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

Introduction to the verb utiliser

Get the present tense conjugation of utiliser. 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 utiliser is “to use.” The infinitive form is pronounced “ew-tee-lee-zay.”

Table of Contents

Utiliser comes from the Latin word “uti,” meaning “to use.” It is most often used in everyday French in its infinitive form, as well as in various conjugations to describe the act of using something.

Examples:

Je vais utiliser mon ordinateur pour travailler. (I am going to use my computer to work.)
Ils ont utilisé des matériaux recyclés pour construire leur maison. (They used recycled materials to build their house.)
Nous devons utiliser ces outils pour réparer la voiture. (We have to use these tools to fix the car.)

Utiliser – 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 utiliser

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	j’utilise	J’utilise mon ordinateur pour travailler.	I use my computer to work.
Tu	tu utilises	Tu utilises un stylo pour écrire.	You use a pen to write.
Il	il utilise	Il utilise cette clé pour ouvrir la porte.	He uses this key to open the door.
Elle	elle utilise	Elle utilise son téléphone pour appeler.	She uses her phone to call.
On	on utilise	On utilise souvent le métro pour se déplacer.	We often use the metro to get around.
Nous	nous utilisons	Nous utilisons des épices pour cuisiner.	We use spices for cooking.
Vous	vous utilisez	Vous utilisez un parapluie quand il pleut.	You use an umbrella when it rains.
Ils	ils utilisent	Ils utilisent un GPS pour trouver leur chemin.	They use a GPS to find their way.
Elles	elles utilisent	Elles utilisent des pinceaux pour peindre.	They use brushes to paint.