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

Introduction to the verb engraver

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The English translation of the French verb “engraver” is “to engrave.” The infinitive form “engraver” is pronounced as [ɑ̃.ɡʁa.ve].

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The word “engraver” in French originates from the Old French verb “engraver” which comes from the Latin word “in” (in) and “grava” (to carve). In everyday French, “engraver” is commonly used to refer to the act of carving or inscribing designs or text onto a surface, usually using a sharp tool.

Examples of usage:

Je vais faire graver mes initiales sur ce bracelet. (I am going to have my initials engraved on this bracelet.)
Le bijoutier a gravé un message spécial à l’intérieur de la bague. (The jeweler engraved a special message inside the ring.)
L’artiste a gravé une belle image sur la plaque de cuivre. (The artist engraved a beautiful image on the copper plate.)

Engraver – 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 engraver

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	grave	Je grave mon nom sur le bois.	I engrave my name on the wood.
tu	graves	Tu graves une image sur la pierre.	You engrave an image on the stone.
il	grave	Il grave ses initiales sur le métal.	He engraves his initials on the metal.
elle	grave	Elle grave un message dans le verre.	She engraves a message in the glass.
on	grave	On grave des gravures sur le marbre.	One engraves engravings on the marble.
nous	gravons	Nous gravons des mots sur le papier.	We engrave words on the paper.
vous	gravez	Vous gravez un dessin sur la toile.	You engrave a drawing on the canvas.
ils	gravent	Ils gravent des motifs sur le cuir.	They engrave patterns on the leather.
elles	gravent	Elles gravent des symboles sur la céramique.	They engrave symbols on the ceramic.