Imparfait spelling traps: -ger, -cer, -ier / -yer
The Imparfait — Spelling Traps (-IER, -YER, -GER, -CER)
Some verbs in the imparfait cause frequent mistakes because small changes are needed to preserve pronunciation.
This lesson covers the main traps so you can avoid common errors.
1️⃣ Verbs Ending in -GER
Problem: The g sound becomes hard before a, o, u (like go in English). Solution: Add an extra e before a in the imparfait to keep it soft:
Examples:
| Verb | Je | Nous |
|---|---|---|
| manger | je mangeais | nous mangions |
| nager | je nageais | nous nagions |
Notice: no extra e needed for nous/vous/ils, because the stem + ending naturally keeps the soft sound.
2️⃣ Verbs Ending in -CER
Problem: The c before a, o, u becomes hard (like cat). Solution: Add a cedilla (ç) to keep the soft “s” sound:
Examples:
| Verb | Je | Nous |
|---|---|---|
| lancer | je lançais | nous lancions |
| commencer | je commençais | nous commencions |
3️⃣ Verbs Ending in -IER or -YER
Problem: Double i appears in the stem when combined with endings -ions / -iez (nous/vous forms).
Examples:
| Verb | Je | Nous | Vous |
|---|---|---|---|
| étudier | j’étudiais | nous étudiions | vous étudiiez |
| crier | je criais | nous criions | vous criiez |
| payer | je payais | nous payions | vous payiez |
👉 Accept the double i as correct spelling. It is NOT a typo! 👉 Only the nous/vous forms get the double i. The singular forms remain simple.
Important Note 1
mot en i vs mot en ii : difference de prononciation
Important Note 2
This is a classic spelling trap for verbs ending in -ier (like étudier) or -yer (like payer). In the Nous and Vous forms, you must keep the radical and the ending, even if it looks strange!
The Rule: Radical + Ending (-ions / -iez)
- Étudier (to study) → Stem: étudi- → Nous étudiions (Yes, double "i"!)
- Payer (to pay) → Stem: pay- → Vous payiez (Yes, "y" then "i"!)
💡 Pro Tip: You might not hear the difference clearly when speaking, but it is mandatory in writing to show the difference between the Present and the Imparfait.
Key Takeaways
- -GER → add e before endings starting with a to keep soft “g”: je mangeais
- -CER → add ç before endings starting with a to keep soft “c”: je lançais
- -IER / -YER → double i in nous/vous forms: nous étudiions, vous criiez
- Watch these traps — they are very common in writing, but pronunciation cues can help.
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