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

Introduction to the verb contraindre

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The English translation of the French verb contraindre is “to compel” or “to constrain.” The infinitive form is pronounced as “kon-tran-druh.”

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The word contraindre comes from the Latin word “constringere,” meaning “to bind together.” It is most often used in everyday French to describe a forced or compulsory action. This verb is commonly used in legal or formal contexts to refer to a situation where someone is obligated or forced to do something against their will.

Examples:

Je suis contraint de partir tôt demain matin pour mon voyage d’affaires. (I am compelled to leave early tomorrow morning for my business trip.)
Le juge a contraint l’accusé à témoigner sous serment. (The judge compelled the defendant to testify under oath.)
Les parents peuvent contraindre leurs enfants à aller à l’école jusqu’à l’âge de 16 ans en France. (Parents can compel their children to attend school until the age of 16 in France.)

Contraindre – 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 contraindre

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	contrains	Je le contrains à venir avec moi.	I am forcing him to come with me.
tu	contrains	Tu me contrains à faire mes devoirs.	You are compelling me to do my homework.
il	contraint	Il le contraint à avouer ses erreurs.	He is forcing him to confess his mistakes.
elle	contraint	Elle le contraint à prendre une décision.	She is compelling him to make a decision.
on	contraint	On nous contraint à travailler tard.	We are being forced to work late.
nous	contraignons	Nous le contraignons à nous suivre.	We are making him follow us.
vous	contraignez	Vous les contraignez à partir tout de suite.	You are making them leave right away.
ils	contraignent	Ils nous contraignent à signer ce document.	They are forcing us to sign this document.
elles	contraignent	Elles lui contraignent de réparer son erreur.	They are compelling him to fix his mistake.