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

Introduction to the verb investiguer

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The English translation of the French verb investiguer is “to investigate.” It is pronounced “ehn-vest-eeg-eh.”

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The language origin of investiguer is from the Latin word investigare, meaning “to search into.” In everyday French, it is most often used to describe the action of conducting a thorough and detailed examination or research into a subject or situation.

Examples:

Les autorités ont décidé d’investiguer sur la cause de l’incendie. (The authorities have decided to investigate the cause of the fire.)
Les journalistes ont dû investiguer pour découvrir la vérité sur cette affaire. (The journalists had to investigate to uncover the truth about this case.)
Nous avons passé des heures à investiguer sur les différentes options de voyage. (We spent hours investigating different travel options.)

Investiguer – 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 investiguer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	j’investigue	J’investigue une affaire mystérieuse.	I am investigating a mysterious case.
Tu	tu investigates	Tu investigates les preuves.	You are investigating the evidence.
Il	il enquête	Il enquête sur le crime.	He is investigating the crime.
Elle	elle enquête	Elle enquête sur les suspects.	She is investigating the suspects.
On	on enquête	On enquête sur une nouvelle affaire.	We are investigating a new case.
Nous	nous enquêtons	Nous enquêtons sur les motivations du suspect.	We are investigating the suspect’s motives.
Vous	vous enquêtez	Vous enquêtez sur le mobile du crime.	You are investigating the motive of the crime.
Ils	ils enquêtent	Ils enquêtent sur les alibis des suspects.	They are investigating the suspects’ alibis.
Elles	elles enquêtent	Elles enquêtent sur les témoignages.	They are investigating the testimonies.