Passé composé with avoir
j'ai parlé
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Build the French passé composé with avoir and a past participle. Practice completed actions, negatives, and common irregular participles.
j'ai parlé
Most verbs form the passé composé with present avoir + a past participle. Regular patterns include parler → parlé, finir → fini, vendre → vendu. Many verbs have irregular participles: prendre → pris, faire → fait.
Avoir + past participle
| Subject | Example |
|---|---|
| je | j'ai parlé |
| tu | tu as fini |
| il / elle / on | elle a vendu |
| nous | nous avons lu |
| vous | vous avez pris |
| ils / elles | ils ont fait |
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Use it in a conversation
Conjugate avoir for the subject and keep the participle unchanged when the direct object follows it. This also applies to movement verbs such as marcher and courir. A preceding direct object can require agreement; that is covered in the related agreement lesson.
Nous avons préparé le repas ensemble.
We prepared the meal together.
Elle n'a pas pris le train.
She did not take the train.
Vous avez couru ce matin ?
Did you run this morning?
Common mix-ups
English speakers often use 'to be' (être) like 'I am eaten', but most action verbs need 'avoir'.
I ate an apple.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in French before opening the example.
We sold the car yesterday.
Show one possible answer
Nous avons vendu la voiture hier.
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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