How to Use Auxiliary Verbs in French: Avoir vs Être

Updated on 2024-08-29

French auxiliary verbs, or "verbes auxiliaires," play a crucial role in forming compound tenses. Understanding when to use "avoir" (to have) versus "être" (to be) is essential for speaking French correctly.

Let's explore these important grammar elements and how to use them effectively.

What Are Auxiliary Verbs in French?

Auxiliary verbs help form compound conjugations, including compound tenses like the passé composé and compound moods like the past subjunctive. In compound conjugations, there are two key components:

The auxiliary verb (avoir or être), which determines the tense or mood
The main verb in its past participle form

For example:

J'ai mangé. (I have eaten / I ate.) - passé composé
J'avais mangé. (I had eaten.) - pluperfect
J'aurai mangé. (I will have eaten.) - future perfect

When to Use Avoir as an Auxiliary Verb

Most French verbs use "avoir" as their auxiliary verb in compound tenses. If a verb takes "avoir," it will always use "avoir" for all compound tenses and moods.

When to Use Être as an Auxiliary Verb

While "avoir" is more common, certain verbs require "être" as their auxiliary. These verbs fall into two main categories:

1. All Pronominal Verbs

Pronominal verbs always use "être" as their auxiliary. Some examples include:

s'asseoir (to sit down)
se coucher (to go to bed)
s'enfuir (to run away)
s'habiller (to get dressed)
se méfier (to be wary of)
se souvenir (to remember)

2. Intransitive Verbs of Movement

When used intransitively (without a direct object), the following verbs and their derivatives require "être":

aller (to go)
arriver (to arrive)
descendre (to descend / go downstairs)
entrer (to enter)
monter (to climb)
mourir (to die)
naître (to be born)
partir (to leave)
passer (to pass)
rester (to stay)
retourner (to return)
sortir (to go out)
tomber (to fall)
venir (to come)

Important Note on Agreement

When using "être" as an auxiliary verb, the past participle must agree in gender and number with the subject. This rule applies to all compound tenses.

Mnemonic Devices for Remembering Être Verbs

To help memorize which verbs use "être," try one of these popular mnemonic devices:

La Maison d'être

Draw a house and label different parts with être verbs. For example:

A figure passing in front of the house (passer)
Someone entering the house (entrer)
A person going upstairs (monter)

ADVENT

Each letter represents a verb and its opposite, plus one extra:

Arriver - Partir
Descendre - Monter
Venir - Aller
Entrer - Sortir
Naître - Mourir
Tomber - Rester
Retourner

Practice Makes Perfect

To truly grasp the usage of French auxiliary verbs, regular practice is key. Try creating sentences using different compound tenses, paying close attention to whether the verb requires "avoir" or "être."

leçon.ai offers personalized exercises and real-time feedback to help you master these concepts.

With our AI-powered platform, you can practice using auxiliary verbs in context, receiving instant corrections and explanations tailored to your learning level.

Conclusion

Mastering French auxiliary verbs is crucial for constructing proper sentences in compound tenses.

Remember the rules for "avoir" and "être" usage, and practice regularly to improve your French grammar skills.