Not understanding the title of this lesson

ming z.A2Kwiziq community member

Not understanding the title of this lesson

Hello,

I don't really understand the title of this lesson. What does the (not -ant) mean at the end?


Thank you very much.


Asked 3 years ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Ming,

I think the lesson is pointing out that in French the infinitive version of the verb is to be used rather than the present participle. The present participle in French has an ending     ....ant.

Example  Aller (infinitive)   ---  allANT (present participle)

The present participle in French corresponds to the present participle in Engish which has an ending  ....ing.

Example  To go (infinitive)  --- goING (present participle)

Hope this helps.

Jim

Mark P.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Agree.. in English you have that alternative of the infinitive or the present participle.. in French you can only use the infinitive

Dieting is useful.  /  To diet is useful... can only be faire un régime est utile

Soraya S.C1Kwiziq community member

The - ant ending is the present participle of the verb form, example:  Courir - Infinitif /  Couru - participe passé / Courant - participe présent. All verbs have these three core forms (apart from their numerous verb tenses).  Example:  J' aime courir dans le parc.  J' ai couru dans le parc.  Elle a laissé tomber ses clés en courant.(She dropped the keys while running.) Étant occupé, je l'ai ignore. (Being busy, I ignored him.) Regardant la télé, je me suis endormi. Please note: The present participle is usually used together with another verb in the past participle tense.  It is a good tense to practice.  You come across it often in books, articles, etc. 

Not understanding the title of this lesson

Hello,

I don't really understand the title of this lesson. What does the (not -ant) mean at the end?


Thank you very much.


Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...