tout en: simultaneity or contrast
With tout before en, the gérondif gets stronger. It stresses either simultaneity (at the same time) or contrast (although, and yet). The context decides: if the two actions fit together, it is simultaneity; if they contradict each other, it is contrast.
Il travaille tout en écoutant de la musique.
He works while listening to music.
simultaneity
Elle prépare le repas tout en parlant au téléphone.
She prepares the meal while talking on the phone.
simultaneity
Tout en sachant la vérité, elle n'a rien dit.
Although she knew the truth, she said nothing.
contrast
Il refuse d'aider tout en se plaignant du résultat.
He refuses to help, yet complains about the result.
contrast
Fixed expressions with en + -ant
Some expressions with en + -ant are frozen adverbs. They are common in speech and do not need to match the subject of the main clause.
En attendant, le plat refroidit.
Meanwhile, the food is getting cold.
Je te le dis en passant.
I'm telling you this in passing.
Participe présent or adjectif verbal?
English uses one -ing form for both. French separates them. The participe présent is a verb: it is invariable and often has an object or complement. The adjectif verbal is an adjective: it agrees with its noun and can be replaced by another adjective (une journée utile). For some verbs the spelling differs as well.
When the spelling changes
| Participe présent | Adjectif verbal | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| fatiguant | fatigant(e) | tiring |
| convainquant | convaincant(e) | convincing |
| négligeant | négligent(e) | careless |
| différant | différent(e) | different |
C'est une journée fatigante.
It's a tiring day.
Ne convainquant personne, il a quitté la salle.
Not convincing anyone, he left the room.
Ce sont des arguments convaincants.
These are convincing arguments.
Les élèves négligeant leurs devoirs seront convoqués.
Pupils who neglect their homework will be summoned.
Ils ont été très négligents.
They were very careless.
