When do I use être in the perfect tense?

The most popular and useful way of remembering when to use être in the perfect tense, is the MRS VANDERTRAMP list: Monter, Retourner, Sortir, Venir, Arriver, Naitre, Descendre, Entrer, Rester, Tomber, Rentrer, Aller, Mourir, Partir. If you have a more visual memory like me, this following link is really helpful when trying to remember the verbs and putting them into context: https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/french/french-i/french-i-the-passe-compose/the-passe-compose-with-etre - Examples of commonly used phrases with their corresponding prepositions: Je suis rentrée du travail. = I came home from work (feminine singular); Il est allé faire les magasins. = He went shopping (masculine singular); Elles sont arrivées en retard. = They arrived late (feminine plural); Nous sommes descendus à l’arrêt. = We got off at the stop (masculine plural).

Answered by Kiah B. French tutor

1919 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between the "near future" and the "simple future"?


How do you form the conditional tense?


Using être as an auxiliary in the perfect tense


What's the difference between 'saber' and 'conocer'?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences