Conjugation

Explain

expliquer

Regular verb.

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 explain, he doesn't explain.

    1. I / you / we / they explain
    2. he / she / it explains

  2. Present continuous

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

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

  3. Past simple

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

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

  4. Future with going to

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

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

  5. Imperative

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

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