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

Introduction to the verb graver

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The English translation of the French verb “graver” is “to engrave.”

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The pronunciation of the infinitive form “graver” is /ɡʁa.ve/.

The word “graver” comes from the Latin verb “grāvāre,” which means “to carve” or “to mark.” In everyday French, “graver” is most often used to refer to the act of engraving or carving on a surface, such as metal or wood. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that deeply impresses or leaves a lasting mark on someone.

Examples of usage:

Il souhaite graver son nom sur cette bague. (He wants to engrave his name on this ring.)
Les artistes ont réussi à graver leurs œuvres dans la pierre. (The artists managed to carve their works into the stone.)
Cette expérience m’a gravé à jamais la mémoire. (This experience has left a lasting mark on my memory forever.)

Graver – 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 graver

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	grave	Je grave une image sur le bois.	I engrave an image on the wood.
Tu	graves	Tu graves ton nom sur la porte.	You engrave your name on the door.
Il	grave	Il grave son numéro de téléphone.	He engraves his phone number.
Elle	grave	Elle grave un message sur la pierre.	She engraves a message on the stone.
On	grave	On grave des mots sur le métal.	One engraves words on the metal.
Nous	gravons	Nous gravons nos initiales sur le verre.	We engrave our initials on the glass.
Vous	gravez	Vous gravez une inscription sur la médaille.	You engrave an inscription on the medal.
Ils	gravent	Ils gravent un dessin dans le bois.	They engrave a design in the wood.
Elles	gravent	Elles gravent des mots sur le papier.	They engrave words on the paper.