Le Present (Present Tense) Conjugation of the French Verb brouter

Introduction to the verb brouter

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The English translation of the French verb “brouter” is “to graze.” The infinitive form “brouter” is pronounced as “broo-teh.”

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The word “brouter” originates from the Old French word “broster,” meaning “to browse on twigs.” In everyday French, it is commonly used to describe the action of animals grazing or browsing on vegetation.

Examples:

Les vaches broutent dans le champ.
(The cows are grazing in the field.)
Les chevaux broutent de l’herbe fraîche.
(The horses are grazing on fresh grass.)
Les moutons broutent paisiblement.
(The sheep are peacefully grazing.)

Note: The examples provided are in the present tense.

Brouter – About the French Present Tense

The French present tense, also known as “le présent,” is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or for actions that are habitual, general truths, or that will occur in the near future. It’s the most basic and common tense in French.

To take a deep dive into all the French tenses then see our article on Mastering French Tense Conjugation.

Common Everyday Usage Patterns For Le Present

1. Describing Actions in the Present: The present tense is used to describe actions happening right now or at the moment of speaking. For example: “Je parle avec mon ami” (I am talking to my friend).

2. Expressing Habits and Routines: The present tense is used to talk about habitual actions or routines. For example: “Je travaille tous les jours” (I work every day).

3. Stating General Truths: The present tense is used to express general truths or facts. For example: “La Terre tourne autour du soleil” (The Earth orbits around the sun).

4. Talking about Near Future: The present tense can be used to express future actions that are very imminent or part of a planned schedule. For example: “Je pars demain matin” (I am leaving tomorrow morning).

Interactions with Other Tenses

– Present vs. Future Tense: In some cases, the French present tense can be used to express the future when the context makes it clear that the action is imminent. However, for actions further in the future or less certain, the future tense is typically used.

– Present vs. Past Tenses: To describe actions that occurred in the past, you would use the past tenses like the passé composé (compound past) or the imparfait (imperfect). The choice between these past tenses depends on the specific aspect and circumstances of the past action.

– Present vs. Conditional Tense: The conditional tense is used to express actions that are dependent on a condition. If a condition is met, the action may happen. The present tense is used for actions in the present, while the conditional is used for hypothetical or future actions based on conditions.

– Present vs. Imperative: The imperative mood is used to give commands or make requests. The present tense is used for general statements, and the imperative is used for direct orders or requests.

Understanding the French present tense and its interactions with other tenses is crucial for effective communication in French. Without it, you cannot become proficient!

Table of the Present Tense Conjugation of brouter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	broute	Je broute de l’herbe.	I graze on grass.
Tu	broutes	Tu broutes dans le champ.	You graze in the field.
Il	broute	Il broute tranquillement.	He grazes peacefully.
Elle	broute	Elle broute près de la rivière.	She grazes near the river.
On	broute	On broute toute la journée.	We graze all day.
Nous	broutons	Nous broutons dans ce pré.	We graze in this meadow.
Vous	broutez	Vous broutez de l’herbe fraîche.	You graze on fresh grass.
Ils	broutent	Ils broutent dans le parc.	They graze in the park.
Elles	broutent	Elles broutent en groupe.	They graze in a group.