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

Introduction to the verb enrailler

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The English translation of the French verb “enrailler” is “to derail.” The infinitive form “enrailler” is pronounced as ahn-rah-yeh.

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The word “enrailler” originates from the combination of the prefix “en-” (meaning “in”) and the noun “rail” (meaning “rail”). It is most often used in everyday French to refer to the act of causing a train or tram to go off its tracks.

Examples:

Le train s’est enraillé à cause d’un problème technique. (The train derailed due to a technical issue.)
Ils ont réussi à enrailler la rame avant qu’elle ne touche les passagers. (They managed to derail the tram before it reached the passengers.)
La collision a provoqué l’enraillement de plusieurs wagons. (The collision caused the derailment of several cars.)

Note: The verb “enrailler” can also be used figuratively to express the idea of disrupting or obstructing a process or situation. However, in everyday French, it is most commonly associated with train or tram derailments.

Enrailler – 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 enrailler

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	enraille	J’enraille le vélo.	I derail the bike.
Tu	enrailles	Tu enrailles la locomotive.	You derail the locomotive.
Il	enraille	Il enraille le train.	He derails the train.
Elle	enraille	Elle enraille le métro.	She derails the subway.
On	enraille	On enraille le tramway.	One derails the tram.
Nous	enraillons	Nous enraillons le wagon.	We derail the wagon.
Vous	enraillez	Vous enraillez les voitures.	You derail the cars.
Ils	enraillent	Ils enraillent le camion.	They derail the truck.
Elles	enraillent	Elles enraillent les bus.	They derail the buses.