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

Introduction to the verb décriminaliser

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to decriminalize / dehk-ree-mee-nah-lee-zay

Table of Contents

The verb décriminaliser comes from the combination of the prefix dé- (meaning “un-” or “de-“) and the word criminel (meaning “criminal”). It is used in French to refer to the act of removing criminal penalties or making something no longer considered a crime.

Examples:

La loi vise à décriminaliser la consommation de certaines drogues.
(The law aims to decriminalize the consumption of certain drugs.)
Le gouvernement envisage de décriminaliser l’avortement.
(The government is considering decriminalizing abortion.)
Les militants luttent pour décriminaliser la prostitution.
(Activists are fighting to decriminalize prostitution.)

Décriminaliser – 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 décriminaliser

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	décriminalise	Je décriminalise cette drogue.	I decriminalize this drug.
Tu	décriminalises	Tu décriminalises l’usage du cannabis.	You decriminalize the use of cannabis.
Il	décriminalise	Il décriminalise les délits mineurs.	He decriminalizes minor offenses.
Elle	décriminalise	Elle décriminalise la prostitution.	She decriminalizes prostitution.
On	décriminalise	On décriminalise la consommation d’alcool.	One decriminalizes alcohol consumption.
Nous	décriminalisons	Nous décriminalisons la vente de médicaments.	We decriminalize the sale of medicines.
Vous	décriminalisez	Vous décriminalisez le téléchargement illégal.	You decriminalize illegal downloading.
Ils	décriminalisent	Ils décriminalisent la possession de certaines drogues.	They decriminalize the possession of certain drugs.
Elles	décriminalisent	Elles décriminalisent l’avortement.	They decriminalize abortion.