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

Introduction to the verb instituer

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The English translation of the French verb instituer is “to institute” and it is pronounced “een-see-too-ay”.

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The word “instituer” comes from the Latin word “instituere” which means “to establish” or “to set up”. In everyday French, it is most often used to talk about creating or establishing something, such as a law, a tradition, or a system.

Examples:

Le gouvernement a institué une nouvelle politique fiscale. (The government has instituted a new tax policy.)
Nous devons instituer une journée de nettoyage pour la ville. (We need to institute a city-wide clean-up day.)
Mon grand-père a institué une tradition familiale de faire un pique-nique chaque été. (My grandfather instituted a family tradition of having a picnic every summer.)

Instituer – 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 instituer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	institue	J’institue un nouveau programme.	I am instituting a new program.
tu	institues	Tu institues des changements.	You are instituting changes.
il	institue	Il institue une nouvelle loi.	He is instituting a new law.
elle	institue	Elle institue un nouveau système.	She is instituting a new system.
on	institue	On institue de nouvelles règles.	We are instituting new rules.
nous	instituons	Nous instituons un programme d’aide.	We are instituting an assistance program.
vous	instituez	Vous instituez des mesures de sécurité.	You are instituting security measures.
ils	instituent	Ils instituent des changements majeurs.	They are instituting major changes.
elles	instituent	Elles instituent des politiques strictes.	They are instituting strict policies.