Plural Forms of Strong Verbs
Strong verbs can be tricky in the singular, but their plural forms are much simpler and follow a very regular pattern.
To form the present tense plural of most strong verbs, add these predictable endings to the verb stem:
- við adds -um
- þið adds -ið
- þeir/þær/þau adds -a (making it identical to the infinitive)
Let's look at the verb koma (to come) as an example:
| Pronoun | koma (to come) |
|---|---|
| við | komum |
| þið | komið |
| þeir/þær/þau | koma |
| The group is big, but we come here often. | Hópurinn er stór en við komum oft hingað. |
The same pattern applies to verbs like drekka (to drink), sofa (to sleep), and bera (to carry).
| Are you all carrying the box into the hall? | Berið þið kassann inn í salinn? |
| They drink the beer and sleep well. | Þeir drekka bjórinn og sofa vel. |
The Plural U-Shift
There is one important vowel change to remember in the plural. If the verb has an a in its stem (such as taka, fara, or halda), the -um ending for við triggers a U-shift, changing the a to an ö.
The þið and þeir/þær/þau forms are not affected and keep their original a.
| Pronoun | taka (to take) | fara (to go) | halda (to hold) |
|---|---|---|---|
| við | tökum | förum | höldum |
| þið | takið | farið | haldið |
| þeir/þær/þau | taka | fara | halda |
| We take the football and run outside. | Við tökum fótboltann og hlaupum út. |
| We continue because the practice is fun. | Við höldum áfram af því að æfingin er skemmtileg. |
| Are you all going to the choir today? | Farið þið í kórinn í dag? |
Talking About Group Activities
These plural forms are essential when talking about group activities, shared hobbies, and team routines. Notice how verbs like bjóða (to invite) and sjá (to see) also adapt to these plural patterns.
| They come to the club and we see them. | Þau koma í félagið og við sjáum þau. |
| We offer them a beer because the team is playing. | Við bjóðum þeim bjór af því að liðið spilar. |
| The group finds the football and we go to practice. | Hópurinn finnur fótboltann og við förum á æfingu. |