What is the conditional perfect and when is it used?

The conditional perfect is a compound tense made up of: -the conditional form of avoir or être +-the past participle (agreement if être) It is used to say something would have happened Eg. I would have gone to the swimming pool.--Je serais allé(e) à la piscine.They (f) would have eaten some chocolate.-- Elles auraient mangé du chocolat.
It is also often used in si clauses along with the pluperfect to describe a hypothetical situation in the past ie. what you would have done if something had taken place:
S’il avait plu, je serais venu(e) chez moi.

RH
Answered by Rhiannon H. French tutor

2324 Views

See similar French A Level tutors

Related French A Level answers

All answers ▸

When should I use the subjunctive?


Quels sont les droits et les responsabilités d'un individu dans la société?


How do you know when to use passé composé or imparfait?


What is the difference between the "passé composé" and the "imparfait"?


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