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

Introduction to the verb détordre

Get the present tense conjugation of détordre. 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 détordre is “to untwist” or “to straighten.” It is pronounced as “day-torr-druh” in its infinitive form.

Table of Contents

The word détordre comes from the French prefix “dé-” meaning “undo” and the verb “tordre” meaning “to twist.” It is often used in everyday French to describe the action of undoing something that has been twisted or tangled.

Examples:

Je dois détordre mes cheveux après les avoir tressés toute la journée. (I have to untwist my hair after braiding it all day.)
Le plombier a dû détordre les tuyaux pour réparer la fuite. (The plumber had to straighten the pipes to fix the leak.)
Il faut détordre les fils avant de les brancher dans la prise. (You have to untangle the wires before plugging them into the socket.)

Détordre – 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 détordre

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Je détords	Je détords mes cheveux.	I untangle my hair.
Tu	Tu détords	Tu détords ta robe.	You untangle your dress.
Il	Il détord	Il détord sa cravate.	He untangles his tie.
Elle	Elle détord	Elle détord ses boucles.	She untangles her curls.
On	On détord	On détord les câbles.	We untangle the cables.
Nous	Nous détordons	Nous détordons les fils.	We untangle the wires.
Vous	Vous détordez	Vous détordez vos chaussures.	You untangle your shoes.
Ils	Ils détordent	Ils détordent les fils électriques.	They untangle the electrical wires.
Elles	Elles détordent	Elles détordent leurs colliers.	They untangle their necklaces.