Le futur simple

The future simple (le futur simple), is used to discuss what will happen in the future. Regular verbs in future tense usually have the entire infinitive verb but lose the letter “e” from the ending of the infinitive and add the ending of the verbe to have (avoir). Irregular verbs in future tense have an irregular future stem. That means they do not use their infinitives as the stem for the future tense.

How to remember whether a verb in the future tense has one “r” or double “rr”:

A useful way to remember whether a verb in the future tense has one “r” or double “rr” is by looking at the stem of the verb in the infinitive and its irregular forms. Here are some tips:

1. Verbs that keep a single “r” in the future

These verbs already end in -re or -ir, and they don’t need an extra “r”:

Faire → ferai
Pouvoir → pourrai
Voir → verrai (exception: it looks like it should keep one “r”, but it doubles)
Savoir → saurai
Devoir → devrai

📌 Trick: If the root already sounds strong with “r” (e.g., “faire” → “fer”), it stays with one “r.”

2. Verbs that double the “r” in the future

These verbs typically end in -rir, -dre, or -oir and change to include a double “r”:

Envoyer → enverrai
Voir → verrai
Mourir → mourrai
Courir → courrai

📌 Trick: If the verb undergoes a significant change in its root (e.g., “envoyer” → “enverr-“), it often doubles the “r.”

Mnemonic to remember “rr” verbs

Think of the phrase:
“Very Excited Cows Move Rapidly” → VECMR

Voir → verrai
Envoyer → enverrai
Courir → courrai
Mourir → mourrai
Recevoir → recevrai

Final Tip

If you’re unsure, think of common future forms like “je ferai” and “j’enverrai” to reinforce the pattern. Most verbs don’t double the “r,” except those that sound like they need it for pronunciation reasons. 😊