Conditionnel présent — The Conditional

Formation: Future Stem + Imparfait Endings

The conditional uses the same stems as the future simple (usually the full infinitive for regular verbs) plus the endings of the imparfait: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient.

Note on -re verbs: drop the final -e before adding endings: attendre → attendr- → j'attendrais.

Irregular Stems — Same as Future

The irregular conditional stems are identical to the irregular future stems. These must be memorised:

Use 1: Polite Requests and Suggestions

The conditional softens requests, making them more polite. It is essential for formal and social contexts:

• Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît. (I would like a coffee.) — much more polite than: Je veux un café.
• Pourriez-vous répéter? (Could you repeat that?) — polite form of pouvoir
• Tu devrais parler à ton professeur. (You should talk to your teacher.) — devoir conditional = should
• On pourrait aller au cinéma ce soir. (We could go to the cinema tonight.) — suggestion
• Auriez-vous l'heure? (Would you have the time?) — formal request

Use 2: Si + Imparfait + Conditionnel

For hypothetical situations in the present or future (things that are unlikely or imaginary), use: si + imparfait in the condition, conditionnel in the result.

Rule: Never put the conditional in the si clause. Si is always followed by imparfait (for hypothetical), never by conditional.

Use 3: Unconfirmed Information (Journalistic Conditional)

In French journalism and formal speech, the conditional is used to report unverified information — translating as 'reportedly' or 'allegedly':

• Le président serait en visite à Paris. (The president is reportedly visiting Paris.)
• L'accident aurait fait trois blessés. (The accident reportedly left three injured.)
• Ce médicament pourrait guérir la maladie. (This drug could allegedly cure the disease.)

This use signals that the speaker is not personally vouching for the truth of the statement — it is attributed information.

Common Mistakes

Summary