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

Introduction to the verb écouler

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The English translation of the French verb écouler is “to flow” or “to run.” It is pronounced as “eh-koo-leh.”

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The language origin of écouler is from the Old French word “escoler” which means “to flow” or “to run.” It is most often used in everyday French to refer to the movement or flow of liquids, objects, or time.

Examples:

L’eau s’écoule doucement de la fontaine. – The water is flowing softly from the fountain.
Il faut écouler les marchandises avant la fin de la semaine. – We need to sell the goods before the end of the week.
Le temps s’écoule vite quand on s’amuse. – Time flies when we’re having fun.

Écouler – 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 écouler

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	écoule	J’écoule mon café dans une tasse.	I pour my coffee into a cup.
Tu	écoules	Tu écoules le lait dans le bol.	You pour the milk into the bowl.
Il	écoule	Il écoule l’eau dans l’évier.	He pours the water into the sink.
Elle	écoule	Elle écoule le jus d’orange dans un verre.	She pours the orange juice into a glass.
On	écoule	On écoule la sauce sur les pâtes.	We pour the sauce over the pasta.
Nous	écouleons	Nous écouleons les céréales dans un bol.	We pour the cereal into a bowl.
Vous	écoulez	Vous écoulez le vin dans des verres.	You pour the wine into glasses.
Ils	écoulent	Ils écoulent du sable dans un seau.	They pour sand into a bucket.
Elles	écoulent	Elles écoulent l’encre dans les stylos.	They pour ink into pens.