The Formula
1. Remove the -er ending: This gives you the verb stem.
2. Add the appropriate ending: The endings change based on the subject pronoun.
Example: Parler (to speak)
* Je parle (I speak)
* Tu parles (You speak)
* Il/Elle/On parle (He/She/One speaks)
* Nous parlons (We speak)
* Vous parlez (You (plural) speak)
* Ils/Elles parlent (They speak)
Endings for -er Verbs
| Subject Pronoun | Ending |
|---|---|
| Je | -e |
| Tu | -es |
| Il/Elle/On | -e |
| Nous | -ons |
| Vous | -ez |
| Ils/Elles | -ent |
Important Notes:
* The "tu" form: Be careful to use "tu" for the informal "you" (when addressing a friend or someone close).
* The "vous" form: Use "vous" for the formal "you" (when addressing someone you don't know well, someone older, or in a professional setting).
* Regular Verbs: Most -er verbs are regular and follow this conjugation pattern.
Let's try an example:
Verb: Manger (to eat)
1. Remove -er: mang
2. Add endings:
* Je mange
* Tu manges
* Il/Elle/On mange
* Nous mangeons
* Vous mangez
* Ils/Elles mangent
Practice makes perfect! Try conjugating other -er verbs, such as:
* Appeler (to call)
* Jouer (to play)
* Aimer (to like)
* Vendre (to sell)