Prétendrons

Prétendrons is the first person plural future simple form of the French verb prétendre. It translates to “we will pretend” or “we will claim,” depending on context. The form is used with the subject nous and indicates actions or claims that are expected to occur in the future.

Etymology and form. The verb prétendre comes from Latin praetendere, meaning to stretch forth or to claim. In the future simple, French verbs of this class typically adopt the stem prétendr- and add the ending -ons for the nous form, producing prétendrons. The accent on the first syllable helps preserve the original pronunciation of the stem.

Usage. Prétendre has two primary senses in modern French: to claim or assert something as true, and to pretend or feign something. In the future tense, prétendrons most commonly signals a future claim or a deliberate feigning action. The exact meaning is determined by context and surrounding verbs. For example: Nous prétendrons être arrivés à l’heure, meaning “We will claim to have arrived on time” or “We will pretend to have arrived on time,” depending on tone and context.

Relation to other forms. The same verb also appears in other tenses and moods, such as prétendons (present), prétendrons (future), prétendions (imperfect/subjunctive), and prétendrons (conditional forms share a similar stem with other -re verbs). The distinction between the senses of prétendre (to claim vs. to pretend) remains a key nuance throughout its conjugations.

See also. Prétendre, prétention, and related verbs discussing truth, belief, and deception.