Learning to conjugate regular French verbs is one of the first steps to speaking with confidence. Verbs in these groups use predictable patterns that make them easy to master. This guide explains how to conjugate regular -ER, -IR, and -RE verbs, so you can start using them now.
Regular Verb Conjugation in French
Regular verbs in French follow predictable patterns. There are three groups based on their infinitive endings:
- -er verbs (e.g., parler – to speak)
- -ir verbs (e.g., finir – to finish)
- -re verbs (e.g., vendre – to sell)
Regular -ER Verbs
The verb parler (to speak) is the model for this group. Drop the -er from the infinitive (parl-) and add the endings:
- je parle
- tu parles
- il/elle/on parle
- nous parlons
- vous parlez
- ils/elles parlent
Endings: -e, -es, -e, -ons, -ez, -ent
👉 All regular -er verbs use this exact pattern. Example: regarder (to watch) → je regarde, nous regardons, ils regardent.
Other common -er verbs: aimer (to like/love), chanter (to sing), travailler (to work), jouer (to play), habiter (to live).
Regular -IR Verbs
The verb finir (“to finish”) is the model. Remove -ir (fin-) and add these endings:
- je finis
- tu finis
- il/elle/on finit
- nous finissons
- vous finissez
- ils/elles finissent
Endings: -is, -is, -it, -issons, -issez, -issent
👉 Notice the -issons / -issez / -issent forms. That extra “ss” is unique to this group.
Other common -ir verbs: choisir (to choose), réussir (to succeed), obéir (to obey), grandir (to grow).
Regular -RE Verbs
The verb vendre (“to sell”) is the model. Drop -re (vend-) and add:
- je vends
- tu vends
- il/elle/on vend
- nous vendons
- vous vendez
- ils/elles vendent
Endings: -s, -s, –, -ons, -ez, -ent
⚠️ Pronunciation tip: In je vends / tu vends / il vend, the final -d is silent. But in nous vendons and vous vendez, the -d is pronounced.
Other common -re verbs: attendre (to wait), perdre (to lose), rendre (to return), répondre (to answer).
Key Takeaways
- -er verbs are the most common and easiest to learn.
- -ir verbs stand out with their -iss- endings in plural forms.
- -re verbs can trick learners with pronunciation.
✨ Need extra help with verbs?
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