French verb aller conjugation and usage

The French verb "aller" (to go) is one of the most common and useful verbs in the French language. It's an irregular verb, which means its conjugation doesn't follow standard patterns. Let's explore its conjugation and usage.

Present Tense Conjugation

Here's how to conjugate "aller" in the present tense:

• Je vais (I go)
• Tu vas (You go - informal singular)
• Il/Elle/On va (He/She/One goes)
• Nous allons (We go)
• Vous allez (You go - formal or plural)
• Ils/Elles vont (They go)

Common Uses

Expressing Movement

The primary use of "aller" is to express physical movement:

• Je vais à l'école. (I'm going to school.)
• Nous allons au parc. (We're going to the park.)

Near Future

"Aller" is also used to form the near future tense:

1. Conjugate "aller" in the present tense
2. Add the infinitive of the main verb

Example:

• Je vais manger. (I'm going to eat.)
• Nous allons voyager. (We're going to travel.)

Asking and Giving Directions

"Aller" is crucial for asking and giving directions:

• Comment aller à la gare ? (How do I get to the train station?)
• Pour aller au musée, tournez à droite. (To go to the museum, turn right.)

Tips for Usage

• Remember that "aller" requires the preposition "à" for destinations:

  • Je vais à Paris. (I'm going to Paris.)
  • Tu vas au cinéma ? (Are you going to the cinema?)

• When asking "How are you?", French uses "aller":

  • Comment allez-vous ? (How are you? - formal)
  • Comment vas-tu ? (How are you? - informal)

Understanding "aller" is essential for expressing movement, plans, and even health in French. Practice its conjugation and usage to improve your French communication skills.