In French, verbs are categorized into three main groups based on their infinitive endings:
- First group: verbs ending in -er (e.g., parler - to speak) – these are regular verbs.
- Second group: verbs ending in -ir that form their present participle with -issant (e.g., finir - to finish) – also regular.
- Third group: all other verbs ending in -ir, -re, or -oir (e.g., sortir, vendre, pouvoir) – these are mostly irregular.
Regular verbs follow consistent conjugation patterns, while irregular verbs have unique forms you need to memorize.
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Table of Contents
- Regular Verbs (-er, -ir, -re)
Regular -er, -ir, and -re verbs in French, including how to conjugate them in present, past (passé composé), and future (futur simple) tenses using standard patterns.
- Irregular Verbs
French irregular verbs list, examples, and explanations for common patterns in spelling and meaning changes.
- Pronominal/Reflexive Verbs
Pronominal and reflexive verbs in French, including definitions, usage rules, examples, and common patterns.
- Modal Auxiliaries (vouloir, pouvoir, devoir)
Modal auxiliaries — including vouloir, pouvoir, and devoir — explain how these helpers shape meaning in French.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
