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

Introduction to the verb tenailler

Get the present tense conjugation of tenailler. Includes a FREE downloadable reference sheet (no email required). Alternatively if you have a lot of text to check then use our free French Grammar Checker – no registration required!

The English translation of the French verb tenailler is “to torment” or “to harass.” It is pronounced as “tey-nay-yay.”

Table of Contents

Tenailler comes from the Old French word “tenaille,” meaning “pincers” or “pliers.” In everyday French, it is most often used to describe a persistent and annoying action or situation, similar to being “on someone’s case.”

Examples:

Mon chef me tenaille constamment pour finir ce rapport. (My boss is constantly tormenting me to finish this report.)
Le bruit des abeilles tenaille mes oreilles. (The sound of bees is tormenting my ears.)
Les difficultés financières tenaillent la famille. (Financial difficulties are tormenting the family.)

Tenailler – 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 tenailler

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Tenaillais	Je tenaillais les branches.	I was pulling the branches.
Tu	Tenaillais	Tu tenaillais ses nerfs.	You were nagging her nerves.
Il	Tenaillait	Il tenaillait son estomac.	He was tormenting his stomach.
Elle	Tenaillait	Elle tenaillait sa conscience.	She was tormenting her conscience.
On	Tenaillait	On tenaillait les ennemis.	We were harassing the enemies.
Nous	Tenaillons	Nous tenaillons l’adversaire.	We are harassing the opponent.
Vous	Tenaillez	Vous tenaillez les ronces.	You are pulling the thorns.
Ils	Tenaillent	Ils tenaillent leur proie.	They are tormenting their prey.
Elles	Tenaillent	Elles tenaillent leurs victimes.	They are tormenting their victims.