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

Introduction to the verb obliquer

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The English translation of the French verb obliquer is “to veer” or “to turn.” It is pronounced as “oh-blee-kay.” The word is derived from the Latin word “obliquus,” meaning “slanting” or “sideways.” In everyday French, obliquer is used to describe a change in direction or course.

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Examples of obliquer in French:

Je vais obliquer à droite à la prochaine intersection. (I am going to veer to the right at the next intersection.)
Le navire a dû obliquer pour éviter le rocher. (The ship had to turn to avoid the rock.)
Nous avons obliqué vers le nord pour trouver un meilleur itinéraire. (We veered north to find a better route.)

English translations:

I will turn to the right at the next intersection.
The ship had to change course to avoid the rock.
We changed direction towards the north to find a better route.

Obliquer – 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 obliquer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	oblique	Je oblique à gauche.	I turn left.
tu	obliques	Tu obliques vers la sortie.	You turn towards the exit.
il	oblique	Il oblique pour éviter la collision.	He turns to avoid the collision.
elle	oblique	Elle oblique au dernier moment.	She turns at the last moment.
on	oblique	On oblique à droite pour rejoindre la route principale.	We turn right to join the main road.
nous	obliquons	Nous obliquons en direction du parc.	We turn towards the park.
vous	obliquez	Vous obliquez légèrement à gauche.	You turn slightly to the left.
ils	obliquent	Ils obliquent à travers champs.	They turn through the fields.
elles	obliquent	Elles obliquent sans hésitation.	They turn without hesitation.