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

Introduction to the verb contreventer

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The English translation of the French verb “contreventer” is “to brace against the wind.” The pronunciation of the infinitive form “contreventer” is [kɔ̃.tʁə.vɑ̃.te].

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The verb “contreventer” originates from the combination of the prefix “contre-” (meaning “against”) and the verb “venter” (meaning “to wind”). It is most often used in everyday French to describe the action of protecting or reinforcing something against the force of the wind.

Examples:

Nous devons contreventer la fenêtre avant la tempête.
(We need to brace the window before the storm.)
Ils ont contreventé la tente pour qu’elle tienne face au vent.
(They braced the tent so it could withstand the wind.)
Tu devrais contreventer la porte pour éviter les courants d’air.
(You should brace the door to avoid drafts.)

Note: The pronunciation provided is in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols.

Contreventer – 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 contreventer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	contrevente	Je contrevente la fenêtre.	I brace the window.
Tu	contreventes	Tu contreventes la porte.	You brace the door.
Il	contrevente	Il contrevente la maison.	He braces the house.
Elle	contrevente	Elle contrevente le volet.	She braces the shutter.
On	contrevente	On contrevente le bâtiment.	One braces the building.
Nous	contreventons	Nous contreventons la porte-fenêtre.	We brace the French window.
Vous	contreventez	Vous contreventez le toit.	You brace the roof.
Ils	contreventent	Ils contreventent le mur.	They brace the wall.
Elles	contreventent	Elles contreventent la clôture.	They brace the fence.