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

Introduction to the verb ponter

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The English translation of the French verb ponter is “to prop up” or “to support”. The infinitive form of ponter is pronounced as “pohn-tay”.

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The word “ponter” comes from the Old French word “pont” meaning “bridge”. It is most often used in everyday French to describe physically supporting or propping up something, or metaphorically supporting or backing someone or something.

Examples:

Je dois ponter la table avant que les invités arrivent. (I need to prop up the table before the guests arrive.)
Les parents ont toujours poncé leur fille dans ses rêves. (The parents have always supported their daughter in her dreams.)
Le gouvernement a promis de ponter les petites entreprises pendant cette crise. (The government promised to support small businesses during this crisis.)

Ponter – 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 ponter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	je ponte	Je ponte un âne	I am planking a donkey
Tu	tu pontes	Tu pontes avec moi	You are planking with me
Il	il ponte	Il ponte la table	He is planking the table
Elle	elle ponte	Elle ponte un arbre	She is planking a tree
On	on ponte	On ponte des meubles	We are planking some furniture
Nous	nous pontons	Nous pontons en classe	We are planking in class
Vous	vous pontez	Vous pontez ensemble	You are planking together
Ils	ils pontent	Ils pontent la rivière	They are planking the river
Elles	elles pontent	Elles pontent au parc	They are planking at the park