How to Use Variable Auxiliary Verbs in French

Variable auxiliary verbs in French can be tricky for learners. These special verbs change their auxiliary (helper) verb depending on how they're used in a sentence.

Let's break down this concept and learn how to use these verbs correctly.

What Are Variable Auxiliary Verbs?

In French, about two dozen intransitive verbs typically use être (to be) as their auxiliary in compound tenses.

However, eight of these verbs can also be used transitively. When this happens, two important changes occur:

1. The auxiliary verb switches from être to avoir (to have).
2. The meaning of the verb shifts slightly.

The Main Variable Auxiliary Verbs

Here are the six most common variable auxiliary verbs:

| Verb | Intransitive (être) | Transitive (avoir) | |------|---------------------|---------------------| | descendre | to go down | to take down | | entrer | to go in | to bring in | | monter | to go up | to take up | | rentrer | to go home | to bring back inside | | retourner | to go back | to take back | | sortir | to go out | to take out |

How to Use These Verbs

The key to using these verbs correctly is understanding whether the subject is moving itself or acting upon a direct object.

Intransitive Use (with être)

When the subject is moving itself, use être:

• Je suis descendu. (I went downstairs.)
• Elle est entrée dans la maison. (She entered the house.)

Transitive Use (with avoir)

When there's a direct object involved, use avoir:

• J'ai descendu la valise. (I took the suitcase down.)
• Il a entré les données dans l'ordinateur. (He entered the data into the computer.)

Special Cases: Passer and Repasser

These two verbs have more complex usage patterns:

Passer

• Intransitive (être): "to pass by"
  • Je suis passé devant la banque. (I went past the bank.)
• Transitive (avoir):
  1. "to go through"
     • J'ai passé la porte. (I went through the door.)
  2. "to spend time"
     • J'ai passé trois heures au parc. (I spent three hours at the park.)

Repasser

• Intransitive (être): "to pass by again"
  • Je suis repassé par le centre-ville. (I went through downtown again.)
• Transitive (avoir): multiple meanings including "to iron," "to retake (a test)," "to repeat (a song)"
  • J'ai repassé ma chemise. (I ironed my shirt.)
  • Elle a repassé son examen. (She retook her exam.)

Practice Makes Perfect

To master these verbs, practice using them in various contexts. Try creating sentences that use both the intransitive and transitive forms. For example:

1. Je suis monté au deuxième étage. (I went up to the second floor.)
2. J'ai monté les courses au deuxième étage. (I took the groceries up to the second floor.)

Conclusion

Understanding variable auxiliary verbs is crucial for precise French communication.

Remember the key distinction: subject movement uses être, while actions with direct objects use avoir.