What are the rules for forming the passe compose/perfect tense using avoir and etre?

Past participles generally follow a simple rule.For verbs ending in -er, the past participle is made by adding the suffix to the root:parler (to speak) - parlé dessiner (to draw) - dessiné tomber (to fall) - tombéFor verbs ending in -ir, the past participle is made by adding the suffix -ito the root:choisir (to choose) - choisfinir (to finish) - finpâlir (to become pale) - pâliFor verbs ending in -re, the past participle is made by adding the suffix -uto the root:descendre (to go down) - descendurendre (to return) - rendfendre (to split) - fenduThere are, of course, exceptions to this. Here are a few of the most common irregular past participles:devoir (to have to) - avoir (to have) - eupouvoir (to be able to) - pufaire (to do/make) - faitsavoir (to know) - suconnaître (to know) - connu voir (to see) - vuboire (to drink) - buvouloir (to want) - voulu

Answered by Tom H. French tutor

1738 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how to conjugate the conditional tense for regular verbs


When do I use "tu" and when do I use "vous"?


How do I conjugate regular verbs in the imperfect tense?


How can I write a good essay?


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