Present tense of -ere verbs (-o, -i, -e)

Regular -ere Verbs

Italian verbs are grouped into three categories based on their infinitive endings. To conjugate regular -ere verbs like scrivere (to write) in the present tense, drop the -ere to find the stem, then add the appropriate ending to match the subject.

PronounEndingExample: scrivere (to write)
io-oscrivo
tu-iscrivi
lui/lei-escrive
noi-iamoscriviamo
voi-etescrivete
loro-onoscrivono

Notice that the io, tu, and noi endings are exactly the same as they are for -are verbs! Only the lui/lei, voi, and loro endings are different.

I read the newspaper and you write a letter.
Io leggo il giornale e tu scrivi una lettera.
He writes a book, but he does not read much.
Lui scrive un libro, ma non legge molto.
Do you see the new shop?
Voi vedete il nuovo negozio?
We are in a hurry, we see the train and we run.
Noi abbiamo fretta, vediamo il treno e corriamo.

More Everyday Actions

Many common, everyday actions belong to this verb group. You simply apply the exact same pattern to the stem of the new verb:

  • chiudere (to close)
  • prendere (to take)
  • vendere (to sell)
  • ricevere (to receive)
  • mettere (to put)
  • chiedere (to ask)
She closes the door and takes the bag.
Lei chiude la porta e prende la borsa.
They sell the house and receive the money.
Loro vendono la casa e ricevono i soldi.
I put the empty plate here.
Metto il piatto vuoto qui.
We ask for help when we study.
Noi chiediamo aiuto quando studiamo.

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