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

Introduction to the verb entourer

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The English translation of the French verb “entourer” is “to surround” or “to encircle.” The pronunciation of the infinitive form “entourer” is [ɑ̃.tu.ʁe].

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The word “entourer” originates from the Old French verb “entorner,” which means “to turn around.” It is derived from the Latin word “tornare,” which means “to turn.” In everyday French, “entourer” is commonly used to describe the action of encircling or surrounding something or someone.

Examples:

J’ai utilisé une clôture pour entourer mon jardin. (I used a fence to surround my garden.)
Les journalistes ont entouré le célèbre acteur dès son arrivée. (The journalists surrounded the famous actor as soon as he arrived.)
Nous aimons nous entourer d’amis fidèles. (We like to surround ourselves with loyal friends.)

Entourer – 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 entourer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	entoure	J’entoure ma maison de fleurs.	I surround my house with flowers.
Tu	entoures	Tu entoures le parc de barrières.	You surround the park with barriers.
Il	entoure	Il entoure le livre d’un ruban.	He surrounds the book with a ribbon.
Elle	entoure	Elle entoure la pièce de lumière.	She surrounds the room with light.
On	entoure	On entoure le cadeau de papier.	One surrounds the gift with paper.
Nous	entourons	Nous entourons la table de chaises.	We surround the table with chairs.
Vous	entourez	Vous entourez le jardin de haies.	You surround the garden with hedges.
Ils	entourent	Ils entourent le lac de montagnes.	They surround the lake with mountains.
Elles	entourent	Elles entourent la ville de murailles.	They surround the city with walls.