Present Tense of Regular Verbs

In this lesson, we will learn how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense. Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern, making them easier to conjugate compared to irregular verbs.

Conjugating -are Verbs

Verbs ending in -are are the most common type of regular verbs. To conjugate them in the present tense, follow these steps:

1. Identify the verb stem by removing the -are ending. For example, to conjugate the verb "parlare" (to speak), the stem is "parl-".

2. Add the appropriate endings to the stem, based on the subject pronoun. Here are the endings for -are verbs:

   • Io: -o
   • Tu: -i
   • Lui/lei/Lei: -a
   • Noi: -iamo
   • Voi: -ate
   • Loro: -ano

   Using the verb "parlare" as an example, here is how it conjugates:

   • Io parlo (I speak)
   • Tu parli (You speak)
   • Lui/lei/Lei parla (He/she/you(formal) speak)
   • Noi parliamo (We speak)
   • Voi parlate (You all speak)
   • Loro parlano (They speak)

Conjugating -ere Verbs

Verbs ending in -ere are another type of regular verbs. To conjugate them in the present tense, follow these steps:

1. Identify the verb stem by removing the -ere ending. For example, to conjugate the verb "leggere" (to read), the stem is "legg-".

2. Add the appropriate endings to the stem, based on the subject pronoun. Here are the endings for -ere verbs:

   • Io: -o
   • Tu: -i
   • Lui/lei/Lei: -e
   • Noi: -iamo
   • Voi: -ete
   • Loro: -ono

   Using the verb "leggere" as an example, here is how it conjugates:

   • Io leggo (I read)
   • Tu leggi (You read)
   • Lui/lei/Lei legge (He/she/you(formal) read)
   • Noi leggiamo (We read)
   • Voi leggete (You all read)
   • Loro leggono (They read)

Conjugating -ire Verbs

Verbs ending in -ire are the third type of regular verbs. To conjugate them in the present tense, follow these steps:

1. Identify the verb stem by removing the -ire ending. For example, to conjugate the verb "dormire" (to sleep), the stem is "dorm-".

2. Add the appropriate endings to the stem, based on the subject pronoun. Here are the endings for -ire verbs:

   • Io: -o
   • Tu: -i
   • Lui/lei/Lei: -e
   • Noi: -iamo
   • Voi: -ite
   • Loro: -ono

   Using the verb "dormire" as an example, here is how it conjugates:

   • Io dormo (I sleep)
   • Tu dormi (You sleep)
   • Lui/lei/Lei dorme (He/she/you(formal) sleep)
   • Noi dormiamo (We sleep)
   • Voi dormite (You all sleep)
   • Loro dormono (They sleep)

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense for -are, -ere, and -ire verbs. Regular verbs follow a clear pattern, making it easier for you to communicate in the present tense. Practice conjugating different verbs to solidify your understanding.