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

Introduction to the verb cerner

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The English translation of the French verb “cerner” is “to surround” or “to encircle”. The infinitive form “cerner” is pronounced as “sehr-ney”.

The word “cerner” originates from the Latin word “cernere” which means “to sift” or “to separate”. In everyday French, “cerner” is most often used to describe the act of surrounding or encircling something or someone, both physically and metaphorically.

Examples:

  1. Les policiers cernent le bâtiment. (The police surround the building.)
  2. Il est important de bien cerner les enjeux avant de prendre une décision. (It is important to thoroughly understand the issues before making a decision.)
  3. Les questions du journaliste ont cerné les faiblesses du candidat. (The journalist’s questions exposed the weaknesses of the candidate.)

Cerner – 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 cerner

Pronoun Conjugation Short Example English Translation
Je Cerne Je cerne la situation. I understand the situation.
Tu Cernes Tu cernes les contours. You outline the contours.
Il Cerne Il cerne le problème. He understands the problem.
Elle Cerne Elle cerne la question. She understands the question.
On Cerne On cerne les enjeux. One understands the stakes.
Nous Cernons Nous cernons la vérité. We understand the truth.
Vous Cernez Vous cernez les détails. You understand the details.
Ils Cernent Ils cernent les objectifs. They understand the objectives.
Elles Cernent Elles cernent les motivations. They understand the motivations.

Other Conjugations for Cerner.

Le Present (Present Tense) Conjugation of the French Verb cerner (You’re reading it right now!)

Imparfait (Imperfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Passé Simple (Simple Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Passé Composé (Present Perfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Futur Simple (Simple Future) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Futur Proche (Near Future) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Plus-que-parfait (Pluperfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Passé Antérieur (Past Anterior) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Futur Antérieur (Future Anterior) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Subjonctif Présent (Subjunctive Present) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Subjonctif Passé (Subjunctive Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Subjonctif Imparfait (Subjunctive Imperfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Subjonctif Plus-que-parfait (Subjunctive Pluperfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Conditionnel Présent (Conditional Present) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Conditionnel Passé (Conditional Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Conditionnel Passé II (Conditional Past II) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

L’impératif Présent (Imperative Present) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

L’impératif Passé (Imperative Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

L’infinitif Présent (Infinitive Present) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

L’infinitif Passé (Infinitive Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Le Participe Présent (Present Participle) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

Le Participe Passé (Past Participle) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb cerner

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