This verb belongs to a pattern in which there is a 'characteristic consonant' immediately before
the -ir of the infinitive. This consonant is absent in the singular
present tense forms, but appears in other forms. These verbs also characteristically
have a past participle ending in -i.
Apart from the behaviour of the characteristic consonant, this verb pattern is very
similar to the regular -ir pattern, but without -ss-
before its endings. It is also similar to the regular -er pattern but with
-i in the past participle, and present tense singular endings
-s/-t.
Common verbs following this pattern include:
dormir (to sleep),
mentir (to lie, not tell the truth),
partir (to leave),
sentir (to feel, smell),
servir (to serve),
sortir (to go/come out).
Compounds such as endormir to put to sleep naturally
follow the same pattern.
Check out our reviews of the following French conjugation guides:
Barron's 501 French Verbs Bescherelle La Conjugaison pour tous
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