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

Introduction to the verb instiller

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The English translation of the French verb instiller is “to instill.” It is pronounced as “an-stee-yay” in its infinitive form.

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The language origin of instiller comes from the Latin word “instillare,” meaning “to pour in drop by drop.” In everyday French, it is most often used to refer to the act of gradually introducing or implanting an idea, feeling, or behavior in someone.

Examples:

Il essayait d’instiller le doute dans l’esprit de ses élèves. (He was trying to instill doubt in the minds of his students.)
La mère a instillé le sens du devoir à son fils depuis son jeune âge. (The mother instilled a sense of duty in her son from a young age.)
Le coach a réussi à instiller la confiance en son équipe avant le match important. (The coach managed to instill confidence in his team before the important match.)

Instiller – 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 instiller

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	J’instille	J’instille du sérum.	I am instilling some serum.
Tu	Tu instilles	Tu instilles de l’huile essentielle.	You are instilling some essential oil.
Il	Il instille	Il instille de la confiance.	He is instilling confidence.
Elle	Elle instille	Elle instille de la motivation.	She is instilling motivation.
On	On instille	On instille de la peur.	We are instilling fear.
Nous	Nous instillons	Nous instillons de la discipline.	We are instilling discipline.
Vous	Vous instillez	Vous instillez du courage.	You are instilling courage.
Ils	Ils instillent	Ils instillent du doute.	They are instilling doubt.
Elles	Elles instillent	Elles instillent de l’espoir.	They are instilling hope.