Language/French/Grammar/Futur-Proche

French → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Futur Proche

Introduction

In this lesson, we will learn how to express future actions using the French "futur proche" (near future). The "futur proche" is used to talk about actions that will happen in the near future. It is formed by using the verb "aller" (to go) followed by the infinitive form of the main verb. For example, "Je vais manger" means "I am going to eat".

This lesson is part of the larger course titled "Complete 0 to A1 French Course" and is designed for complete beginners who want to reach the A1 level in French proficiency.

Formation of the Futur Proche

To form the "futur proche", we need to use the present tense of the verb "aller" (to go) followed by the infinitive form of the main verb.

Here is the conjugation of "aller" in the present tense:

Pronoun	Conjugation
Je	vais
Tu	vas
Il/Elle/On	va
Nous	allons
Vous	allez
Ils/Elles	vont

To express the future action, we add the infinitive form of the main verb after the conjugated form of "aller".

For example:

• "Je vais manger" - I am going to eat
• "Tu vas lire" - You are going to read
• "Il va partir" - He is going to leave
• "Nous allons étudier" - We are going to study
• "Vous allez dormir" - You are going to sleep
• "Ils vont chanter" - They are going to sing

Usage of the Futur Proche

The "futur proche" is used to talk about actions that will happen in the near future. It is often used when making plans or predictions.

Here are some examples:

• Making plans:
  • "Je vais faire du shopping demain" - I am going shopping tomorrow
  • "Nous allons visiter Paris pendant les vacances" - We are going to visit Paris during the holidays

• Predictions:
  • "Il va pleuvoir demain" - It is going to rain tomorrow
  • "Elle va réussir son examen" - She is going to pass her exam

• Intentions:
  • "Je vais travailler dur pour réussir" - I am going to work hard to succeed
  • "Tu vas essayer de comprendre" - You are going to try to understand

Exceptions and Irregularities

While the formation of the "futur proche" is quite straightforward, there are a few exceptions and irregularities to be aware of.

1. Reflexive Verbs: When using reflexive verbs in the "futur proche", the reflexive pronoun is placed before the conjugated form of "aller". For example:

• "Je vais me lever tôt" - I am going to wake up early
• "Ils vont se reposer après le travail" - They are going to rest after work

2. Verbs ending in -eler and -eter: Verbs ending in -eler and -eter undergo a spelling change in the second and third person singular forms of the present tense of "aller". The letter "l" is doubled in -eler verbs, and the letter "t" is doubled in -eter verbs. For example:

• "Tu vas appeler" - You are going to call
• "Il jette" - He is going to throw

3. Verbs with irregular conjugations: Some verbs have irregular conjugations in the present tense of "aller". Here are a few examples:

• "Je vais venir" - I am going to come
• "Tu vas pouvoir" - You are going to be able to
• "Elle va devoir" - She is going to have to
• "Nous allons vouloir" - We are going to want

Summary

In this lesson, we have learned how to express future actions using the French "futur proche". We have seen that it is formed by using the present tense of "aller" followed by the infinitive form of the main verb. The "futur proche" is used to talk about actions that will happen in the near future, such as making plans or predictions. We have also learned about a few exceptions and irregularities in the formation of the "futur proche".

Continue practicing the "futur proche" to become more comfortable with its usage and to expand your ability to talk about future actions in French.

Table of Contents - French Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Alphabet and Pronunciation

• The French Alphabet
• French Vowels and Consonants
• French Accent Marks
• Introductions and Greetings

  ---

Nouns and Articles

• Gender and Number of Nouns
• Definite and Indefinite Articles
• Partitive Articles

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense of Regular Verbs
• Common Irregular Verbs
• Passé Composé
• Futur Proche

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Agreement of Adjectives
• Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
• Formation and Use of Adverbs

  ---

Negation and Interrogation

• Negation
• Interrogation

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers
• Time and Dates

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Romantic Relationships

  ---

Food and Drink

• Food and Eating Habits
• Beverages and Drinking Habits

  ---

Hobbies and Interests

• Sports and Fitness Activities
• Music and Entertainment

  ---

Geography and Travel

• Regions and Cities in France
• Transportation and Accommodation

  ---

French Culture and Arts

• French Cuisine and Gastronomy
• French Cinema and Literature

  ---

French History and Society

• Major Events in French History
• French Society and Lifestyle

Sources

• Grammar for dummies Futur Proche - Alpine French School
• Le futur proche: the near future in French

Other Lessons

• Nouns with irregular plurals
• Money
• Reflexive use of me, te, se, nous, vous
• Demonstrative determiners
• Agreement of the past participle with the subject of être
• Order of multiple pronouns with imperatives
• Use of the neutral pronoun le
• Pronominal verbs, the auxiliary “être” and the agreement of the past participle
• Gender of the noun indicated by its final letter
• Verbs whose stems end in c— or g—