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

Introduction to the verb enquêter

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The English translation of the French verb enquêter is “to investigate.” The infinitive form of enquêter is pronounced as “ahn-ket-ay.”

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Enquêter originated from the Old French verb “enquester,” which came from the Latin word “inquaerere” meaning “to inquire.” In everyday French, enquêter is commonly used to refer to the action of conducting an investigation or inquiry.

Examples:

Les policiers enquêtent sur le vol. (The police are investigating the theft.)
Les journalistes enquêtent sur le scandale politique. (The journalists are investigating the political scandal.)
L’équipe de recherche enquête sur les effets du médicament. (The research team is investigating the effects of the medication.)

Enquêter – 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 enquêter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	enquête	J’enquête sur cette affaire.	I investigate this case.
Tu	enquêtes	Tu enquêtes avec moi.	You investigate with me.
Il	enquête	Il enquête depuis longtemps.	He investigates for a long time.
Elle	enquête	Elle enquête sur ce crime.	She investigates this crime.
On	enquête	On enquête ensemble.	One investigates together.
Nous	enquêtons	Nous enquêtons sur cette énigme.	We investigate this mystery.
Vous	enquêtez	Vous enquêtez sur cette affaire.	You investigate this case.
Ils	enquêtent	Ils enquêtent en secret.	They investigate in secret.
Elles	enquêtent	Elles enquêtent depuis longtemps.	They investigate for a long time.