How to use present participle in French
The present participle can be used both as a verb and as an adjective. Unlike the past participle, it is not used in the construction of compound tenses. On the other hand, it can be used with “en” in which case we speak of “gerund”. You can consult the lesson dedicated to the gerund.
Example:
Le sport c’est fatigant. Sport is tiring.
How to form
The present participle is formed by taking the stem of the form “you” in the present tense + ant.
*radical of the form “you” in the present tense + ant
Example:
Dormir
Vous dormez – Dormant Sleep You are sleeping – Sleeping
1. The present participle can be used as a verb. In this case it is invariable.
Example:
Il pose des questions intéressant les étudiants. He asks questions of interest to the students. (Here is a verb, questions that interest students)
2. The present participle can be used as an adjective. In this case it agrees (feminine/masculine and singular/plural)
Example:
Il pose des questions intérressantes. He asks interesting questions. (Here an adjective. It asks questions that are interesting.)
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Other Resources: French Language Exercises, Columbia edu
