Conjugation

Contain

contenir

Regular verb.

  • A state, not an action

    contain usually describes a state, so it rarely takes the -ing tenses: I contain, not I’m containing.

In speech, the helping verbs shorten: I’m, he’s, we’re, I’ve, I’ll, I’d.

Newbie

Enough to talk about now, the past, and your plans, and to give instructions.

  1. Present simple

    Habits, facts, and how things usually are. To say no or ask, add do or does: I don't contain, he doesn't contain.

    1. I / you / we / they contain
    2. he / she / it contains

  2. Present continuous

    What is happening now, and plans already arranged: we’re leaving tomorrow.

    1. I am containing
    2. you / we / they are containing
    3. he / she / it is containing

  3. Past simple

    A finished action at a past time: yesterday, in 2020. To say no or ask, add did: I didn't contain.

    1. I / you / he / she / it / we / they contained

  4. Future with going to

    Plans and intentions, and what you can see coming: it’s going to rain.

    1. I am going to contain
    2. you / we / they are going to contain
    3. he / she / it is going to contain

  5. Imperative

    Orders, advice, and instructions. Let’s suggests doing it together. To say no: don't contain.

    1. (you) contain
    2. let's contain