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

Introduction to the verb patronner

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The English translation of the French verb patronner is “to patronize.” It is pronounced as “pa-troh-nay.”

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The word patronner is derived from the noun patron, which means “patron” or “sponsor.” In everyday French, the verb patronner is most often used to describe someone who supports or funds a person or organization, often with a sense of power or superiority.

Examples:

1) Il patronne une association de jeunes artistes. (He sponsors a youth artists’ association.)
2) Elle a été patronnée par une grande entreprise pour son projet. (She was funded by a large company for her project.)
3) Les riches aiment patronner des œuvres de charité pour se donner une bonne image. (The wealthy like to patronize charities to portray a good image of themselves.)

Patronner – 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 patronner

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	patronne	Je patronne une entreprise.	I patron a company.
Tu	patronnes	Tu patronnes une association.	You patronize an association.
Il	patronne	Il patronne un restaurant.	He patronizes a restaurant.
Elle	patronne	Elle patronne une boutique.	She patronizes a boutique.
On	patronne	On patronne une entreprise familiale.	One patronizes a family business.
Nous	patronnons	Nous patronnons un projet.	We patronize a project.
Vous	patronnez	Vous patronnez une campagne.	You patronize a campaign.
Ils	patronnent	Ils patronnent une organisation.	They patronize an organization.
Elles	patronnent	Elles patronnent une cause.	They patronize a cause.