Unit 90 Guidebook: use the gerund
KEY PHRASES
Use the gerund
Elle est tombée en descendant de l'avion.
She fell while getting off the plane.
She fell while getting off the plane.
En entrant dans ma chambre, j'ai vu un serpent !
Upon entering my room, I saw a snake!
Upon entering my room, I saw a snake!
Il a eu un accident terrible en allant au cinéma hier soir.
He had a terrible accident while going to the movie theater last night.
He had a terrible accident while going to the movie theater last night.
En ouvrant la porte, j'ai vu un rat qui prenait une douche !
Upon opening the door, I saw a rat that was taking a shower!
Upon opening the door, I saw a rat that was taking a shower!
J'ai perdu mes clés en sortant de chez moi.
I lost my keys while leaving my place.
I lost my keys while leaving my place.
En cherchant les serviettes dans le placard, j'ai trouvé un gros insecte.
While looking for the napkins in the cupboard, I found a big insect.
While looking for the napkins in the cupboard, I found a big insect.
TIP
Il mangeait en conduisant
To say things like while sleeping or while working in French, use en, followed by a verb ending with ‑ant!
En sortant, j'ai vu mon voisin.
While going out, I saw my neighbor.
While going out, I saw my neighbor.