How do I know when to use "être" or "avoir" to conjugate in the perfect tense?

In English, the perfect tense always requires the auxiliary verb "to have", but in French, you will need to use either avoir (= "to have") or "être" (= to be). Most verbs will require "avoir". The minority of verbs requiring "être" are summed up in the mnemotechnic device "MRS. VAN DER TRAMP", which stands for:-         Monter-         Rester-         Sortir -         Venir-         Aller-         Naitre -         Descendre-         Entrer-         Rentrer -         Tomber-         Retourner-         Arriver-         Mourir-         Partir All derivatives of these verbs (e.g. revenir, devenir) will also need "être". Finally, all reflexive verbs will need "être". 

Answered by Marie P. French tutor

1960 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between imperfect and passé composé?


I didn't quite understood the difference between the active and passive voice in French, could you explain?


Translate the following sentences into French. [10 marks]


Why don't verbs always agree with the subject in the perfect tense?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences