Common Regular Verbs in French (ER, IR, RE Verbs)
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.