French Grammar
The Gerund Construction (en + Present Participle)
Framing simultaneous actions, methods, and causal explanations using the gerund (en + present participle).
Start Interactive LessonLesson Summary
Framing simultaneous actions, methods, and causal explanations using the gerund (en + present participle).
Grammar
Functions of the Gerund
The present participle and its use in the gerund to express simultaneity were introduced in introduction to the present participle formula. The gerund — formed by the preposition en + present participle — has three principal functions: expressing simultaneous actions, indicating the manner or means by which something is achieved, and conveying a cause.
Three Functions of en + Present Participle
| Function | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneity | while doing something | Il écoute de la musique en travaillant. |
| Manner / Means | by doing something | J’ai appris le français en regardant des films. |
| Cause | because / as a result of | En faisant du sport, tu te sentiras mieux. |
Subject Identity and Emphasis
The action expressed by the gerund is always performed by the same subject as the main verb.
- En marchant, elle a eu une idée. (While walking, she had an idea.)
- Il a résolu le problème en analysant les données. (He solved the problem by analysing the data.)
To stress that two actions are entirely simultaneous, tout may be placed before en: Elle lit tout en écoutant de la musique.
Negation of the Gerund
When negated, the particles ne…pas enclose the present participle:
- Il est parti en ne disant rien. (He left without saying anything.)
- En ne répondant pas, vous risquez de perdre l’offre. (By not answering, you risk losing the offer.)
Examples
- En réduisant notre consommation de sucre, nous améliorons notre santé.The gerund en réduisant expresses the means by which health is improved.
- Le télétravailleur reste concentré en s'isolant dans son bureau.En s’isolant is a pronominal verb in the gerund, indicating the manner of staying focused.
Related searches
These are the main phrases this lesson covers: