French Endings for -er Verbs

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In French grammar, -er verbs are one of the three major verb groups. These verbs are characterized by their infinitive form ending in “-er.” Understanding the conjugation patterns and endings for -er verbs is essential for mastering the language. In this article, we will look into the endings for -er verbs in different tenses and moods.

 

Present Tense Endings

In the present tense, -er verbs are conjugated as follows:

  • Je (I): -e
  • Tu (You, singular informal): -es
  • Il/Elle/On (He/She/One): -e
  • Nous (We): -ons
  • Vous (You, plural/formal): -ez
  • Ils/Elles (They): -ent

Example: For the verb “parler” (to speak), the present tense conjugation would be:

  • Je parle
  • Tu parles
  • Il/Elle/On parle
  • Nous parlons
  • Vous parlez
  • Ils/Elles parlent

 

Imperfect Tense Endings

In the imperfect tense, the endings for -er verbs are:

  • Je (I): -ais
  • Tu (You, singular informal): -ais
  • Il/Elle/On (He/She/One): -ait
  • Nous (We): -ions
  • Vous (You, plural/formal): -iez
  • Ils/Elles (They): -aient

Example: For the verb “aimer” (to love), the imperfect tense conjugation would be:

  • J'aimais
  • Tu aimais
  • Il/Elle/On aimait
  • Nous aimions
  • Vous aimiez
  • Ils/Elles aimaient

 

Future Tense Endings

In the future tense, -er verbs are conjugated with the following endings:

  • Je (I): -ai
  • Tu (You, singular informal): -as
  • Il/Elle/On (He/She/One): -a
  • Nous (We): -ons
  • Vous (You, plural/formal): -ez
  • Ils/Elles (They): -ont

Example: For the verb “manger” (to eat), the future tense conjugation would be:

  • Je mangerai
  • Tu mangeras
  • Il/Elle/On mangera
  • Nous mangerons
  • Vous mangerez
  • Ils/Elles mangeront

 

Conditional Mood Endings

In the conditional mood, -er verbs have the following endings:

  • Je (I): -ais
  • Tu (You, singular informal): -ais
  • Il/Elle/On (He/She/One): -ait
  • Nous (We): -ions
  • Vous (You, plural/formal): -iez
  • Ils/Elles (They): -aient

Example: For the verb “chanter” (to sing), the conditional mood conjugation would be:

  • Je chanterais
  • Tu chanterais
  • Il/Elle/On chanterait
  • Nous chanterions
  • Vous chanteriez
  • Ils/Elles chanteraient

 

Example Text with -er Verbs

Dans un charmant village français, Marie, une boulangère passionnée, commence sa journée avec enthousiasme en pétrissant la pâte pour les baguettes du matin. Alors qu'elle travaille, elle fredonne joyeusement, sa voix résonnant dans la boulangerie. La routine de Marie est simple mais gratifiante. Chaque jour, elle s'efforce d'améliorer son métier, en expérimentant de nouvelles recettes. Ses clients apprécient ses efforts, s'arrêtant souvent pour la complimenter. À midi, elle déjeune avec des amis dans un café, savourant soupe et conversation. L'après-midi, elle retourne à sa boulangerie, façonnant des croissants avec des doigts agiles. Au coucher du soleil, Marie admire ses créations avant de fermer boutique. En réfléchissant à la journée, elle trouve du contentement malgré les défis.

(In a charming French village, Marie, a passionate baker, starts her day with enthusiasm, kneading dough for morning baguettes. As she works, she hums cheerfully, her voice echoing through the bakery. Marie's routine is simple yet fulfilling. Every day, she strives to improve her craft, experimenting with new recipes. Her customers appreciate her efforts, often stopping by to compliment her. At midday, she enjoys lunch with friends at a café, savoring soup and conversation. In the afternoon, she returns to her bakery, shaping croissants with nimble fingers. As the sun sets, Marie admires her creations before closing shop. Reflecting on the day, she finds contentment despite the challenges.)

 

Exercises

Here are some exercises to practice conjugating -er verbs in different tenses and moods:

Exercise 1: Present Tense

Conjugate the following verbs in the present tense:

  1. Parler (to speak)
  2. Manger (to eat)
  3. Chanter (to sing)
  4. Jouer (to play)
  5. Regarder (to watch)

Exercise 2: Imperfect Tense

Conjugate the following verbs in the imperfect tense:

  1. Aimer (to love)
  2. Finir (to finish)
  3. Rester (to stay)
  4. Vendre (to sell)
  5. Prendre (to take)

Exercise 3: Future Tense

Conjugate the following verbs in the future tense:

  1. Voyager (to travel)
  2. Étudier (to study)
  3. Trouver (to find)
  4. Attendre (to wait)
  5. Partager (to share)

Exercise 4: Conditional Mood

Conjugate the following verbs in the conditional mood:

  1. Danser (to dance)
  2. Écouter (to listen)
  3. Réussir (to succeed)
  4. Voyager (to travel)
  5. Apprendre (to learn)

Exercise 5: Mixed Tenses

Conjugate the following verbs in the appropriate tense or mood (present, imperfect, future, or conditional):

  1. Choisir (to choose)
  2. Détester (to hate)
  3. Arriver (to arrive)
  4. Parler (to speak)
  5. Vivre (to live)