Is "Aller" an Irregular Verb in French?
"Aller" is one of the most commonly used verbs in French, meaning "to go." It's essential for beginners to understand its unique characteristics.
The Irregular Nature of "Aller"
Yes, "aller" is indeed an irregular verb in French. This means it doesn't follow the standard conjugation patterns of regular -er verbs. Its conjugations must be memorized separately.
Present Tense Conjugation
Here's how "aller" is conjugated in the present tense:
- Je vais (I go)
- Tu vas (You go - singular, informal)
- Il/Elle/On va (He/She/One goes)
- Nous allons (We go)
- Vous allez (You go - plural or formal)
- Ils/Elles vont (They go)
Notice how the stem changes with each conjugation, unlike regular verbs that maintain a consistent stem.
Usage in Common Expressions
"Aller" is frequently used in everyday French expressions:
- "Comment ça va?" (How's it going?)
- "Ça va bien" (It's going well)
- "Je vais à la bibliothèque" (I'm going to the library)
Forming the Near Future Tense
"Aller" is also used to form the near future tense (futur proche):
- Je vais manger (I'm going to eat)
- Nous allons voyager (We're going to travel)
Understanding the irregular nature of "aller" is crucial for French learners. With practice, its unique conjugations will become second nature, enhancing your ability to express movement and intentions in French.