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En Train De

En Train De

The French use the expression en train de (pronounced ɑ̃ tʀɛ̃ də) to express being in the middle of “doing” something. This equates to the present present continuous tense in English, or -ing. The grammatical structure is: être (to be) en train de + infinitive. This post will explain precisely how to use this is expression in conversational French with audio examples.

être en train de

to be in the middle of doing something

En train de (French lesson) - to be in the middle of doing something

En train de

Here’s an example of how to use en train de in a sentence:

Je suis en train de travailler.

I am working.

Example of how to use en train de.

The English translation of the example sentence, “am working” is the present progressive (-ing) tense.

Both sentence “Je travaille” and “Je suis en train de travailler” both means “I am working”. However, the French use en train de to emphasize the action of being in the middle of “doing” or carrying out the activity.

Je n’ai pas le temps. Je suis en train de finir mon projet.

I don’t have the time. I’m finishing my project.

En train de example.

The most important aspect to using en train de in French is to put emphasis on the fact that the subject of the sentence is busy or “in the action” of carrying out the action of the verb.

Here are some more example sentences.

Les enfants sont en train de jouer.

The kids are playing.

Elle est en train d’étudier.

She is studying.

Video lesson

Watch Dylane from theperfectfrench.com explain how to use en train de!

Video source: @TheperfectfrenchwithDylane

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David Issokson
David Issokson is a lifelong language learner and speaks over seven languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private lessons. When not teaching or writing his French Word of the Day lessons, David enjoys his time skiing, hiking and mountain biking in Victor, Idaho.

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David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language learner and speaks over seven languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private lessons. When not teaching or writing his French Word of the Day lessons, David enjoys his time skiing, hiking and mountain biking in Victor, Idaho.

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