PrepMyFrench

The Gerund in French Grammar

The gérondif (the gerund) is a verb form preceded by en. It is used to show how two actions are related in time (whether they happen at the same time or one after the other) or in meaning (to express manner, condition or contrast). The gerund is an impersonal verb form – this means that it can’t be conjugated.

When to use the gérondif in French

Simul Title

Simul Label

Manner Title

Manner Label

Cond Title

Cond Label

How to form the gérondif

EnAnt StemAnt Ending

Formation Ex

Avoir → Avoir Gerondif
Être → Etre Gerondif
Savoir → Savoir Gerondif

Gérondif vs participe présent: what's the difference?

Gerondif Label

Gerondif Rule

Gerondif Ex

Participe Label

Participe Rule

Participe Ex

How to form the negative with the gérondif

Negation FormulaNegation Note
Negation Ex
Negation Alt