Regular verbs follow predictable patterns that make them easier to learn and apply in speech and writing. They are divided into three main groups based on their endings in the infinitive form: -er, -ir, and -re. Each group has a consistent set of endings in the present tense that learners can memorize to quickly conjugate new verbs.
-er Verbs
-er verbs are by far the most common type of regular verb in French, and they follow a straightforward pattern in the present tense. To conjugate, you remove the -er ending from the infinitive to find the stem, then add endings like -e, -es, -e, -ons, -ez, and -ent according to the subject.
| French Conjugation | English Translation | |
|---|---|---|
| je parle | I speak / I am speaking | |
| tu parles | you speak / you are speaking | |
| il/elle parle | he/she speaks / is speaking | |
| nous parlons | we speak / we are speaking | |
| vous parlez | you (pl.) speak / are speaking | |
| ils/elles parlent | they speak / they are speaking |
-ir Verbs
-ir verbs that are regular follow a pattern where you remove the -ir ending to find the stem and then add endings like -is, -is, -it, -issons, -issez, and -issent in the present tense. This group includes common verbs like finir and choisir.
| French Conjugation | English Translation | |
|---|---|---|
| je finis | I finish / I am finishing | |
| tu finis | you finish / you are finishing | |
| il/elle finit | he/she finishes / is finishing | |
| nous finissons | we finish / we are finishing | |
| vous finissez | you (pl.) finish / are finishing | |
| ils/elles finissent | they finish / they are finishing |
-re Verbs
-re verbs that are regular drop the final -re from the infinitive to find the stem and add endings like -s, -s, -t, -ons, -ez, and -ent in the present tense. Verbs like vendre and attendre follow this pattern.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025