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

Introduction to the verb manoeuvrer

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The English translation of the French verb manoeuvrer is “to maneuver.” The infinitive form of manoeuvrer is pronounced “muh-noo-vruh-ray.”

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The language origin of manoeuvrer is from the French word “manœuvre,” which comes from the Latin word “manu operare” meaning “to work with the hands.” It is most often used in everyday French in a military or nautical context, meaning to move or position something strategically.

Examples:

Nous devons manoeuvrer le navire pour éviter les rochers. (We must maneuver the ship to avoid the rocks.)
Le général a manœuvré ses troupes pour encercler l’ennemi. (The general maneuvered his troops to surround the enemy.)
La voiture était garée dans un espace étroit, mais il a réussi à la manoeuvrer pour sortir. (The car was parked in a tight space, but he managed to maneuver it out.)

Manoeuvrer – 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 manoeuvrer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	manoeuvre	Je manoeuvre la voiture	I maneuver the car
Tu	manoeuvres	Tu manoeuvres le camion	You maneuver the truck
Il	manoeuvre	Il manoeuvre le bateau	He maneuvers the boat
Elle	manoeuvre	Elle manoeuvre le vélo	She maneuvers the bike
On	manoeuvre	On manoeuvre le tracteur	We maneuver the tractor
Nous	manoeuvrons	Nous manoeuvrons le chariot	We maneuver the cart
Vous	manoeuvrez	Vous manoeuvrez le char	You maneuver the tank
Ils	manoeuvrent	Ils manoeuvrent l’avion	They maneuver the plane
Elles	manoeuvrent	Elles manoeuvrent le navire	They maneuver the ship