Introduction
E
very day when speaking your native language, you use verbs. When you want to walk to
the store,
eat a pickle, run away from a dog, or even just be in the same room as your
pesky brother, you use verbs. You probably don’t even think about how you select the cor-
rect verb and the correct tense. However, when you’re studying a new language, these
choices may not be quite as intuitive. You need to know how to select the right tense and
how to conjugate verbs before you can correctly use them. That’s where this book fits in.
Whether you took French in high school or college, are currently taking it, or just know
enough to get you by,
French Verbs For Dummies can guide you in using verb tenses cor-
rectly. (If you have very little familiarity with French, check out the “Foolish Assumptions”
section later in this Introduction to see whether this is really the book for you.) The concise
and clear explanations in addition to the multiple examples in this book can eliminate any
guesswork and show you how to form the various tenses step by step. Furthermore, I clearly
explain verb tenses and moods from the present indicative to the past subjunctive with
ample examples.
French Verbs For Dummies isn’t a textbook, but a workbook where you
have a chance to practice the material in small doses. At the end of each chapter, I provide
an answer key so that you can check your answers as you go. These answers can provide
you with the certainty and confidence that you’re using all the verbs correctly.
So sit back and relax. This book is no boring grammar class. It’s a fun and straightforward
way to use French verbs in order to greet people, ask questions, give orders, provide expla-
nations, and express your wishes. Ready?
Commençons! (Let’s begin!)
About This Book
I designed this book to make it as accessible as possible. You can scan the Table of Contents
or the Index and choose the chapters that interest you the most. Each chapter is self-
contained, with an introduction of the verb tense and/or the verb mood as well as clear
explanations regarding the particular construction on which it focuses.

format so that you can see how to answer those questions.
Foolish Assumptions
When writing this book, I made the following assumptions about you, my dear reader:
ߜ You took French classes way back when and you remember very little, but you
want to get a refresher on your verbs.
ߜ You want to gather the bits and pieces and assemble them and apply them to
regular, normal, everyday conversation.
ߜ You have taken quite a few years of French, but you’re still having difficulty dis-
tinguishing between the imperfect and the passé composé (or some other verb
tense that’s giving you headaches).
ߜ You finally want to demystify and master the subjunctive.
If any of these assumptions apply to you, then
French Verbs For Dummies is for you.
However, if you’ve never taken a French course or know very little, I suggest that you
first start with
French For Dummies by Dodi-Katrin Schmidt, Michelle M. Williams, and
Dominique Wenzel (Wiley) or consider enrolling in an introductory French class.
How This Book Is Organized
French Verbs For Dummies is divided into parts, starting with the very basic present
indicative tense and ending with the Appendixes. Each part has multiple chapters
that expand on the general topic of the specific part.
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Part I: Living in the Here and Now:
The Present Indicative
This part introduces the subject pronouns and gives some basic verb information.
Furthermore, it introduces and conjugates the present tense of regular verbs,
spelling-change verbs, irregular verbs, and pronominal verbs. This part also intro-
duces the present participle and gerund.

to-French verb glossary (Appendix B), and finishes with Appendix C for irregular
verbs.
Icons Used in This Book
As in every For Dummies book, I use icons to help you find specific information. I
place them on the left-hand margin throughout the book. The icons are
When you see this bulls-eye, you know I’m pointing out tips to help you grasp a spe-
cific concept.
The Remember icon indicates that you need to put this little tidbit in the back of your
mind. I’m telling you something important about the verb or verb conjugation.
I use the Example icon in front of an example that demonstrates the format of a
concept.
The Practice icon tells you that it’s time for you to start the practice exercises. Get
your pencils and pens ready.
Where to Go from Here
The best thing about French Verbs For Dummies is that you can take a look at the
Table of Contents and choose the chapter in which you’re interested or you need
more practice. Now take a chance and just give it a try. Only you know what you don’t
know. Just pick a chapter and go at your own pace. Remember, I’m with you every
step of the way!
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