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

Introduction to the verb cocher

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The English translation of the French verb “cocher” is “to tick/check (off)”. The pronunciation of the infinitive form “cocher” is [kɔ.ʃe].

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The word “cocher” comes from the Latin “coticare” which means “to prick”. In everyday French, “cocher” is most often used to refer to the action of marking or ticking something off a list, or to indicate the act of checking an item.

Three simple examples of its usage:

Je vais cocher les cases sur la liste. (I am going to check the boxes on the list.)
Cochez les articles que vous souhaitez acheter. (Check the items you want to buy.)
Il faut cocher cette option pour poursuivre. (You need to tick/check this option to proceed.)

Cocher – 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 cocher

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	coche	Je coche les cases.	I check the boxes.
Tu	coches	Tu coches toutes les réponses.	You check all the answers.
Il	coche	Il coche les options correctes.	He checks the correct options.
Elle	coche	Elle coche la case appropriée.	She checks the appropriate box.
On	coche	On coche les éléments nécessaires.	One checks the necessary elements.
Nous	cochons	Nous cochons les cases ensemble.	We check the boxes together.
Vous	cochez	Vous cochez les réponses.	You check the answers.
Ils	cochent	Ils cochent les cases sélectionnées.	They check the selected boxes.
Elles	cochent	Elles cochent les options multiples.	They check the multiple options.