pouvoir present tense conjugation
Pouvoir (to be able to/can) in the present tense: puis, peux, peut, pouvons, pouvez, peuvent.
Présent Present
| je | |
|---|---|
| tu | |
| il/elle/on | |
| nous | |
| vous | |
| ils/elles |
ending regular · irr breaks the pattern · tap a form to hear it
When to use the present tense
The présent covers both “I do” and “I am doing”, as well as habits, general truths and the near future.
How it is formed
Regular -er verbs: e, es, e, ons, ez, ent. Regular -ir verbs (finir): is, is, it, issons, issez, issent. Most third-group verbs use s, s, t, ons, ez, ent with stem changes.
Pouvoir is irregular here. 6 of 6 forms break the pattern (dark tiles above).
Pouvoir in a sentence
- Je peux t'aider demain.I can help you tomorrow.
- Elle pourrait venir si elle voulait.She could come if she wanted to.
Irregular modal verb; followed directly by an infinitive, no preposition.
FAQ
What is the present tense of pouvoir?
Pouvoir in the French present tense: je puis, tu peux, il/elle/on peut, nous pouvons, vous pouvez, ils/elles peuvent.
Is pouvoir irregular in the present tense?
Yes. 6 of 6 forms break the regular pattern: je puis; tu peux; il/elle/on peut; nous pouvons; vous pouvez; ils/elles peuvent.
When do you use the French present tense?
The présent covers both “I do” and “I am doing”, as well as habits, general truths and the near future.
How is the present tense formed?
Regular -er verbs: e, es, e, ons, ez, ent. Regular -ir verbs (finir): is, is, it, issons, issez, issent. Most third-group verbs use s, s, t, ons, ez, ent with stem changes.
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