Verb groups: -er, regular -ir (-iss-), and the third group
Understanding Verb Groups in the Present Tense
Before learning how to conjugate French verbs in the present, you need to understand how verbs are classified.
This classification helps you predict how a verb will behave.
Infinitives: The Starting Point
Every verb appears in dictionaries in its infinitive form.
This is the base form of the verb — the version that has no subject attached.
Examples:
- parler → to speak
- finir → to finish
- vendre → to sell
The infinitive is important because it tells you which group a verb belongs to
The Traditional “Three-Group” System
French verbs are traditionally divided into three groups, based on their infinitive endings.
First Group: -ER verbs
These are verbs ending in -er (except one major exception: aller).
Examples:
- parler
- aimer
- travailler
👉 This is the largest and most regular group.
Second Group: -IR verbs (regular type)
These verbs end in -ir and follow a specific regular pattern.
They can be recognized because their present plural forms contain -iss-.
Examples:
- finir → nous finissons
- choisir → nous choisissons
👉 This group is smaller but still regular.
Third Group: All Other Verbs
This group includes:
- -re verbs (vendre, attendre)
- -oir verbs (pouvoir, vouloir)
- irregular -ir verbs (venir, partir)
- and all the other verbs.
👉 This is the most irregular and complex group.
How to Recognize Verb Groups Quickly
You can usually identify a group by looking at the infinitive ending:
| Ending | Likely Group | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -er | First group | parler |
| -ir | Second group | finir |
| -re | Third group | vendre |
| -oir | Third group | pouvoir |
This quick check helps you predict the conjugation pattern.
Why This Matters for Conjugation
Knowing the group helps you:
- anticipate endings
- recognize stem changes
- learn verbs more efficiently
Instead of memorizing each verb individually, you learn patterns.
The Reality: French Does NOT Truly Have Only Three Groups
The “three groups” system is a simplification that is not that useful.
In practice:
- French has around a dozen conjugation models
- Many verbs follow unique stem patterns
The present tense contains the most irregularities in the language. This makes the present tensethe hardest tense to master
However, once you learn the main patterns, the system will become much clearer and you will be able to master other tenses in no time!
Key Takeaways
- The infinitive is the base form of a verb.
- Verbs are traditionally divided into three groups.
- In reality, French has many conjugation models.
- You can usually identify a group from the infinitive ending.
- The present tense is the most irregular and challenging. Don't give up early, it gets easier after!
In the app, you will find interactive exercises and quizzes tailored for this beginner 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.
