French Verb 'permettre': Complete Guide to Meaning, Conjugation & Usage

As a crucial verb in French, "permettre" is essential for any learner looking to express permission, allow, or make something possible. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the meaning, conjugation, and usage of this versatile verb.

What Does 'permettre' Mean in French?

The verb "permettre" can be translated as "to permit," "to allow," or "to make something possible." However, its nuances extend beyond simple permission. It can also convey a sense of giving someone the opportunity to do something or making an action feasible. In certain contexts, "permettre" can imply a higher level of authority or control, such as when a parent allows their child to stay out late. In other situations, it may simply indicate that something is possible or allowed under specific conditions.

Conjugation of 'permettre'

Here's a breakdown of the conjugation of "permettre" in present, past, and future tenses:

Pronoun	Present	Passé composé	Futur simple
J'.	j'permettre	j'ai permis	je permettrai
Tu.	tu permes	tu as permis	tu permettras
Ils/elles.	ils/elles permettent	ils/elles ont permis	ils/elles permettront
Nous.	nous permettons	nous avons permis	nous permettrons
Vous.
Ils/elles.	ils/elles permettent	ils/elles ont permis	ils/elles permettront

How to Use 'permettre' in a Sentence'

Here are six example sentences showcasing the versatility of "permettre": * J'permettre à mon frère de sortir plus tard. ("I allow my brother to go out later.") * Les parents ont permis à leurs enfants de aller au parc. ("The parents allowed their children to go to the park.") * Le directeur permettra aux employés de prendre une heure de pause. ("The director will allow employees to take a one-hour break.") * Nous n'avons pas permis à nos amis de venir à la fête. ("We didn't let our friends come to the party.") * L'institut permet aux étudiants de suivre un cours en ligne. ("The institute allows students to take an online course.") * J'ai permis à mon petit frère de jouer avec les jouets. ("I allowed my little brother to play with the toys.")

Common Expressions and Phrases with 'permettre'

Here are four idiomatic French expressions using "permettre": * Permettre à quelqu'un de faire quelque chose. This means "to allow someone to do something." * Permettre que quelque chose arrive. This translates to "to allow something to happen." * Nous n'avons pas permis ça, mais.... This phrase implies that you didn't let something happen, but... * J'aurais dû lui permettre de faire ça. This means "I should have allowed him/her to do that."

Tips for Remembering 'permettre'

Here are three memory tricks to help you remember the verb "permettre": 1. Associate the verb with its most common meaning: allowing someone to do something. 2. Practice conjugating the verb in different tenses, starting with the present tense. 3. Learn idiomatic expressions using "permettre" and practice incorporating them into sentences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the French verb "permettre" is essential for expressing permission, allowing, or making something possible. With its various meanings and conjugations, this verb can be used in a wide range of contexts. Practice the verb permettre on My-French.com here.