Verbs Ending in -yer

Including: -ayer, -oyer, and -uyer

French verbs ending in -yer are divided into two groups:

  1. Verbs ending in -ayer
  2. Verbs ending in -oyer and -uyer

1. Verbs Ending in -ayer

Verbs ending in -ayer have two accepted conjugation patterns, meaning they can be conjugated using two different stems:

  • essai-
  • essay-

For example, the verb essayer (“to try”) can be conjugated as either:

  • j’essaie or j’essaye
  • tu essaies or tu essayes
  • il/elle essaie or il/elle essaye

When using the essai- stem, the nous and vous forms always use the essay- stem:

  • nous essayons
  • vous essayez

The essay- stem may also be used throughout the entire present tense, a form that has become increasingly common in modern French.

2. Verbs Ending in -oyer and -uyer

Unlike -ayer verbs, verbs ending in -oyer and -uyer follow only one conjugation pattern. In most forms, the y changes to i, except in the nous and vous forms, where the y is retained.

Examples:

Employer (to employ)

  • j’emploie
  • tu emploies
  • il/elle emploie
  • nous employons
  • vous employez
  • ils/elles emploient

Appuyer (to support)

  • j’appuie
  • tu appuies
  • il/elle appuie
  • nous appuyons
  • vous appuyez
  • ils/elles appuient