When to use auxiliary etre and when not to

AbdulB1Kwiziq community member

When to use auxiliary etre and when not to

While expressing present continous tense or future simple with present tense in french, I realy get confused on when to use auxiliary etre with subject pronoun and when not to use 

Asked 11 months ago
MaartenC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

The lesson you have linked is about using the present tense for near and immediate future events - this is not a separate or compound tense and there is no auxiliary verb used. 

In contrast to present tense, passé composé and other compound tenses, require auxiliaries which will be either avoir or être. 

In compound tenses, there is a limited number of verbs that use the auxiliary ‘être’ , with the rest using avoir. Of course, being French and grammar, there are a few verb exceptions that use either être or avoir depending on context (meaning). 

(Also note that  the specific ‘futur proche’ form is different, using ‘aller’ in an ‘auxiliary’ manner).

Stick with the basics initially, and you will learn the exceptions as you go along.

The link gives introductory information to ‘être’ verbs. Over time you will learn the verbs and their auxiliary in compound tenses - both through various specific lessons here, and through general exposure. 

https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/revision/glossary/verb-conjugation-group/verbs-taking-etre-as-auxiliary

When to use auxiliary etre and when not to

While expressing present continous tense or future simple with present tense in french, I realy get confused on when to use auxiliary etre with subject pronoun and when not to use 

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!