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

Introduction to the verb compléter

Get the present tense conjugation of compléter. Includes a FREE downloadable reference sheet (no email required). Alternatively if you have a lot of text to check then use our free French Grammar Checker – no registration required!

The English translation of the French verb “compléter” is “to complete”. The infinitive form is pronounced as “kom-pleh-teh”.

Table of Contents

The verb “compléter” originated from the Latin word “complere”, meaning “to fill up”. In everyday French, it is commonly used to express the action of finishing or filling something, or adding missing elements to make it whole.

Examples:

J’ai besoin de compléter ce formulaire. (I need to complete this form.)
Il faut compléter cette série de chiffres. (You need to complete this series of numbers.)
Nous devons compléter l’équipe avec quelques joueurs supplémentaires. (We need to complete the team with a few additional players.)

Note: The translations provided are literal translations and may vary based on context.

Compléter – 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 compléter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	complète	Je complète mon devoir.	I complete my homework.
Tu	complètes	Tu complètes tes exercices.	You complete your exercises.
Il	complète	Il complète le formulaire.	He completes the form.
Elle	complète	Elle complète sa liste de courses.	She completes her grocery list.
On	complète	On complète nos connaissances.	We complete our knowledge.
Nous	complétons	Nous complétons le puzzle.	We complete the puzzle.
Vous	complétez	Vous complétez le formulaire.	You complete the form.
Ils	complètent	Ils complètent leur travail.	They complete their work.
Elles	complètent	Elles complètent leur projet.	They complete their project.