Verbs
-re verbs (regular)
Verbs with infinitives ending in -re form a third group of regular verbs, often called ‘third conjugation’ verbs. To form the present tense conjugations of these verbs, drop the -re from the infinitive and add the third conjugation endings (-s, -s, -, -ons, -ez, -ent) to the resulting stem. As you listen, note especially that the final -d and -ds in the singular forms are silent. In the third person plural the ‘d’ consonant sound of the stem is pronounced because of the -ent ending. Can you hear the difference in the pronunciation of the singular and plural forms of the third person? (il vs. ils).
| descendre ‘to go down’ | |
| je descends | nous descendons |
| tu descends | vous descendez |
| il/elle/on descend | ils/elles descendent |
| past participle: descendu | |
Here is a list of common regular -re verbs:
| attendre | to wait for |
| dépendre de | to depend (on) |
| entendre | to hear |
| pendre | to hang |
| perdre | to lose |
| rendre | to hand in, give back |
| rendre visite à quelqu’un | to visit someone |
| répondre | to answer, respond |
| vendre | to sell |
Not all verbs ending in -re follow this pattern, however. Irregular -re verbs include prendre, mettre, suivre and vivre.
| Un flic descend la rue. Tex panique et file. | A cop is coming down the street. Tex panics and runs off. | |
| Agent de police: Attendez! Attendez … Monsieur, vous vendez des T-shirts? | Policeman: Wait! Wait…Sir, are you selling t-shirts? | |
| Tex répond: Euh, oui, monsieur l’agent. | Tex answers, “Yes, sir.” | |
| Agent de police: Vous n’avez pas de permis. Hé, hé, vous êtes déporté. | Policeman: You do not have a permit. Hey, hey, you are deported. |
Listening Comprehension:
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