition | En partant maintenant, tu arriveras à l'heure. | If you leave now, you'll be on time. |
Present participle (without en)
Mostly written, replacing a qui clause or giving a reason:
- Je cherche un assistant parlant anglais.I'm looking for an assistant who speaks English.
- Étant malade, il n'est pas venu.Being ill, he didn't come.
Test yourself
-
Gérondif of «lire»?
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en lisant -
Gérondif of «prendre»?
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en prenant -
Translate: «I learnt French by watching films.»
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J'ai appris le français en regardant des films. -
Translate: «I like reading.»
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J'aime lire. (infinitive, not -ant)