The most popular and useful way of remembering when to use être in the perfect tense, is the MRS VANDERTRAMP list: Monter, Retourner, Sortir, Venir, Arriver, Naitre, Descendre, Entrer, Rester, Tomber, Rentrer, Aller, Mourir, Partir. If you have a more visual memory like me, this following link is really helpful when trying to remember the verbs and putting them into context: https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/french/french-i/french-i-the-passe-compose/the-passe-compose-with-etre - Examples of commonly used phrases with their corresponding prepositions: Je suis rentrée du travail. = I came home from work (feminine singular); Il est allé faire les magasins. = He went shopping (masculine singular); Elles sont arrivées en retard. = They arrived late (feminine plural); Nous sommes descendus à l’arrêt. = We got off at the stop (masculine plural).