Why do some verbs take 'avoir' as the auxiliary whilst others take 'être'?

The vast majority of verbs use 'avoir' as an auxiliary. However a few take être. These verbs are mostly verbs which communicate a state or motion. Just remember MRS VANDERTRAMP Monter Retourner Sortir Venir Arriver Naître Descendre Entrer Rester Tomber Aller Mourir Partir

JK
Answered by Joseph K. French tutor

3478 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

When do I use 'a' with an accent and 'a' without an accent?


Translate the following sentence. If I had not worked on Wednesday, I would not have been tired.


How do you construct the past tense in French?


How do you conjugate irregular verbs in the passé composé


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning