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

Introduction to the verb contracter

Get the present tense conjugation of contracter. 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 “contracter” is “to contract.” The infinitive form is pronounced as “kohn-trak-tey.”

Table of Contents

The verb “contracter” in French has its origins in the Latin word “contractare,” meaning “to draw together.” In everyday French, “contracter” is commonly used to refer to various types of contracts or agreements, as well as to denote the act of acquiring or catching something, such as a disease.

Examples of usage:

Je dois contracter un prêt pour acheter une maison.
(I have to take out a loan to buy a house.)
Attention à ne pas contracter la grippe !
(Be careful not to catch the flu!)
Les deux entreprises ont décidé de contracter une alliance commerciale.
(The two companies have decided to enter into a business alliance.)

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

Contracter – 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 contracter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	contracte	Je contracte un prêt.	I contract a loan.
Tu	contractes	Tu contractes une maladie.	You contract an illness.
Il	contracte	Il contracte un engagement.	He contracts an engagement.
Elle	contracte	Elle contracte un contrat.	She contracts a contract.
On	contracte	On contracte une dette.	One contracts a debt.
Nous	contractons	Nous contractons un accord.	We contract an agreement.
Vous	contractez	Vous contractez une obligation.	You contract an obligation.
Ils	contractent	Ils contractent un virus.	They (masculine) contract a virus.
Elles	contractent	Elles contractent un prêt hypothécaire.	They (feminine) contract a mortgage.