How do you form the perfect tense, le passé composé?

the perfect tense, le passé composé, expresses completed actions in the past. It is composed of -the auxiliary verb (avoir ou être) conjugated in the present tense - followed by the past participle of the verb conjugated in the perfect tense e.g. Le garçon a perdu son portable. The auxiliary verb is être for verbs of movement and for reflexive verbs; otherwise it is avoir. e.g. Le train est parti à l'heure : PARTIR is a verb of movement, the auxiliary is être Tu t'es réveillé en retard ce matin! : SE REVEILLER is a reflexive verb, the auxiliary is être Le chien a mangé le repas de son maître : MANGER is not a verb of movement or a reflexive verb - it takes avoir

ER
Answered by Elena R. French tutor

2734 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What pieces of grammar will help you improve your reading and comprehension?


How do I know which interrogative adjective to use?


Décrivez les aspects positifs et négatifs des médias sociaux


When do you use the imperfect tense rather than le passé composé?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning