Master the essential French grammar rules. Understanding grammar is crucial for building proper sentences and communicating effectively in French.
Grammar Tip
French grammar has specific rules for gender, number, and word order. Practice regularly to internalize these patterns.
Articles
Articles are words that come before nouns to indicate gender and number:
Definite Articles
Used when referring to specific nouns
le(the (masculine))
la(the (feminine))
les(the (plural))
l'(the (before vowel))
Indefinite Articles
Used when referring to non-specific nouns
un(a/an (masculine))
une(a/an (feminine))
des(some (plural))
Pronouns
Pronouns replace nouns to avoid repetition:
Subject Pronouns
je(I)
tu(you (informal))
il(he/it)
elle(she/it)
nous(we)
vous(you (formal/plural))
ils(they (masculine))
elles(they (feminine))
Common Verbs
Essential French verbs with their conjugations:
êtreto be
to be
jesuis
tues
il/elleest
noussommes
vousêtes
ils/ellessont
avoirto have
to have
jeai
tuas
il/ellea
nousavons
vousavez
ils/ellesont
allerto go
to go
jevais
tuvas
il/elleva
nousallons
vousallez
ils/ellesvont
Adjectives
French adjectives must agree with the nouns they describe:
grand/ grande(big/tall)
petit/ petite(small)
bon/ bonne(good)
mauvais/ mauvaise(bad)
beau/ belle(beautiful)
nouveau/ nouvelle(new)
vieux/ vieille(old)
jeune/ jeune(young)
Prepositions
Common French prepositions and their usage:
à(to/at)
de(of/from)
dans(in)
sur(on)
avec(with)
sans(without)
pour(for)
par(by/through)