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Grammar_Verbs_AvoirEtre.pageTitle

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Auxiliary Battle

Avoir (To Have)

Used for 90% of French Verbs.

  • Transitive Verbs (Takes an object)
  • Most Intransitive Verbs

Être (To Be)

Reserved for specific exceptions.

  • Dr. & Mrs. Vandertramp Verbs
  • All Reflexive/Pronominal Verbs

The Movement Verbs (Vandertramp)

Devenir
Rester
Monter
Resortir
Partir
Venir
Arriver
Naître
Descendre
Entrer
Retourner
Tomber
Rester
Aller
Mourir
Passer

Chameleon Verbs (Exceptions)

Some verbs use Être when there's no direct object, but flip to Avoir when a direct object is involved!

Intrinsic State (Être)"Je suis descendu."(I went down.)
Direct Object Action (Avoir)"J'ai descendu les valises."(I took the suitcases down.)

Quick Comparison

Avoir (To Have)"J'ai mangé"
Être (To Be)"Je suis allé(e)"