Conditionnel présent: French conditional
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Conditionnel présent: French conditional
The present conditional combines the future stem with -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient. Use it for imagined results, polite requests, and advice.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
A polite request
Pourriez-vous ouvrir la fenêtre ?
Could you open the window?
Advice
À ta place, je prendrais le train.
In your place, I would take the train.
Common mix-ups
For this polite request, use the conditional pourriez, not an invented future form.
Could you open the window?
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in French before opening the example.
We would take the bus.
Show one possible answer
Nous prendrions le bus.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
Keep practicing
Related grammar
Grammar references
Practice French grammar in context
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