impliquons

Impliquons is the first-person plural present indicative form of the French verb impliquer. It translates roughly as “we involve,” and can also be used in an hortative sense meaning “let us involve” or “let’s get involved.” The form is also used in imperative constructions that include the inclusive nous, such as “Impliquons-les” (let’s involve them) or “Impliquons-nous” (let’s involve ourselves).

The verb impliquer comes from Latin implicare, meaning to entwine or to involve, and entered French via Old French. The present participle is impliquant, the past participle implied is impliqué, and the related noun is implication, referring to involvement or, in some contexts, a consequence or insinuation in a situation or investigation.

Usage notes: Impliquer expresses making someone participate in a task, decision, or situation. It can also mean to implicate someone in a crime or wrongdoing, particularly in legal or journalistic contexts, as in “impliquer quelqu’un dans une affaire.” The exact meaning depends on the object: a project involves people; a police investigation implicates suspects.

Examples:

- Impliquons les partenaires dans le processus décisionnel.

- Cette enquête l’a impliqué dans l’affaire.

Related forms include the present tense versions je implique, tu impliques, il implique; the imperfect implique, impliquions; and the conditional impliquerait. Impliquons est therefore a common, versatile form used in planning, collaboration, and, with the right object, in forensic or legal language.