6.3.4

Irregular ER Verbs

Test yourself

Irregular ER Verbs in the Imperfect Tense

Any 'ER' verb that is irregular in the 'nous' form of the present tense will have an irregular stem in the imperfect tense.

Illustrative background for Verbs ending in 'cer'Illustrative background for Verbs ending in 'cer' ?? "content

Verbs ending in 'cer'

  • Commencer → nous commençons → commenç
    • Because 'commencer' is irregular in the 'nous' form of the present tense, the imperfect stem is irregular.
    • You add the imperfect endings to the irregular stem.
      • E.g. Je commençais.
  • These verbs are not irregular in the 'nous' and 'vous' form of the imperfect tense
    • E.g. Nous commencions.
Illustrative background for Verbs that end in 'ger'Illustrative background for Verbs that end in 'ger' ?? "content

Verbs that end in 'ger'

  • Manger → nous mangeons → mange
    • Because 'manger' is irregular in the 'nous' form of the present tense, the imperfect stem is irregular.
    • You add the imperfect endings to the irregular stem.
      • E.g. Je mangeais.
  • These verbs are not irregular in the 'nous' and 'vous' forms of the imperfect tense.
    • E.g. Vous mangiez

Jump to other topics

1Everyday Activities

2Personal & Social Life

3The World Around Us

4The World of Work

5The International World

6Common Tenses

7Advanced Tenses

8Extra Grammar

8.1Articles

8.2The Passive Voice

8.3Pronouns

8.4Asking Questions

8.5Nouns

8.6Prepositions

8.7Adverbs

8.8Adjectives

8.9Negative

8.10Conjunctions

8.11Miscellaneous

8.12Verbs

8.13Numbers

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium