French Endings for -re Verbs

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French verbs ending in -re are part of the third conjugation group. While many -re verbs follow regular conjugation patterns, some have unique endings that require attention. Let's look into the variations in conjugating -re verbs in French.

 

Regular Conjugation

Regular -re verbs follow a predictable pattern in conjugation. Here's a breakdown of the endings for each subject pronoun:

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

For example, the verb “attendre” (to wait) conjugated in the present tense:

  • J'attends
  • Tu attends
  • Il/Elle/On attend
  • Nous attendons
  • Vous attendez
  • Ils/Elles attendent

 

Exceptions

Some -re verbs deviate from the regular conjugation pattern. Let's look into these exceptions:

 

Verbs Ending in -dre

Verbs ending in -dre change the stem in the singular conjugations:

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

For example, the verb “prendre” (to take):

  • Je prends
  • Tu prends
  • Il/Elle/On prend
  • Nous prenons
  • Vous prenez
  • Ils/Elles prennent

 

Verbs Ending in -aindre, -eindre, and -oindre

Verbs ending in -aindre, -eindre, and -oindre undergo a spelling change in the singular conjugations:

  • Je (I): -s
  • Tu (You, singular informal): -s
  • Il/Elle/On (He/She/One): -t
  • Nous (We): -gnons
  • Vous (You, plural/formal): -gnez
  • Ils/Elles (They): -gnent

For example, the verb “peindre” (to paint):

  • Je peins
  • Tu peins
  • Il/Elle/On peint
  • Nous peignons
  • Vous peignez
  • Ils/Elles peignent

 

Example Text with -re Verbs

En France, la cuisine est une véritable passion. Les Français adorent préparer et déguster de délicieux plats. Beaucoup de recettes traditionnelles françaises utilisent des herbes fraîches pour rehausser les saveurs. Par exemple, le plat classique “Coq au Vin” nécessite du vin rouge pour cuisiner le poulet lentement avec des oignons et des champignons. Les chefs français sont connus pour leur habileté à manier les couteaux et à couper les légumes avec précision.

(In France, cooking is a true passion. The French love to prepare and enjoy delicious dishes. Many traditional French recipes use fresh herbs to enhance the flavors. For example, the classic dish “Coq au Vin” requires red wine to cook the chicken slowly with onions and mushrooms. French chefs are known for their skill in handling knives and cutting vegetables with precision.)

 

Exercises with Verbs Ending in -re

Here are some exercises using verbs with -re endings along with their answers:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences by conjugating the given -re verbs in the appropriate form.

  1. Nous ________ (attendre) le bus.
  2. Tu ________ (vendre) des livres à la librairie.
  3. Elle ________ (répondre) toujours aux questions.
  4. Ils ne ________ (comprendre) pas la situation.
  5. Vous ________ (perdre) vos clés souvent.

Exercise 2: Translate to French

Translate the following sentences into French, using the correct form of the -re verbs provided.

  1. They take the train.
  2. I sell my old clothes.
  3. We understand the lesson.
  4. She waits for her friend.
  5. You respond quickly.

 

Answers

Here are the answers to the exercises above:

Exercise 1:

  1. attendons
  2. vends
  3. répond
  4. comprennent
  5. perdez

Exercise 2:

  1. Ils prennent le train.
  2. Je vends mes vieux vêtements.
  3. Nous comprenons la leçon.
  4. Elle attend son amie.
  5. Vous répondez rapidement.