PrepMyFrench
PrepMyFrench
Conjugation directory
Expliquer is a regular -er verb that is vital for clarifying ideas and providing reasons. It frequently appears in TEF/TCF Canada writing and speaking tasks where you need to justify opinions or describe processes.
Use expliquer to introduce explanations in essays or oral presentations, e.g., 'Je vais expliquer pourquoi...' (I will explain why...).
Peux-tu m'expliquer cette règle ?
Can you explain this rule to me?
Remember that expliquer is followed by 'à' when indicating the person being explained to, not 'pour'.
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.
Expliquer 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.