Plural endings for -er verbs
Now that you know the singular forms, let's complete the pattern for regular -er verbs with the plural forms: nous (we), vous (you plural or formal), and ils / elles (they).
Just like before, drop the -er from the infinitive and add the matching ending. Let's look at the verb parler (to speak):
| Subject | Ending | Example |
|---|
| nous | -ons | nous parlons |
| vous | -ez | vous parlez |
| ils / elles | -ent | ils parlent |
Here is the trickiest part for beginners: the -ent ending for ils and elles is completely silent! So, ils parlent sounds exactly the same as il parle. The endings -ons and -ez, however, are always pronounced.
Playing sports
To talk about playing sports, use the verb jouer (to play). In French, you "play at the" sport. When the sport is masculine (like le football or le tennis), the words à (at) and le (the) combine into the single word au.
Watching, listening, and dancing
Other common regular -er verbs include regarder (to watch), écouter (to listen to), and danser (to dance).
Negating plural verbs
The rule for negation remains exactly the same as it was for singular subjects: wrap the conjugated verb in ne ... pas (or n' ... pas if the verb starts with a vowel).
Putting it all together
Notice how the plural endings apply across different verbs, and remember to listen for that silent -ent ending when talking about "them"!
