Usage
In French there are several ways to express the simultaneity of 2 actions (2 actions that take place at the same time). You can use certain words like “en même temps/ at the same time”, “au même moment/ at the same time” or “pendant que/ while” or use the gerund. The gerund can also be used to explain the circumstances in which something happened.
Example:
Je me suis cassé la jambe en faisant du vélo. (I broke my leg while riding my bike.)
How to form the gerund
The formation of the gerund is quite simple and has few exceptions. It is formed as follows: “en” + verb (stem of the form “you” in present tense + ant)
Example:
Present: Vous parlez You speak
Gerund: En parlant Speaking
Irregular verbs
Avoir – en ayant
Example:
En ayant un passeport on peut voyager (With a passport you can travel)
Faire – en faisant
Example: Je me suis coupé en faisant la cuisine. (I cut myself while cooking)
Savoir – en sachant
Example: Je suis venu en sachant que l’examen serait difficile. (I came knowing that the exam would be difficult)
Dire – en disant
Example: Elle est partie en disant qu’elle ne m’aimait plus. (She left saying she didn’t love me anymore.)
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Other Resources: French Language Exercises, Columbia edu
