ER Verb Conjugation

¥ conjugating a verb means matching it to a subject

¥ 4 types of verbs: ER, IR, RE, irregulars

¥ verbs are learned in the infinitive (unconjugated) form

¥ verbs are made of two parts: stem and ending

parler parl = stem, er = ending

¥ need to know subject pronoun chart

Conjugating a verb:

1. Take off infinitive ending (ER)

2. Add ending that agrees with subject to stem (ending in same box as subject on subject pronoun chart)

ER endings:

e ons

es ez

e ent

¥ conjugated verbs have several meanings

Je parle = I do speak

I speak

I am speaking

(helping verbs are not used in French as often as in English)

Examples:

je form of parler Je parle = I speak, I do speak, I am speaking

ils form of chanter Ils chantent = They sing, they do sing, they are singing