In this sentence and answer from the lesson, why is the first verb conjugated in the present tense?
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John C.Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
In this sentence and answer from the lesson, why is the first verb conjugated in the present tense?
Nous le savons depuis que vous nous l'avez dit.
We've known since you told us.
This question relates to:French lesson "Depuis que + [conjugated verb] = (Ever) since + [conjugated verb] in French"
Asked 8 years ago
LauraKwiziq team member
Bonjour John,
It's in the present tense because we know now, and have known since you told us. French has no equivalent for the present perfect "have known" - the present tense is used instead.
AurélieKwiziq team member
Bonjour John,
Yes, indeed, like Laura said, we don't have an equivalent of that fascinating tense, the Present perfect, that seems to be sitting in-between past and present. So in French, you will use either Le Présent when the action is still ongoing now, OR Le Passé Composé when it occurred in the past.
In this case, they still know at the time they're speaking, so Le Présent!
Hope that's helpful!
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