Here's how they work:
* Stem: The verb's core meaning is contained in its stem. This is the part that remains the same, regardless of conjugation.
* Endings: These are added to the stem to indicate tense, mood, and person.
For example, let's take the verb "parler" (to speak):
* Stem: "parl-"
* Endings: "-e", "-es", "-e", "-ons", "-ez", "-ent"
By combining the stem with the appropriate ending, you can conjugate the verb in different tenses.
Here's an example of the conjugation of "parler" in the present tense:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Je (I) | parle | parlons |
| Tu (You) | parles | parlez |
| Il/Elle/On (He/She/One) | parle | parlent |
However, French has several groups of verbs that don't follow these regular patterns. They're called irregular verbs and have their own unique conjugations.
Key Points to Remember:
* Regular verbs make up a significant part of the French language.
* Mastering regular verb conjugation is crucial for understanding French grammar.
* Irregular verbs are important but are often learned individually.
Understanding the concept of regular verbs in French will help you learn and apply the language effectively.