Participe présent: nous stem − ons + -ant
The Participe Présent — The Unique Ending
Objective: Recognize and form the participe présent.
The participe présent is a versatile verb form used for descriptions, actions in progress, or as an adjective.
It will also help us build tenses.
The Rule
Just like imparfait, take the nous form of the present tense, remove -ons, and add -ant.
Formula:
Radical (Nous) + -ant
Examples:
- Nous finissons → finissant → finishing
- Nous parlons → parlant → speaking
- Nous mangeons → mangeant → eating
Easy trick: take the “nous” form, chop “-ons”, add “-ant”, and you have your participe présent!
Important Note 1
Aside from the three exceptions (être, avoir, savoir), the rule "Nous form minus -ons plus -ant" is one of the most reliable rules in French. It even works for the weirdest irregulars. For example, Faire becomes nous faisons, so the participle is faisant. Prendre becomes nous prenons, so it's prenant. If you know your present tense "Nous," you know your present participle.
Important Note 2
Not sure if a past participle ends with -s, -t, or nothing? Use the Feminine Trick: imagine the word in its feminine form to "hear" the hidden consonant.
The Technique: If you hear a consonant in the feminine version, that letter must appear in the masculine.
- Pris (taken) → Think Prise (sounds like "z") → ends in s.
- Fait (done/made) → Think Faite (sounds like "t") → ends in t.
- Vendu (sold) → Think Vendue (no consonant sound) → ends in u.
Key Takeaways
- Participe présent always ends in -ant
- Radical = 1st person plural of present tense (nous form)
- Works for all regular verbs
- Can be used for describing ongoing actions or as adjectives
- Easy to form once you know the nous form of the verb
In the app, you will find interactive exercises and quizzes tailored for this intermediate level.
Practice French conjugation for free in the Croissant Verbs app
Quizzes and spaced repetition for every tense, for free on your phone—plus short grammar guides on our Learn hub.
