How to conjugate regular verbs of the first group in the present tense?

Introduction

Are you a beginner in French or do you want to strengthen your basics? Understanding the conjugation of 1st group verbs in the present tense is an essential step for speaking and writing correctly. Verbs like « aimer, » « parler, » and « chanter » follow simple rules, but be careful: a few common mistakes can quickly complicate things. In this article, we’ll look at how to recognize a 1st group verb, which endings to use in the present tense, and how to avoid common pitfalls. By the end, you’ll be able to conjugate regular 1st group verbs in the present tense without hesitation!

Regular verbs of the 1st group in the present tense

Today, we’ll be working on the present indicative tense in French, and more specifically on verbs from the first group that end in « -er. » Examples include: « parler » « aimer » and « jouer. »

Please note, there’s one exception: the verb « aller » is not included because it’s not from the first group.

Ready? Let’s go!

The basics of conjugating first-group verbs in the present tense

To conjugate a first-group verb in the present tense, simply follow a simple rule:

👉 First, remove the « -er » ending from the infinitive to obtain the root.

👉 Then, add the endings specific to each person.

These endings are the same for all first-group verbs, making them easier to learn.

Let’s take a closer look:

Structure of the endings of verbs of the 1st group in the present tense:

• Je → -e
• Tu → -es
• Il/Elle → -e
• Nous → -ons
• Vous → -ez
• Ils/Elles → -ent

Example of conjugation: the verb « Parler » in the present tense

Let’s do a practical exercise. Let’s take the verb « parler » or « to speak » and conjugate it in the present tense.

As you can see, the pronunciation of the conjugation of verbs in the first group is quite simple and repetitive. Keep in mind that it is pronounced “E” every time, except for “nous” and “vous” which end with the sounds “ON” and “É” respectively.

Some examples of verbs of the 1st group

Let’s continue the exercise. Here is a list of verbs from the first group. It’s up to you to conjugate these verbs in the present tense, in all persons.

💡 Quick tip: Learn the verbs on the list if you don’t already know them. You’ll need them often to express your tastes or activities.

The particularities

Now, let’s look at some small features to watch out for when using the first person plural « nous »/ »we »:

• ➤ Verbs ending in « -ger »: Verbs ending in « -ger » like « manger, » « to eat, » or « nager, » « to swim » add an e after the g to « nous »/ »we » to keep the soft [ʒ] sound.

👉 Thus, we would say « Nous mangeons » and not « mangons. »

• ➤ Verbs ending in -cer: Verbs ending in -cer like « commencer » and « to start » also change to « nous »/ »we. » The c becomes a ç before the o to keep the strong [s] sound.

👉 We would say « Nous commencer » and not « commencons. »

Tips for memorizing the conjugation of 1st group verbs

• Write everyday sentences: Write simple sentences using first-group verbs in the present tense.
• Conjugate regularly: Try to conjugate the verbs you use most, such as « to speak, » « to work, » « to love, » or « to watch, » etc.

Observe the specifics: Pay attention to the small changes in verbs ending in -ger and -cer.

Conclusion

Learning to conjugate regular verbs of the first group in the present tense is a fundamental step in improving your French. By following the simple rules we’ve seen—recognizing a verb ending in -er, using the correct endings, and avoiding common mistakes—you can quickly improve your written and spoken expression.

Remember: regular practice is the key to conjugating naturally without thinking. So, practice with different verbs of the first group and use them in your everyday sentences.