French verb conjugations often look complicated. Dozens of endings, irregular forms, and tenses make learners feel like everything must be memorized.

But French conjugation is not random. There is a system, once you know where to look.

 

 

1.   Most French Verbs Follow Patterns

Over 90% of French verbs belong to three verb groups.

Examples:

• -er verbs → parler, aimer, travailler
• -ir verbs → finir, choisir
• -re verbs → vendre, attendre

Once you learn the pattern for one verb, you can conjugate thousands of others the same way.

 

 

2.   The Verb Stem Usually Stays the Same

In most cases, the verb stem does not change; only the ending does.

Example (parler – to speak):

• je parle
• nous parlons
• ils parlent

This means you’re not learning six new words, just one stem + six endings.

 

 

3.   Irregular Verbs Are Fewer Than You Think

Some verbs look completely irregular, but many share similar patterns.

Examples:

• venir / tenir → je viens, je tiens
• prendre / apprendre → je prends, j’apprends

Learning irregular verbs in families makes them easier to remember.

 

 

4.   Spoken French Simplifies Conjugations

In everyday speech, many endings sound the same.

Examples:

• • je parle / tu parles / il parle → all sound alike
  • ils parlent → same pronunciation, different spelling This means spoken French is often simpler than written

 

5.   Tenses Are Used More Selectively Than You Think

Learners worry about mastering every tense, but French speakers mainly rely on a few.

Most useful first:

• Present
• Passé composé
• Near future (aller + infinitive) You don’t need everything at once.

 

Final Thought

French verb conjugation isn’t about memorizing endless forms. It’s about recognizing patterns, learning verb families, and focusing on how French is actually spoken.

Once you see the system, conjugation becomes manageable and even logical.