When do I use être and when do I use avoid as the auxiliary in the perfect tense?

  1. The auxiliary verb is equivalent to the english "have" in tenses such as "I have eaten", for example. "J'ai mangé. This verb agrees with the subject. 2) The normal auxiliary for verbs in compound tenses is avoir. So make this your default if you are not sure! 3) But some verbs use "être" to be as the auxiliary, even though it still has the same meaning as the english: "I have...." 4) These verbs are the MRS VANDETRAMPS verbs! Venir/aller, naître/mourir, monter/descendre, sortir/entrer/rentrer, partir/arriver, retourner, rester/tomber 5)I've put them in pairs because these are of then the opposite of each other 6) They are the verbs of motion or when something changes shape. 7) Any verb that is a version of these basic verbs will also take être. (ressortir) 8) Addionally, any reflexive verb (thats on with se/me/te/vous/nous before it) also takes être as the auxiliary. (Il s'est douché) 9) Compound verbs that use être cause the part participle (the "entrée in "elle est entrée" to agree. 
LP
Answered by Lucy P. French tutor

2375 Views

See similar French A Level tutors

Related French A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I know when to use the passé composé and when to use the imparfait?


How do you form the passive voice?


What is the subjunctive and how is it formed in French?


How can I obtain the top level of marks in an essay question?


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