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

Introduction to the verb ensoufrer

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The English translation of the French verb ensoufrer is “to smother” or “to suffocate.” The infinitive form, “ensoufrer,” is pronounced as ahn-soo-fray.

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The verb ensoufrer originates from the Old French word “soufre” meaning “sulfur.” It is most often used in everyday French to describe the action of suffocating or smothering someone or something.

Examples:

Ils ont utilisé un oreiller pour ensoufrer le voleur. (They used a pillow to smother the thief.)
La fumée dense dans la pièce les a fait ensoufrer. (The thick smoke in the room made them suffocate.)
Les mauvaises herbes envahissantes peuvent ensoufrer les plantes voisines. (Invasive weeds can smother neighboring plants.)

Ensoufrer – 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 ensoufrer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	j’ensoufre	J’ensoufre une écharpe.	I’m suffocating a scarf.
Tu	tu ensoufres	Tu ensoufres trop souvent.	You suffocate too often.
Il	il ensoufre	Il ensoufre les fleurs.	He suffocates the flowers.
Elle	elle ensoufre	Elle ensoufre l’animal.	She suffocates the animal.
On	on ensoufre	On ensoufre les objets.	We suffocate the objects.
Nous	nous ensoufrons	Nous ensoufrons le cadeau.	We suffocate the gift.
Vous	vous ensoufrez	Vous ensoufrez le patient.	You suffocate the patient.
Ils	ils ensoufrent	Ils ensoufrent les insectes.	They suffocate the insects.
Elles	elles ensoufrent	Elles ensoufrent les plantes.	They suffocate the plants.