How do you know if a verb is from the second or the third group when it finishes by "-ir"

You usually know that a verb is in the second group when it finishes by "-ir". However, some verbs of the third group also end by "-ir". The differentiation is then possible when you look at their conjugation in the present: a second group verb always ends by "-issons", "-issez" and "-issent" at the first, second and third persons of plural whereas in the third group you will find other terminations. For instance, if you look at the plural terminations of the verb "finir" (=finish) they are "nous finissons", "vous finissez" and "ils finissent". If you look on the other hand at the verb "courir" (=run), the terminations are "nous courons", "vous courez" and "ils courent". Therefore, "finir" is in the second group whereas "courir" is in the third one.

LP
Answered by Leyla P. French tutor

5491 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between the usage of the imperfect an the present perfect ?


How do I differentiate between the articles le/la/les/un/une/des and when to use them?


How do you construct the perfect tense for verbs that take avoir?


Quand j’étais jeune, je voulais être actrice mais maintenant je voudrais étudier le droit. True or false. 1)Alex is a girl. 2)Alex is a lawyer. 3)Alex wanted to be an actor.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences