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Learn how to use the French present progressive tense "être en train de" to talk about ongoing actions. This lesson covers the structure combining the present tense of "être" with "en train de" followed by an infinitive verb, with practical examples for all subject pronouns. Understand how to form sentences like "Je suis en train de signer" and how this differs from English continuous tense. Perfect for A1 learners aiming to describe actions happening right now in French.
Être au présentForme complète (Full form)
Je suis + en train de + verbe (I am + in the process of + verb)Je suis en train de signer
Tu es + en train de + verbe (You are + in the process of + verb)Tu es en train de louer
Il / Elle / On est + en train de + verbe (He / She / One is + in the process of + verb)Elle est en train d'acheter
Nous sommes + en train de + verbe (We are + in the process of + verb)Nous sommes en train de parler
Vous êtes + en train de + verbe (You are + in the process of + verb)Vous êtes en train de signer
Ils / Elles sont + en train de + verbe (They are + in the process of + verb)Ils sont en train de louer

Exercise 1: Le présent progressif: "Être en train de"

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

êtes en train de, suis en train de, sommes en train de, sont en train d', es en train de, est en train de

1.
Elle ... préparer le contrat de location avec le propriétaire.
(She is in the process of preparing the rental agreement with the landlord.)
2.
Tu ... décorer le logement.
(You are decorating the flat.)
3.
Ils ...acheter un appartement.
(They are in the process of buying a flat.)
4.
Je ... choisir le quartier où habiter.
(I am in the process of choosing the neighbourhood to live in.)
5.
Je ... signer le contrat de location.
(I am in the process of signing the rental agreement.)
6.
Vous ... comparer les logements du lotissement.
(You are comparing the houses in the estate.)
7.
Nous ... visiter la tour.
(We are in the process of visiting the tower.)
8.
Elle ... visiter la villa.
(She is in the process of visiting the villa.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. Je _____ en train de signer le contrat pour louer la villa.

(I _____ am signing the contract to rent the villa.)

2. Tu _____ en train de louer un appartement dans le quartier.

(You _____ are renting an apartment in the neighborhood.)

3. Ils _____ en train de visiter l'immeuble avant de signer le contrat.

(They _____ are visiting the building before signing the contract.)

4. Nous _____ en train de chercher un logement à louer dans ce lotissement.

(We _____ are looking for a place to rent in this housing estate.)

5. Elle _____ en train de parler avec le propriétaire pour partager un logement.

(She _____ is talking with the owner to share a place to live.)

6. Vous _____ en train de louer une villa dans la tour moderne.

(You _____ are renting a villa in the modern tower.)

Understanding the Present Progressive in French: "Être en train de"

This lesson introduces the French present progressive tense, which is used to describe an action that is currently in progress. In French, this tense is commonly formed by combining the verb être (to be) in the present tense with the phrase "en train de" followed by an infinitive verb.

How to Form the Present Progressive

The structure is simple but essential for expressing ongoing actions:

  • Je suis en train de + verb (I am in the process of + verb)
  • Tu es en train de + verb (You are in the process of + verb)
  • Il/Elle/On est en train de + verb (He/She/One is in the process of + verb)
  • Nous sommes en train de + verb (We are in the process of + verb)
  • Vous êtes en train de + verb (You [plural/formal] are in the process of + verb)
  • Ils/Elles sont en train de + verb (They are in the process of + verb)

For example: Je suis en train de signer translates to "I am in the process of signing." This construction emphasizes that the action is happening right now.

Usage and Examples

Use the present progressive to talk about what you or others are doing at this moment. For instance:

  • Tu es en train de louer un appartement. (You are renting an apartment.)
  • Ils sont en train de visiter l'immeuble. (They are visiting the building.)

Important Notes

The verb être changes according to the subject, while the phrase "en train de" stays fixed before the infinitive verb. It's a useful way to add immediacy and clarity to your descriptions of ongoing activities.

Differences from English

In English, the present progressive tense is formed with the verb "to be" + verb ending in "-ing" (e.g., "I am signing"). French uses a different structure by adding the phrase "en train de" between the conjugated verb être and the main verb in the infinitive form. This emphasizes that the action is actively in progress. For example:

  • English: "I am signing the contract."
  • French: "Je suis en train de signer le contrat."

Familiarizing yourself with this structure will help you clearly express ongoing actions and distinguish them from habitual or general truths in French.

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Alessia Calcagni

Languages for communication in international enterprises and organizations

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

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Last Updated:

Thursday, 29/05/2025 15:58