Present TenseTemps Présent

Introduction

This is the most common verb tense. The present tense is used to express:
   • actions currently happening,
   • actions happening in the near future,
   • general truths,
   • and habitual actions.

Because English so often uses helping verbs such as "am" and "do", the French present tense can be seen as simpler.

For example, the phrase je écoute (first-person present) can be translated as:
   I listen.
   I am listening.
   I do listen.

Additional Reading:
• Personal Subject Pronouns
• Verb Conjugations