Irregular verbs in French: puzzle or key to mastery?

Learning a foreign language is often like piecing together a puzzle where some pieces seem impossible to put together. In French, one of the most complex pieces is undoubtedly that of irregular verbs . But what is an irregular verb? Why do they exist? And above all, how can you master them?

In this article, we'll explore the fascinating world of irregular verbs in French. From historical logic to memorization tips and common mistakes, you'll learn everything you need to understand and use them easily.

What is an irregular verb?

A verb is said to be irregular when it does not follow the classic conjugation patterns . In French, the majority of verbs follow relatively simple patterns. For example, verbs in the first group (those ending in -er , such as parler ) are generally very regular:

• I speak
• you speak
• he/she speaks
• we speak
• you speak
• they speak

But some verbs, often among the most used in the language, escape this rule . Their conjugation varies unpredictably from one tense to another or from one person to another. For example, the verb être :

• I am
• You are
• he is
• we are
• You are
• they are

We are far from the simplicity of speaking , are we not?

Why are there irregular verbs?

Irregular verbs are not there to complicate learners' lives out of pure linguistic malice. Their irregularity results from the natural evolution of the language .

Some of these verbs date back to Latin , or even to older forms in Celtic or Germanic languages. Over time, popular usage, sounds, and habits transformed their form. But because these verbs were extremely common , their irregular form survived.

Thus, avoir , être , faire , aller and pouvoir are irregular because they have been used constantly – and continue to be.

The most common irregular verbs

If you're learning French, it's essential to focus on the most common irregular verbs. Here are some you'll encounter every day:

• To be : I am, you are, he is…
• To have : I have, you have, he has…
• Go : I go, you go, he goes…
• To do : I do, you do, he does…
• Power : I can, you can, he can…
• Want : I want, you want, he wants…
• To come : I come, you come, he comes…
• Duty : I must, you must, he must…
• Know : I know, you know, he knows...
• To say : I say, you say, he says…

Mastering these ten verbs will allow you to communicate in 90% of everyday situations . They are essential for conversation, even at a very young age.

Times that complicate everything

An irregular verb can be more or less capricious depending on the tense used . Some are regular in the present tense, but irregular in the simple past or subjunctive. Let's take an example:

The verb to come :

• Present: I come, you come, he comes…
• Past tense: I came
• Future: I will come
• Subjunctive: that I come

The root changes according to the tense: ven-, vien-, viendr-… This phenomenon is called radical alternation .

It is therefore essential to know the different forms of each irregular verb , especially those that you use often.

How to learn them effectively?

When faced with a list of 50 or 100 irregular verbs, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. Here are some practical tips for learning them:

1. Sort by family

Some irregular verbs have similar conjugations. For example:

• come , become , return , accomplish → I come, you come…
• to put , to allow , to submit → I put, you put…

Grouping them into conjugation families can help you memorize them more easily.

2. Use spaced repetition

Apps like Anki or Quizlet use a smart repetition system to help you review irregular verbs at the right time.

3. Create sentences

Instead of learning isolated forms, integrate them into sentences. For example:

I went to the market yesterday (verb to go , past tense)

This helps contextualize the conjugation and strengthens memory.

4. Read and listen in French

Regular reading and listening exposes you to conjugation in real-life situations . This is how you will begin to recognize irregular forms without conscious effort.

Common Mistakes

Even French speakers sometimes make mistakes with certain irregular verbs. Here are a few to avoid:

• â Œ I am taken (when we mean I took )
• He came instead of he came
• " We were doing instead of we were doing

A good way to avoid this is to review the past participles of irregular verbs, as many mistakes arise from this.

Irregular verbs and exams

If you are preparing for exams like the DELF, DALF, TEF or TCF, be aware that irregular verbs are systematically tested . A conjugation error can cost you valuable points, especially in the written or oral exam.

Don't neglect them!

In conclusion

Irregular verbs may seem intimidating at first, but they're not your enemy. On the contrary, they're powerful tools for speaking rich, nuanced, and natural French.

By learning them gradually, methodically, and regularly, you'll see that they will become allies in your language journey. So, grab your courage in both hands (and your notebook) and embark on the adventure of conjugation!