This key facts covers Key Facts about -er Verbs within Present tense: regular -er verbs for GCSE French. Revise Present tense: regular -er verbs in The 25 Core Verbs and the Present Tense for GCSE French with 15 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 3 of 4 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📌 Key Facts about -er Verbs
- The -ent ending is SILENT — ils parlent and il parle sound identical; context tells you which is meant
- je → j' before a vowel — j'écoute, j'aime, j'habite (not je écoute)
- nous -ons is never silent — the nasal vowel is always pronounced in nous forms
- nous mangeons not nous mangons — keep the e to preserve the soft g sound (affects the mark for AO3)
- aimer + infinitive — use aimer to express preferences: j'aime jouer au football (not j'aime le jouer)
Practice questions for Present tense: regular -er verbs
What is the correct present tense ending for 'nous' with a regular -er verb?
What does 'regarder' mean in English?
Quick recall flashcards
porter
to wear / to carry — FALSE FRIEND: 'porter' does NOT only mean 'to carry' like a porter. Je porte un jean = I wear jeans.
rester
to stay / to remain — FALSE FRIEND: does NOT mean 'to rest' (se reposer). Je reste à la maison = I stay at home.