How can we remember which verbs take Etre in the perfect tense?

An easy way to learn the verbs which take Etre when forming the perfect tense is by using Mrs Van Der Tramp. If you learn every verb on this list, you will know whenever they pop up that you must use Etre. Every other verb takes avoir, so just spending the time learning this list is useful in the long run. (If you find it boring or difficult just learning lists, it can be useful to make a story out of Mrs Van Der Tramp,or there is a song i can show you, which makes it a bit more interesting, and can be really helpful if straight repetition isnt your thing.)

Monter --> monté (went up)Retourner --> retourné (returned)Sortir --> sorti (went out)Venir --> venu (came)Arriver --> arrivé (arrived)Naître --> né (was born)Descendre --> descendu (went down)Entrer --> entré (entered)Rester --> resté (stayed)Tomber --> tombé (fell)Rentrer --> rentré (went back in)Aller --> allé (went)Mourir --> mort (died)Partir --> parti (left)

Answered by Heather P. French tutor

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