Les Types de Verbes en Français

Understanding Verb Types in French

In French, verbs can be grouped into three main types: simple verbs, auxiliary verbs (être, avoir), and semi-auxiliary verbs.

1. Simple Verbs

These verbs express an action or a state by themselves.
Examples:
- manger (to eat)
- finir (to finish)
- prendre (to take)

2. Auxiliary Verbs (être, avoir)

These verbs are used with a main verb to form compound tenses (like passé composé).
Examples:
- J’ai mangé (I ate)
- Elle est partie (She left)

3. Semi-Auxiliary Verbs

These verbs are used with an infinitive to add nuance (intention, possibility, obligation, etc.).
Common semi-auxiliaries: aller (to go), vouloir (to want), pouvoir (can), devoir (must), venir de (just).
Examples:
- Je vais manger (I’m going to eat)
- Il doit finir (He must finish)
- Nous venons de partir (We just left)

---

Exercises

1. Identify the Verb Type

For each sentence, select the type of verb in bold.

1. Je mange une pomme. –Choose–Simple verbAuxiliary verbSemi-auxiliary verb
2. Elle est partie. –Choose–Simple verbAuxiliary verbSemi-auxiliary verb
3. Nous allons sortir. –Choose–Simple verbAuxiliary verbSemi-auxiliary verb
4. Tu as fini tes devoirs. –Choose–Simple verbAuxiliary verbSemi-auxiliary verb
5. Ils peuvent venir. –Choose–Simple verbAuxiliary verbSemi-auxiliary verb
6. Je prends le bus. –Choose–Simple verbAuxiliary verbSemi-auxiliary verb
7. Vous devez partir. –Choose–Simple verbAuxiliary verbSemi-auxiliary verb
8. Il a parlé. –Choose–Simple verbAuxiliary verbSemi-auxiliary verb
9. Nous finissons à 18h. –Choose–Simple verbAuxiliary verbSemi-auxiliary verb
10. Elles viennent de partir. –Choose–Simple verbAuxiliary verbSemi-auxiliary verb

2. Complete the Sentences

Fill in the blank with the correct verb (simple, auxiliary, or semi-auxiliary):

1. Je ________ (to go) étudier ce soir.
2. Il ________ (to have) fini son travail.
3. Nous ________ (to finish) nos devoirs chaque jour.
4. Tu ________ (must) partir maintenant.
5. Elles ________ (to be) arrivées à l’heure.
6. Vous ________ (can) venir demain.
7. Il ________ (to eat) une banane.
8. Nous ________ (have just) de finir.
9. Je ________ (to take) le train chaque matin.
10. Tu ________ (to be) en retard.

---

To consolidate your learning

Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) explaining what you have learned about the types of verbs in French. Use your own words and, if possible, give an example.

---

Notes:

• Simple verbs express actions or states directly.
• Auxiliary verbs (être, avoir) help form compound tenses.
• Semi-auxiliary verbs are used with an infinitive to add meaning (intention, obligation, etc.).