Learning French verbs can sometimes feel tricky, but there is a simple way to remember certain verbs that use “être” instead of “avoir” in the past tense. This special group of verbs is remembered using the acronym “Dr and Mrs Vandertramp.” If you are just starting to learn French, this guide will help you understand these verbs and how to use them correctly.
What Are Dr. and Mrs Vandertramp Verbs?
In French, most verbs use “avoir” (to have) when forming the past tense (passé composé). However, some verbs use “être” (to be) instead. These verbs usually describe movement or a change of state. The Dr and Mrs Vandertramp acronym helps you remember them easily.
The Meaning of the Acronym
The acronym “Dr and Mrs Vandertramp” stands for 17 verbs. Each letter in the phrase represents the first letter of one of these verbs:
- D – Devenir (to become)
- R – Revenir (to come back)
- M – Monter (to go up)
- R – Rester (to stay)
- S – Sortir (to go out)
- V – Venir (to come)
- A – Aller (to go)
- N – Naître (to be born)
- D – Descendre (to go down)
- E – Entrer (to enter)
- R – Rentrer (to return)
- T – Tomber (to fall)
- R – Retourner (to turn around, to return)
- A – Arriver (to arrive)
- M – Mourir (to die)
- P – Partir (to leave)
- P – Passer (to pass by)
How to Use Dr and Mrs Vandertramp Verbs in Sentences
These verbs follow a specific rule when forming the past tense. Instead of using “avoir,” they use “être.” Here’s how it works:
- Start with the subject (who or what is doing the action).
- Use the correct form of “être” in the present tense.
- Add the past participle of the verb.
- Make sure the past participle agrees in gender and number with the subject.
Examples:
- Elle est allée à l’école. (She went to school.)
- Nous sommes entrés dans la maison. (We entered the house.)
- Il est tombé par terre. (He fell on the ground.)
If the subject is feminine, add an -e to the past participle.
- Elle est montée. (She went up.)
If the subject is plural, add an -s to the past participle.
- Ils sont arrivés. (They arrived.)
If the subject is both feminine and plural, add -es to the past participle.
- Elles sont parties. (They left.)
Why Do These Verbs Use “ÊTRE” Instead of “AVOIR”?
These verbs use “être” because they describe movement or a change of state. For example:
- “Monter” (to go up) shows movement.
- “Naître” (to be born) shows a change in state.
- “Mourir” (to die) shows a major life change.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Forgetting to Use “ÊTRE” – Many students mistakenly use “avoir” instead of “être.” Remember, Dr and Mrs Vandertramp verbs always use “être.”
- Not Making Agreement – Unlike “avoir” verbs, “être” verbs require agreement. Make sure to match the past participle with the subject’s gender and number.
- Confusing “Passer” – “Passer” can use either “avoir” or “être.” It uses “être” when it means “to pass by” but “avoir” when it means “to spend time.”
- Il est passé devant la boulangerie. (He passed by the bakery.)
- Il a passé une semaine à Paris. (He spent a week in Paris.)
Tips for Remembering Dr and Mrs Vandertramp Verbs
- Create Flashcards – Write each verb on one side and its meaning and past participle on the other.
- Use a Song or Rhyme – Some students find it helpful to sing the list of verbs.
- Practice Writing Sentences – The more you use these verbs in writing, the easier they become.
- Use a Mnemonic Story – Create a fun story using all the Dr and Mrs Vandertramp verbs.
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FAQs
Why do some verbs use “être” instead of “avoir” in the past tense?
These verbs describe movement or a change of state, which is why they use “être” instead of “avoid.”
How can I remember all the Dr and Mrs Vandertramp verbs?
Using flashcards, songs, rhymes, and mnemonic stories can help you memorize them more easily.
Do all movement verbs use “être” in the past tense?
No, some movement verbs like “marcher” (to walk) still use “avoir” in the past tense. Only the specific Dr and Mrs Vandertramp verbs use “être.”
By understanding and practicing these verbs, you will improve your French skills and feel more confident when speaking and writing in the language!
Conclusion
Dr and Mrs Vandertramp verbs are an important part of learning French. They are special because they use “être” instead of “avoir” in the past tense. By remembering the acronym and practicing sentence formation, you can master these verbs easily.
