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

Introduction to the verb tramer

Get the present tense conjugation of tramer. 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 tramer is “to plot” or “to scheme.” It is pronounced as “trah-may” in its infinitive form.

Table of Contents

The origin of the word tramer can be traced back to the Latin word “tramea,” meaning “a crossbeam,” which later evolved into “tramare” in Old French, meaning “to weave.” Over time, the meaning of tramer shifted from weaving to plotting or scheming.

In everyday French, tramer is most often used in a negative context to describe someone planning or scheming something deceitful or underhanded.

Example 1: Il trame un plan pour tromper ses collègues. (He is plotting a plan to deceive his colleagues.)

Example 2: Les deux politiciens ont tramé ensemble pour gagner les élections. (The two politicians schemed together to win the elections.)

Example 3: Le grand méchant loup trame quelque chose pour attraper le petit chaperon rouge. (The big bad wolf is plotting something to catch Little Red Riding Hood.)

Note: It is important to note that tramer is a transitive verb and requires a direct object to complete its meaning, as shown in the examples above.

Tramer – 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 tramer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	trame	Je trame un plan.	I am plotting a plan.
tu	trames	Tu trames une histoire.	You are weaving a story.
il	trame	Il trame une conspiration.	He is scheming a conspiracy.
elle	trame	Elle trame une révolte.	She is plotting a revolt.
on	trame	On trame un coup d’état.	We are planning a coup d’état.
nous	tramons	Nous tramons une surprise.	We are hatching a surprise.
vous	tramez	Vous tramez une stratégie.	You are devising a strategy.
ils	trament	Ils trament une rébellion.	They are plotting a rebellion.
elles	trament	Elles trament un complot.	They are plotting a plot.