Second Group Verbs in French

A verb belongs to the 2nd group if:

• Its infinitive ends in -ir, AND
• Its present participle ends in -issant (e.g., finir → finissant).

This distinguishes them from 3rd group -ir verbs (like partir → partant, dormir → dormant), which are irregular.
Quick Check:
If the "nous" form in the present tense ends in -issons, it’s a 2nd group verb.

• finir → nous finissons
• choisir → nous choisissons

Common 2nd Group Verbs

Verb	English	Notes
finir	to finish	Regular
choisir	to choose	Regular
grandir	to grow	Regular
bâtir	to build	Regular
haïr	to hate	Singular present loses tréma: je hais, tu hais, il hait
bénir	to bless	Past participle: béni (standard) or bénit (religious)
réussir	to succeed	Regular
rougir	to blush	Regular
vieillir	to grow old	Regular

Don’t Confuse with 3rd Group -IR Verbs!

Some -ir verbs are irregular (3rd group) and do not use *-iss-*:

• partir (to leave) → nous partons (not ~~partissons~~)
• dormir (to sleep) → nous dormons
• ouvrir (to open) → nous ouvrons

Key Difference:

• 2nd group: -issons (present), -issant (participle).
• 3rd group: No *-iss-* pattern.

Summary: How to Identify a 2nd Group Verb

• Check the infinitive (*-ir* ending).
• Verify the present participle (-issant).
• Test the "nous" present form (-issons).

Still unsure? Use our French Verb Conjugator for confirmation!