PrepMyFrench
PrepMyFrench
Conjugation directory
Commencer is a key verb for expressing the beginning of an action or event. It is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, making it vital for TEF/TCF exam tasks.
Use commencer with the preposition 'à' followed by an infinitive to describe starting an activity, e.g., 'Je commence à étudier le français' in writing or speaking.
Nous commençons la réunion à 10 heures.
We start the meeting at 10 o'clock.
Commencer requires a cedilla (ç) before 'a' or 'o' in conjugations like 'nous commençons' to maintain the soft 's' sound. Forgetting the cedilla is a frequent error.
Use the table above and the related links below to pin the pattern down before you move on to other verbs.
Start with the present tense, then the passé composé. Those two forms carry most everyday conversation and make the rest of the table easier to recognise.
Commencer typically uses avoir in compound tenses. Check the table above and keep the past participle in view when you move into compound forms.
Use the related links below and then open the interactive conjugator to compare this verb with others you use often.