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

Introduction to the verb préexister

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The English translation of the French verb préexister is “to preexist.” It is pronounced as “pray-ehgz-ee-stay.”

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The word “préexister” comes from the Latin word “praexista,” which means “to exist beforehand.” In everyday French, it is used to describe something that exists before something else, or that has already existed since before a certain time.

Dans la philosophie, l’idée de l’âme qui préexiste au corps est très importante.
(In philosophy, the idea of the soul preexisting the body is very important.)
Selon les scientifiques, l’Univers préexistait à notre système solaire.
(According to scientists, the Universe preexisted our solar system.)
Le contrat doit préexister à la signature des parties.
(The contract must preexist before the parties sign it.)

Préexister – 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 préexister

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	préexiste	Je préexiste avant sa naissance.	I preexist before his birth.
Tu	préexistes	Tu préexistes depuis des années.	You have preexisted for years.
Il	préexiste	Il préexiste dans mon esprit.	He preexists in my mind.
Elle	préexiste	Elle préexiste à toute chose.	She preexists before everything.
On	préexiste	On préexiste dans cette théorie.	One preexists in this theory.
Nous	préexistons	Nous préexistons tous ensemble.	We all preexist together.
Vous	préexistez	Vous préexistez sans le savoir.	You preexist without knowing it.
Ils	préexistent	Ils préexistent depuis longtemps.	They have preexisted for a long time.
Elles	préexistent	Elles préexistent dans toutes les cultures.	They preexist in all cultures.