French Third Group Verbs

The 3rd group is the most diverse and often considered the most challenging because it includes all irregular verbs (or highly irregular ones). They're sometimes called the "catch-all" group.

Characteristics of 3rd Group Verbs:

• Endings: -ir, -oir, -re, or special verbs like aller and être.
• Irregular conjugations: No fixed rules—each verb often follows its own pattern.
• Some share common endings, but many have unique forms.

Main 3rd Group Verbs

1. -ir Verbs (Irregular, Unlike 2nd Group)

• venir (to come)
• partir (to leave)
• courir (to run)

2. -oir Verbs

• pouvoir (can/to be able to)
• vouloir (to want)
• devoir (must/to have to)
• savoir (to know)
• voir (to see)
• falloir (to be necessary – impersonal, e.g., il faut)

3. -re Verbs

• prendre (to take)
• mettre (to put)
• battre (to beat)
• écrire (to write)
• dire (to say/tell)
• lire (to read)
• boire (to drink)
• conduire (to drive/lead)

4. Other Important Irregular Verbs

• être (to be)
• avoir (to have)
• aller (to go)
• faire (to do/make)

Key Takeaways:

• 3rd group verbs are unpredictable—they must be memorized.
• Some share similar stems (e.g., venir/tenir, prendre/comprendre).
• Auxiliaries être and avoir also belong here.
• Use our PROMT.One French Verb Conjugator to check any form!