Learning Guide

Grammar Basics That Stick

Present tense verbs, gendered nouns, basic sentence structure — explained simply without overwhelming you with every exception at once.

14 min read Beginner February 2026

Whiteboard with handwritten French verb conjugations and grammar notes written in colored markers, showing present tense examples

Why Grammar Matters — But Doesn’t Need to Be Scary

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to memorize every French grammar rule before you start speaking. Most people who learn a language successfully don’t do that. They pick up the core concepts, practice them in real conversations, and figure out the exceptions later.

This guide focuses on the foundations that actually matter. We’re talking about the grammar patterns you’ll see and use constantly — the ones that make sentences work. Not the weird edge cases that even native speakers sometimes have to think about.

You’ll learn present tense conjugations, how gender affects nouns and adjectives, and how to build basic sentences. Once you’ve got these down, you’ll be able to understand a lot of French and construct your own sentences with confidence.

The Learning Approach

We focus on patterns, not lists. You’ll see how verbs follow predictable rules. You’ll understand why nouns have genders. You’ll recognize sentence structures so you can use them yourself.

Present Tense Verbs: The Foundation

French present tense verbs follow three main patterns based on how the infinitive ends. You’ve got -er verbs (like “parler” — to speak), -ir verbs (like “partir” — to leave), and -re verbs (like “prendre” — to take). Each group conjugates slightly differently, but once you see the pattern, it clicks.

Let’s look at “parler” as an example. For most -er verbs, you drop the -er and add endings based on who’s doing the action. Je parle (I speak), tu parles (you speak), il/elle parle (he/she speaks), nous parlons (we speak), vous parlez (you all speak), ils/elles parlent (they speak). See the pattern? Most of those sound identical when you say them — that’s actually helpful because you don’t have to stress about pronouncing subtle differences.

The -ir and -re verbs follow similar logic with their own endings. Once you’ve conjugated one -er verb, you can conjugate most of them. That’s why we start here — it’s your strongest foundation.

Nouns and Gender: It’s Not as Random as It Feels

Every French noun is either masculine or feminine. There’s no neutral. This affects the articles you use (le vs. la, un vs. une) and the adjectives that come with them. It sounds complicated, but here’s what actually matters: the gender usually comes with the word when you learn it.

When you encounter a noun, you learn it with its article. “La maison” (the house), not just “maison.” This way, the gender sticks naturally without extra memorization. Most adjectives change their ending based on gender too — “noir” for masculine becomes “noire” for feminine. Once you notice the pattern a few times, you’ll start using it correctly almost automatically.

Some patterns do exist. Many nouns ending in -e tend to be feminine, and many -s, -t, -x endings lean masculine. But don’t stress about this. Learning nouns with their articles is the practical approach.

Building Basic Sentences

French sentence structure is actually pretty similar to English for basic statements. Subject + verb + object gets you most of the way there. “Je parle français” (I speak French) follows that exact pattern. Add an adjective and you’ve got “Je parle français couramment” (I speak French fluently).

The tricky part comes with word order for other sentence types. Questions can flip the verb and subject around — “Parlez-vous français?” instead of “Vous parlez français?” Negatives put “ne” before the verb and another word after — “Je ne parle pas français” (I don’t speak French). These patterns feel weird at first, but you’ll see them constantly and they become natural.

One useful thing to remember: French doesn’t drop the subject like Spanish sometimes does. You almost always need the pronoun. “Je parle” is complete, but you wouldn’t say just “parle” the way Spanish can use “hablo” alone. This makes French sentences a bit more predictable once you know the pattern.

Start with Subject + Verb

Build confidence with basic sentences. “Je suis” (I am), “Tu es” (You are). These short combinations teach you how verbs work in context.

Add Objects and Details

Expand your sentences. “Je suis fatigué” (I am tired). “Je suis à la maison” (I am at home). You’re using the same verbs with additional information.

Practice Different Verbs

Use what you learned about conjugation. “Je parle français,” “Tu parles français,” “Il parle français.” Same verb, different pronouns. This repetition builds automatic recall.

How to Actually Remember This Stuff

The grammar concepts here work best when you use them. Reading about present tense conjugations helps, but actually using them in sentences — even simple ones — makes them stick. That’s why people who take classes or have conversation partners progress faster than people who only study rules.

Spend time with the patterns. Write 5-10 simple sentences using verbs you’re learning. Say them out loud. Doesn’t matter if you feel silly. Your brain learns language better when you involve more senses. You don’t need to be perfect — “Je parle très bien français” is way less important than using the structure over and over until it feels natural.

Another thing that helps: pay attention when you hear or read French. When you see “elle parle,” you’re reinforcing that conjugation pattern without sitting down and studying it. This passive exposure combined with active practice creates real learning.

Person at wooden desk with notebook and pen, writing French sentences by hand, natural lighting from window, relaxed learning environment

Common Mistakes and Why They Happen

You’re going to mess up grammar sometimes. Everyone does, even people who’ve spoken French for years. The patterns here will help you avoid the biggest mistakes while you’re building your skills.

Forgetting the Subject Pronoun

You might think “parle français” is okay. It’s not in standard French. You need “je parle français” or “elle parle français.” The pronoun is part of the verb structure, not optional.

Mixing Up Adjective Gender

Say you’re describing a feminine noun but use the masculine adjective form. “Une maison noir” instead of “une maison noire.” This gets corrected easily in conversation, but knowing the pattern prevents it.

Overthinking Pronunciation of Conjugations

You hear “je parle,” “tu parles,” “il parle,” and they sound the same. That’s normal and actually okay. Focus on the written forms and your listening will catch up.

The Real Point of This Guide

You’re learning that French grammar isn’t random. Verbs follow patterns. Nouns have consistent genders. Sentences build predictably. Once you internalize these foundations, you’ll recognize patterns everywhere in French — in conversations, in written text, in media. That recognition is what lets you construct your own sentences with growing confidence.

Don’t wait until you’ve memorized every exception to start using what you know. Start with these basics, use them in real sentences, and build from there. You’re not trying to be perfect. You’re trying to communicate, and these patterns give you the tools to do that.

Back to Learning Resources

About This Guide

This article provides foundational grammar explanations intended to support language learners. While the conjugation patterns and grammar rules described are accurate, French has exceptions and variations depending on dialect and context. This guide focuses on standard present tense and basic structures used in Canadian French education. For comprehensive grammar instruction, consider working with a qualified French instructor or language program. Individual learning experiences vary, and everyone progresses at their own pace.