Aller is a versatile French verb that can be used in many different ways, making it a crucial verb to learn. In this article, we will explore the different ways you can use “aller” in French.
1. To express movement
One of the most common uses of "aller" is to express movement. For example:
- Je vais au cinéma. (I am going to the cinema.)
- Elle va à l'école. (She is going to school.)
- Nous allons au parc. (We are going to the park.)
In these examples, "aller" is used to express the direction or destination of the subject's movement.
2. To indicate the future
"Aller" can also be used to indicate the future. For example:
- Je vais étudier ce soir. (I am going to study tonight.)
- Elle va faire ses devoirs demain. (She is going to do her homework tomorrow.)
- Ils vont partir en vacances la semaine prochaine. (They are going to go on vacation next week.)
In these examples, "aller" is used in the present tense to express an action that will take place in the future.
3. To express how something is going
"Aller" can also be used to express how something is going. For example:
- Comment ça va ? (How are you doing?)
- Ça va bien, merci. (I'm doing well, thanks.)
- Ça ne va pas très bien aujourd'hui. (I'm not doing very well today.)
In these examples, "aller" is used in the pronominal form as a reflexive verb to express the subject's state or how they are feeling.
4. To express readiness
"Aller" can also be used to express readiness. For example:
- Je suis prêt à partir. (I am ready to leave.)
- Elle est prête pour le rendez-vous. (She is ready for the appointment.)
- Nous sommes prêts à commencer. (We are ready to start.)
In these examples, "aller" is used with the adjective "prêt(e)" to indicate that the subject is ready.
5. To form the near future
Finally, "aller" is used to form the near future tense. For example:
- Je vais manger une pomme. (I am going to eat an apple.)
- Elle va regarder un film. (She is going to watch a movie.)
- Nous allons visiter Paris. (We are going to visit Paris.)
In these examples, "aller" is used in the present tense with an infinitive verb to form the near future.In conclusion, “aller” is a versatile verb that is used in many different ways in French. Whether you’re expressing movement, indicating the future, expressing how something is going, expressing readiness, or forming the near future tense, “aller” is an essential verb to know.