Conjugating "Aller" in French: All Tenses Guide
The irregular French verb "aller" (to go) is essential for everyday communication. Let's explore its conjugation across various tenses and moods, with practical examples to help you use it confidently.
Present Tense (Présent)
- Je vais (I go)
- Tu vas (You go - singular/informal)
- Il/Elle/On va (He/She/One goes)
- Nous allons (We go)
- Vous allez (You go - plural/formal)
- Ils/Elles vont (They go)
Example: "Je vais au marché." (I'm going to the market.)
Imperfect (Imparfait)
- J'allais
- Tu allais
- Il/Elle/On allait
- Nous allions
- Vous alliez
- Ils/Elles allaient
Example: "Nous allions souvent à la plage quand j'étais enfant." (We often went to the beach when I was a child.)
Future Simple (Futur Simple)
- J'irai
- Tu iras
- Il/Elle/On ira
- Nous irons
- Vous irez
- Ils/Elles iront
Example: "Ils iront en France l'été prochain." (They will go to France next summer.)
Conditional (Conditionnel)
- J'irais
- Tu irais
- Il/Elle/On irait
- Nous irions
- Vous iriez
- Ils/Elles iraient
Example: "J'irais bien au cinéma ce soir." (I would like to go to the cinema tonight.)
Subjunctive (Subjonctif)
- Que j'aille
- Que tu ailles
- Qu'il/elle/on aille
- Que nous allions
- Que vous alliez
- Qu'ils/elles aillent
Example: "Il faut que j'aille chez le médecin." (I need to go to the doctor.)
Imperative (Impératif)
- Va ! (Go! - singular/informal)
- Allons ! (Let's go!)
- Allez ! (Go! - plural/formal)
Example: "Allez-y !" (Go ahead!)
Usage Tips
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"Aller" is often used to form the near future (futur proche): "Je vais manger." (I'm going to eat.)
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The expression "Comment allez-vous?" means "How are you?" (formal)
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"Aller" can indicate health: "Elle va bien." (She's doing well.)
Remember, mastering "aller" opens doors to expressing movement, plans, and states of being in French. Practice these conjugations regularly to build your confidence in using this versatile verb.