French Endings for -ir Verbs

French verbs ending in -ir form a significant category in the language's conjugation system. From regular verbs to irregular ones, understanding their patterns and conjugation rules is crucial for mastering French grammar. In this guide, we'll look into the various types of -ir verbs and how to conjugate them.

 

Regular -ir Verbs

Regular -ir verbs follow a predictable conjugation pattern in different tenses and moods. Here's how you conjugate them in the present tense:

1. Je (I): -is
2. Tu (You): -is
3. Il/Elle/On (He/She/One): -it
4. Nous (We): -issons
5. Vous (You): -issez
6. Ils/Elles (They): -issent

 

Examples of Regular -ir Verbs:

• Finir (to finish)

  • Je finis
  • Tu finis
  • Il/Elle/On finit
  • Nous finissons
  • Vous finissez
  • Ils/Elles finissent

• Choisir (to choose)

  • Je choisis
  • Tu choisis
  • Il/Elle/On choisit
  • Nous choisissons
  • Vous choisissez
  • Ils/Elles choisissent

 

Irregular -ir Verbs

Irregular -ir verbs deviate from the standard conjugation pattern, requiring memorization of their unique forms. Some common irregular -ir verbs include:

• Partir (to leave)
• Dormir (to sleep)
• Sortir (to go out)
• Servir (to serve)
• Sentir (to feel/smell)

 

Examples of Irregular -ir Verbs:

• Partir

  • Je pars
  • Tu pars
  • Il/Elle/On part
  • Nous partons
  • Vous partez
  • Ils/Elles partent

• Dormir

  • Je dors
  • Tu dors
  • Il/Elle/On dort
  • Nous dormons
  • Vous dormez
  • Ils/Elles dorment

 

Stem-Changing -ir Verbs

Some -ir verbs undergo stem changes in certain conjugations. These changes occur to maintain pronunciation consistency. The most common stem-changing verbs include:

• Sentir (to feel/smell)
• Mentir (to lie)
• Servir (to serve)

Examples of Stem-Changing -ir Verbs:

• Sentir

  • Je sens
  • Tu sens
  • Il/Elle/On sent
  • Nous sentons
  • Vous sentez
  • Ils/Elles sentent

• Mentir

  • Je mens
  • Tu mens
  • Il/Elle/On ment
  • Nous mentons
  • Vous mentez
  • Ils/Elles mentent

 

Example sentences

here are some example sentences using various -ir verbs:

1. Regular -ir Verb (Finir):

   • Je finis mes devoirs avant le dîner. (I finish my homework before dinner.)

2. Irregular -ir Verb (Partir):

   • Ils partent en vacances demain matin. (They are leaving for vacation tomorrow morning.)

3. Stem-Changing -ir Verb (Sentir):

   • Tu sens la fleur dans le jardin? (Do you smell the flower in the garden?)

4. Regular -ir Verb (Choisir):

   • Nous choisissons un nouveau livre à lire. (We are choosing a new book to read.)

5. Irregular -ir Verb (Dormir):

   • Elle dort paisiblement sous l'arbre. (She sleeps peacefully under the tree.)

6. Stem-Changing -ir Verb (Mentir):

   • Je ne mens jamais à mes amis. (I never lie to my friends.)

7. Regular -ir Verb (Finir):

   • Vous finissez toujours vos repas en premier. (You always finish your meals first.)

8. Irregular -ir Verb (Sortir):

   • Ils sortent souvent le soir pour se détendre. (They often go out in the evening to relax.)

 

Example Text: Sophie's Culinary Journey

Dans une petite ville française, Sophie, une passionnée de cuisine, ouvre sa propre boulangerie. Un jour, des touristes lui demandent des recommandations. Elle suggère un bistrot local. Ce soir-là, elle dîne là-bas, choisissant un poulet rôti. Après le repas, inspirée, elle crée une nouvelle recette de dessert. Les jours suivants, elle la partage avec ses clients. Son bistrot devient populaire. Sophie réalise qu'elle a trouvé sa place dans le monde de la cuisine.

(In a small French town, Sophie opens her own bakery, sharing her passion for cooking. One day, tourists ask for recommendations, and she suggests a local bistro. That evening, she dines there, choosing roast chicken. After the meal, inspired, she creates a new dessert recipe. In the following days, she shares it with her customers. Her bistro becomes popular, and Sophie realizes she has found her place in the culinary world.)