répondions

Répondions is a French verb form derived from répondre (to answer). It is the first-person plural form that can be used for two distinct grammatical purposes: the imperfect indicative of répondre (nous répondions) and the present subjunctive (que nous répondions). The form is therefore ambiguous in isolation; its interpretation depends on the clause’s tense and mood.

In the imperfect indicative, répondions expresses past ongoing or habitual action: “Quand nous répondions, le client était déjà parti.” In the present subjunctive, répondions follows a trigger requiring the subjunctive, often after expressions of necessity, doubt, desire, or after certain conjunctions: “Il faut que nous répondions rapidement,” or “Bien que nous répondions rapidement, ils attendent toujours.”

Etymology and related forms: répondions comes from the verb répondre, which itself derives from Latin respondere. In Modern French, related forms include réponds, réponds, répond, répondons, répondez, répondent; the past participle is répondu. The spelling of répondions is shared by the imperfect indicative and the present subjunctive, making context essential for correct interpretation.

Usage notes: The present subjunctive is more common in formal writing or in subordinate clauses after certain expressions (il faut que, pour que, afin que) or after verbs of wishing, doubt, or necessity. The imperfect indicative as a past narrative form is frequent in literary or descriptive prose. In everyday speech, the distinction may be reinforced by surrounding verbs or phrases that clarify tense or mood.