In French, verbs are categorised into three groups based on their infinitive endings: -ER, -IR, and -RE. Each group follows a regular conjugation pattern in the present tense, making them easier to learn and use.
Regular -ER Verbs
The -ER verbs are the most common type of verbs in French. To conjugate an -ER verb in the present tense, remove the -ER ending and add the appropriate endings: -e, -es, -e, -ons, -ez, -ent.
Example Verb: Parler (to speak)
- Je parle (I speak)
- Tu parles (You speak)
- Il/Elle/On parle (He/She/One speaks)
- Nous parlons (We speak)
- Vous parlez (You speak, formal/plural)
- Ils/Elles parlent (They speak)
Other common regular -ER verbs:
- Aimer (to like/love)
- Écouter (to listen)
- Étudier (to study)
- Jouer (to play)
- Travailler (to work)
Regular -IR Verbs
To conjugate regular -IR verbs in the present tense, remove the -IR ending and add the appropriate endings: -is, -is, -it, -issons, -issez, -issent.
Example Verb: Finir (to finish)
- Je finis (I finish)
- Tu finis (You finish)
- Il/Elle/On finit (He/She/One finishes)
- Nous finissons (We finish)
- Vous finissez (You finish, formal/plural)
- Ils/Elles finissent (They finish)
Other common regular -IR verbs:
- Choisir (to choose)
- Remplir (to fill)
- Réussir (to succeed)
- Bâtir (to build)
- Grandir (to grow)
Regular -RE Verbs
To conjugate regular -RE verbs in the present tense, remove the -RE ending and add the appropriate endings: -s, -s, -, -ons, -ez, -ent.
Example Verb: Vendre (to sell)
- Je vends (I sell)
- Tu vends (You sell)
- Il/Elle/On vend (He/She/One sells)
- Nous vendons (We sell)
- Vous vendez (You sell, formal/plural)
- Ils/Elles vendent (They sell)
Other common regular -RE verbs:
- Attendre (to wait)
- Entendre (to hear)
- Perdre (to lose)
- Rendre (to return)
- Répondre (to answer)
Mastering these common regular verbs is essential for building a strong foundation in French grammar. Practice conjugating verbs in each group to become more comfortable with their usage.
Exercise 1 (ER)
Sylvie is having a New Year’s Eve party. To tell what everyone is doing, complete the
following sentences with the appropriate form of the indicated verb.
Exercise 2 (IR)
To complete each sentence, choose the most logical verb from the list below and write its appropriate form. Use each verb only once.
Exercise 3 (RE)
Help Michelle review -re verbs for her upcoming French test by completing her sentences. Choose the most logical verb from the list below and write its appropriate form. You can use one verb twice.
Exercise 4 (ER, IR, RE)
Céline’s postcard got smudged during her winter holiday, and all the verb forms disappeared! Choose the most logical verb from the list below and write its appropriate form to complete the missing information.
Thanks to: Nadia