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

Introduction to the verb pâlir

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The English translation of pâlir is “to pale” or “to become pale.” It is pronounced as “pah-leer.”

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Pâlir comes from the Latin word “pallidus,” meaning “pale.” It is most often used in everyday French to describe a loss of color or a change in complexion, either from fear, sickness, or shock.

Examples:

Elle a pâli en entendant la nouvelle. (She paled upon hearing the news.)
La vue du sang lui a fait pâlir le visage. (The sight of blood made her face pale.)
Tu vas pâlir si tu continues à travailler autant. (You’re going to turn pale if you keep working so much.)

Pâlir – 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 pâlir

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Je pâlis	Je pâlis devant lui	I’m getting pale in front of him
Tu	Tu pâlis	Tu pâlis rapidement	You’re getting pale quickly
Il	Il pâlit	Il pâlit en voyant du sang	He’s paling at the sight of blood
Elle	Elle pâlit	Elle pâlit devant le danger	She’s paling in front of danger
On	On pâlit	On pâlit facilement	One pales easily
Nous	Nous pâlissons	Nous pâlissons devant l’effort	We’re paling at the effort
Vous	Vous pâlissez	Vous pâlissez de colère	You’re paling with anger
Ils	Ils pâlissent	Ils pâlissent en entendant la nouvelle	They’re paling upon hearing the news
Elles	Elles pâlissent	Elles pâlissent de faim	They’re paling with hunger