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

Introduction to the verb entreprendre

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The English translation of the French verb entreprendre is “to undertake” or “to embark on.” It is pronounced as “ahn-truh-prahn-druh” in its infinitive form.

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The word “entreprendre” originated from the Old French word “entreprendre” meaning “to undertake or take in hand,” which combines the prefix “entre” (between) and the verb “prendre” (to take). In everyday French, entreprendre is most often used to express the idea of starting or taking on a project or task.

Examples:

Je vais entreprendre un grand voyage cet été. (I am going to undertake a great journey this summer.)
Nous avons décidé d’entreprendre des travaux de rénovation à la maison. (We have decided to undertake renovation work at home.)
Le gouvernement a lancé un nouveau programme pour encourager les jeunes à entreprendre leur propre entreprise. (The government has launched a new program to encourage young people to undertake their own business.)

Note: These examples are given in the “je” (I), “nous” (we), and “il/elle” (he/she) forms, but entreprendre can be conjugated in all subject forms and tenses.

Entreprendre – 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 entreprendre

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Entreprends	Je entreprends un nouveau projet.	I undertake a new project.
Tu	Entreprends	Tu entreprends une nouvelle aventure.	You undertake a new adventure.
Il	Entreprend	Il entreprend une grande mission.	He undertakes a big mission.
Elle	Entreprend	Elle entreprend un changement de carrière.	She undertakes a career change.
On	Entreprend	On entreprend une action en justice.	We undertake legal action.
Nous	Entreprenons	Nous entreprenons un voyage en famille.	We undertake a family trip.
Vous	Entreprenez	Vous entreprenez une réforme importante.	You undertake an important reform.
Ils	Entreprennent	Ils entreprennent un défi difficile.	They undertake a difficult challenge.
Elles	Entreprennent	Elles entreprennent un projet passionnant.	They undertake an exciting project.