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

Introduction to the verb retordre

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The English translation of the French verb retordre is “to twist” or “to wring.” It is pronounced as “ruh-torr-druh” in its infinitive form.

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Retordre originated from the Old French word “retordre” meaning “to twist again.” It is most often used in every day French to refer to twisting or wringing an object or situation.

Examples:

Je dois retordre mes cheveux pour les faire tenir en chignon. (I have to twist my hair to keep it in a bun.)
Il a dû retordre la vérité pour cacher son mensonge. (He had to twist the truth to cover up his lie.)
Tu dois retordre la clé pour ouvrir la porte. (You have to twist the key to open the door.)

Retordre – 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 retordre

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Je retords	Je retords mes cheveux avant de sortir.	I twist my hair before going out.
Tu	Tu retords	Tu retords le fil pour qu’il soit plus solide.	You twist the thread to make it stronger.
Il	Il retorde	Il retorde le câble pour qu’il ne s’emmêle pas.	He twists the cable so it doesn’t get tangled.
Elle	Elle retorde	Elle retorde les branches pour faire un bouquet.	She twists the branches to make a bouquet.
On	On retord	On retord souvent la vérité pour se justifier.	We often twist the truth to justify ourselves.
Nous	Nous retordons	Nous retordons nos propres histoires pour les embellir.	We twist our own stories to make them more beautiful.
Vous	Vous retordez	Vous retordez vos mots pour ne pas blesser.	You twist your words to not hurt.
Ils	Ils retordent	Ils retordent chacun leur tour la corde pour grimper.	They take turns twisting the rope to climb.
Elles	Elles retordent	Elles retordent les fils pour faire des bracelets.	They twist the threads to make bracelets.