A2
Present tense (-er, -ir, -re verbs)
French has three regular verb families, each with its own endings — plus a handful of must-know irregular verbs.
The rule
Remove the infinitive ending to get the stem, then add:
| -er (parler) | -ir (finir) | -re (vendre) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| je | parle | finis | vends |
| tu | parles | finis | vends |
| il/elle | parle | finit | vend |
| nous | parlons | finissons | vendons |
| vous | parlez | finissez | vendez |
| ils/elles | parlent | finissent | vendent |
Key points
- Regular -ir verbs add -iss- in the plural: nous finissons, ils finissent (same for choisir).
- -re verbs have no ending in the il/elle form: il vend, elle attend.
- Four irregular verbs are everywhere — memorise them:
| être | avoir | aller | faire | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| je/j' | suis | ai | vais | fais |
| tu | es | as | vas | fais |
| il/elle | est | a | va | fait |
| nous | sommes | avons | allons | faisons |
| vous | êtes | avez | allez | faites |
| ils/elles | sont | ont | vont | font |
Watch out
- ❌ nous finons → ✅ nous finissons (keep the -iss-)
- ❌ il vende → ✅ il vend (no ending)
- ❌ vous faisez → ✅ vous faites (irregular)
In context
- Elle parle à son amie. — She talks to her friend.
- Ils finissent leurs devoirs. — They finish their homework.
- Tu vends ta voiture. — You're selling your car.
- Nous allons au cinéma. — We're going to the cinema.
Try three examples
Example 1
Which is the correct conjugation for *nous* (we) with the verb *manger* (to eat)?
- mangeons
- mangez
- mangent
- manges
Show answer
mangeons
We eat.
Example 2
I am tired after work. → *Je ___ fatigué après le travail.* (être)
Je ___ fatigué après le travail.
Show answer
suis
I am tired after work.
Example 3
She talks to her friend every morning. → *Elle ___ à son amie tous les matins.* (parler)
Elle ___ à son amie tous les matins.
Show answer
parle
She talks to her friend every morning.
Practise this lesson
Continue with the interactive exercise set and save your progress.