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

Introduction to the verb fouiller

Get the present tense conjugation of fouiller. Includes a FREE downloadable reference sheet (no email required). Alternatively if you have a lot of text to check then use our free French Grammar Checker – no registration required!

The English translation of the French verb “fouiller” is “to search” or “to rummage.” The infinitive form “fouiller” is pronounced as “foo-ye.”

Table of Contents

Originating from the Old French word “fulir,” meaning “to beat,” “fouiller” is commonly used in everyday French to express the action of searching through or rummaging around in order to find something. It can be used both in a literal sense, such as searching through a drawer, as well as in a figurative sense, such as searching for information.

Examples:

Je vais fouiller dans mes poches pour trouver mes clés. (I will search in my pockets to find my keys.)
Les enquêteurs ont fouillé la maison à la recherche d’indices. (The investigators searched the house for clues.)
Elle a fouillé dans ses souvenirs pour se rappeler du nom de son ancien professeur. (She rummaged through her memories to remember the name of her former teacher.)

Fouiller – 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 fouiller

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	fouille	Je fouille dans mon sac.	I search in my bag.
Tu	fouilles	Tu fouilles la pièce.	You search the room.
Il	fouille	Il fouille ses poches.	He searches his pockets.
Elle	fouille	Elle fouille son sac à main.	She searches her handbag.
On	fouille	On fouille les archives.	One searches the archives.
Nous	fouillons	Nous fouillons la maison.	We search the house.
Vous	fouillez	Vous fouillez vos valises.	You search your suitcases.
Ils	fouillent	Ils fouillent la voiture.	They search the car.
Elles	fouillent	Elles fouillent leurs affaires.	They search their belongings.