A conjugation group is a set of verbs with similar endings. Learn a familiar example first, then look for the same pattern in other verbs.
Two conjugations, with two common patterns in Conjugation II
The examples below show active present forms. Look at both the “I” and “you” forms: a dictionary form ending in -ώ is not enough to distinguish the two Conjugation II patterns.
| Group | I | You, singular | He / she / it | Recognition tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conjugation I | γράφω | γράφεις | γράφει | Unstressed final -ω; stress comes earlier. |
| Conjugation II — Pattern A | αγαπάω / αγαπώ | αγαπάς | αγαπάει / αγαπά | The “you” form ends in -άς. |
| Conjugation II — Pattern B | θεωρώ | θεωρείς | θεωρεί | The “you” form ends in -είς. |
γράφω means “I write”; αγαπάω / αγαπώ means “I love”; θεωρώ means “I consider”. A and B are labels for patterns within Conjugation II, not two extra conjugations.
What can the group tell you?
It helps you recognise the present-tense endings and compare similar verbs. For example, αγαπάς and μιλάς share the -άς pattern.
It does not automatically tell you the past form, every alternative ending or whether a passive form is used. Learn useful forms together:
- γράφω — I write; έγραψα — I wrote; να γράψω — to write, in a suitable sentence.
- αγαπώ — I love; αγάπησα — I loved; να αγαπήσω — to love, in a suitable sentence.
Forms with να are not infinitives: they change with the person, and their time reference comes from the sentence.
What about verbs ending in -μαι?
Middle/passive forms have their own endings. For example, θυμάμαι — I remember, θυμάσαι — you remember. Use the entry’s tables rather than applying the active endings above.
A deponent verb uses middle/passive forms without a corresponding everyday active set of forms with the same meaning. The directory’s “Middle/passive-form verbs” filter describes forms; it is broader than a checked list of deponents.
Why do some verbs have more than one pattern?
Some verbs allow alternatives. An entry labelled “Patterns A and B” brings together forms associated with both patterns. Check its own table and usage notes rather than assuming every ending is interchangeable.
What are source models?
Numbers such as “Source model 58” belong to the original verbs reference system. They help locate comparable tables, but are not course lesson numbers or extra conjugation groups. Two verbs sharing a reference can still differ in meaning, usage or particular forms.
Browse verbs by group → · Study conjugation groups on Modern Greek Grammar →
Modern Greek Grammar is a separate course site. Full lessons may require membership.