🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What is Conditionnel Présent?

Conditionnel présent (present conditional) is a French verb tense used to express hypothetical, polite, or conditional actions. It's formed from the future stem + imperfect endings, creating a blend of possibility and formality.

Short answer

Conditionnel présent expresses actions that would happen under certain conditions. Formed as: future stem + imperfect endings (e.g., 'Je parlerais' = 'I would speak').

Conditionnel Présent Formation

1
Take the Future Stem
parler → parler-, aller → ir-, avoir → aur-
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2
Add Imperfect Endings
-ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient
↓
3
Complete Conjugation
je parlerais, tu parlerais, il/elle parlerait…
↓
4
Meaning
Hypothetical, polite requests, or conditional actions

Step-by-step worked examples

Form conditionnel présent for 'Si j'avais le temps, je voyagerais' (If I had time, I would travel).

Verb: voyager (to travel)
Future stem: voyager-
Imperfect ending for je: -ais
Complete form: voyagerais
Conditionnel: Je voyagerais = I would travel

Conjugate 'parler' in conditionnel présent for all persons.

Future stem: parler-
je parlerais, tu parlerais, il/elle parlerait
nous parlerions, vous parleriez, ils/elles parleraient
Each uses imperfect endings: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient

Use conditionnel for politeness: 'Je voudrais un café' (I would like a coffee).

Verb: vouloir (to want)
Future stem: voudr-
Conditionnel je form: voudrais
Complete: Je voudrais un café
More polite than 'Je veux un café'

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.What is the conditionnel présent form of 'I would speak'?

Correct answer: B. Conditionnel = future stem + imperfect ending. Parler → parler- + -ais = parlerais.

Q2.Which form is polite in French?

Correct answer: B. Conditionnel 'Je voudrais' (I would like) is more polite than 'Je veux' (I want).

Q3.'Si tu étudiais, tu réussirais.' What does 'réussirais' mean?

Correct answer: C. In a conditional 'si' clause, the conditionnel expresses the hypothetical result.

Q4.Complete: 'Nous ___ voyager si nous avions l'argent.'

Correct answer: C. Nous (we) in conditionnel: nous voyagerions (we would travel).

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Common mistakes

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Confusing conditionnel with imparfait (imperfect). — Correct: Imparfait = past habit; conditionnel = hypothetical/would. Both have -ais endings but different stems.

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Forgetting the future stem (e.g., 'Je parlerais' → 'Je parlrais'). — Correct: Always use the full future stem before adding imperfect endings.

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Using conditionnel without a condition or context. — Correct: Conditionnel implies 'would' or a hypothetical; use only for hypothetical situations.

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Mixing singular and plural forms (e.g., 'Je parlais' vs. 'Je parlerais'). — Correct: Memorize the six endings: -ais (x2), -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient.

FAQ

What is conditionnel présent in French grammar?

A tense expressing hypothetical, conditional, or polite actions using future stem + imperfect endings.

How do you form conditionnel présent?

Take the future stem of the infinitive and add imperfect endings (-ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient).

What's the difference between conditionnel and future?

Future is certain ('Je parlerai' = I will speak); conditionnel is hypothetical ('Je parlerais' = I would speak).

Can conditionnel be used for politeness?

Yes, 'Je voudrais' (I would like) is more polite than 'Je veux' (I want).