French Present Tense Verb Conjugations

Regular verbs follow predictable patterns based on their infinitive endings $-er, -ir, -re$. Once you learn these patterns, you can conjugate hundreds of verbs correctly!

For -er verbs like regarder (to watch), simply drop the -er and add the endings: -e, -es, -e, -ons, -ez, -ent. Most French verbs follow this pattern, making it the most useful one to memorise.

-ir verbs like choisir (to choose) use: -is, -is, -it, -issons, -issez, -issent. Notice how nous and vous forms add -iss- before the ending.

-re verbs like attendre (to wait) are less common but still important: -s, -s, -, -ons, -ez, -ent. The il/elle/on form has no extra ending - just drop the -re!

Quick tip: The nous and vous endings $-ons, -ez$ are the same for all regular verb types, so start there if you're unsure.

Irregular verbs don't follow these patterns, but the most common ones appear constantly in French. Focus on être (to be), avoir (to have), and aller (to go) first - you'll use these in nearly every conversation. Then tackle faire $to do/make$, pouvoir (to be able), and vouloir (to want) as these express essential ideas.