GCSE French Grammar: Part 1 - The Present Tense

Introduction

• The present tense is crucial for achieving high grades (7, 8, or 9) in GCSE French.
• Mastery of various tenses and complex grammar is necessary.
• This lecture covers the formation of the present tense and offers practice exercises.

Types of Verbs

• Regular Verbs: Follow a set pattern, easy to learn.
• Irregular Verbs: Lack a specific pattern but are frequently used.

Regular Verbs

• Three types of regular verb endings:
  • -er verbs
  • -ir verbs
  • -re verbs
• Each has specific endings for present tense:
  • Example verbs:
    • Finir (to finish) - ir verb
    • Parler (to speak) - er verb
    • Attendre (to wait) - re verb

Regular Verb Endings

• Use colored charts to memorize these endings.
• Examples:
  • Je joue - for -er with "je", ending is e
  • Tu donnes - for -er with "tu", ending is es
  • Nous attendons - for -re with "nous", ending is ons

Important Notes

• Pronunciation tips: Certain endings like ENT are silent in French.

Irregular Verbs

• Four primary irregular verbs to focus on:
  • Être (to be)
  • Avoir (to have)
  • Aller (to go)
  • Faire (to do)
• Commonly used in both English and French.
• Essential for fluency and understanding.

Practice Exercise

• Translate this paragraph into French:
  • "I have a lot of chocolates, but now my sister, she is hungry. My parents, they do a lot of exercise, and they are hungry."
• Focus on using irregular present tense endings.

Conclusion

• This lecture is part of a series covering French grammar.
• Future videos will address more grammar topics.
• Other GCSE subjects like English, Religious Studies, and Geography are also available.