French, like other Romance languages, has a wide variety of verbs that can be classified as regular and irregular. Understanding this classification and how each type of verb behaves is fundamental to acquiring fluency in French, especially at the intermediate level. In this section, we will explore regular and irregular verbs in French.
Regular Verbs
Regular verbs in French are those that follow a fixed pattern in their conjugations. They are divided into three main groups according to the ending of the infinitive: verbs that end in -er (like "parler" - to speak), -ir (like "finir" - to finish) and -re (like "vendre" - to sell ).
Regular -er verbs are the largest group and, fortunately, the easiest to learn. For example, to conjugate the verb "parler" in the present tense, we simply remove the -er and add the appropriate endings: je parle (I speak), tu parles (you speak), il/elle/on parle (he/she/us we speak), nous parlons (we speak), vous parlez (you speak), ils/elles parlent (they speak).
The regular verbs -ir and -re follow a similar pattern, although the endings are different. For example, the verb "finir" becomes je finis, tu finis, il/elle/on finit, nous finissons, vous finissez, ils/elles finissent. The verb "vendre" becomes je vends, tu vends, il/elle/on vend, nous vendens, vous vendez, ils/elles vendent.
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs in French are those that do not follow a fixed pattern in their conjugations. These verbs can be a little more challenging to learn, as each has its own quirks. However, many of the most common verbs in French are irregular, so it is essential to know them.
Continue in our app.
You can listen to the audiobook with the screen off, receive a free certificate for this course, and also have access to 5,000 other free online courses.
Or continue reading below...
Download the app
For example, the verb "être" (to be) is one of the most common and most irregular verbs in French. Its conjugation in the present is: je suis (I am), tu es (you are), il/elle/on est (he/she/we is/are), nous sommes (we are), vous êtes (you are) , ils/elles sont (they are).
Another common irregular verb is "avoir" (to have). Its conjugation in the present is: j'ai (I have), tu as (you have), il/elle/on a (he/she/we have/we have), nous avons (we have), vous avez (you have ), ils/elles ont (they have).
As you can see, there is no fixed pattern that can be applied to these verbs, so they simply need to be memorized. However, many irregular verbs share certain characteristics, so once you start to become familiar with them, you can start to recognize patterns and predict how other irregular verbs might be conjugated.
In conclusion, understanding regular and irregular verbs is a key component to mastering French at the intermediate level. Practicing verb conjugation regularly and memorizing the most common irregular verbs will help you become more fluent and confident in French.
