Conjugation

Owe

devoir

Regular verb.

  • A state, not an action

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

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 owe, he doesn't owe.

    1. I / you / we / they owe
    2. he / she / it owes

  2. Present continuous

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

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

  3. Past simple

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

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

  4. Future with going to

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

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

  5. Imperative

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

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