Futur simple: infinitive + endings (like present of avoir)
The Futur Simple — Talking About the Future with Confidence
The futur simple is the standard way to talk about the future in French.
It’s simple, predictable, and works for any verb. Use it for plans, predictions, or statements about what will happen.
The Radical — Using the Infinitive
Rule: The futur simple is super easy to build because the radical is usually the entire infinitive.
Examples:
- Manger → Manger-
- Finir → Finir-
- Aller → Ir- (exception!)
Just take the infinitive, attach the endings, and you’re done.
The Secret — Futur Simple Endings
The endings of futur simple are exactly the same as the present tense of AVOIR (except for nous/vous).
Endings:
| Subject | Ending |
|---|---|
| je | -ai |
| tu | -as |
| il / elle / on | -a |
| nous | -ons |
| vous | -ez |
| ils / elles | -ont |
Example:
- Je mangerai → I will eat
- Tu finiras → You will finish
- Il parlera → He will speak
Combine Infinitive + endings, and the futur simple is ready — no auxiliary, no drama. It is really simple!
PARLER - Futur Simple
| Sujet | Conjugaison |
|---|---|
| Je | parlerai |
| Tu | parleras |
| Il / Elle | parlera |
| Nous | parlerons |
| Vous | parlerez |
| Ils / Elles | parleront |
Important Note 1
The "R" Trick (The Future Detector) This is the absolute golden rule: there is no future tense without the letter "R". If you are conjugating a verb in the future and you don't see (or hear) an "R" just before the ending, you’ve picked the wrong tense.
- Je chanterai, je finirai, je viendrai, je serai...
Important Note 2
The endings for the Futur Simple are exactly the same as the present tense of the verb "Avoir" (ai, as, a, ons, ez, ont). It's impossible to forget!
- Je parler-ai (J'ai - I have)
- Tu parler-as (Tu as - You have)
- Il parler-a (Il a - He has)
Key Takeaways
- Futur simple = Infinitive + endings
- Radical is usually the whole verb (Infinitive), exceptions exist like aller → ir-
- Endings = same as present of AVOIR (-ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont)
- Use futur simple for plans, predictions, or statements about the future
- Very regular and predictable, easy to master once you know the endings
In the app, you will find interactive exercises and quizzes tailored for this intermediate level.
Practice French conjugation for free in the Croissant Verbs app
Quizzes and spaced repetition for every tense, for free on your phone—plus short grammar guides on our Learn hub.
