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

Introduction to the verb rétropédaler

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The English translation of the French verb rétropédaler is “to backpedal.” It is pronounced as “reh-troh-pay-dah-lay.”

The language origin of rétropédaler can be broken down into two parts: “rétro,” meaning “back” or “backward,” and “pédaler,” meaning “to pedal.” In everyday French, it is used to describe the action of changing one’s opinion or position on something, often in a hesitant or reluctant manner.

Examples:

  1. Il a rétropédalé sur sa décision après avoir reçu des critiques. – He backpedaled on his decision after receiving criticism.
  2. La politique du gouvernement a fait rétropédaler certaines personnes. – The government’s policy has caused some people to backpedal.
  3. Elle a essayé de rétropédaler en expliquant ses propos maladroits. – She tried to backpedal by explaining her clumsy remarks.

Rétropédaler – 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 rétropédaler

Pronoun Conjugation Short Example English Translation
Je Je rétropédale Je rétropédale pour éviter un accident. I backpedal to avoid an accident.
Tu Tu rétropédales Tu rétropédales en essayant de te justifier. You backpedal while trying to justify yourself.
Il Il rétropédale Il rétropédale face aux critiques. He backpedals in the face of criticism.
Elle Elle rétropédale Elle rétropédale en souriant. She backpedals with a smile.
On On rétropédale On rétropédale pour changer de direction. We backpedal to change direction.
Nous Nous rétropédalons Nous rétropédalons pour revenir à la discussion initiale. We backpedal to return to the initial discussion.
Vous Vous rétropédalez Vous rétropédalez en essayant de calmer la situation. You backpedal while trying to calm the situation.
Ils Ils rétropédalent Ils rétropédalent pour ne pas prendre de risques. They backpedal to avoid taking risks.
Elles Elles rétropédalent Elles rétropédalent pour éviter le conflit. They backpedal to avoid conflict.

Other Conjugations for Rétropédaler.

   
    Le Present (Present Tense) Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler    (this article)

    Imparfait (Imperfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler
   

    Passé Simple (Simple Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler
   

    Passé Composé (Present Perfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler
   

    Futur Simple (Simple Future) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler
   

    Futur Proche (Near Future) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler
   

    Plus-que-parfait (Pluperfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler
   

    Passé Antérieur (Past Anterior) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler

    Futur Antérieur (Future Anterior) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler

    Subjonctif Présent (Subjunctive Present) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler

    Subjonctif Passé (Subjunctive Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler
   

    Subjonctif Imparfait (Subjunctive Imperfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler

    Subjonctif Plus-que-parfait (Subjunctive Pluperfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler
   

    Conditionnel Présent (Conditional Present) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler
   

    Conditionnel Passé (Conditional Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler

    L’impératif Présent (Imperative Present) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler

    L’infinitif Présent (Infinitive Present) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb rétropédaler

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