Reflexive verbs Conjugation in Past Tense
In this post, Reflexive Verbs Conjugation in Past Tense, learn how to conjugate reflexive verbs in passé composé. Reflexive verbs are those that use the pronoun “se” (myself, yourself, himself, etc.), like se réveiller (to wake up) or s’habiller (to get dressed) and they are always formed with être as the auxiliary, and the past participle usually agrees with the subject, unless followed by a direct object.
Short video
| GRAMMAR |
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Step 1 – The Auxiliary VerbReflexive verbs always use the auxiliary verb “être” in the past tense. Je me suis levé(e). → I got up. |
Step 2 – Agreement with the SubjectWhen conjugated in passé composé, reflexive verbs usually agree in gender and number with the subject.
⚠️ Exception: If the verb is followed by a direct object, there is no agreement. Elle s’est lavé les mains. → She washed her hands. (no extra -e) |
Step 3 – StructureThe structure is: Subject + Reflexive Pronoun + Être (conjugated) + Past Participle Example with se lever:
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Common Reflexive Verbs in Past Tense
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Quick Tip:Think of it like this: Reflexive verbs act like a sandwich – the subject and reflexive pronoun go together, then “être,” and finally the past participle. |
Sentences : Reflexive verbs in Past tense
| Reflexive verbs in Past tense |
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| Reflexive pronoun for je ➡️ me: Example: Je me suis lavé(e) – I washed myself |
| Reflexive pronoun for tu ➡️ te: Example: tu t’es présenté(e) – You introduced yourself |
| Reflexive pronoun for il ➡️ se:Example: il s’est levé – He got up |
| Reflexive pronoun for elle ➡️se: Example: elle s’est habillée – She dressed |
| Reflexive pronoun for nous ➡️ nous: Example: Nous nous sommes peigné(e)s – We combed ourselves |
| Reflexive pronoun for vous ➡️ vous: Example: Vous vous êtes réveillé (e)s – You woke up (plural or formal) |
| Reflexive pronoun for ils ➡️ se: Example: ils se sont promenés – They took a walk |
| Reflexive pronoun for elles ➡️ se: Example: Elles se sont détendues – They relaxed |
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French Reflexive verbs in the past tense
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Grammar Level 3 – List
1. Reflexive verbs:
a) Reflexive verbs Conjugation in Past Tense : Explication
b) Reflexive verbs in past tense: Les verbse pronominaux au passé composé
c) A daily routine: Une routine quotidienne
2. Near future tense:
a) Definition: Le Futur Proche
b) Le Futur Proche practice 1:11 phrases
3. Simple Future tense:
a) Definition Regular verbs: Le Futur Simple
b) Regular verbs: Les verbes réguliers au futur (Test 1)
c) Irregular verbs: Les verbes irréguliers au futur simple (Test 1)
d) Le future simple practice 1: 11 phrases
e) Le future simple practice 2: 25 verbes
f) Sentences ER verbs future simple: Phrases ER verbes futur simple
g) Sentences IR verbs future simple: Phrases IR verbes futur simple
h) Sentences RE verbs future simple: Phrases RE verbes futur simple
4. Another Verbs:
a) Another 15 regular verbs: 15 autres verbes réguliers
b) Another 15 irregular verbs: 15 autres verbes irréguliers
5. Compound Past or The preterit – Le passé composé:
a) Past Participle: Les participes passés (Test)
b) 20 Irregular French past participles: 20 Participes passés irréguliers
6. Imperfect tense – l’imparfait:
a) Imparfait practice 2: À l’école élémentaire
b) Imparfait practice 3: Barbe bleu
c) Imparfait et Passé composé practice 4: Présent-Imparfait-Passé composé Practice
7. More Prepositions: Prépositions
a) Prepositions practice 1: Pratique des prépositions 1
b) Prepositions practice 2: Pratique des prépositions 2
c) Since, During, For, There is: Depuis, Pendant, Pour, Il y a
8. French expressions with the verb to be (être):
a) Expressions françaises avec être
b) To be in the process of – Être en train de
c) Expressions françaises avec être et avoir
9. Québec French and Metropolitan French: Français québécois et français métropolitain
10. 10 Essential French Verbs You Need To Know: 10 verbes français essentiels à connaître
11. The idea of time : L’idée du temps
a) Anteriority: Anteriorité
b) Actuality: Actualité
c) Posteriority: Posteriorité
12. Past Tense Indicators :
a) Indicators for Passé composé
b) Indicators for imparfait
13. “I have been” in French: “J’ai été” en français.
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