The present tense in French is used to describe current actions, habitual activities, and general truths. Regular verbs follow a consistent pattern based on their infinitive endings: -er, -ir, and -re.
Conjugation Patterns
Regular -er Verbs
Infinitive Example: parler (to speak)
| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| je | parle |
| tu | parles |
| il/elle/on | parle |
| nous | parlons |
| vous | parlez |
| ils/elles | parlent |
Regular -ir Verbs
Infinitive Example: finir (to finish)
| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| je | finis |
| tu | finis |
| il/elle/on | finit |
| nous | finissons |
| vous | finissez |
| ils/elles | finissent |
Regular -re Verbs
Infinitive Example: vendre (to sell)
| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| je | vends |
| tu | vends |
| il/elle/on | vend |
| nous | vendons |
| vous | vendez |
| ils/elles | vendent |
Summary
- -er verbs: Add -e, -es, -e, -ons, -ez, -ent.
- -ir verbs: Add -is, -is, -it, -issons, -issez, -issent.
- -re verbs: Add -s, -s, -, -ons, -ez, -ent.
This pattern provides a foundation for conjugating most regular verbs in the present tense.
Mastering these patterns will help you communicate effectively in French, as regular verbs form a significant part of daily conversation.