Regular -ir verb conjugation
Regular -ir verbs (the Second Conjugation) follow a predictable pattern. The singular forms end in -is, -is, -it, while the plural forms add -iss- before the endings -ons, -ez, -ent.
How It Works
Regular -ir verbs are the second-largest group of verbs in French. They are often called 'iss-verbs' because of the unique -iss- sound that appears in the plural forms.
1. The Conjugation Pattern:
Take the verb finir (to finish). The stem is fin-.
- je finis (I finish)
- tu finis (you finish)
- il/elle/on finit (he/she/one finishes)
- nous finissons (we finish)
- vous finissez (you finish)
- ils/elles finissent (they finish)
2. Pronunciation Note:
In the singular forms (finis, finit), the final 's' and 't' are silent. However, in the plural forms, the -iss- creates a clear 's' sound (/s/), which helps distinguish them from the singular.
3. Common Verbs:
Many common verbs follow this pattern, including choisir (to choose), réussir (to succeed), grandir (to grow), and réfléchir (to reflect/think).
4. Important Distinction:
Not all verbs ending in -ir are regular. Some, like partir or dormir, belong to the 'Third Group' and do not use the -iss- augment.
Examples (5)
- Je finis mes devoirs ce soir.
I am finishing my homework tonight.
Word by Word: I finish my duties this evening.
The singular 'je' form uses the -is ending.
- Nous choisissons un bon restaurant.
We are choosing a good restaurant.
Word by Word: We choose a good restaurant.
The plural 'nous' form adds -iss- before the -ons ending.
- Les enfants grandissent très vite.
The children are growing up very fast.
Word by Word: The children grow very fast.
The 'ils/elles' plural form uses -issent. Note that the -ent is silent, but the -iss- is pronounced.
- Est-ce que vous réussissez à l'examen ?
Are you succeeding on the exam?
Word by Word: Is it that you succeed at the exam?
The 'vous' form uses the -issez ending.
- Elle réfléchit à la question.
She is thinking about the question.
Word by Word: She reflects at the question.
The 'il/elle' form uses the -it ending.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting the -iss- in plural forms.
Nous finons le travail.Nous finissons le travail.Learners often treat -ir verbs like -er verbs and forget the mandatory -iss- augment for the plural subjects.
Applying the -iss- pattern to irregular -ir verbs.
Nous partissons demain.Nous partons demain.Verbs like partir, sortir, and dormir are irregular and do not use the -iss- augment. Only 'Second Group' regular -ir verbs use it.
Pronouncing the -ent at the end of the ils/elles form.
ils finissent [finisɑ̃]ils finissent [finis]In the form 'finissent', the 'ent' is silent. You should stop at the 's' sound created by the -iss-.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn regular -ir verb conjugation, you must first understand how French subject pronouns work and be familiar with the basic concept of verb stems and endings, typically introduced through -er verbs.
- Regular -er verb conjugation
Understanding the concept of regular verb conjugation and stem-based endings in French is best established first with -er verbs.
Level 1 - nousFirst-person Plural Nous
The -ir verb group has a distinct -iss- stem change specifically in the plural forms, making knowledge of plural pronouns like 'nous' essential.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- Regular -re verb conjugation
The third group of regular verbs in French.
Level 1 - partir / sortir / dormirThe Partir/sortir/dormir Verb Group
A group of -ir verbs that are irregular and do not follow the -iss- pattern.
Level 1 - jeFirst-person Singular Je
The first-person singular pronoun used with the -is ending.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice Regular -ir verb conjugation in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes French lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
