The French conjugation
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We often say that French conjugation is one of the most difficult in the world. Maybe this is true. In total, there are nearly 80 different conjugation models. Each model refers to specific verbs in -er, -ir, -oudre and so on... In addition, there are 'special verbs'. They are completely irregular and you have to learn them: être, avoir, aller... |
All those exceptions come from the language history. French language history starts with the Roman conquest. Lots of verbs have their roots in latin. Then, after the fall of Roma, French language continues its evolution. From a dialect status, it becomes a real language and was adopted by the state as an official language instead of Latin.
French language is still changing but it keeps some old forms herited from the past. Sometimes, we do not really remember why we use some forms. French academy sometimes simplifies some old conjugations. Of course, it takes a few time before to be accepted by everybody. An example? In the last century, a poet was written poëte, now, it is poète.
Last spelling revision dates from 1990. The French academy proposed series of recommendation. You are free to apply them. This website implements a few of them depending of the diffusion in the newspaper. Who said French did not move?
So, I hope you will have fun with this website... Good use