The simple future tense (futur simple) in French

The simple future tense (futur simple) in French

In French, there are three future tenses:

• The futur simple (to talk about something in the future)
• Le futur proche (to talk about an event in the very near future)
• Le futur antérieur (to talk about a future action before another future action)

How to form the simple future tense?

Tip: The rule is the same for all verb groups.

• Step 1: Put the verb in the infinitive form.
  • Exemple : chanter, finir, partir.
• Step 2: Add the endings to the end of the infinitive verb for all verb groups.:
  • Je + infinitive verb + ai = je chanterai
  • Tu + infinitive verb + as = tu chanteras
  • Il + infinitive verb + a = il chantera
  • Nous + infinitive verb + ons = nous chanterons
  • Vous + infinitive verb + ez = vous chanterez
  • Ils + infinitive verb + ont = ils chanteront

Additional examples

• Je parlerai de nouveau à la prochaine réunion (infinitive: parler).
• Je trouverai un travail l’année prochaine (infinitive: trouver).
• Nous regarderons les jeux olympiques (infinitive: regarder).
• Ils mangeront au restaurant le week-end prochain (infinitive: manger).

Exception: If the infinitive verb ends with an “e” (e.g., dire, lire, écrire…), it must be removed.

• Je lirai, il dira, ils écriront (true)
• je lierai, je dierai et ils écrireront (false)

Do you understand the lesson?

Please, answer the comprehension questions: