tenir present tense conjugation

Tenir (to hold) in the present tense: tiens, tiens, tient, tenons, tenez, tiennent.

Présent Present

Présent of tenir
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.

Tenir is irregular here. 6 of 6 forms break the pattern (dark tiles above).

Tenir in a sentence

  • Je tiens ce livre dans mes mains.I'm holding this book in my hands.
  • Elle a tenu sa promesse.She kept her promise.

Irregular, conjugated like 'venir'; 'tenir à' means to be attached/keen to.

FAQ

What is the present tense of tenir?

Tenir in the French present tense: je tiens, tu tiens, il/elle/on tient, nous tenons, vous tenez, ils/elles tiennent.

Is tenir irregular in the present tense?

Yes. 6 of 6 forms break the regular pattern: je tiens; tu tiens; il/elle/on tient; nous tenons; vous tenez; ils/elles tiennent.

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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