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

Introduction to the verb tergiverser

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The English translation of the French verb tergiverser is “to prevaricate” or “to beat around the bush.” It is pronounced “ter-zhee-ver-zay.”

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The word tergiverser comes from the Latin word “tergum,” meaning “back,” and “versare,” meaning “to turn.” In everyday French, it is often used to describe someone who is evasive or indecisive in their speech or actions.

Examples:

“Arrête de tergiverser, dis-moi ce que tu penses vraiment.” (Stop beating around the bush, tell me what you really think.)
“Il tergiverse toujours lorsqu’on lui pose une question directe.” (He always prevaricates when we ask him a direct question.)
“Ne tergiversez pas trop longtemps, il faut prendre une décision rapidement.” (Don’t hesitate too long, we need to make a decision quickly.)

Tergiverser – 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 tergiverser

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	tergiverse	Je tergiverse sur le sujet.	I am wavering on the subject.
tu	tergiverses	Tu tergiverses beaucoup.	You waver a lot.
il	tergiverse	Il tergiverse avant de prendre une décision.	He wavers before making a decision.
elle	tergiverse	Elle tergiverse souvent avant de parler.	She often hesitates before speaking.
on	tergiverse	On ne tergiverse pas quand il y a urgence.	We do not hesitate when there is urgency.
nous	tergiversons	Nous tergiversons sur la meilleure façon de procéder.	We are wavering on the best course of action.
vous	tergiversez	Vous tergiversez trop longtemps.	You hesitate for too long.
ils	tergiversent	Ils tergiversent sur les détails.	They are hesitating over the details.
elles	tergiversent	Elles tergiversent avant de prendre une décision importante.	They hesitate before making an important decision.