Notes de Grammaire: -IR(ss) Verbs

The verb GRANDIR is an -IR verb that follows a regular pattern in present-tense (just like -ER verbs do). We call them -IR(ss) verbs to distinguish them from another family of -IR verbs that behave differently (verbs like “sortir” & “dormir”).

Here is how we conjugate -IR(ss) Verbs:

1. Cut off the -IR

2. Add the endings

Most -IR(ss) verbs have to do with a change in state. Here are some common ones that will be on the test (memorize and learn how to conjugate them).

• grandir (to grow

• finir (to finish)

• maigrir (to lose weight)

• grossir (to gain weight)

• rougir (to blush/redden)

• blanchir (to bleach/ to whiten)

• noircir (to blacken)

• reussier (to suceed)

• [des]obier (to [dis]obey)

• punir (to punish)

• choisir (to choose)

• batir (to build)

• reflechir (to reflect/ to think)

• etablier (to establish)

• abolir (to abolish)

• nourrir (to feed/ to nourish)

• guerir (to heal/ to recover)

• remplir (to fill)

• vieillir (to grow old)

• agir/ reagir (to act/ to react)

Verbs Like “Sortir”

Here is the list of other common -IR verbs that behave differently than the ones above. Therfore, they are conjugated diferently, too.

• Sortir (to go out/ to take out)

• Dormir (to sleep)

• Mentir (to tell lies)

• Sentir (to feel/ to smell)- Depends on the context

• Servir (to serve)

• Partir (to depart/ to leave)

How to Conjugate:

1. Cut off the -Xir (singular) or the -Ir (plural) endings

   1. The “X” stands for the M

2. Add your endings:

En Example: Dormir