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

5347 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe where you live for your blog.


How should I practice for a GCSE French speaking exam?


What is the difference between bon and bien in french?


How do you compare two things in French?


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