How do I form the present conditional tense and when is it used?

To put it simply, we use the conditional tense (le conditionnel) to talk/ speculate about what 'would' happen.It is formed by taking the same stem as the future tense (which in most cases would be the infinitive) and then adding the same endings as the imperfect tense.For example, to put the verb 'manger' in the present conditional tense:Step 1: Take the same stem as the future tense/ the infinitive ('manger')Step 2: Add the imperfect tense endings of '-ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, - iez, or -aient' depending on who is doing the action.For example: Je manger + ais = Je mangerais = I would eatTu manger+ ais = Tu mangerais = You (informal) would eat Il/Elle/On manger+ ait = Il/Elle/On mangerait = He/She/One would eat Nous manger+ ions = Nous mangerions = We would eat Vous manger+ iez = Vous mangeriez = You (formal) would eat Ils/Elles manger+ aient = Ils/Elles mangeraient = They would eat

CB
Answered by Clare B. French tutor

1563 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between 'ils ont' and 'ils sont'?


Describe where you live, population, characteristics and geographical location.


Do French adjectives go before or after the noun?


Décris tes dernières vacances. Où et quand es-tu allé(e) en vacances ? Avec qui ? Qu’est-ce que tu as fait ? Quel temps faisait-il ?


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