Avoir or être: start with the verb
Compare complete sentences to choose the helper and check agreement.
Most verbs use avoir. Some use être in particular constructions. Movement is not a reliable test.
Learn the whole verb group
Learn a verb with its complete verb group. The helper becomes part of the example you remember.
| Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| marcher | J’ai marché. |
| aller | Elle est allée à Paris. |
| partir | Il est parti. |
Marcher describes movement, but it still uses avoir.
Notice the construction
The same verb can change helper when its use changes.
Elle est sortie.
She went out. The sentence describes her going out.
Elle a sorti les clés.
She took out the keys. The keys are the direct object.
With sortir, notice what the subject does and whether there is a direct object. A memorised verb list cannot describe every construction.
Check the ending
With aller and être, match the participle to the subject.
Lucie is feminine singular → add e to allé in this construction.
French examples are marked in their original language. Answer explanations are available before or after an attempt.