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Collins

Collins
French
Crammar
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rsBN 978-o-oo-219644-9 Online Dictionary or Collins free Online Gender 2

Thesaurus on www.collinslanguage.com Forming plurals 9
Collins@ and Bank ofEnglish@ are using these services.
registered trademarks of Articles 12
HarperCollins Publishers Limited HarperCollins does not wafiant Different types of article 12
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www.collinslanguage.com www.collinslanguage.com content
The definite article: le, la, l' and les 13
will be uninterrupted or error free, The indefinite article: un, une and des 't9
A catalogue record forthis book is avaiiable that defects wiII be corrected, or that The partitive article: du, de la, de l'and des 22
from the British Library www.collinslanguage.com or the server
that makes it available are free of viruses Adjectives 25
Typeset by Davidson Pre-Press, Clasgow or bugs. HarperCollins is not responsible Using adjectives 25
for any access difficulties that may be Making adiectives agree 27
Printed in Italy by Rotolito Lombarda spA experienced due to problems with network,
web, online or mobile phone connections. Word order with adjectives 32
Comparatives and superlatives of adjectives 34
Acknowledgements Demonstrative adjectives: ce, cette, cet and ces 37
We would like to thank those authors and PUBLISHING DIRECTOR
publishers who kindly gave permission for Lorna Knight Possessive adjectives 39
copydght material to be used in the Collins Indefinite adjectives 4'l
Word Web. We would also like to thank EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Times Newspapers Ltd for providing Michela Clari Pronouns 42
valuable data. Personal pronouns: subject 43
MANACING EDITOR Personal pronouns: direct object 47
All dghts reserved. No part ofthis Maree Airlie
publication may be reproduced, stored Personal pronouns: indirect object . 49
in a retrieval system or transmitted, in CONTRIBUTORS Emphatic pronouns 51
any form or by any means, electronic, WendyLee Possessive pronouns 54
mechanical, photocopying, recording or Cadlle Amiot-Cadey
en and y 56
otherwise, without the prior permission Di Larkin
of the publisher. This book is sold subject Using different types of pronoun together 59
to the conditions that it shall not, by way We would like to give special thanks to Indefinite pronouns 60
of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired Di Larkin, Foreign Languages Consultant, Relative pronouns 62
out or otherwise circulated without the and Irene Muir, Faculty Head, Belmont
publisher's prior consent in any form of House School, for all their advice on Demonstrative pronouns 65
binding or cover other than that in which teaching practice in today's classroom. Verbs 69
it is published and without a similar Their contributions have been invaluable
condition including this condition being in the writing of this book. The three coniugations 69
imposed on the subsequent purchaser. The present tense 71
The present tense: regular -er (first conjugation) verbs 72
Entered words that we have reason to
believe constitute trademarks have been The present tense: regular -ir (second conjugation) verbs 74
designated as such. However, neither the The present tense: regular -re (third conjugation) verbs 76
presence nor absence of such designation The present tense: spelling changes in -er verbs 78
should be regarded as affecting the legal
status of anv trademark.
The present tense: irregular verbs 82
The imperative 85
Reflexive verbs 88
 The imperfect tense 92
The future tense 98 FOREWORD FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS
The conditional 105
The perfect tense 111
The pluperfect tense 1't9 The fosy Leorning French Crommar is designed to be used with both young
The passive 122 and adult learners, as a group reference book to complement your course
The present participle 12s book during classes, or as a recommended text for self-study and
lmpersonal verbs 127 homework/coursework.
The subjunctive 129 The text specifically targets learners from ab initio to intermediate or CCSE
Verbs followed by an infinitive 133 level, and therefore its structural content and vocabulary have been matched
Other uses of the infinitive "t37
to the relevant specifications up to and including Higher CCSE.
Negatives 138
The approach aims to develop knowledge and understanding of grammar and
Questions 142 your learners' ability to apply it by:
How to ask a question in French 142
Question words 146
r defining parts of speech at the start of each major section with
examples in English to clarify concepts
Adverbs ',52
e minimizing the use of grammar terminology and providing clear
How adverbs are used 1s2
'152 explanations of terms both within the text and in the Glossary
How adverbs are formed
o illustrating all points with examples (and their translations) based on
Comparatives and superlatives of adverbs 155
topics and contexts which are relevant to beginner and intermediate
Some common adverbs 157
course content
Word order with adverbs 160
Prepositions 162 The text helps you develop positive attitudes to grammar learning in your
How prepositions are used 162 classes by:
i, de and en 163
Some other common prepositions 17'l
o giving clear, easy-to-follow explanations
Prepositions consisting of more than one word 177 o prioritizing content according to relevant specifications for the levels
Prepositions after verbs 178 . sequencing points to reflect course content, e.g. verb tenses
Prepositions after adjectives 183
o highlighting useful Tips to deal with common difficulties
Conjunctions "184
. summarizing Key points at the end of sections to consolidate
et mais, ou, parce que and si 184
learning
Some other common conjunctions 186
The conjunction que 187 In addition to fostering success and building a thorough foundation in French
Numbers 188 grammar, the optional Grammar Extra sections will encourage and challenge
Time and date 190 your learners to further their studies to higher and advanced levels.
Some common difficulties 193
The alphabet 198
Main index 199
Verb tables 1-94
Verb index 95-105
Note on trademarks
Entered words which we have reason to believe constitute trademarks have been
designated as such. However, neither the presence nor the absence of such designation
should be regarded as affecting the legal status of any trademark.
 INTRODUCTION FOR STUDENTS
rtp
lf you are in doubt as to which form of you to use, it is safest to
Whether you are starting to learn French for the very first time, brushing up on use vous and you will not offend anybody.
topics you have studied in class, or revising for your CCSE exams, the fosy
Leorning French Grommor is here to help. This easy-to-use guide takes you
through all the basics you will need to speak and understand modern, Key points sum up all the important facts about a particular area of grammar,
everyday French. to save you time when you are revising and help you focus on the main
grammatical points.
Newcomers can sometimes struggle with the technical terms they come across
when they start to explore the grammar of a new language. fhe Eosy Leorning
French Crammor explains how to get to grips with all the parts of speech you Key points
will need to know, using simple language and cutting out jargon. y' Wittr masculine singular nouns + use un.
y' Witn feminine singular nouns i use une.
The text is divided into sections, each dealing with a particular area of y'
grammar. Each section can be studied individually, as numerous cross- witn plural nouns r use des.
references in the text point you to relevant points in other sections of the book
y' un, une and des * change to de or d'in negative
for further information. sentences.
( tne indefinite article is not usually used when you say what
Every major section begins with an explanation of the area of grammar jobs people do, or in exclamations with quel.
covered on the following pages. For quick reference, these definitions are also
collected together on pages viii-xii in a glossary of essential grammar terms.
lf you think you would like to continue with your French studies to a higher
What is a verb? level, check out the Grammar Extra sections. These are intended for advanced
A verb is a 'doing' word which describes what someone or something students who are interested in knowing a little more about the structures they
does, what someone or something is, or what happens to them, for will come across beyond CCSE.
exampfe, be, sing, live.
Orammar Extra!
lf you want to use an adjective after quelque chose, rien, quelqu'un and
Each grammar point in the text is followed by simple examples of real French,
personne, you link the words with de.
complete with English translations, helping you understand the rules. quelqu'un d'important someone important
Underlining has been used in examples throughout the text to highlight the
quelque chose gl'int6ressant something interesting
grammatical point being explained.
rien d'amusant nothing funny

l lf you are talking about a part of your body, you usually use a word like
my or his in English, but in French you usually use the definite article. Finally, the supplement at the end of the book contains Verb Tables, where 93
Tourne la tete i gauche. Turn your head to the left. important French verbs (both regular and irregular) are declined in full.
Examples show you how to use these verbs in your own work. lf you are
ll s'est cass6 le bras. He's broken his arm.
unsure of how a verb declines in French, you can look up the Verb Index on
J'ai mal d la gorge. l've got a sore throat.
pages 95-1 05 to find either the conjugation of the verb itself, or a cross-
reference to a model verb, which will show you the patterns that verb follows.
ln French, as with any foreign language, there are certain pitfalls which have
to be avoided. Tips and Information notes throughout the text are useful We hope that you will enjoy using the Eosy Learning French Grqmmor and fnd it
reminders of the things that often trip learners up. useful in the course of your study.

GLOSSARY OF GRAMMAR TERMS
ABSTRACT NOUN a word used to
refer to a quality, idea, feeling or
experience, rather than a physical
object for example, size, reoson,
hoppiness. Compare with concrete
noun.
ADf ECTIVE a 'describing' word that
tells you more about a person or
thing, such as their appearance,
colour, size or other qualities, for
example, pretty, blue, big.
ADVERB a word usually used with
verbs, adjectives or other adverbs
that gives more information about
when, where, how or in what
circumstances something happens,
for example, quickly, happily now.
AGREE (to) to change word endings
according to whether you are
referring to masculine, feminine,
singular or plural people or things.
AGREEMENT changing word
endings according to whether you
are referring to masculine, feminine,
singular or plural people or things.
APOSTROPHE s an ending ('s) added
to a noun to show who or what
someone or something belongs to,
for example, Danielle's dog, the
doctor's wife, the book's cover.
ART|CLE a word like the, o and an,
which is used in front of a noun. See
also definite article, indefinite
article and partitive article.
AUXILIARY VERB a verb such as be,
hove and do when it is used with a
main verb to form tenses, negatives
and questions.
BASE FORM the form of the verb
without any endings added to it, for
example, wolk, have, be, go. Compare
with infinitive.
CARDINAL NUMBER a number used
in counting, for example, onet seven/
ninety. Compare with ordinal
number.
CLAUSE a group of words containing
a verb.
COMPARATIVE an adjective or
adverb with -er on the end of it or
more or /ess in front of it that is used
to compare people, things or actions,
for example, slower, less importont,
more corefully.
COMPOUND NOUN a word for a
living being, thing or idea, which is
made up of two or more words, for
example, tin-opener, roilway stotion.
CONCRETE NOUN a word that refers
to an object you can touch with your
hand, rather than to a quality or
idea, for example, ball, map, opples.
Compare with abstract noun.
CONDITIONAL a verb form used to
talk about things that would happen
or would be true under certain
conditions, for example, I would help
you if I could. lt is also used to say
what you would like or need, for
example, Could you give me the bill?
CONIUGATE (to) to give a verb
different endings according to
whether you are referring to I, you,
they and so on, and according to
whether you are referring to past
present or future, for example, I hove,
she had, they will hove.
CONfUGATION a group of verbs
which have the same endings as each
other or change according to the
same pattern.
CON|UNCTION a word such as and,
becouse or but that links two words
or phrases of a similar type or two
parts of a sentence, for example,
Diqne and I hove been friends for
yeors.; I left because I was bored.
CONSONANT a letter of the
alphabet which is not a vowel, for
example, b, f, m, s, y etc. Compare
with vowel.
CONSTRUCTION an arrangement of
words together in a phrase or
sentence.
DEFINITE ARTICLE the word the.
Compare with indefinite article.
DEMONSTRATIVE ADTECTIVE one of
the words this, thot, these and those
used with a noun to point out a
particular person or thing, for
example, this woman, thot dog.
DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUN one of
the words this, thqt, these and those
used instead of a noun to point out
people or things, for example, Ihot
looks fun.
DIRECT OBTECT a noun referring to
the person or thing affected by the
action described by a verb, for
exampfe, She wrote her nome.; I shut
the window. Compare with indirect
object.
DIRECT OBTECT PRONOUN a word
such as me, him, us and them which
is used instead of a noun to stand in
for the person or thing most directly
affected by the action described by
the verb. Compare with indirect
object pronoun.
EMPHATIC PRONOUN a word used
instead of a noun when you want to
emphasize something, for example,
ls this for me?; 'Who broke the
window?' -'He did.' Also called
stressed pronoun.
ENDING a form added to a verb, for
example, go-> gogg and to
adjectives and nouns depending on
whether they refer to masculine,
feminine, singular or plural things.
EXCLAMATION a word, phrase or
sentence that you use to show you
are surprised, shocked, angry and so
on, for exampfe/ Wow!; How dore
you!; What o surprise!
FEMININE a form of noun, pronoun
or adjective that is used to refer to a
living being, thing or idea that is not
classed as masculine.
FUTURE a verb tense used to talk
about something that will happen or
will be true.
GENDER whether a noun, pronoun
or adjective is feminine or masculine.
IMPEMTIVE the form of a verb used
when giving orders and instructions,
for example, Shut the door!; Sit down!;
Dont go!
IMPERFECT one of the verb tenses
used to talk about the pasf especially
in descriptions, and to say what was
happening or used to happen, for
example, I used to walk to school; It
was sunny at the weekend. Compare
with perfect.
IMPERSONAL VERB one which does
not refer to a real person or thing
and where the subject is represented
by it, for example, lt's going to ioin;
It's 10 o'clock
INDEFINITE ADIECTIVE one of a
small group of adjectives used to talk
about people or things in a general
way, without saying who or what
they are, for example, several, oll,
every.
INDEFINITE ARTICLE the words o and
an. Compare with definite article.
INDEFINITE PRONOUN a small
group of pronouns such as
everything, nobody and something,
which are used to refer to people or
things in a general way, without
saying exactly who or what they are.
INDIRECT OBf ECT a noun used with
verbs that take two objects. For
example, in I gove the carrot to the
robbit, the rqbbitis the indirect object
and carrot is the direct object.
Compare with direct object.
INDIRECT OBIECT PRONOUN when
a verb has two objects (a direct one
and an indirect one), the indirect
object pronoun is used instead of a
noun to show the person or the
thing the action is intended to
benefit or harm, for example, me in
He gave me q book and Cqn you get
me a towel? Compare with direct
object pronoun.
INDIRECT QUESTION used to tell
someone else about a question and
introduced by a verb such as osk, tell
or wonder, for example, He osked me
whot the time wos; I wonder who he is.
INFINITIVE the form of the verb with
fo in front of it and without any
endings added, for example, to wolk,
to hove, to be, to go. Compare with
base form.
INTERROGATIVE ADIECTIVE a
question word used with a noun to
ask who?, whqfT or which? for
example, Whqt instruments do you
ploy?; Which shoes do you like?
INTERROGATIVE PRONOUN one of
the words who, whose, whom, what
and which when they are used
instead of a noun to ask questions,
for example, Whsls hoppening?;
Who's coming?
INVARIABLE used to describe a form
which does not change.
IRREGULAR VERB a verb whose
forms do not follow a general pattern
or the normal rules. Compare with
regular verb.
MASCULINE a form of noun,
pronoun or adjective that is used to
refer to a living being, thing or idea
that is not classed as feminine.
NEGATIVE a question or statement
which contains a word such as not,
never or nothing, and is used to say
that something is not happening, is
not true or is absenf for example,
I never eat meot; Don't you love me?
NOUN a'naming'word for a living
being, thing or idea, for example,
womary desk, hoppiness, Andrew.
NUMBER used to say how many
things you are referring to or where
something comes in a sequence. See
also ordinal number and cardinal
number.
OBTECT a noun or pronoun which
refers to a person or thing that is
affected by the action described by
the verb. Compare with direct
obiect, indirect object and subject.
OBIECT PRONOUN one of the set of
pronouns including me, him and
them, which are used instead of the
noun as the object of a verb or
preposition. Compare with subject
pronoun.
ORDINAL NUMBER a number used
to indicate where something comes
in an order or sequence, for example,
first, fifth, sixteenth. Compare with
cardinal number.
PART OF SPEECH a word class, for
exampfe, noun, verb, odjective,
preposition, pronoun.
PARTITIVE ARTICLE the words sorne
or eny, used to refer to part of a
thing but not all of it, for example,
Have you got Sny money?; l'm going
to buy some breod.
PASSIVE a form of the verb that is
used when the subject of the verb is
the person or thing that is affected
by the action, for example t we were
told.
PAST PARTICIPLE a verb form which
is used to form perfect and
pluperfect tenses and passives, for
example, wotched, swum. Some past
participles are also used as adjectives,
for exampfe, a broken watch.
PERFECT one of the verb tenses used
to talk about the past especially
about actions that took place and
were completed in the past.
Compare with imperfect.
PERSON one of the three classes: the
first person (1, we), the second person
(you singular and you plural), and the
third person (he, she, it and they).
PERSONAL PRONOUN one of the
group of words including l, you and
they which are used to refer to
yourself, the people you are talking
to, or the people or things you are
talking about.
PLUPERFECT one of the verb tenses
used to describe something that had
happened or had been true at a
point in the past, for example, /'of
forqotten to finish mv homework.
PLURAL the form of a word which is
used to refer to more than one
person or thing. Compare with
singular.
POSSESSIVE ADf ECTIVE one of the
words m1q your, his, her, its, our or
their, used with a noun to show that
, one person or thing belongs to
another.
POSSESSIVE PRONOUN one of the
words mine, yours, hers, his, ours or
theirs, used instead of a noun to
show that one person or thing
belongs to another.
PREPOSITION is a word such as af,
for; with, into or from, which is usually
followed by a noun, pronoun or, in
Engfish, a word ending in -ing.
Prepositions show how people and
things relate to the rest of the
sentence, for example, She's of home;
a tool fel cutting gross; lt's from Dovid.
PRESENT a verb form used to talk
about what is true at the moment
what happens regularly, and what is
happening now, for example, /'m o
student; I trqvel to college by train; l'm
studvino lonauqses.
PRESENT PARTICIPLE a verb form
ending in -ing which is used in
English to form verb tenses, and
which may be used as an adjective or
a noun, for example, What ore you
doing?; the setting sun; Swimming is
easy!
PRONOUN a word which you use
instead of a noun, when you do not
need or want to name someone or
something directly, for example, lf,
you, none.
PROPER NOUN the name of a
person/ place, organization or thing.
Proper nouns are always written with
a capitaf letter, for example, Kevin,
Glasgow, Europe, London Eye.
QUESTION WORD a word such as
why, where, who, which or how which
is used to ask a question.
REFLEXIVE PRONOUN a word
ending in -self or -selves, such as
myself or themselves, which refers
back to the subject, for example,
He hurt himself.; Toke care of ypunell.
REFLEXIVE VERB a verb where the
subject and object are the same, and
where the action 'reflects back' on
the subject. A reflexive verb is used
with a reflexive pronoun such as
myself, yourself, herself, for example,
I wqshed myself.; He shaved himself.
REGULAR VERB a verb whose forms
follow a general pattern or the
normal rules. Compare with irregular
verb.
RELATIVE PRONOUN a word such as
thot, who or which, when it is used to
link two parts of a sentence together.
SENTENCE a group of words which
usually has a verb and a subject. In
writing, a sentence has a capital
letter at the beginning and a full
stop, question mark or exclamation
mark at the end.
SINGULAR the form of a word which
is used to refer to one person or
thing. Compare with plural.
STEM the main part of a verb to
which endings are added.
STRESSED PRONOUN used instead
of a noun when you want to
emphasize something, for example,
ls this for me?; 'Who broke the
window?' -'Hs did.' Also called
emphatic pronoun.
SUBIECT the noun in a sentence or
phrase that refers to the person or
thing that does the action described
by the verb or is in the state
described by the verb, for example,
My cqt doesn't drink milk. Compare
NOUNS
with object.
SUBTECT PRONOUN a word such as What is a noun?
l, he, she and theywhich carries out A noun is a 'naming'word for a living being, thing or idea, for example,
the action described by the verb.
womont happiness, Andrew.
Pronouns stand in for nouns when it
is clear who is being talked about, for
example, My brother isn't here ot the Using nouns
moment. He'll be back in an hour.
Compare with object pronoun. D In French, all nouns are either masculine or feminine. This is called their
gender. Even words for things have a gender.
SUBTUNCTIVE a verb form used in
certain circumstances to express D Whenever you are using a noun, you need to know whether it is mascullne
some sort of feeling, or to show or feminine as this affects the form of other words used with it, such as:
doubt about whether something will o adiectives that describe it
happen or whether something is
true. lt is only used occasionally in
o articles (such as le or une) that go before it
modern English, for example, /f / . pronouns (such as il or elle) that replace it
were you, I wouldn't bother.; So be it.
t) For more informotion on Adjectives, Articles or Pronouns, see pages 25, 12
SUPERLATIVE an adlective or adverb
and 42.
with -esf on the end of it or mosf or
/eosf in front of it that is used to D You can find information about gender by looking the word up in a
compare people, things or actions, dictionary. When you come across a new noun, always learn the word for
for example, thinnesL most quickly, the or o that goes with it to help you remember its gender.
leqst interesting.
o le or un before a noun tells you it is masculine
SYLIABLE consonant+vowel units
that make up the sounds of a word,
o la or une before a noun tells you it is feminine
for example, co-the-dral (3 sylloble), D We refer to something as singular when we are talking about just one of
im-po-ssi-ble (4 syllobles). them, and as plural when we are talking about more than one. The singular
TENSE the form of a verb which is the form of the noun you will usually find when you look a noun up in the
shows whether you are referring to dictionary. As in English, nouns in French change their form in the plural.
the past, present or future. ) Adjectives, articles and pronouns are also affected by whether a noun is
VERB a 'doing'word which
describes singular or plural.
what someone or something does,
what someone or something is, or
what happens to them, for example,
be, sing, Iive. Remember that you have to use the right word for the, o and
VOWEL one of the letters o, e, i, o or so on according to the gender of the French noun.
u. Compare with consonant.
2 Nourus Nourus 3
Gender ',21 Nouns referring to animals
tr Nouns referring to people > ln English we can choose between words like bull or cow, depending on the
sex of the animal we are referring to. In French too there are sometimes
l Most nouns referring to men and boys are masculine.
separate words for male and female animals.
un homme a man
un taureau a bull
un roi a king
une vache a cow
F Most nouns referring to women and girls are feminine.
Sometimes, the same word with different endings is used for male and
une fille a girl
female animals.
une reine a queen
un chien a (male) dog
) When the same word is used to refer to either men/boys or women/girls, une chienne a (female) dog, a bitch
its gender usually changes depending on the sex of the person it refers to.
un camarade a (male) friend
une camarade a (female) friend rrp
When you do not know or care what sex the animal is, you can
un Belge a Belgian (man)
usually use the masculine form as a general word.
une Belge a Belgian (woman)

Words for other animals do not change according to the sex of the animal.
Grammar Extn! Just learn the French word with its gender, which is always the same.
Some words for people have only one possible gender, whether they refer to a male un poisson a fish
or a female. une souns a mouse
un b6b6 a (male or female) baby
un guide a (male or female) guide
11] Nouns referring to thinqs
une personne a (male or female) person
une vedette a (male or female) star
) ln English, we call all things - for example, toble, cor, book, apple - 'i( . ln
French, however, things are either masculine or feminine. As things do not
divide into sexes the way humans and animals do, there are no physical
D In English, we can sometimes make a word masculine or feminine by clues to help you with their gender in French. Try to learn the gender as
changing the ending, for example, Englishngn and EnglishwpmsL or prince you learn the word.
and princess. In French, very often the ending of a noun changes
depending on whether it refers to a man or a woman. L There are lots of rules to help you:
o words ending in -e are generally feminine (une boulangerie a baker's;
un Anglais an Englishman
une banque a bank)
une Anglaise an Englishwoman
o words ending in a consonant (any letter except e, e, i, o or u) are
un prince a prince generally masculine (un a6ropo{ an airporf un film a film)
une princcssc a princess
D There are some exceptions to these rules, so it is best to check in a
un employ6 a (male) employee dictionary if you are unsure.
une employ6e a (female) employee

+ For more informotion on Masculine snd feminine forms of words, see poge 7.

For further explanation of grammatical tems, please see pages viii-xii.

4 Nourus Nourus 5
) These endings are often found on masculine nouns. -on I un champignon a mushroom
Masculine ending Examples un ballon a ball
le citrgn the lemon
-age un villaqe a village BUN
un voyagg a journey une maison a house
un 6tage a floor la saison the season
le fromage cheese
BUT: > The following types of word are also masculine:
une image a picture . names of the days of the week, and the months and seasons of the year
une page a page le lundi Monday
la plage the beach
septembre prochain next September
-ment un appartement a flat le printemps Spring
un b6timent a building
le ciment cement
o the names of languages
un vGtement a garment le frangais French
le portugais Portuguese
-olr un mirqL a mirror
un couloir a corridor Tu apprends le frangais depuis How long have you been learning
le sqL the evening combien de temps? French?
un mouchoir a handkerchief o most metric weights and measures
-sme le tourismc tourism un gramme a gramme
le racisme racism un mdtre a metre
un cadeau a present un kilomitre a kilometre
un chapeau a hat o English nouns used in French
un gdteeu a cake le football football
le rideau the curtain
un tee-shirt a tee-shirt
BUT:
un sandwich a sandwich
la peau skin
lleau water D These endings are often found on feminine nouns.
-eu un leu a oame Feminine endinq Examples
-anGe la chance luck, chance
-ou un cheu a cabbage
-anse une danse a dance
le genou the knee
-ence la patience patience
-rel le cahier the exercise book -ense la d6fense defence
un quaillel an area BUT:
un escalier a staircase lc silence silence
-ton une r6gion a region
-tn un magas!4 a shop
une addition a bill
un jardin a garden une r6union a meeting
un dessin a drawing la circulatlon traffic
le vin the wine BUT:
BUT: un avion a plane
la fin the end -t6 une sp6cialit6 a speciality
une main a hand -ti6 la moiti6 half
BUT:
un 6t6 a summer
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii. le p6t6 p6t6
6 Nourus Nourus 7

Grammar E><tra! 4l Masculine and feminine forms of words

A few words have different meanings depending on whether they are masculine or
feminine. These are the most common:
D In French there are sometimes very different words for men and women,
and for male and female animals, just as in English.

Masculine Meaning Example Feminine Meaning Example un homme a man

une femme a woman
un livre a book un livre de une livre a pound une livre
poche sterling un taureau a bull
a paperback a pound
une vache a cow
sterling
un mode a method le mode la mode fashion d la mode un neveu a nephew
d'emploi in fashion une nidce a niece
the directions
for use > Many masculine French nouns can be made feminine simply by changing
un poste a set un poste de la poste posr mettre the ending. This is usually done by adding an -e to the masculine noun to
(TV/rodio)' professeur a the post quelque form the feminine.
a post teaching job office chose i la un aml a (male) friend
(job); poste une amie a (female) friend
an extension to post
(phone) something un employ6 a (male) employee
une employ6e a (female) employee
un tour a turn; faire un tour une toul tower la tour
a walk to go for a Eiffel the un Frangais a Frenchman
walk Eiffel Tower une Frangaisg a Frenchwoman

> lf the masculine singular form already ends in -e, no further e is added.
Key points un 6live a (male) pupil
y' Vtost nouns referring to men, boys and male animals are une 6live a (female) pupil
masculine: most nouns referrinq to women. oirls and female
un camarade a (male) friend
animals are feminine. The endiig of a French- noun often changes
depending on whether it refers to a male or a female. une camarade a (female) friend
y' Generally, words ending in -e are feminine and words ending in a un colldgue a (male) colleague
are masculine, though there are many exceptions to une colldgue a (female) colleague
;;,:t""T:.",
y' These endings are often found on masculine nouns:
-age, -ment, -oir, -sme, -eau, -eu, -ou, -ier, -in and -on. rtp
y' These endings are often found on feminine nouns: lf a masculine noun ends in a vowel, its pronunciation does not
-ance, -anse, -ence, -ense, -ion, -t6, -ti6. change when an -e is added to form the feminine. For example,
y' Oays of the week, months and seasons of the year are masculine. ami and amie (meaning friend) are both pronounced the same.
So are languages, most metric weights and measures, and English lf a masculine noun ends with a consonant that is not pronounced,
nouns used in French. for example, -d, -s, -r or -t, you DO pronounce that consonant when
an -e is added in the feminine. For example, in 6tudiant (meaning
student), you cannot hear the U in 6tudiante, you can hear the t.
For further explanation of grammatical tems, please see pages viii-xii.
8 Noutrts Nouls 9

Ttp Forming plurals

Some masculine nouns, such as voisin (meaning neighbour), end t I Plurals ending in -s
in what is called a nasal vowel and an -n. \Mth these words, you pronounce
the vowel 'through your nose' but DO NOT say the n. When an -e is
> In English we usually make nouns plural by adding an -s to the end
(gorden + gardens; house'+ houses), although we do have some nouns
added in the feminine - for example, voisine - the vowel becomes a
which are irregular and do not follow this pattern (mouse - mice;
normal one instead of a nasal vowel and you DO pronounce the n.
child * children).

trl Some other patterns

rtp
l Some changes to endings from masculine to feminine are a little more
complicated but still fall into a regular pattern. Remember that you have to use les with plural nouns in
Any adjective that goes with the noun has to agree with
Masculine Feminine any pronoun that replaces it.
ending endinq Example Meaning
-f -ve un veut/une veuve a widower/a widow * for more information on Adjectives, Articles ond Pronouns, see
-x -se un 6poux/une 6pouse a husband/a wife pages 25,12 and 42.
-eur -euse un dansegr/ a (male) dancer/
une danseuse a (female) dancer
-teur -teuse un chanteur/ a (male) singer/
Most French nouns also form their plural by adding an -s to their singular
-trice une chanteuse a (female) singer form.
un acteul/unc acldce an actor/an actress un jardin a garden
-an -anne un paysan/ a (male) farmerl des jardins gardens
une paysannc a (female) farmer
-ten -tenne un Parisiea/ a (male) Parisian/ une voiture a car
une Parisienne a (female) Parisian des voitures cars
-on -onne un lion/une lionne a lion/a lioness
un h6tel a hotel
-er -ere un 6trange/ a (male) foreigner/
une 6trangire a (female) foreigner des h6tels hotels
-et -ette le cadet/la cadette the youngest (male)
child
> lf the singular noun ends in -s/ -x or -2, no further -s is added in the plural.
the youngest (female) un fils a son
child des fils 50n5
-el -elle un professionnel/ a (male) professional/
une professionnelle a (female) professional une vorx a voice
des voix voices
Key points
y' un nez a nose
ly'rany masculine French nouns can be made to refer to females
by adding an -e. lf the masculine singular form already ends in des nez noses
-e, no further e is added.
l/ tne pronunciation of feminine nouns is sometimes different from l4 Plurals ending in -x

y'
that of the corresponding masculine nouns. ) The following nouns add an -x instead of an -s in the plural:
Other patterns include:
-f * -ve -teur * -teuse or -trice -er * -Ere . nouns ending in -eau
-x + -se -an, -en and -on > -anne -et + -ette un chapeau a hat
-eur + -euse -enne and -onne -el - -elle des chapeaux hats
For further explanation of grammatical tems, please see pages viii-xii.
10 Nourus Nourus 11

o most nouns ending in -eu

un jeu a game
rtp
des jeux games The plural of un eil (an eye) is des yeux (eyes).

o a FEW nouns ending in -ou (MOST nouns ending in -ou add -s as usual)
un bijou a jewel 3I Plural versus singular
des bijoux jewels D A few words relating to clothing are plural in English but NOT in French.
un caillou a pebble un slip pants
des cailloux pebbles un short shorts
un pantalon trousers
un chou a cabbage
des choux cabbages A few common words are plural in French but NOT in English.

un genou a knee
les affaires business

des genoux knees

les cheveux hair
desrenseignements information
un hibou an owl
des hiboux owls
Grammar E><tra!
un joujou a toy
When nouns are made up of two separate words, they are called compound nouns, for
des joujoux toys
example, les grands-parents (meaning grandparents), des ouvre-boites (meaning tln-
un pou a louse openers). The rules for forming the plural of compound nouns are complicated and it is
best to check in a dictionary to see what the plural is.
des poux lice

rrp 'y'
Adding an -s or -x to the end of a noun does not usually change tutostFrench nouns form ,nt?rtoo,,lrjitl, adding an -s to their
the way the word is pronounced. For example, professeur and singular form. lf the singular noun ends in -s, -x or -2, no further
professeurs and chapeau and chapeaux sound just the same when -s is added in the plural.
you say them out loud. y' Most nouns ending in -eau or -eu add an -x in the plural.
y' trrtost nouns ending in -ou take an -s in the plural, with a few
exceptions.
l lf the singular noun ends in -al or -ail, the plural usually ends in -aux. y' lI the singular noun ends in -al or -ail, the plural usually ends in
un journal a newspaper -aux.
des journaux newspapers y'- naaing an -s or -x to the end of a noun does not generally affect
the way the word is pronounced.
un animal an animal
y' lfew common words are plural in English but not in French, and
des animaux animals
vice versa.
un travail a job
des travaux jobs

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 ARncus 13

ARTICLES The definite article: le, la, l'and les

t The basic rules
What is an article? > In English we only have one definite article: the. In French, there is more
ln English, an article is one of the words the, a, and on which is given in than one definite article to choosefrom. All French nouns are either
front of a noun. masculine or feminine and, just as in English, they can be either singular or
plural. The word you choose for the depends on whether the noun it is
used with is masculine or feminine, singular or plural. This may sound
Different types of article complicated, but it is not too difficult.
D There are three types of article:
t f For more informotion on Nouns, see page 1.
o the definite article: fhe in English. This is used to identify a particular
thing or person. with masculine noun with feminine noun
l'm going to the supermarket. Singular le (l') la (l')

That's the woman I was talking to. Plural les les

o the indefinite article: a or on in English, some or any (or no word at all) in

the plural. This is used to refer to something unspecific, or that you do
not really know about. le and la change to l'when they are used in front of a word
ls there a supermarket near here? starting with a vowel and most words starting with h.
I need a day off.

. the paltllyc article: some or any (or no word at all) in English. This is
> le is used in front of masculine singular nouns.
used to talk about quantities or amounts. le roi the king
le chien the dog
Can you lend me some sugar?
le jardin the garden
Did you buy any wine?
Do you like chocolate? > la is used in front of feminine singular nouns.
la reine the queen
la souris the mouse
la porte the door
f is used in front of singular nouns that start with a vowel (a, e, i, a, or u),
whether they are masculine or feminine.
I'ami (masculine) the friend
leau (feminine) the water
f'6tage (mqsculine) the floor

[] Note that l' is also used in front of most words starting with h but
some others take le or la instead.

llh6pital the hospital

le hamster the hamster
la hi-fi the stereo
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.
14 Anncus Anrrcus 15

When i is followed by les, the two words become aux.

rtp aux maisons to the houses
It is a good idea to learn the article or the gender with the noun aux 6tudiants to the students
when you come across a word for the first time, so that you know
whether it ls masculine or feminine. A good dictionary will also give When ir is followed by la or l', the words do not change.
you this information. i la bibliothdque to/at the library
dr l'h6tel to/at the hotel
les is used in front of plural nouns. whether they are masculine or feminine
and whatever letter they start with.
les chiens the dogs
le and la change to l' when they are used in front of a word
les portes the doors starting with a vowel and most words starting with h.
les amis the friends
les h6tels the hotels
3 I Using de with le, la, l' and les
a Note
in
that you
In
English.
have to make the noun plural too, just as you would
French, as in English, you usually add an -s. > The French word de is translated into English in several different ways,
including of and from. There are special rules when you use it together with
+ For more information on Forming plurals, see poge 9. le and les.

rrp
When les is used in front of a word that starts with a consonant, /
t
t

>
) For more information on the preposition de, see

When de is followed by le, the two words become du.

poge 166.

you DO NOT say the s on the end of les: les chiens the dogs. du cin6ma from/of the cinema
When les is used in front of a word that starts with a vowel, most des professeurs from/of the teachers
words starting with h, and the French word y, you DO pronounce
the s on the end of les. lt sounds like the z in the English word zip: > When de is followed by les, the two words become des.
f es amis the friends, lefh6tels the hotels. des maisons from/of the houses
des 6tudiants from/of the students

E Using i with le.la.l'and les D When de is followed by la or l', the words do not change.
de la bibliothique from/of the library
) The French word ir is translated into English in several different ways,
including ot or to. There are special rules when you use it together with le de I'h6tel from/of the hotel
and les.

+ For more informqtion on the preposition d, see page t 63. T'P

le and la change to l' when they are used in front of a word
) When i is followed by le, the two words become au.
starting with a vowel and most words starting with h.
au cin6ma to/at the cinema
aux professeurs to the teachers

For further explanation of grammatical tems, please see pages viii-xii,

16 Anncus Amcles 17

lf you are talking about a part of your body, you usually use a word like my
Key points
y' or hrs in English, but in French you usually use the definite article.
Wtfr masculine sinqular nouns , use le.
y' Wittr feminine singular nouns , use la.
Tourne la t6te d gauche. Turn your head to the left.
y' Wi|h nouns starting with a vowel, most nouns beginning with h
ll s'est cass6 le bras. He's broken his arm.
and the French word y , use l'. J'ai mal d la gorge. l've got a sore throat.
y' tntn plural nouns ' use les. > ln French you have to use the definite article in front of the names of
y' i+ le=au countries, continents and regions.
i+les=aux la Bretagne Brittany
de+le=du l'Europe Europe
de+les=des
La France est tris belle. France is very beautiful.
J'ai achet6 ce poster au Japon. I bought this poster in Japan.
Je viens des Etats-Unis. I come from the United States.
E Using the definite article
L The definite article in French (le, la, l' and les) is used in more or less the [J Note that if the name of the country comes after the French word
same way as we use fhe in English, but it is also used in French in a few en, meaning to or in, you do not use the definite article. en is used
places where you might not expect it. with the names of countries, continents and regions that are
feminine in French.
} The definite article is used with words like prices, flu and time that describe
qualities, ideas or experiences (called abstract nounS) rather than something Je vais en Ecosse le mois prochain. l'm going to Scotland next
that you can touch with your hand. Usually, the is missed out in English month.
with this type of word. ll travaille en Allemagne. He works in Cermany.
Les prix montent. Prices are rising. I ) For more information on the preposition en, see page 168.
J'ai la grippe. l've got flu.
Je n'ai pas le temps. I don't have time. ) You often use the definite article with the name of school subjects,
languages and sports.
@ trtote that there are some set phrases using avoir, avec or sans
Tir aimes les maths? Do you like maths?
followed by a noun, where the definite article is NOT used.
J'apprends le frangais depuis trois l've been learning French for
avoir faim to be hungry (literally to have hunger) ans. three years.
avec plaisir with pleasure Mon sport pr6t6r6, c'est le foot. My favourite sport is football.
sans doute probably (lite ra lly. wi thout d o u bt) [J Note that the definite article is not used after en.

} You also use the definite article when you are talking about things like coffee Gomment est-ce qu'on dit'fils' How do you say 'fils' in English?
or computers thatyou can touch with your hand (called concrete nouns) if en anglais?
you are talking generally about that thing. Usually, the is missed out in Sophie est nulle en chimie. Sophie's no good at chemistry.
English with this type of word.
Je n'aime pas le caf6.
L When you use the verb parler (meaning to speak) in front of the name of
I don't like coffee.
the language, you do not always need to use the definite article in French.
Les ordinateurs co0tent trds cher. Computers are very expensive.
Tu parles espagnol? Do you speak Spanish?
Les professeurs ne gagnent pas Teachers don't earn very much.
beaucoup. ll parle bien I'anglais. He speaks English well.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

18 Anncus Anncus 19

) You use le with dates, and also with the names of the days of the week and The indefinite article: un, une and des
the seasons when you are talking about something that you do regulady or
that is a habit. t I The basic rules
Elle part le 7 mai. She's leaving on the seventh of May. > In English we have the indefinite article o, which changes to an in front of a
Je vais chez ma grand-mdre I go to my grandmother's on word that starts with a vowel. ln the plural we say either some, any or
le dimanche. Sundays. nothing at all.

Note that you do not use the definite article after en. D In French, you choose from un, une and des, depending on whether the
@ noun is masculine or feminine, and singular or plural.
En hiver nous faisons du ski. In winter we go skiing.
with masculine noun with feminine noun
L You often find the definite article in phrases that tell you about prices and Singular un une
rates. Plural des des
6 euros le kilo 6 euros a kilo
3 euros la pidce 3 euros each > un is used in front of masculine singular nouns.
On roulait d 100 kilomitres We were doing 100 kilometres an un rol a king
d l'heure. hour. un chien a dog
un jardin a garden
Key points > une is used in front of feminine singular nouns.
y' The definite article is used in French with:
une reine a queen
. abstract nouns une souris a mouse
. concrete nouns (when you are saying something that is true obout une porte a door

.;:[fi^z':::l des is used in front of plural nouns, whether they are masculine or
. countries/ continents and regions feminine, and whatever letter thev start with.
r school subjects, languages and sports des chiens (some/any) dogs
des souris (some/any) mice
: ::;:t"t the week and the seasons (when you are tolking obout des amis (some/any) friends
something that you do regularly or thot is a habit)
. prices and rates
[J Note that des is also a combination of de + les and has other
meanings, such as saying who something belongs to or where
something is from.
+ For more information on des, see poge 166.

T'P
When des is used in front of a word that starts with a consonant
(any letter except o, e, i, o or u), you DO NOT say the s on the end
of des: des chiens (some/ony) dogs,
When des is used in front of a word that starts with a vowel, and
most words starting with h, you DO pronounce the s on the end.
lt sounds like the z in the English word zip: des amis (some/any)
friends, des h6tefs (some/ony) hotels.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,

20 Amcus Anrrcus 21

A The indefinite article in negative sentences lrr questions and negative sentences des means any, or is not translated at
all.
} n English we use words like not and neverto indicate that something is not
f
Tu as des frires? Have you got any brothers?
happening or is not true. The sentences that these words are used in are
called negative sentences. ll n'y a pas deufs. There aren't any eggs.
I don't know him. Avez-vous des timbres? Do you have stamps?
I never do my homework on time.
T'P
) In French, you use word pairs like ne ... pas (meaning not) and ne ...
As an English speaker, you will know what sounds right in
jamais (meaning never) to say that something is not happening or not true.
your own language. The important thing to remember is that des
When un, une or des is used after this type of expression, it has to be
can NEVER be missed out in French, even if there is no word in
changed to de.
English.
Je n'ai pas de v6lo. I don't have a bike.
Nous n'avons pas de cousins. We don't have any cousins.
4l Using the indefinite article
+ For more information on Negotives, see page 138. > The indefinite article is used in French in much the same way as we use 4
some and ony in English, but there are two places where the indefinite
article is NOT used:
r0p o with the adjective quel (meaning what a), in sentences like
de changes to d' in front of a word starting with a vowel and
O,uel dommage! What a shamel
most words starting with h.
Ouelle surprise! What a surprise!
Je n'ai pas d'ordinateur. I don't have a computer. Ouelle bonne id6e! What a good idea!
ll n'y a pas d'horloge dans la salle.There isn't a clock in the room.
,) For more information on quel, see page 148.

o when you say what jobs people do

Orammar Et<tra! ll est professeur. He's a teacher.
There are some very common adjectives, like beau, bon and petit, that can come Ma mdre est infirmidre. My mother's a nurse.
BEFORE the noun instead of after it. When an adjective comes before a plural noun,
des changes to de. T'P
J'ai regu de beaux cadeaux. I got some lovely presents. When you use c'est (to mean he/she is), you DO use un or une.
Gette r6gion a de trds jolis This area has some very pretty When you use ce sont (to mean they are), you DO use des.
villages, villages.
G'est un m6decin. He's/She's a doctor.
+ For more information on Word order with odjectives, see page j2. Ge sont des acteurs. They're actors.
Q For more information on c'est ond ce sont, see poge 65.
r3 r The meaninq of des
Key points
F des can mean different things in English, depending on the sentence. Some y' wtn masculine singular nouns + use un.
is often the best word to use.
y' Wttr feminine singular nouns ) use une.
J'ai un chien, deux chats et l've got a dog, two cats and y' witfr plural nouns - use des.
des souris. some mice.
Tu veux des chips? Would you like some crisps?
y' un, une and des - change to de or d' in negative sentences.
y' tne indefinite article is not usually used when you say what jobs
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii, people do, or in exclamations with quel.
22 Anncus Anncus 23

The partitive article: du, de la, de l' and des D des is used in front of plural nouns, whether they are masculine or feminine
and whatever letter they start with.
tr The basic rules des g6teaux (some/any) cakes
) du, de la, de l' and des can all beused to give information about the des lettres (some/any) letters
amount or quantity of a particular thing. They are often translated into des h6tels (some/any) hotels
English as some or any.

) In French, you choose between du, de la, de l'and des, depending on @ Note that des is also a combination of de + les and has other
meanings, such as saying who something belongs to or where
whether the noun is masculine or feminine, singular or plural.
something is from.
with masculine noun with feminine noun
+ For more information on des, see poge 166.
Singular du (de l'l de la (de l')
Plural des des
te The partitive article in negative sentences
D In French, you use word pairs like ne ... pas (meaning not) and ne ...
rrp jamais (meaning never) to say that something is not happening or not true.
de + le and de la change to de l'when they are used in front of a In this type of expression, du, de la, de l' and des all change to de.
word starting with a vowel, most words starting with h, and the Nous n'avons pes de beurre. We don't have any butter.
French word y.
Je p mange iamais de viande. I never eat meat.
ll n1y a pas de timbres. There aren't any stamps.
) du is used in front of masculine sinoular nouns,
du beurre (some/any) butter t) For more information on Negatives, see poge 138.
du jus d'orange (some/any) orange juice

@ Note that du is also a combination of de + le and has other

meanings, such as saying who something belongs to or where
something is from. most nouns starting with h.
ll n'a pas d'argent. He doesn't have any money.
+ For more informotion on du, see page 166,
ll n'y a pas d'horloge dans la salle. There isn't a clock in the room.
) de la is used in front of feminine singular nouns.
de la viande (some/any) meat
de la margarine (some/any) margarine
Grammar Ertra!
de l' is used in front of singular nouns that start with a vowel and There are some very common adjectives, like beau, bon and petit, that can come
nouns starting with h, whether they are masculine or feminine. BEFORE the noun instead of after it. When an adjective comes before a plural noun, des
de l'argent (masculine) (some/any) money < hanges to de.

de l'eau (feminine) (some/any) water J'ai regu de beaux cadeaux. I got some lovely presents.
de l'herbe (feminine) (some/any) grass Cette r6gion a de trds jolis villages. This area has some very pretty villages.
t :) For more informotion on Word order with odjectives, see poge 32.

For further explanation of grammatical tems, please see pages viii-xii.

24 Anncus
tr The meaning of du. de la. de l'and des ADJECTIVES
} du, de la, de l' and des are often translated into English as some ?r onyt
but there are times when no word is used in English to translate the French.
What is an adjective?
ll me doit de llargent' He owes me (some) money. An adjective is a 'describing'word that tells you more about a person or
Je vais acheter de la farine et l'm going to buy (some) flour and thing, such as their appearance, colour, size or other qualities, for example,
du beurre pour faire un gdteau' butter to make a cake. pretty, blue, big.
Est-ce qu'il y a des lettres Pour Are there any letters for me?
moi?
Elle ne veut pas de beurre. She doesn't want any butter' Using adjectives
Je ne prends Pas de lait. I don't take milk.
D Adjectives are words like clever, expensive and sl//y that tell you more about
a noun (a living being, thing or idea). They can also tell you more about a
rrp pronoun, such as he or they. Adjectives are sometimes called 'describing
words'. They can be used right next to a noun they are describing, or can
Remember that du, de 14 de l' and des can NEVER be missed
be separated from the noun by a verb like be, Iook, feel and so on.
out in French, even if there is no word in English.
a clever girl
an expensive coat
Key points a silly idea
y' wittr masculine singular nouns + use du' He's just being silly.
y' Wth feminine singular nouns + use de la.
y' Wth singular nouns starting with a vowel and some nouns t ) For more information on Nouns and Pronouns, see pqges 1 and 42.
beginning with h * use de l'.
y' Wtn plural nouns 'use des' > In English, the only time an adjective changes its form is when you are
y' du, de la, de l'and des ' change to de or d'in negative making a comparison.
sentences. She's cleverer than her brother.
That's the silliest idea I ever heard!

D In French, however, most adjectives agree with what they are describing.
This means that their endings change depending on whether the person or
thing you are referring to is masculine or feminine, and singular or plural.
un mot frangais a French word
une chanson frangaise a French song
des traditions francaises French traditions

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii'xii'

26 Ao.lecnvrs Ao.lecnves 27
) In English we put adjectives BEFORE the noun they describe, but in French Making adjectives agree
you usually put them AFTER it.
un chat noir a black cat ll The basic rules

+ For further information, see Word order with adjectives on poge 32. D In dictionaries, regular French adjectives are usually shown in the masculine
singular form. You need to know how to change them to make them agree
with the noun or pronoun that they are describing.
Key points
y' Most French adjectives .han# [r'"ir]orr, according to whether D To make an adjective agree with the noun or pronoun it describes, you
the person or thing they are describing is masculine or feminine, simply add the following endings in most cases:
singular or plural.
y' In French adjectives usually go after the noun they describe. with masculine noun with feminine noun
Singular -e
Plural -s -es

un chat noir a black cat

une chemise noire a black shirt
des chats noirs black cats
des chemises noires black shirts

A Making adiectives feminine

> With most adjectives you add an -e to the masculine singular form to make
it feminine.
un chat noir a black cat -+ une chemise noirc a black shirt
un sac lourd a heavy bag --+ une valise lourde a heavy suitcase

> lf the adjective already ends in an -e in the masculine, you do not add
another -e.
un sac jaune a yellow bag > u.. chemise jaune a yellow shirt
un gargon sage a good boy + une fille sage a good girl

l Some changes to endings are a little more complicated but still follow a
regular pattern. Sometimes you have to double the consonant as well as
adding an -e. On the next page there is a table showing these changes.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

28 Aolecnvps Aolecrves 29
L Some very common adjectives have irregular feminine forms.
Masculine ending Feminine ending Example Meaning
-f -ve neuf/neuve new Masculine form Feminine form Meaning
-x -se heureux/heureuse hapPy blanc blanche white, blank
-el -ere cher/chire dear, expensive doux douce soft, swee! mild, gentle
-an -anne paysan/paysanne farming, country faux fausse untrue
-en -enne europ6en/euroP6ennt European
good, right favori favorite favourite
-on -onne bon/bonne
-elle cruel/cruelle cruel frais fraiche fresh, chilly, cool
-el
-eille pareil/pareille similar gentil gentille nice, kind
-eil
-ette net/nette clear grec grecque Greek
-et
-dte complet/comPlite complete, full gros grosse big, fat
long longue rong
un bon repas a good meal -) de bonne humeur in a good mood
nul nulle
un homme cruel a cruel man -) une remarque cruelle a cruel remark useless
roux tousse red, red-haired
seG sdche dry, dried
rw turc turque Turkish
lf a masculine adjective ends in a vowel (o, e, i, o or u), its
pronunciation does not change when an -e is added to form the mon spoft favori my favourite sport -+ ma chanson favorite my
ieminine. For example, ioli and iolie are both pronounced the same' favourite song
un ami grec a Creek (male) friend + une amie grecque a Greek
lf a masculine adiective ends with a consonant that is not
(female) friend
pronounced, such as -d, -s or -t you DO pronounce that consonant
when an -e is added in the feminine. For example, in chaud A very small group of French adjectives have an extra masculine singular
(meaning hot, worm), you cannot hear the d when it is said out loud; form that is used in front of words that begin with a vowel (a, e, i, o or u)
in the feminine form chaude, you can hear the d sound' and most words beginning with h. These adjectives also have an irregular
feminine form.
This is also true when you have to double the consonant before the
-e is added, for example, gros (meanin g big, fot), where you cannot Masculine form in Masculine form in Feminine Meaning
hear the s, and the feminine form grosse, where you can hear the s front of a word front of a word form
sound. beginning with a beginning with a
consonant vowel or most
Some masculine adjectives, such as bon (meaning good) or italien . words beginning
(meaning ltalion), end in what is called a nasal vowel and an -n' With with h
ih"r" *Jtdt, you pronounce the vowel 'through your nose' Uy- d.o. beau bel belle lovely, beautiful,
not say the n. When the consonant is doubled and an -e is added in good-looking,
the feminine - bonne, italienne - the vowel becomes a normal one handsome
instead of a nasal vowel and you do pronounce the n' fou fol folle mad
nouveau nouvel nouvelle new
vreux vieil vieille old

un bel appartement a beautiful flat

le Nouvel An New Year
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii' un vieil arbre an old tree
30 Aorecnvrs Ao;rcrvrs 31

tr Making adiectives plural + Invariableadiectives

> With most adjectives you add an -s to the masculine singular or feminine > A small number of adjectives (mostly relating to colours) do not change in
singular form to make it plural. the feminine or plural. They are called invariable because their form NEVER
un chat noir a black cat + des chats noirs black cats changes, no matter what they are describing. These adjectives are often
made up of more than one word - for example, bleu marine (meaning
une valise lourde a heavy suitcase - des valises lourdes heavy suitcases
novy blue), or else come from the names of fruit or nuts - for example,
orange (meaning orange), marron (meaning brown).
Ttp des chaussures maron brown shoes
When an adjective describes a masculine and a feminine noun or une veste bleu marine a navy blue jacket
pronoun, use the masculine plural form of the adjective.
La maison et le iardin sont The house and garden are Key points
beaux. beautiful. y'- fo make an adjective agree with a feminine singular noun or
Sophie et son petit ami sont Sophie and her boyfriend are pronoun, you usually add -e to the masculine singular. lf the
trds gentils. very nrce. adjective already ends in an -e, no further -e is added.
y' Several adjectives ending in a consonant double their consonant
lf the masculine singular form already ends in an -s or an -x, you do not as well as adding -e in the feminine.
add an -s. y' beau, fou, nouveau and vieux have an irregular feminine form
and an extra masculine singular form that is used in front of
un fromage frangais a French cheese - des fromages frangais French
cheeses
words that begin with a vowel and most words beginning with h:
bel, fol, nouvel, vieil,
un homme dangereux a dangerous man -) des hommes dangereux y' To make an adjective agree with a masculine plural noun or
dangerous men
pronoun, you usually add -s to the masculine singular. lf the
lf the masculine singular form ends in -eau or -al, the masculine plural is adjective already ends in an -s or an -x, no further -s is added.
usually -eaux or -aux. y' t tne adjective ends in -eau or -al, the masculine plural is usually
le nouveau professeur the new teacher + les nouveaux professeurs -eaux or -aux.
the new teachers y' To make an adjective agree with a feminine plural noun or
le r6le principal the main role * les r6les principaux the main roles pronoun, you usually add -es to the masculine singular.
y' Some adjectives relating to colours never change their form.

rrp
Adding an -s or an -x does not change the pronunciation of a
word. For example, noir and noirs sound just the same, as do
nouveau and nouveaux.
When the -s or -x ending comes before a word starting with a vowel
or most words starting with h, you have to pronounce the s or x on
the end of the adjective. lt sounds like the z in the English word zip.
les anciens 6ldves the former pupils
de grands h6tels big hotels

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

32 Aruecnvrs Aouecnvrs 33

Word order with adiectives Ttp

dernier (meaning /ost) and prochain (meaning nexf) go AFTER
tr The basic rules
nouns relating to time, for example, semaine (meaning week) and
>> when adjectives are used right beside the noun they are describing, they mois (meaning month). Otherwise they go BEFORE the noun.
go BEFORE it in English. French adiectives usually go AFTER the noun'
la semaine demiire last week
I'heure exacte the right time
la page suivante the following page
la demidre fois que je t'ai vu the last time I saw you
la semaine prochaine next week
)> Adjectives describing colours, shapes or nationalities always go AFTER the
noun.
vais
la prochaine fois que j'y the next time I go there
des cravates rouges red ties
une table ronde a round table
Grammar Extra!
un mot frangais a French word
When certain adjectives are used with certain nouns, they take on a meaning you
) Some very common adiectives usually come BEFORE the noun' cannot always guess. You may need to check these in your dictionary and learn them.
beau lovely, beautiful, good-looking, handsome Here are a few:
bon good, right mon petit ami my boyfriend
court short les petits pois peas
grand tall, big, long, great les grandes vacances the summer holidays
gros big, fat une grande personne an adult, a grown-up
haut high
jeune youn9
joli pretty ]d Using more than one adiective
long long D In French you can use more than one adjective at a time to describe
mauvais bad, poor someone or something. lf one of the adjectives usually comes BEFORE the
meilleur better noun and the other usually goes AFTER the noun, the word order follows
nouveau new the usual pattern.
petit small, little
une icgnc femme blonde a young blonde woman
premier first
un nouveau film int6ressant an interesting new film
vieux old
une belle journ6e a lovely day > lf both adjectives usually come AFTER the noun, they are joined together
Cood luck!
with et (meaning ond).
Bonne chance!
un homme mince et laid a thin, ugly man
There is a small group of common adjectives whose meaning changes une personne intelligente et dr6le an intelligent, funny person
depending on whether they come before the noun or 9o after it'
Adjective Example before Meaning Example after Meaning
noun Key points
noun
un fauteuil an antique
y' Most French adjectives go after the noun they describe.
un ancien a former
ancten
colldgue colleague ancien chair y' Some very common adjectives usually come before the noun:
cher Chire Julie Dear lulie une robe chdre an expensrve bon,/mauvais, court/long, grand/petit, jeune/nouveau/vieux,
dre55 gros, haut, beau, joli, premier, meilleur.
propre ma propre MV OWN un mouchoir a clean y' The meaning of some adjectives such as ancien, cher and propre
chambre bedroom propre handkerchief varies according to the position in the sentence.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii'

34 Ao.rpcnves Ao.lecrves 35

a la plus with feminine singular adjectives

Gomparatives and superlatives of adiectives
a les plus with plural adjectives (for both masculine and feminine)
le guide le plus utile the most useful guidebook
tr Making comparisons using comparative adiectives
la question la plus facile the easiest question
What is a comparative adjective? les plus grands h6tels the biggest hotels
A comparative adjective in English is one with -er on the end of it or les plus petites voitures the smallest cars
more or /ess in front of it, that is used to compare people or things, for > To say that something or someone is the leqst easy, the leost pretty, the leost
example, slower, Iess important, more beautiful.
expensive and so on, you use:
o le moins with masculine singular adjectives
} ln French, to saythatsomething is easier, more expensive and so on, you use
o la moins with feminine singular adjectives
pfus (meaning more) before the adjective.
Cette question est plus facile. This question is easier.
o les moins with plural adjectives (for both masculine and feminine).
Cette veste est olus chdre. This iacket is more expensive. le guide le moins utile the least useful guidebook
Cette question est la moins This question is the least easy (or
L To say something is less expensive, less complicoted and so on, you use
facile. the hardest).
moins (meaning /ess) before the adjective.
les mois les moins agr6ables the least pleasant months
Gette veste est moins chdre. This iacket is less expensive. les moins belles photos the least attractive photos
un projet moins compliqu6 a less complicated plan
) To introduce the person or thing you are making the comparison with, use
que (meaning fhan). rtp /)
Elle est plus petite que moi. She's smaller than me. When the adjective comes AFTER the noun, you repeat the
Cette question est plus facile This question is easier than the definite article (le, la or les).
que la premidre. first one. les mois les moins agr6ables the least pleasant months
) To say that something or someone is as ... os something or someone else, When the adjective comes BEFORE the noun, you do not repeat the
use aussi ...que. definite article.
ll est aussi inquiet que moi. He's as worried as me. les moins belles photos the least attractive photos
Cette ville n'est pas aussi This town isn't as big as Bordeaux.
grande que Bordeaux. Q for more information on Word order with adjectives, see poge 32.

A Making comparisons using superlative adiectives D In phrases like the biggest hotel in London and the oldest person in the village,
you use de to translate ln.
What is a superlative adiective? le plus grand h6tel de Londres the biggest hotel in London
A superlative adjective in English is one with -esf on the end of it or la personne la plus Ag6e du village the oldest person in the village
most ot leostin front of it, that is used to compare people or things, for
example, thinnest, most beoutiful, least interesting. I ) For more information on de and du, see poge 166.

} ln French, to say that something or someone is easiest, prettiest, most s l Inegular comparative and superlative adiectives
expensive and so on, you use:
o > Just as English has some irregular comparative and superlative forms - better
le plus with masculine singular adjectives
instead of 'more good', and worst instead of 'most bod' - French also has a
few irregular forms.
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii'xii'
36 Aorrcrves Ao.lecnvEs 37

Adjective Meaning Comparative Meaning Superlative Meaning Demonstrative adjectives ce, cette, cet and ces
bon 9ooo meilleur better le meilleur the best
What is a demonstrative adjective?
mauvats bad prre worse le pire the worst A demonstrative adjective is one of the words this, thot, these and those
plus mauvais le plus
mauvais used with a noun in English to point out a particular thing or person, for
example, this womon, thot dog.
petit small moindre smaller, le moindre the smallest
plus petit lesser le plus petit the leas!
the slightest In French you use ce to point out a particular thing or person. Like all
adjectives in French, ce changes its form depending on whether you are
J'ai une meilleure id6e. l've got a better idea.
referring to a noun that is masculine or feminine, singular or plural.
ll ne fait pas le moindre effort. He doesn't make the slightest effort.
Masculine Feminine Meaning
Singular ce (cet) cette this
T'P that
Choose the right form of the adjective to match the noun or Plural ces ces these
pronoun, depending on whether it is masculine or feminine, singular those
or plural. Don't forget to change le to la or les too in superlatives.

rtp
Grammar Ertra! cet is used in front of masculine singular nouns which begin with
bien and its comparative and superlative forms mieux and le mieux can be both a vowel and most words beginning with h.
adjectives and adverbs. cet oiseau this/that bird
lf est bien, ce restaulant. (=adjective) This restaurant is good. cet hOpital this/that hospital
Elle va mieux aujourd'hui, (=odverb) She's better today.

Q For more informotion on Adverbs, see poge 152. ce comes BEFORE the noun it refers to.
Combien co0te ce manteau? How much is this/that coat?
Key points cette
y'_To compare people Comment s'appelle What's this/that company called?
or things in French you use plus + adjective, entreprise?
moins + adjective or aussi ... que.
Ces livres sont trds These/Those books are very
y' than in comparatives corresponds to que. int6ressants. interesting.
y' French superlatives are formed with lellalles plus + adjective and
Ces couleurs sont jolies. These/Those colours are pretty.
le/la/les moins + adjective.
l/ in after superlatives corresponds to de. lf you want to emphasize the difference between something that is close to
y' bon, mauvais and petit have irregular comparatives and you and something that is further away, you can add:
superlatives: bon/meilleur/le meilleur, mauvais/pire/le pire, o -ci on the end of the noun for things that are closer
petit/moindre/le moindre.
Prends cette valisqqi. Take this case.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

38 Aorecnves Ao.recnves 39
o -lir on the end of the noun for things that are further away Possessive adjectives
Est-ce que tu reconnais cette Do you recognize that person?
personnel!i? What is a possessive adjective?
frr tnglish a possessive adjective is one of the words mv yourl his, her, its,
rur or their used with a noun to show that one person or thing belongs to
Key points
y' Theadjective ce corresponds io thrs and thatin the singular, and ,rnother.
these and thosein the plural.
y' Theforms are ce and cette in the singular, and ces in the plural. Here are the French possessive adjectives. Like all French adjectives, these
cet is used with masculine singular nouns beginning with a vowel agree with the noun they refer to.
and most words beginning with h.
with masculine with feminine with plural noun Meaning
y' You can add -ci on the end of the noun for things that are closer, singular noun singular noun (masculine or feminine)
or -li for things that are further away, to emphasize the difference mon ma (mon) mes my
between them. ton ta (tonl tes your
son sa (sonl ses his
her
its
one's
notre notre nos our
votte votre vos your
leur leur leurs their

rrp
You use mon, ton and son with feminine singular nouns in front
of words that begin with a vowel and most words beginning with h.
This makes them easier to say.
mon assiette my plate
ton histoire your story
son erreur his/her mistake
mon autre s@ur my other sister

D Possessive adjectives come BEFORE the noun they describe.

Voild mon mari. There's my husband.
Mon frdre et ma s@ur habitent My brother and sister live in
i Glasgow. Clasgow.
Est-ce que tes voisins vendent Are your neighbours selling their
leur maison? house?
Rangez vos affaires. Put your things away.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

40 Aouecrves Ao.lecrves 41

Indefinite adjectives
rw
Possessive adjectives agree with what they describe, NOT with the What is an indefinite adjective?
person who owns that thing. For example, sa can mean his, her, its Arr indefinite adjective is one of a small group of adjectives that are used
and one's, but can only ever be used with a feminine singular noun. to talk about people or things in a general way without saying exactly
who or what they are, for example, severol, oll, every.
Paul cherche sa montre. Paul's looking for his watch.
Paul cherche ses lunettes. Paul's looking for his glasses.
Gatherine a appel6 son frdre. Catherine called her brother. In French, this type of adjective comes BEFORE the noun it refers to. Here
are the most common French indefinite adiectives:
Catherine a appel6 sa s(Eur. Catherine called her sister.

Masculine Feminine Masculine Feminine Meaning

) The equivalent ol your in French is ton/taltes for someone you call tu, or
singular singular plural plural
votre/vos for someone you call vous.
autre autre autres autres other
+ For more information on the difference between tu ond vous, see page 43. chaque chaque every, each
meme meme memes memes same
@ Note that possessive adjectives are not normally used with parts of
the body. Use le, la, l' or les instead. quelques quelques some, a few
tout toute tous toutes all, every
J'ai mal d la main. My hand hurts.
J'ai d'autres projets. l've got other plans.
+ For more informotion on Articles, see poge 12.
J'y vais chaque ann6e. I go every year.
J'ai le m6me manteau. I have the same coat.
Key points
( The French possessive adjectives are:
ll a quelques amis d Paris. He has some friends in Paris,
. mon/ton/son/notre/votre/leur in the masculine singular ll reste quelques bouteilles. There are a few bottles left.
o ma/ta/sa/notre/votre/leur in the feminine singular ll travaille tout le temps. He works all the time.
. mes/tes/ses/nos/vos/leurs in the plural
{ Possessive adjectives come before the noun they refer to. They
rrp
agree with what they describe, rather than with the person who
owns that thing. You can also use tout to talk about how often something happens.
t/ You use mon, ton and son with feminine singular nouns when tous les jours
the following word begins with a vowel. You also use them with tous les deux jours
most words beginning with h.
1/ Possessive adjectives are not normally used with parts of the body.
Use le, la, l' or les instead. [) Note that these words can also be used as pronouns, standing in place
of a noun instead of being used with one. chaque and quelques have
a slightly different form when they are used in this way.
t ) For more information on Pronouns, see page 42.

For further oxplanation of grammatical
Key points
l/ tne most common French indefinite adjectives are autre, chaque,
m€me, quelques and tout.
y' tney come before the noun when they are used in this way.
tems, please see pages viii-xii.
 Pnoruourus 43

PRONOUNS Personal pronouns: subiect

What is a pronoun?
A pronoun is a word you use instead of a noun, when you do not need
or want to name someone or something directly, for example, it, you,
none.
What is a subject pronoun?
A subject pronoun is a word such as l, he, she and they, which performs
the action expressed by the verb. Pronouns stand in for nouns when it is
clear who is being talked about for example, My brother isn't here qt the
moment. He'll be bqck in qn hour.

l There are several different types of pronoun:

1" I Usinq subiect pronouns
o Personal pronouns such as l, you, he, her and they, which are used to D Here are the French subject pronouns:
refer to yourself, the person you are talking to, or other people and
Singular Meaning Plural Meaning
things. They can be either subject pronouns (1, you, he and so on) or
je (i'l nous we
obiect pronouns (him, her, them and so on).
o tu you vous you
Possessive pronouns like mine and yours, which show who someone or
something belongs to. il he ils they (masculine)
it
o lndefinite pronouns like someone or nothing, which refer to people or
elle she elles they (feminine)
things in a general way without saying exactly who or what they are. it
o Relative pronouns like who, which or fhot, which link two parts of a on one
sentence together. (we/you/they)
. Demonstrative pronouns like thrs or those, which point things or people
out. Je pars en vacances demain. l'm going on holiday tomorrow.
o Reflexive pronouns, a type of object pronoun that forms part of French
Nous habitons d Nice. We live in Nice.
reflexive verbs like se laver (meaning to wosh) or s'appeler (meaning fo
be colled).
rtp
+ For more information on Reflexive verbs, see poge 88. je changes to j' in front of words beginning with a vowel, most
words beginning with h, and the French word y.
o The two French pronouns, en and y, which are used in certain
J'arrive! l'm just coming!
constructions.
Bon, j'y vais. Righf l'm off,
o The pronouns qui? (meaning who?, whom), que? (meaning whot?),
quoi? (meaning whot) and lequel? (meaning which one), which are
used in asking questions. 2l tu or vous?
+ For more information on Questions, see poge 142. > ln English we have only one way of saying you. In French, there are two
words: tu and vous. The word you use depends on:
) Pronouns often stand in for a noun to save repeating it. o whether you are talking to one person or more than one person
Ifinished my homework and gave it to my teacher. o whether you are talking to a friend or family member, or someone else
Do you remember Jack? | saw him at the weekend.
> lf you are talking to one person you know well, such as a friend, a young
) Word order with personal pronouns is usually different in French and person or a relative, use tu.
English. Tu me pr6tes ce CD? Will you lend me this CD?

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

44 Pnoruourus Pnoruourus 45

) lf you are talking to one person you do not know so well, such as your il is also used to talk about the weather, the time and in certain other set
teacher, your boss or a stranger, use vous. phrases, often in the same way as some phrases with it in English.
Vous pouvez entrer. You may come in. ll pleut. It's raining.
ll est deux heures. It's two o'clock.
ll faut partir. We/You have to go.
ifs (meaning they) and elles (meaning they) are used in the plural to talk
lf you are in doubt as to which form of you to use, it is safest to
about things, as well as about people or animals. Use ils for masculine
use vous and you will not offend anybody.
nouns and elles for feminine nouns.
lls vont appeler ce soir. They're going to call tonight.
D lf you are talking to more than one person, you have to use vous, no 'Oi sont Anne et Rachel?' * 'Where are Anne and Rachel?'-
matter how well you know them. 'Elles sont d la piscine.' 'They're at the swimming pool.'
Vous comprenez, les enfants? Do you understand, children? 'Est-ce qu'il reste des billets?' ?re there are any tickets left?' -
[J Note that the adjectives you use with tu and vous have to agree in -'Non, ils sont tous vendus.' 'No, they're all sold.'
the feminine and plural forms. 'Tu aimes ces chaussures?'- 'Do you like those shoes?'- 'No,
'Non, elles sont affreuses!' they're horrible!'
Vous 6tes certain, Monsieur Are you sure, Mr Leclerc?
Leclerc? (mo scu li n e si ng u I o r) lf you are talking about a masculine and a feminine noun, use ils.
Vous 6tes certains, les enfants? Are you sure, children? Oue font ton pdre et ta mire What do your father and mother do
(masculine plurol) quand ils partent en vacances? when they go on holiday?
'Oi sont le poivre et la 'Where are the pepper and the
Grammar Ertra! moutarde?'-'lls sont d6jdr sur mustard?' - 'They're already on the
la table.' table.'
Any past participles (the form of the verb ending in -6, -i or -u in French) used with €tre
in tenses such as the perfect also have to agree in the feminine and plural forms. 4l on
Vous 6tes oartie quand, Estelle? When did you leave, Estelle?
(feminine singular)
D on isfrequently used in informal, everyday French to mean h/e.
Estelle et Sophie - vous 6tes Estelle and Sophie when did you On va i la plage demain. We're going to the beach tomorrow.
-
parties quand? (feminine plurol) leave? On y va? Shallwe go?
on can also have the sense of someone or they.
+ For more informotion on the Past participle, see poge 111.
On m'a vol6 mon polte-monnaie. Someone has stolen my purse.
On vous demande au t6l6phone: There's a phone call for you.
tr illelle and ils/elles
} In English we generally refer to things (such as table, book, cor) only as it. In
French, il (meaning he, it) and elle (meaning she, it)are used to talk about rrp
a thing, as well as about a person or an animal. You use il for masculine on often used to avoid a passive construction in French.
is
nouns and elle for feminine nouns. On m'a dit que tu 6tais malade. I was told you were ill.
ll est d6jd parti. He's already left.
Elle est actrice. She's an actress.
* For more informotion on the Possive, see poge 122.

ll mord, ton chien? Does your dog bite?

Prends cette chaise. Elle est Take this chair. lt's more
plus confortable. comfortable.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viiS-xii.

 46 PRoruourus Pnoruourus 47
) You can also use on as we use you in English when we mean people in Personal pronouns: direct object
general.
On peut visiter le ch6teau en You can visit the castle in the What is a direct object pronoun?
616. 5Ummer. A direct object pronoun is a word such as me, him, us and them, which is
D'ici on peut voir les c6tes From here you can see the French used instead of the noun to stand in for the person or thing most directly
frangaises. coast. affected by the action expressed by the verb.

Ttp , 1l Using direct obiect pronouns

The form of the verb you use with on is the same as the illelle D Direct object pronouns stand in for nouns when it is clear who or what is
form. being talked aboug and save having to repeat the noun.
l've lost my glasses. Have you seen them?
4 For more informotion on Verbs, see poges 69-1 37.
'Have you met Jo?'-'Yes, I really like her!'
D Here are the French direct object pronouns:
Key points
y' tne French subject pronouni ire: je (j'), tu, il, elle, on in the Singular Meaning Plural Meaning
singular, and nous, vous, ils, elles in the plural. me (m') me nous u5
y' to say you in French, use tu if you are talking to one person you te (t'l you vous you
know well or to a young person. Use vous if you are talking to
le (l') him les them (mosculine
one person you do not know so well or to more than one person.
it ond feminine)
y' il/ils (masculine singular/plural) and elle/elles (feminine
la (l') her
singular/plural) are used to refer to things, as well as to people or
it
animals. il is also used in certain set phrases.
y' lf there is a mixture of masculine and feminine nouns, use ils. lls vont nous aider. They're going to help us.
y' on can mean we, someone, you, they, or people in general. Je la vois. I can see her/it.
It is often used instead of a passive construction. 'Tu aimes les carottes?'- 'Do you like carrots?'- 'No, I hate
'Non, je les d6teste!' them!'

E Note that you cannot use direct object pronouns after a preposition
like i or de, or when you want to emphasize something.

+ For more informotion on Emphotic pronouns, see poge 51.

T'P
me changes to m', te to t', and le/la to l' in front of words
beginning with a vowel, most words beginning with h, and the
French word y.
Je t'aime.
Tu m'entends? Can you hear me?

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 48 Pnoruourus
PRoruourus 49
D ln orrk'rs and instructions telling someone to do something, moi is used
instr,,rrl of me, and toi is used instead of te.
Personal pronouns: indirect object
Aidez-mo_i! Help me! What is an indirect object pronoun?
Assieds-toi. Sit down. When a verb has two objects (a direct one and an indirect one), the
indirect object pronoun is used instead of a noun to show the person or
le is rornetimes used to refer back to an idea or information that has already thing the action is intended to benefit or harm, for example, me in He
been given. The word lf is often missed out in English. gove me a book; Can you get m9. o towel?
'Ta chemise est trds sale.'- 'Your shirt's very dirty.'-
'Je l9 sais.' 'l know.'
1l Using indirect obiect pronouns
C.l Word order with direct obiect pronouns > lt is important to understand the difference between direct and indirect
L The direct object pronoun usually comes BEFORE the verb. object pronouns in English, as they can have different forms in French:
Je t'aime. I love you. o an indirect object answers the question who to/for? or to/for
Les voyez-vous? Can you see them? whaf?
Elle ne nous connait pas. She doesn't know us. He gave me a book. - Who did he give the book to? + me (=indirect
object pronoun)
@ Note that in orders and instructions telling someone to do something,
Can you get me a towel? '+ Who con you get o towel for? + me
the direct object pronoun comes AFTER the verb.
(=i ndi rect obj ect p ro no u n)
Asseyez-vous. Sit down.
D In tenses like the perfect that are formed with avoir or €tre and the past
o if something answers the question what or who, then it is the direct
object and NOT the indirect oblect
participle (the part of the verb that ends in -4 -i or -u in French), the direct
object pronoun comes BEFORE the part of the verb that comes from avoir He gave me a book. + What did he give me? + a book (=jjyssl
or 6tre. object)

ll m'a vu. He saw me,

Can you get me a towel? + Whot cqn you get me? + a towel (=direct
object)
} When a verb like vouloir (meaning to want) or pouvoir (meaning to be oble
to, can) is followed by another verb in the infinitive (the 'fo'form of the D Here are the French indirect object pronouns:
verb), the direct object pronoun comes BEFORE the infinitive.
ll voudrait la revoir. Singular Meaning Plural Meaning
He'd like to see her again.
Puis-je vous aider? Can I help you? me (m') me, to me, for me nous us, to us, for us
te (t') you, to you, for you vouS you, to you, for you
Key points lui him, to him, for him leur them, to them, for them
y' The French direct object pronouns are: me (m,), te (t,), lella (t,) it, to it, for it (mosculine ond feminine)
in the singular, and nous, vous, les in the plural. lui her, to her, for her
y' Except in orders and instructions telling someone to do it, to it, for it
something, the direct object pronoun comes before the verb.
ll nous 6crit tous les jours. He writes to us every day.
lls te cachent quelque chose. They're hiding something from you.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,

50 PRotrtoutrts PRoruourus 51

rq
me changes to m' and te to t' in front of words beginning with a
Emphatic pronouns
What is an emphatic pronoun?
vowel, most words beginning with h, and the French word y. An emphatic pronoun is used instead of a noun when you want to
emphasize something, for example ls this for me?
ll m'a donn6 un livre. He gave me a book.
Tu m'apportes une serviette? Can you get me a towel?
1l Using emphatic pronouns
The pronouns shown in the table are used instead of the preposition i with ) In French, there is another set of pronouns which you use after
a noun. prepositions, when you want to emphasize something and in certain other
l'6cris i Suzanne. l'm writing to Suzanne. -+ fe lui 6cris. l'm writing to her. cases. These are called emphatic pronouns or stressed pronouns.
Donne du lait au chat. Give the cat some milk. -+ Donne-lui du lait. Give
Singular Meaning Plural Meaning
it some milk.
mot I nouS we
Some French verbs like demander i (meaning to osk) and t6l6phoner i me u5
(meaning to phone) take an indirect object even though English uses a toi you vouS you
direct obiect.
lui he eux they (mosculine)
ll leur tril6phone tous les soirs. He phones them every evening. him them

On the other hand, some French verbs like attendre (meaning to wait for), elle she elles they (feminine)
chercher (meaning to look for) and regarder (meaning to /ook ot) take a her them
direct object even though English uses an indirect obiect. sol oneself
Je les attends devant la gare. l'll wait for them outside the station. $ourself, ourselves

Je pense souvent a toi. I often think about you.

E Word order with indirect obiect pronouns C'est pour moi? ls this for me?
) The indirect object pronoun usually comes BEFORE the verb' Venez avec moi. Come with me.
Dominique vous 6crit une lettre. Dominique's writing you a letter' ll a besoin de nous. He needs us.
ll ne nous parle pas. He doesn't speak to us.
soi (meaning oneself is used with the subiect pronoun on and with words
ll ne veut pas me r6pondre. He won't answer me. like tout fe monde (meaning everyone) or chacun (meaning each one).

@ Note that in orders and instructions telling someone to do ll faut avoir confiance en soi. You have to have confidence in
something, the indirect obiect pronoun comes AFTER the verb. yourself.
Donne-moi ga! Give me that! Tout le monde est rentr6 chez Everyone went home.
soi.
KeY Points
y' fhe French indirect object pionouns are: me (m'), te (t'), lui in 4 When to use emphatic pronouns
the singular, and nous, vous, leur in the plural.
y' > Emphatic pronouns are used in the following circumstances:
Except in orders and instructions telling someone to do
something, the direct object pronoun comes before the verb.
o after a preposition
C'est pour-mqi? ls this for me?

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

52 PRoruourus Pnoruouus 53
o for emphasis, especially where a contrast is involved
Toi, tu ressembles d ton pdre, You look like your father, she
mais elle non. doesn't.
ll m'6nerve, lui! He's getting on my nerves!
o on their own without a verb
'Oui a cass6 la fen6tre?'-'Lul.' 'Who broke the window?' -
'Je suis fatigu6e.'-'Moi aussi.' 'l'm tired.' - 'Me too''
o after c'est and ce sont (meaning it ts)
C'est toi, Simon? ls that you, Simon?
Ge sont eux. It's them.

9 For more informotion on c'est and ce sont, see page 65.

o in comparisons
Tu es plus jeune que moi. You're younger than me.
ll est moins grand que toi. He's smaller than you (are).

. when the sublect of the sentence is made up of two pronouns, or of a

pronoun and a noun
Mon pire et elle ne My father and she don't get on.
s'entendent pas.

Grammar Extra!
You can add -m€me or -m6mes to the emphatic pronouns when you particularly want
to emphasize something. These forms correspond to English myself, ourselves and so on

Form with -m6me Meaning

mot-meme myself
toi-m€me yourself
lui-m€me himself, itself
elle-m€me herself, itself
soFmeme oneself $ourself, ou rselves)
nous-memes ourselves
vous-meme yourself
vous-memes yourselves
eux-meme5 themselves (m a scu I i n e)
elles-mGmes themselves (feminine)

Je I'ai fait moi-m6me. I did it myself.

Elle l'a choisi elle-m6me. She chose it herself.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii'xii.

54 Pnoruourus PRoruourus 55

Possessive pronouns
Grammar Ertra!
What is a possessive pronoun? Remember that ir with the definite article le becomes au, and i with les becomes aux,
A possessive pronoun is one of the words mine, yours, hers, his, ours or \o:
thelrs, which are used instead of a noun to show that one person or thing d + le mien + au mien
befongs to another, for example, Ask Carole if this pen is hers. i + les miens + aux miens
d + les miennes + aux miennes
) Here are the French possessive pronouns: Tu pr6fdres ce manteau au mien? Do you prefer this coat to mine?

Masculine Feminine Masculine Feminine Meaning Remember that de with the definite article le becomes du, and de with les becomes
plural plural des, so:
singular singular
de + le mien + du mien
le mien la mienne les miens les miennes mrne
de + les miens + des miens
le tien la tienne les tiens les tiennes yours de + les miennes r des miennes
le sien la sienne les siens les siennes his
J'ai oubli6 mes cl6s. J'ai besoin l've forgotten my keys. I need
hers des tiennes, yours.
le n6tre la n6tre les n6tres les n6tres ourS
t ) For more informotion on Articles, see poge 12.
le vdtre la vdtre les vdtres les vdtres yours
le leur la leur les leurs les leurs theirs

Ces CD-ld, ce sont les miens. Those CDs are mine. Key points
Heureusement que tu as tes It's lucky you've got your keys.
y' The French possessive pronouns are le mien, le tien, le sien for
c163. J'ai oubli6 les miennes. lforgot mine. singular subject pronouns, and le n6tre, le v6tre and le leur for
plural subject pronouns. Their forms change in the feminine and
the plural.
rtp y' In French, the pronoun you choose has to agree with the noun it
replaces, and not with the person who owns that thing.
In French, possessive pronouns agree with what they describe,
NOT with the person who owns that thing. For example, le sien
can mean his or hers, but can only be used to replace a masculine
singular noun.
'C'est le v6lo de Paul?'- 'ls that Paul's bike?' -
'Oui, c'est le sien.' 'Yes, it's his,'
'C'est le v6lo d'lsabelle?'- 'ls that lsabelle's bike?'-
'Oui, c'est le sien.' 'Yes, itt hers.'

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

56 Pnoruourus PRonourrrs 57

en and y zlY
) en and y do not usually refer to people. How we translate them into English >yis used with verbs and phrases normally followed by i to avoid repeating
depends on where en and y are found in French. the same word.
:

'Je pensais i l'examen.'-'Mais 'l was thinking about the exam.'-

tren arr6te d'y penser!' 'Well, stop thinking about it!' (y
replaces d in penser d quelque chose)
D en is used with verbs and phrases normally followed by de to avoid
repeating the same word.
'Je ne m'attendais pas i ga.'- 'l wasn't expecting that.'-'Well, I
'Moi, je m'y attendais.' was expecting it.' (y reploces d in
Si tu as un probldme, tu peux lf you've got a problem, you can s'qttendre d quelque chose)
m'en parler. talk to me about it. (en replaces de
in parler de quelque chose) y can afso mean there. lt can be used to replace phrases that would use
Est-ce que tu peux me prGter Can you lend me that book? | need prepositions such as dans (meaning tn) and sur (meaning on).
ce livre? J'eo ai besoin. it. (en reploces de in svoir besoin de Elle y passe tout l'6t6. She spends the whole summer
quelque chose) there.
ll a un beau iardin et il en est He's got a beautiful garden and is Regarde dans le tiroir. Je pense Look in the drawer. I think the keys
trds fier. very proud of it. (en reploces de in que les cl6s y sont. are in there.
Qtre fier de quelque chose)

) en can also replace the partitive article (du, de la, de l', des).
t I Word order with en and y
en and y usually come BEFORE the verb.
. Je n'ai pas d'argent.Tu en as? | haven't got any money. Have you
got any? J'gn veux. I want some.
'Tu peux me prGter des timbres?' 'Can you lend me some stamps?'- moi.
Elle en a parl6 avec She talked to me about it.

-'Non, je dois en acheter.' 'No, I have to buy some.' En Gtes-vous content? {re you pleased with it/them?
Comment fait-on pour y aller? How do you get there?
.) For more information on the Portitive article, see poge 22.
N'y pense plus. Don't think about it any more.
l en is also used: In orders and instructions telling someone to do something, en or y come
A[f EB the verb and are attached to it with a hyphen O.
o as a preposition
Prenez-en. Take some.
o with the present participle of verbs
Restez-y. Stay there.

+ For more information on Prepositions and the Present participle, see poges
1 62 qnd 1 25. rrp
The final -s of -er verbs is usually dropped in the tu form used for
) When en is used with avoir, with il y a or with numbers, it is often not
orders and instructions. When an -er verb in the tu form is used
translated in English but can NEVER be missed out in French.
before en or y, however, the -s is not dropped, to make it easier to
'Est-ce que tu as un 'Have you got a dictionary?' -'Yes, sav.
dictionnaire?'-'Oui, j'en ai un.' l've got one.'
Donne des bonbons i ton frire. Cive some sweets to your brother.
'Gombien d'6ldves y a-t-il dans 'How many pupils are there in your
ta classe?'-'ll y en a trente.' class?' - 'There are thirty.' Donnes-en i ton frire. Cive some to your brother.
J'en veux deux. I want two (of them). Va dans ta chambre! Go to your room!
Vis;y| Co on!
t ) For more information on the Imperotive, see poge 85.
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii'xii.
58 PRoruoulvs Pnoruourus 59

L en and y come AFTER other direct or indirect obiect pronouns. Using different types of pronoun together
Donnez-leur-en. Cive them some. D Sometimes you find a direct object pronoun and an indirect object pronoun
ll m'en a parl6. He spoke to me about it in the same sentence.
He gave me (indirect obiect) them (direct obiect).
+ For more informqtion on Direct obiect pronouns qnd lndirect obiect He gave them (direct object) to me (indirect object).
pronouns, see poges 47 ond 49.
) When this happens in French, you have to put the indirect and direct obiect
Key points pronouns in a certain order.
y' en is used with verbs and expiessions normally followed by de to
avoid repeating the same word.
y' en can also replace the partitive article. --- Direct ---}ei*E---*-----..-
y' When en is used with avoir and il y a or with numbers, it is often
;; te en
not translated in English but can never be missed out in French. te :- lui
y' y is used with verbs and expressions normally followed by i to
avoid repeating the same word.
y' y can also mean there and may replace expressions that would be
used with dans and sur or some other preposition indicating
a place. Dominique vous l'envoie Dominique's sending it to you
y' en andy usually come before the verb, except in orders and demain. tomorrow.
instructions telling someone to do something, when en or y ll te les a montr6s? Has he shown them to you?
follows the verb and is attached to it with a hyphen. Je les lui ai lus. I read them to him/her.
y' en and y come after other direct or indirect object pronouns. Ne la leur donne pas. Don't give it to them.
Elle ne m'en a pas parl6. She didn't speak to me about it.

Key points
y' lf a direct and an indirect object pronoun are used in the same
sentence, you usually put the indirect object pronoun before the
direct object pronoun.
y' With lui and leur, this order is reversed and you put the direct
object pronoun before the indirect object pronoun.

For further explanation of grammatacal terms, please see pages viii-xii.

60 Pnoruourus PRoruourus 61

lndefinite pronouns
What is an indefinite pronoun?
An indefinite pronoun is one of a small group of pronouns such as
everything, nobody and something which are used to refer to people or 'What did you buy?'-
things in a general way without saying exactly who or what they are.
lf the sentence contains a verb you have to use ne with it.
He's eaten nothing.
) Here are the most common French indefinite pronouns:
o chacun (masculine singular)lchacune (feminine singular) each, everyone . tout everything
Nous avons chacun donn6 We each gave ten euros. ll organise tout. He's organizing everything.
dix euros. Tout va bien? ls everything OK?
Chacun fait ce qu'il veut. Everyone does what they like.
. tous (mosculine pluraf)ltoutes (feminine plurat) all
Toutes les villas ont chacune Each villa has its own swimming
leur piscine. pool. Je les connais tous. I know them all.
Elles sont toutes arriv6es? Are they all here?
. personne nobody/no one, anybodylanyone
ll nly a personne d la maison. There's no one at home. You can use quelque chose de/rien de and quelqu'un de/personne de
Elle ne veut voir personne. She doesn't want to see anybody. with adjectives if you want to say nothing interesting, something new and
so on.
+ For more informotion on Negatives, see page 138. rien d'int6ressant nothing interesting

Key points
y' rlen and personne can be used on their own to answer
questions, but need to be used with ne when there is a verb in
Oui sait la r6ponse? Personne. Who knows the answer? No one. the sentence.
lf the sentence contains a verb you have to use ne with it. y' quelque chose/rien and quelqu'un/personne can be followed
by de + adjective.

o quelque chose something, anything

f'ai quelque chose pour toi. l've got something for you.
Avez-vous quelque chose i Do you have anything to declare?
d6clarer?
o quelqu'un somebody/someone, anybody/anyone
ll y a quelqu'un i la porte. There's someone at the door.
Ouelqu'un a vu mon parapluie? Has anybody seen my umbrella?
o rien nothing, anything
Elle n'a rien dit. She didn't say anything.
Rien n'a chang6. Nothing's changed.
+ For more informotion on Negatives, see page 138.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

62 PRotrtoutrts Pnoruourus 63

Relative pronouns: qui, que, lequel, auquel, duquel > qui is also used after a preposition such as i de or pour to talk about
pcaplc.
What is a relative pronoun?
la personne d qui il parle the person he is speaking to
ln English a relative pronoun is one of the words who, which and thot
(and the more formal whom) which can be used to introduce information les enfants pour qui j'ai achet6 the children I bought sweets for
des bonbons
that makes it clear which person or thing is being talked about, for
example, The mon who has just come in is Ann's boyfriend; The vase that
you broke wos quite valuable.
T(/p
Relative pronouns can also introduce further information about someone
or something, for example, Peter, who is q brilliant painter, wonts to study ln English we often miss out the object pronouns who, which
ort; lone's house, which was built in 1890, needs o lot of repoirs. and that. For example, we can say both the friends thot I see most, ol
the friends I see most, and the house which we wqnt to buy, or the
house we wont to buy. In French you can |{EVER miss out que or qui
D In French, the relative pronouns are qui, que, lequel, auquef and duquel. in this way.

tr qui and que

) qui and que can both refer to people or things. 2l lequel, laquelle. lesquels. lesquelles
Relative pronoun Meaning > fequel (meaning which)is used after a preposition such as i de or pourto
talk about things. lt has to agree with the noun it replaces.
Subject qui who
which Masculine Feminine Meaning
that Singular lequel laquelle which
Direct object que who, whom Plural lesquels lesquelles which
which
that le livre pour lequel elle est the book she is famous for
GOnnue
Mon frdre, qui a vingt ans, est My brother, who's twenty, is at
il'universit6. university.
la table sur laquelle j'ai mis the table I put my bag on
mon sac
Est-ce qu'il y a un bus qui va ls there a bus that goes to the town
au centre-ville? centre? Remember that ir and de combine with the definite article le to become au
Les amis que je vois le plus The friends (that) | see most are L6a and du, and with les to become aux and des. lequel/lesquels/lesquelles
sont L6a et Mehdi. and Mehdi. combine with ir and de as shown in the table. laquelle doesn't change.
Voild la maison que nous That's the house (which) we want
+ lequel + laquelle + lesquels + lesquelles Meaning
voulons acheter. to buy.
a auquel i laquelle auxquels auxquelles to which
de duquel de laquelle desquels desquelles of which

que changes to qu' in front of a word beginning with a vowel t| ' For more information on d ond dq see poges 14 and 15.
and most words beginning with h.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

64 Pnoruourus Pnoruourus 65

Demonstrative pronouns: ce, cela/ga, ceci, celui

Orammar Extra!
dont means whose, of whom, of which, about which and so on. lt can refer to people or What is a demonstrative pronoun?
things, but its form NEVER changes. ln English a demonstrative pronoun is one of the words this, that, these,
la femme dont la voiture est the woman whose car has broken and fhose used instead of a noun to point people or things out, for
en panne down exampfe, Thqt looks fun.
les films dont tu parles the films you're talking about

Key points
rl ce
y' qui and que can both refer to people or things: qui is the subject > ce is usually used with the verb Gtre (meaning to be) in the expressions
of the part of the sentence it is found in; que is the object. c'est (meanin g it's, that's), c'6tait (meaning it wos, that wos), ce sont
y' f n Engfish we often miss out the object pronouns who, which and (meaning it's, that's) and so on.
thot, but in French you can never miss outque orqui. C'est moi. It's me.
y' After a preposition you use qui if you are referring to people, and C'6tait mon frdre. That was my brother.
lequel if you are referring to things - lequel agrees with the noun It's them.
Ce sont eux.
it replaces.
y' a+ lequel 'auquel
i+lesquels ,auxquels rrp
i + lesquelles * auxquelles ce becomes c' when it is followed by a part of the verb that starts
y' de+ lequel ' duquel with e or 6.
de+lesquels'desquels ce becomes E' when it is followed by a part of the verb that starts
de+ lesquelles' desquelles with a.
Qa 6t6 difficile. It was difficult.
Note that after c'est and ce sont and so on you have to use the
emphatic form of the pronoun, for example, moi instead of je, eux
instead of ils and so on.
C'est moi. It's me.

Q For more informotion on Emphotic pronount see poge 51.

D ce is used:
o with a noun or a question word to identify a person or thing
Oui est-ce? Who is it?, Who's this/that?
Ce sont des professeurs. They're teachers.
Ou'est-ce que c'est? What's this/that?
C'est un ouvre'boite. It's a tin-opener.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

66 PRotuoutrts PRorrroulus 67

o with an adjective to refer to a statement, idea and so on that cannot be Masculine Feminine Meaning
classed as either masculine or feminine
Singular celui celle the one
C'est trds int6ressant. That's/lt's very interesting.
C'est dangereux. That's/lt's dangerous. Plural ceux celles the ones
Ce n'est pas grave. It doesn't matter.
celui and its other forms are used before:
o for emphasis
o qui, que or dont
G'est moi qui ai t6l6phon6. lt was me who phoned.
'Ouelle robe pr6f6rez-vous?' 'Which dress do you like best?'
Ce sont les enfants qui ont fait It was the children who made the
le g6teau. cake.
-'Celle qui est en vitrine.' - 'The one in the window.'
Prends ceux que tu pr6fires. Take the ones you like best.
celui dont je t'ai parl6 the one I told you about
E cela, ga and ceci o prepositions like i, dans and so on.
l cefa and Ea mean it, this or that. Both refer to a statement, an idea or an
celui proche de la fontaine the one near the fountain
obfect. ga is used instead of cela in everyday, informal French.
Qa ne fait rien. It doesn't matter. celui and its other forms can be used with de to show who something
Ecoute-moi gal Listen to this! belongs to. In English, we would use 's.
Cela d6pend. That/lt depends. Je n'ai pas d'appareil photo I haven't got a camera but I can
Je n'aime pas cela. I don't like that. mais je peux emprunter celui borrow my sister!.
Donne-moi ga! de ma seur.
Give me that!
Comparez vos r6ponses d Compare your answers with your
celles de votre voisin. neighbour's.
rtp You can add the endings -ci and -lir to celui and its other forms to
ga and cela are used in a more general way than il and elle,
emphasize the difference between something that is close to you and
which are usually linked to a noun that has already been mentioned. something that is further away.
Qa te plait d'aller d l'6tranger? Do you like going abroad? r use -ci for something that is closer to you
Elle te plait, ma nouvelle Do you like my new car? o use -li for something that is further away
voiture?
Masculine Feminine Meaning
L ceci means fhis and is not as common as cela and ga. lt is used to talk Singular celui-ci celle-ci this, this one
about something that has not yet been mentioned. celui-lir celle-lir that that one
Lisez ceci. Read this. Plural ceux-cl celles-ci these, these ones
ceux-lir celles-lir those, those ones
) ceci is also used to hand or show someone something.
Prends ceci.Tu en auras besoin. Take this. You'll need it. On prend quel fromage? Which cheese shall we get? This
Celui-ci ou celui-ld? one or that one?
Ces chemises ont deux poches These shirts have two pockets but
tr celui, celle. ceux, celles mais celles-li n'en ont pas. those have none.
} celui and celle mean the one; ceux and celles mean the ones. The form you
choose depends on whether the noun it is replacing is masculine or
feminine, and singular or plural.

For further explanation of grammatical tems, please see pages viii-xii.

68 PRor,roulvs

VERBS
y'. cei.soften found ," ,n" ." sont and so on.
",lo"rlrl,"",lr'".'"rt
" :il',:!iil"i0",,"" or thins What is a verb?
A verb is a 'doing' word which describes what someone or something
on that cannot be crassed
;J:,fi:"J;""#n:T:?"t;*:l:no'o does, what someone or something is, or what happens to them, for
example, be, sing, live.
it, thisor thot;ceci means rhis, but is not as
"y' :jffff|l'i"un
cefui and celle mean fhe one; ceuxand celles mean the ones.
The three coniugations
They are often found with the endings -ci and -li and are used D Verbs are usually used with a noun, with a pronoun such as I, you or she, or
to distinguish between things which are close and things which with somebody's name. They can relate to the present the past and the
are further away. future; this is called their tense.

t ) For more informotion on Nouns and Pronouns, see pages 1 ond 42.

) Verbs are either:

. regular; their forms follow the normal rules
o irregular; their forms do not follow the normal rules
D Regular English verbs have a base form (the form of the verb without any
endings added to it for example, walk). The base form can have fo in front
of it for example, to wolk. This is called the infinitive. You will find one of
these forms when you look a verb up in your dictionary.

D French verbs also have an infinitive, which ends in -er, -ir or -re, for
example, donner (meaning to give), finir (meaning to finish), attendre
(meaning to woit). Regular French verbs belong to one of these three verb
groups, which are called conjugations. We will look at each of these three
conjugations in turn on the next few pages.
> English verbs have other forms apart from the base form and infinitive: a
form ending in -s (wolks), a form ending in -ing (wolking), and a form
ending in -ed (wolked).
D French verbs have many more forms than this, which are made up of
endings added to a stem. The stem of a verb can usually be worked out
from the infinitive.
D French verb endings change, depending on who you are talking aboul je
(l), tu (you), illelle/on (he/she/one) in the singular, or nous (we), vous (you)
and ifs/elles (they) in the plural. French verbs also have different forms
depending on whether you are referring to the present, future or past.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

70 Venss Venss 71

) Some verbs in French do not follow the normal rules, and are called
irregular verbs. These include some very common and important verbs like
avoir (meaning to hove), €tre (meaning to be), faire (meaning to do, to
make) and aller (meaning to go). There is information on many of these
irregular verbs in the following sections.
+ For Verh tables, see supplement.
The present tense
What is the present tense?
The present tense is used to talk about what is true at the momenf what
happens regulady and what is happening now, for example, l'm a student,
I travel to college by train, l'm studying languoges.

D You use a verb in the present tense to talk about:

Key points
y' French verbs have different forms depending on what noun or
o things that are happening now
pronoun they are used with, and on their tense. It! raining.
( tfey are made up of a stem and an ending. The stem is usually The phoneS ringing.
based on the infinitive. . things that happen all the time or at certain intervals, or things that you
y' Regular verbs fit into one of three patterns or conjugations: do as a habit
-er, -ir, or -re verbs. It always snows in January.
y' lrregular verbs do not follow the normal rules. I play football on Saturdays.
o things that are true at the present time:
She's not very well.
It's a beautiful house.

D There is more than one way to express the present tense in English. For
exampfe, you can say either I give, I am giving, or occasionally I do give. ln
French you use the same form (e donne) for all of these!

> ln Englishyou can also use the present tense to talk about something that is
going to happen in the near future. You can do the same in French.
Je vais en France le mois l'm ooino to France next month.
prochain.
Nous prenons le train de dix We_fegetling the ten o'clock train.
heures.

Ttp
Although English sometimes uses parts of the verb to be to form
present tense of other verbs (for example, I am listening, shel
talking), French NEVER uses the verb 6tre in this way.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

72 Vrnes VeRes 73
The present tense: regular -er {first conjugationl verbs
) lf an infinitive in French ends in -er, it means the verb belongs to the first
rtp
je changes to j' in front of a word starting with a vowel (o, e, i,
coniugation, for example, donner, aimer, parler.
o or u), most words starting with h, and the French word y.
) To know which form of the verb to use in French, you need to work out
what the stem of the verb is and then add the correct ending. The stem of
-er verbs in the present tense is formed by taking the infinitive and
chopping off -er.
il Note that there are a few regular -er verbs that are spelled slightly
differently from the way you might expect.

Infinitive Stem (without -er) Q For more information on Spelling changes in -er verbs, see page 78.
donner (to give) donn-
aimer (to like, to love) atm-
parfer (to speak, to tolk) parl- y' Verbs endins in -e, uuunfil i^"itln, conlugation and form their
present tense stem by losing the -er from the infinitive.
Now you know how to find the stem of a verb, you can add the correct
ending. Which one you choose will depend on whether you are referring to
/ lj".:j:::::"T:::"T:::,T
for -er verbs are:
je, tu, il, elle, on, nous, vout ils or elles.

c For more information on Pronouns, see poge 42.

Here are the present tense endings for -er verbs:

Pronoun Ending Add to stem, Meanings

e.g. donn-
ie (i') -e je donne I give
I am giving
tu -es tu donnes you grve
you are giving
il -e il donne he/she/itlone gives
elle elle donne he/she/itlone is
on on donne giving
.nou5 -ons nous donnons we grve
we are giving
vous -ez vous donnez you grve
you are giving
ils -ent ils donnent they give
elles elles donnent they are giving

Marie regarde la t616. Marie is watching W.

Le train arrive d deux heures. The train arrives at 2 o'clock.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 74 Venes Venes 75
The present tense: regular -ir (second conjugation)
verbs
je changes to j' in front of a word starting with a vowel, most
l lf an infinitive ends in -ir, it means the verb belongs to the second
words starting with h, and the French word y.
conjugation, for example, finir, choisir, remplir.

) The stem of -ir verbs in the present tense is formed by taking the infinitive,, D The nous and vous forms of -ir verbs have an extra syllable.
and chopping off -ir. tu filnis (two syllobles)

Infinitive
vous filnilssez (three syllables)
Stem (without -ir)
finir (to finish) fin-
Key points
choisir (to choose) chois- y' Verbs ending in -i, u"toniiJ,i""'r"lona conjugation and form
rempfir (to fill, to fill in) rempl- their present tense stem by losing the -ir from the infinitive.
y' The present tense endings for -ir verbs are:
) Now add the correct ending, depending on whether you are referring to -ls, -is, -it, -issons, -issez, -issent.
tu, il, elle, on, nous, vous, ils or elles, y' Remember the extra syllable in the nous and vous forms.

+ For more informotion on Pronouns, see page 42.

D Here are the present tense endings for -ir verbs:

Pronoun Ending Add to stem, e.g. fin- Meanings

ie 0') -ts ie finis I finish
I am finishing
tu -t5 tu finis you finish
you are finishing
il -it il finit he/she/itlone
elle ellefinit finishes
on on finit he/she/it/one is
finishing
nous -tssons nous finissons we finish
we are finishing
vous -tssez vous finissez you finish
you are finishing
ils -issent ils finissent they finish
elles elles finissent they are finishing

Le cours finit i onze heures. The lesson finishes at eleven o'clock,

Je finis mes devoirs. l'm finishing my homework.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 76 Vrnes Venes 77

The present tense: regular -re (third coniugationl verbs

Ttp
) lf an infinitive ends in -re, it means the verb belongs to the third je changes to j' in front of a word starting with a vowel, most
coniugation, for example, attendre, vendre, entendre. words starting with h, and the French word y.
) The stem of -re verbs in the present tense is formed by taking the infinitive
and chopping off -re.
Key points
Infinitive Stem (without -re)
y' Yerbsending in -re belonfil,Ii"'l-rtita conjugation and form
their present tense stem by losing the -re from the infinitive.
attendre (to wait) attend- y' tne present tense endings for -re verbs are:
vendre (fo sel/) vend- -s, -5, -, -ons, -gz, -ent.
entendre (to hear) entend-

L Now add the correct ending, depending on whether you are referring to
je, tu, il, elle, on, nous, vous, ils or elles.

+ For more informqtion on Pronouns, see poge 42.

) Here are the present tense endings for -re verbs:

Pronoun Ending Add to stem, Meanings

e.g. attend-
je 0') -s i'attends lwait
I am waiting
tu -s tu attend! you wait
you are waiting
il il attend he/she/itlone waits
elle elle attend he/she/itlone is
on on attend waiting
nous -on5 nous attendons we wait
we are waiting
vouS -ez vous attendez you wait
you are waiting
ils -ent ils attendent they wait
elles elles attendent they are waiting

J'attends ma s(Eur. l'm waiting for my sister.

Chaque matin nous attendons Every morning we wait for the train
le train ensemble. together.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,

 78 Venas Venes 79
The present tense: spelling changes in -er verbs 3I Verbs ending in -eler
} Learning the patterns shown on pages 72-73 means you can now work out > With verbs such as appeler (meaning to col[), which end in -eler, the I
the forms of most -er verbs. A few verbs, though, involve a small spelling doubles before -e, -es and -ent. The double consonant (ll) affects the
change. This is usually to do with how a word is pronounced. In the tables pronunciation of the word. In appeler, the first e sounds like the vowel
below the form(s) with the irregular spelling is/are underlined. sound at the end of the English word teacher, but in appelle the first e
sounds like the one in the English word pet.
tr Verbs ending in -cer
Pronoun Example verb: appeler
> With verbs such as lancer (meaning to throw), which end in -cer, c I aopelle
becomes E before an a or an o. This is so the letter c is still pronounced as tu appelles
in the English word ice.
il appelle
Pronoun Example verb: lancer elle
on
le lance
nous appelons
tu lances
vous appelez
il lance
elle ils apoellent
on elles
nouS langons The exceptions to this rule are geler (meaning to freeze) and peler
vous lancez (meaning to peel), which change in the same way as lever (see page 81).
ils lancent
elles Verbs like this are sometimes called '1 , 2, 3, 5 verbs' because they change
in the first person singular (je), second person singular (tu), and third
person singular and plural (illelle/on and ils/elles).
l2l Verbs ending in -ger
> With verbs such as manger (meaning to eot), which end in -ger, g 4 Verbs ending in -eter
becomes ge before an a or an o. This is so the letter g is still pronounced
fike the s in the English word leisure. > With verbs such as jeter (meaning to throw),which end in -eter, the t
doubles before -e, -es and -ent. The double consonant (tt) affects the
Pronoun Example verb; manger pronunciation of the word. In jeter, the first e sounds like the vowel sound
je man9e at the end of the English word teacher, but in iette the first e sounds like
tu manges
the one in the English word pef.
il mange Pronoun Example verb: jeter
elle
le iette
on
tu iettes
nous manqeons
il iette
vous man9ez elle
ils mangent on
elles
nous ietons
vouS ietez
ils ictten!
elles
For {urther explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,
80 Venss Vengs 81

L The exceptions to this rule include acheter (meaning to buy), which

With verbs such as esp6rer (meaning to hope), r6gler (meaning to adjust)
changes in the same way as lever (see page 81).
and pr6f6rer (meaning to prefer),6 changes to E before the consonant +
D Verbs like this are sometimes called'1, 2.3. 6 verbs'. -e, -es and -ent.

tr Verbs ending in -yer Pronoun

I'
Example verb: esp6rer
esDere
> With verbs such as nettoyer (meaning to cleon), which end in -yer, the y tu esDeres
changes to i before -e, -es and -ent.
il eSDere
Pronoun Example verb: nettoyer elle
on
le nettoie
nous esperons
tu nettoies
vous esperez
il nettoie
elle ils espirent
on elles

nous nettoyons
D Verbs fike this are sometimes called '1, 2. 3, 6 verbs'.
vous nettoyez
ils nettoient Key points
elles

} Verbs ending in -ayer, such as payer (meaning to poy) and essayer Ir*::T'i'J:,"il:
"/l'-''Tiffi xi-unr..
(meaning to try), can be spelled with either a y or an i. So je paie and
je paye, for example, are both correct. itr?.'il-:,'ffi1;":::,andvousrorms
} / l:H:'iti,t llffX, una vous rorms (optionar in -ayer verbs).
Verbs like this are sometimes called "1 , 2, 3, 6 verbs' I
tr Ghanges involving accents
> With verbs such as lever (meaning to roise), peser (meaning to weigh) and
acheter (meaning to buy), e changes to 6 before the consonant + -e, -es
and -ent. The accent changes the pronunciation too. In lever the first e
sounds ike the vowel sound at the end of the English word teocher, but in
f

fdve and so on the first e sounds like the one in the English word pet.
Pronoun Example verb: lever
je live
tu lives
il live
elle
on
nous levons
vous levez
ils livent
elles

For further explanation of grammatical tems, please see pages viii-xii.

 82 Venss Venes 83
The present tense: irregular verbs 3 I The present tense of faire
) Some verbs in French do not follow the normal rules. These verbs include Pronoun faire Meaning: to do, to make
some very common and important verbs like avoir (meaning to hove), 6tre je fais ldo/make
(meaning to be), faire (meaning to do, to moke) and aller (meanin g to go). I am doinq/makinq
The present tense of these four verbs is given in full below. tu fais you do/make
you are doing/making
O For Verb tables, see supplement.
il fait he/she/it/one does/makes
elle he/she/itlone is doing/making
tr The present tense of avoir on
nous faisons we do/make
Pronoun avoll Meaning: to have we are doinq/makinq
I al I have
vous faites you do/make
tu a5 you have vou are doinq/makinq
il a he/she/itlone has ils font they do/make
elle elles they are doing/making
on
nous avonS we have Je fais un gdteau. l'm making a cake.
vous avez you have Ou'est-ce que tu fais? What are you doing?
ils ont they have ll fait chaud. It's hot.
elles
Qa ne fait rien. It doesn't matter.
J'4j deux s(Durs. I have two sisters.
ll a les yeux bleus. He has blue eyes. l+'l The present tense of aller
Elle a trois ans. She's three.
Pronoun aller Meaning: fo go
O,u'est-ce qu'il y a? What's the matter? l90
,e vats
I am going
e The present tense of 6tre tu vas you 90
you are qoinq
Pronoun 6tre Meaning: fo be
il va he/she/itlone goes
ie suls tam he/she/it/one is going
elle
tu es you are
on
il est he/she/itlone is
nous allons we go
elle we are qoinq
on
vous allez you go
nous 50mmes we are vou are qoinq
vouS 6tes you are ils vont they go
ils sont they are elles they are going
elles
Je vais i Londres. l'm going to London.
Je suis heureux. l'm happy. 'How are you?' -'l'm fine.'
'Comment allez-vous?' -'Je
Mon pdre est instituteur. My father's a primary school vais bieni
teacher. 'Comment ga va?'-'Qa va bien.' 'How are you?' fine.'
-'l'm
ll est deux heures. It's two o'clock.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,

 84 Venes Venes 85

tr lrregular -ir verbs The imperative

D Many irregular verbs that end in -ir, such as partir (meaning to go) and What is the imperative?
tenir (meaning to hold), have a common pattern in the singular. The je and An imperative is a form of the verb used when giving orders and
tu forms often end in -s, and the illelle/on form often ends in -t. rrrstructions, for example, Shut the door!; Sit down!; Don't go!

Pronoun partir tenir

,e parS tien5
t I Using the imperative
tu par! tien5 > In French, there are two forms of the imperative that are used to give
illelle/on pa(t tient instructions or orders to someone. These correspond to tu and vous.

Je pars demain. l'm leaving tomorrow. r i, For more information on the difference between tu ond vous, see poge 43.
Elle tient le b6b6. She is holding the baby.
> There is also a form of the imperative that corresponds to nous. This means
+ For Verb tables, see supplement. the same as /ef3 in English. lt is not used as often as the tu and vous forms.

2l Forming the present tense imperative

t' D For regular verbs, the imperative is the same as the tu, nous and vous
forms of the present tense, except that you do not say the pronouns tu,
nous and vous. Also, in the tu form of -er verbs like donner, the final -s
{ is dropped.

Pronoun -er verbs: Meaning -ir verbs: Meaning -re verbs: Meaning
donner finir attendre
tu donne give finis finish attends wait
nouS donnons Iet's qive finissons lett finish attendons let's wait
vous donnez grve finissez finish attendez wait

Donne-moi ga! Give me that!

Finissez vos devoirs et allez Finish your homework and go to
vous Goucher, bed.
Attendons le bus. Let's wait for the bus.

rtp
When a tu imperative comes before en or y, the final -s is kept to
make the words easier to pronounce. The s is pronounced like the z
in the English word zipi
Vaglg! Co on!
Donnes:gn d ton frdre. Give some to your brother.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 86 Venes VeRes 87

Lg"l Where to put the obiect pronoun 4 lmperative forms of inegular verbs
} An object pronoun is a word like la (meaning her/it), me/moi (meaning avoir (meanin g to have),6tre (meanin g to be), savoir (meaning to know)
me) or leur (meaning to them) that is used instead of a noun as the object and vouloir (meaning to wont) have irregular imperative forms.
of a sentence. In orders and instructions, the position of these object
pronouns in the sentence changes depending on whether you are telling Pronoun avotl 6tre savolr vouloir
someone TO DO something or NOT TO DO something. tu ate sorS sache veuille
nouS ayons soyons sachons veuillons
+ For more informotion on Object pronouns, see page 47. vouS ayez soyez sachez veuillez

) lf you are telling someone NOT TO DO something, you put the oblect Sois sage. Be good.
pronouns BEFORE the verb. Veuillez fermer la porte. Please shut the door.
Ne me d6range pas. Don't disturb me.
Ne leur parlons pas. Let's not speak to them.
Ne le regardez pas. Don't look at him/it.
L lf you are telling someone TO DO something, you put the object pronouns
AFTER the verb and join the two words with a hyphen. The word order is
the same as in English.
Excusez:nng!. Excuse me.
Aide-nous. Help us.
Attendonsi!a. Let's wait for her/it.

Orders and instructions telling someone to do something may contain

direct obiect and indirect obiect pronouns. When this happens, the
pronouns go in this order:
DIRECT INDIRECT
le moi
la BEFORE toi
les lui
nous
vous
leur
Pr6te-les moi! Lend them to me! or Lend me them!
Donnez-la-nous! Give it to us! or Cive us it!

E) For imperatives using Reflexive verbs, see poge 90.

For further explanation of grammatical terml please see pages viii-xii.

 88 Vrnes Venes 89

Reflexive verbs O,u'est-ce qui se passe? What's happening?

Le soleil se ldve d cinq heures. The sun rises at five o'clock.
What is a reflexive verb? Assevez-vous! Sit down!
A reflexive verb is one where the sublect and oblect are the same, and
where the action 'reflects back' on the subject. lt is used with a reflexive fl Note that se and s' are very rarely translated as himself and so on in
pronoun such as myself, yourself and herself in English, for example, / English.
washed myself; He shoved himself.
D Some French verbs can be used with a reflexive pronoun or without a
reflexive pronoun, for example, the verbs appeler and s'appeler, and
tr Using reflexive verbs arr€ter and s'arr6ter. Sometimes, however, their meaning may change.
l In French, reflexive verbs are much more common than in English, and Appelle le chien. Call the dog.
many are used in everyday French. They are shown in dictionaries as se Je m'appelle Jacques. l'm called facques.
the infinitive (se means himself, herself, itself, themselves or oneself). seis ll an6te le moteur. He switches off the engine.
called a reflexive pronoun. Elle s'an6te devant une vitrine. She stops in front of a shop window.

rw 2l Forming the present tense of reflexive verbs

se changes to s'in front of a word starting with'a vowel, most D To use a reflexive verb in French, you need to decide which reflexive
words starting with h, and the French word y. pronoun to use. The forms shown in brackets in the table are used before
a word starting with a vowel, most words starting with h, or the French
word y.
) Reflexive verbs are often used to describe things you do (to yourself) every
day or that involve a change of some sort (going to bed, sitting down, Subject pronoun Reflexive Dronoun Meaning
getting angry, going to sleep). Some of the most common French reflexive le me (m') myself
verbs are listed here: tu te (t') yourself
il se (s') himself
s'amuser to play, to enjoy oneself elle herself
s'appeler to be called on itself
s'arr6ter to stop oneself

s'asseoir to sit down nous nouS ourselves

vouS vous yourself (singulor)
se baigner to go swimming
vourselves (p/urol)
se coucher to go to bed ils se (s') themselves
se d6p6cher to hurry elles
s'habiller to get dressed
s'int6resser i quelque chose to be interested in somethinq Je me ldve t6t. I get up early.
se laver Elle s'habille. She's getting dressed.
to wash, to have a wash
se lever to get up, to rise, to stand up lls s'int6ressent beaucoup aux They're very interested in animals.
se passer animaux.
to take place, to happen, to go
se promener to go for a walk
se rappeler to remember
se r6veiller to wake up
se trouver to be (situated)

For lurther explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,

90 Venes Vrnes 91

) The present tense forms of a reflexive verb work in just the same way as an
ordinary verb, except that the reflexive pronoun is used as well. Ttp
Reflexive forms Meaning
When you are telling someone TO DO something, te or t'
changes to toi.
ie me lave lwash (myself)
tu te laves you wash (yourself) Assieds-toi. Sit down.
il se lave he washes (himself) When you-are telling someone NOT TO DO something, te or t' is
elle se lave she washes (herself) used, not toi.
on se lave it washes (itself)
Ne te live pas. Don't get uP.
one washes (oneself)
nous nous lavons we wash (ourselves)
vous vous lavez you wash (yourself) (singular) t ) For more informotion on the Imperative, see poge 85.
you wash (yourselves) (p/urol)
ils se lavent they wash (themselves)
elles se lavent a] Each otherand one another
D We use each other in English when we are talking about two people, and
} Some reflexive verbs, such as s'asseoir (meaning to sit down), are irregular. one anotherwhen we are talking about three or more people. The French
Some of these irregular verbs are shown in the Verb tables. reflexive pronouns nout vous and se can all mean two or more people.

+ For Verb tables, see supplement.

Nous nous parlons tous les We speak to each other every day.
jours.
On se voit demain? Shall we see each other tomorrow?
tr Where to put the reflexive pronoun Les trois pays se ressemblent The three countries are really like
) In the present tense, the reflexive pronoun almost always comes BEFORE
beaucoup. one another.
the verb.
Je me couche t6t. I go to bed early.
Comment t'appelles-tu? What's your name?

) When telling someone NOT TO DO something, you put the reflexive

pronoun BEFORE the verb as usual.
Ne te ldve pas. Don't get up.
Ne vous habillez pas. Don't get dressed.
l When telling someone TO DO something, you put the reflexive pronoun
AFTER the verb and join the two words with a hyphen.
Live-toi! Get up!
D6p6chez-vous! Hurry up!
Habillons-nous. Let's get dressed.

For further oxplanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

92 Venss VeRes 93

The imperfect tense 2l Forming the imperfect tense of -er verbs

What is the imperfect tense? ) To form the imperfect tense of -er verbs, you use the same stem of the verb
The imperfect tense is one of the verb tenses used to talk about the past, as for the present tense. Then you add the correct ending, depending on
especially in descriptions, and to say what used to happen, for example, whether you are referring to je, tu, il, elle, on, nous, vous, ils or elles.
I used to wolk to school; lt was sunny at the weekend.
Pronoun Ending Add to stem, Meanings
e.g. donn-
je (j') je donnais I gave
tr Using the imperfect tense
-ars
I was giving
) The imperfect tense is used: I used to give
. to describe what things were like and how people felt in the past tu -at5 tu donnais you gave
you were giving
I was very sadwhen she left.
you used to give
It was oourino with rain.
il -ait il donnait he/she/it/one gave
o to say what used to happen or what you used to do regularly in the past elle elle donnait he/she/it/one was giving
on on donnait he/she/it/one used to give
We used to get up very early in those days.
nous -rons nous donnions we gave
I never used to like milk.
we were giving
o to indicate things that were happening or something that was true when we used to give
something else took place vous -rc2 vous donniez you gave
I was watchino TV when the phone rano. you were giving
you used to give
As we were looking out of the window, we saw someone walk across
the lawn. ils -aient ils donnaient they gave
elles elles donnaient they were giving
@ Note that if you want to talk about an event or action that took place they used to give
and was completed in the past, you use the perfeet tensc.
ll portait toujours un grand '
He always wore a big black hat.
* for more informotion on the Perfect tense, see poge 111. chapeau noir.
Nous habitions d Paris d cette We were living in Paris at that time.
L 6poque.
You can often recognize an imperfect tense in English because it uses a
form like were looking or wos roining. The words used to also show an Pour gagner un peu d'argent, ie To earn a little money I used to
imperfect tense. donnais des cours de frangais. give French lessons.

rtp rrp
Remember that you NEVER use the verb €tre to translate was ol je changes to j' in front of a word starting with a vowel, most
were in forms like was roining or were looking and so on. You change words starting with h, and the French word y.
the French verb ending instead.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

94 Vrnes Venes 95

Add to stem,
tr Forming the imperfect tense of -ir verbs Pronoun Ending
e,g, attend-
Meanings

) To form the imper-fect tense of -irverbs, you use the same stem of the verb
i'c') -als i'attendais I waited
asfor the present tense. Then you add the correct ending, depending on I was waiting
whether you are referring to jq tq i[ ellg on, nous, voug ils or eller I used to wait
tu -at5 tu attendais you waited
Pronoun Ending Add to stem, e.g. fin Meanings
you were waiting
ie 0') 't55at5 ie finissais I finished you used to wait
I was finishing he/she/it/one waited
il -ait il attendait
I used to finish he/she/it/one was waiting
elle elle attendait
tu -t5sars tu finissais you finished on on attendait he/she/itlone used to wail
you were finishing nouS -lons nous attendions we waited
you used to finish we were waiting
il -issait il finissait he/she/itlone finished we used to wait
elle elle finissait he/she/itlone was finishing vous -rc2 vous attendiez you waited
on on finissait he/she/itlone used to finish you were waiting
nous -rssrons nous finissions we finished you used to wait
we were finishing ils -aient ils attendaient they waited
we used to finish elles elles attendaient they were waiting
vous -rssrez vous finissiez you finished they used to wait
you were finishing
Christine m'attendait tous les Christine used to wait for me every
you used to finish
soirs a la sortie. evening at the exit.
ils -issaient ils finissaient they finished
Je vivais seule aprds mon I was living alone after my divorce.
elles elles finissaient they were finishing
divorce.
they used to finish

ll finissait souvent ses devoirs He often finished his homework il Spelling changes in -er verbs
avant le diner. before dinner. > Aswith the present tense, a few -erverbs change their spellings slightly
Get apris-midi-ld ils That afternoon they were choosing when they are used in the imperfect tense. The forms with spelling changes
choisissaient une bague de an engagement ring. have been underlined in the tables.
fiangailles. > With verbs such as lancer(meaning to throw), which end in -ce4 c
becomes g before an a or an o. This is so that the letter c is still pronounced
as in the English word lce.
tr Forming the imperfect tense of -re verbs
Example verb: lancer
Pronoun
) To form the imperfect tense of -re verbs, you use the same stem of the verb
lanfais
asfor the present tense. Then you add the correct ending, depending on le
whether you are referring to ig tu, il elle, on, nous, vous, ils or elles. tu lanEais
These endings are the same as for -erverbs. il lanEait
elle
on
nous lancions
vouS lanciez
ils lanEaient
elles
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,
 96 Venes VeRes 97
> With verbs such as manger
becomes ge before an a or
(meaning to eot), which end in -ger, g
an o. This is so the letter g is still pronounced
like the s in the English word leisure.
rwr
me changes to m', te to t' and se to s' before a vowel, most
Pronoun Example verb: manger words starting with h and the French word y.
je manoeats
tu
il
manoeats
mangeait
/ I lrregular verbs in the imperfect tense
elle
> The only verb that is irregular in the imperfect tense is €tre.
on 6tre Meaning
Pronoun
nous mangrons 6tais I was
t'
vouS mangiez 6tais you were
tu
ils mangeaient he/she/itlone was
il 6tait
elles
elle
These verbs follow the 1.2,3,6 pattern. That is, they change in the on
firs!
second and third person singular, and in the third person plural. nouS 6tions we were
vouS 6tiez you were
ils 6taient they were
tr Reftexive verbs in the imperfect tense
elles
) The imperfect tense of reflexive verbs is formed just as for ordinary verbs,
except that you add the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se). J'6kis heureux. I was happy.
Mon pdre 6tait instituteur. My father was a primary school
Subject Reflexive Example with Meaning teacher.
pronoun pronoun laver
,e me (m') lavais I washed
I was washing
I used to wash
tu te (t') lavais you washed
you were washing
you used to wash
il se (s') lavait he/she/itlone washed
/
elle
on
he/she/it/one was washing
he/she/itlone used to wash
r'
nous nous lavions we washed
we were washing
we used to wash
vouS vous laviez you washed
you were washing
you used to wash
ils se (s') lavaient they washed
elles they were washing
they used to wash

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 98 Venes Vsnes 99

The future tense Note that apart from the nous and vous forms, the endings are the
m
What is the future tense? same as the Present tense of avoir.
The future tense is a verb tense used to talk about something that will
happen or will be true. For the present tense of ovoir, see page 82.

tr Using the future tense Pronoun Ending Add to stem, e.g.

donner-, f inir-, aftendr-
Meanings

} fn English the future tense is often shown by will or its shortened form ,/l
-al je donner4i I will give
ie 0')
What will you do? je finiraj I will finish
The weather will be warm and dry tomorrow. j'attendraj lwill wait
He'll be here soon. tu -45 tu donneras you will give
tu finiras you will finish
l'll give you a call.
tu attendras you will wait
L Just as in English, you can use the present tense in French to refer to il -a illelle/on donnera he/she/itlone will give
something that is going to happen in the future. elle illelle/on finira he/she/it/one will finish
on illelle/on attendra he/she/it/one will wait
fe pfends le train de dix heures. l'm taking the ten o'clock train.
-ons nous donnerqE we will give
Nous allons i Paris la semaine We're going to paris next week. nouS
nous finirqns we will finish
prochaine.
nous attendrqn! we will wait

} In English we often use going to followed by an infinitive to talk about vous -ez vous donnercz you will give
vous finirez you will finish
something that will happen in the immediate future. You can use the
vous attendrez you will wait
French verb aller (meaning to go) followed by an infinitive in the same way.
ils -ont ils/elles donnerQnt they will give
Tu vas tomber si tu continues. You're going to fall if you carry on.
elles ils/elles finiren! they will finish
ll va manquer le train. He's going to miss the train. ils/elles attendrsnt they will wait

Elle te donnera mon adresse. She'll give you my address.

Le cours finira ir onze heures. The lesson will finish at eleven
Remember that French has no direct equivalent of the word will in o'clock.
verb forms like will rain or will look and so on. You change the French We'll wait for you in front of the
Nous t'attendrons devant
verb ending instead to form the future tense. cinema.
le cin6ma.

A Forming the future tense

) To form the future tense in French, you use:
ie changes to j' in front of a word starting with a
vowel,
o the infinitive of -er and -ir verbs, for example, donner, finir starting with h, and the French word y.
o the infinitive without the final e of -re verbs: for example, attendr-

) Then add the correct ending to the stem, depending on whether you are tr Spelling changes in'er verbs
talking about je, tq if elle, ory nous, vous, ils or elles. The endings are
>' As with the present and imperfect tenses, a few -er verbs change their
the same for -er, -ir and -re verbs.
spellings slightly in the future tense. The forms with spelling changes have
been underlined in the tables.
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,
 100 Venes Venes 101

> With verbs such as appeler (meaning to cal[), which end in -eler, the With verbs such as nettoyer (meaning to clean), that end in -yer, the y
I doubles throughout the future tense. The double consonant (ll) affects t hanges to i throughout the future tense.
the pronunciation of the word. ln appeler, the first e sounds like the vowel
sound at the end of the English word teacher, but in appellerai the first
e sounds like the one in the English word pet.

Pronoun Example verb: appeler

t' appellerai
tu appelleras
il appellera
elle
on
nous appellerons
vouS appellerez
ils appelleront > Verbs ending in -ayer, such as payer (meaning to pay) and essayer
elles (meaning to try), can be spelled with either a y or an i. So ie paierai and
ie payerai, for example, are both correct.
The exceptions to this rule are geler (meaning to freeze) and peler
(meaning to peel), which change in the same way as lever (see poge 101). > With verbs such as lever (meaning to raise), peser (meaning to weigh) and
acheter (meaning to buy), e changes to E throughout the future tense. In
With verbs such as jeter (meaning to throw), that end in -eter, the t lever the first e sounds like the vowel sound at the end of the English
doubles throughout the future tense. The double consonant (tt) affects the wotd teocher, but in lEverai and so on the first e sounds like the one in
pronunciation of the word. In jeter, the first e sounds like the vowel sound the English word pef.
at the end of the English word teocher, but in jetterai the first e sounds like
the one in the English word pet. Pronoun Example verb: lever
le lEverai
Pronoun Example verb: jeter lEveras
tu
le tstlcralt it lEvera
tu ielterc! elle
il jctteIa on
elle nouS liverons
on
vous lEverez
nous ietterons ils lEveront
vouS ietterez elles
ils ietteront
elles

The exceptions to this rule include acheter (meaning to buy), which

changes in the same way as lever (see page 101).

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages vlii-xii.

 102 Venss Venes 103

tr Reflexive verbs in the future tense il faut becomes il faudra (meaning it will be necessary to)'
) The future tense of reflexive verbs is formed in just the same way as for il pleut becomes il pleuvra (meaning it will rain).
ordinary verbs, except that you have to remember to give the reflexive
pronoun (me, se, nous, vous, se). fhis is the future tense of avoir:
Pronoun avolr Meaning: to have
Subject Reflexive Example with Meaning
pronoun plonoun aural I will have
laver I

tu auras you will have

je me (m') laverai I will wash
il aura he/she/it/one will have
tu te (t') laveras you will wash
elle
il se (s') lavera he/she/it/one will wash on
elle we will have
nouS aurons
on
vouS aurez you will have
nous nous laverons we will wash they will have
ils auront
vous vous laverez you will wash elles
ils se (s') laveront they will wash
elles
> This is the future tense of €tre:
Pronoun 6tre Meaning: to be

rq ie
tu
seral
seras
lwill be
you will be
me changes to m', te to t'and se to s' before a vowel, most words
il sera he/she/itlone will be
starting with h and the French word y.
elle
on
nous seron5 we will be
tr lregular verbs in the future tense
vous Serez you will be
) There are some verbs that do not use their infinitives as the stem for the ils seront they will be
future tense, including avoi4 6tre, faire and aller, which are shown in full elles
on pages 103-104.

) Other irregular verbs include: ) This is the future tense of faire:

Pronoun faire Meaning: to do, to make
Verb Meaning le tu illelle/on nous vous ils/elles
ferai I will do/make
devoir to have devrai devras devra devrons devrez devront le
tu feras you will do/make
to, must
pouvoir to be oble pourral il fera he/she/it/one will do/make
pourras POUrra pourrons pourrez pourront
to, con elle
Savotr to know saural sauras Saura Saurons saurez sauront on
tenir to hold tiendrai tiendras nous ferons we will do/make
tiendra tiendrons tiendrez tiendront
venrr to come viendrai viendras viendra viendrons viendrez viendront vous ferez vou will do/make
votr to see verral verras verra verrons verrez verront ils feront they will do/make
vouloir to wont voudiai voudras voudra voudrons voudrez voudront elles

For further oxplanation of grammatical tems, please see pages viii-xii,

 104 Venes Venes 105
) This is the future tense of aller: The conditional
Pronoun aller Meaning: fo go What is the conditional?
I Iral lwill go The conditional is a verb form used to talk about things that would
tu tras you will go happen or that would be true under certain conditions, for example, I

il tra he/she/it/one will 9o wpuk! help you if I could.

elle lt is also used to say what you would like or need, for example, Could you
on
nous rrons we will go
vouS tfez you will go 1] Using the conditional
ils iront they will go
D You can often recognize a conditional in English by the word would or its
elles
shortened form 'd.
I would be sad if you left.
+ For Verb tables, see supplement. lf you asked him, he'd helP You.
L You use the conditional for:
o asking for something formally and politely, especially in shops
1/ youcan use a present,""l""l"oflt"?ti ro tatk about something
l'd like a kilo of pears, please.
that will happen or be true in the future, just as in English.
y' You can use aHer with an infinitive to refer to things that will
. saying what you would like
happen in the immediate future. l'd like to go to the United States.
( the stem is the same as the infinitive for -er, -ir and -re verbs, o making a suggestion
except that the final -e of -re verbs is lost. I could come and pick You uP.
1/ fhe future tense endings are the same for -er, -ir and -re verbs: o giving advice
-ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont. You should say you're sorry.
y' In verbs ending in -eler and -eter:
| - ll and t * tt throughout the future tense.
y' In verbs ending in -yer: rrp
y , i throughJut the future tense (optional in -ayer verbs). There is no direct French translation of would in verb forms like
y' S.omeverb.s are irregular in the future tense. lt is worth learning would be, would like, would help and so on. You change the French
these in full. verb ending instead.

l4 Forming the conditional

L To form the conditional in French, you have to use:

o the infinitive of -er and -ir verbs, for example, donner-, finir-
o the infinitive without the final e of -re verbs, for example, attendr-
> Then add the correct ending to the stem, depending on whether you are
talking about je, tu, il, elle, on, nous, vous, ils or elles' The endings are
the same for all verbs. In fact, they are the same as the -er and -re endings
for the IMPERFECT TENSE, but the stem is the same as the FUTURE TENSE.
r) For more informotion on the Imperfect tense ond the Future tense, see pqges
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii. 92 qnd 98.
106 Venss VrRes 107

Pronoun Ending Add to stem, e,g, Meanings 3 ] Spelling changes in -er verbs
donner-, f inir-, attendr- > As with the future tense, a few -er verbs change their spellings slightly in
ie (') -ats ie donner4iE I would give the conditional. The forms with spelling changes have been underlined in
ie finirai5 I would finish the tables below.
i'attendrais I would wait > With verbs such as appeler (meaning to cal[), which end in -eler, the I
tu -at5 tu donnerai! you would give doubles throughout the conditional. The double consonant (ll) affects the
tu finiraiE you would finish pronunciation of the word. ln appeler, the first e sounds like the vowel
tu attendrai! you would wait sound at the end of the English word teocher, but in appellerais the first
e sounds like the one in the English word pet.
il -ait illelle/on donnerai! he/she/it/one would give
elle illelle/on finiraft he/she/itlone would finish Pronoun Example verb: appeler
on illelle/on attendrai! heishe/it/one would wait
I' appellerais
nous -tons nous donnerions we would give tu aooellerais
nous finirlo45 we would finish
il aopellerait
nous attendrienl we would wait
elle
vous -lez vous donnerlcz you would give on
vous finirlg; you would finish appellerions
nouS
vous attendrlcz you would wait
vouS appelleriez
ils -aient ils/elles donneraienI they would give
ils aooelleraient
elles ils/elles finiraient they would finish
elles
ils/elles attendraient they would wait
The exceptions to this rule are geler (meaning to freeze) and peler
J'atmcrals aller aux Etats Unis. l'd like to go to the United States. (meaning to peef), which change in the same way as lever (see page 1 08).
\Mth verbs such as jeter (meaning to throw), which end in -eter, the t
T'P doubles throughout the conditional. The double consonant (tt) affects the
je changes to j' in front of a word starting with a vowel, most pronunciation of the word. In jeter, the first e sounds like the vowel sound
at the end of the English word teocher, but in ietterais the first e sounds
words starting with h, and the French word y.
like the one in the English word pet.
Pronoun Example verb: jeter
a the
Note that you have to be careful not to mix up the future tense and
conditional. They look very similar.
je ietterais
tu ietterais
FUTURE CONDITIONAL il ietterait
je donnerai je donnerais elle
je finirai je finirais on
j'attendrai j'attendrais nous icttedsns
j'aimerai j'aimerais vous ietteriez
je voudrai je voudrais ils je$sdcn!
je viendrai je viendrais elles
je serai je serais
The exceptions to this rule include acheter (meaning to buy), which
changes in the same way as lever (see poge 108).

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,

108 Vrnes Venes 109

> With verbs such as nettoyer (meaning to cleon), that end in -yer, the y
ll_J Reflexive verbs in the conditional
changes to i throughout the conditional.
> The conditional of reflexive verbs is formed in lust the same way as for
Pronoun Example verb: nettoyer ordinary verbs, except that you have to remember to give the reflexive
nettoierais pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se).
le
tu nettoierais Subject Reflexive Example Meaning
iI nettoierait pronoun pronoun with laver
elle ie me (m') laverais lwould wash
on tu te (t') laverais you would wash
nous nettoierions il se (s') laverait he/she/it would wash
vous nettoieriez elle
ils nettoieraient on
elles nous nouS laverions we would wash
vous vous laveriez you would wash
Verbs ending in -ayer, such as payer (meaning to poy) and essayer
ils se (s') laveraient they would wash
(meaning to try), can be spelled with either a y or an i. So ie paierais and
je payerais, for example, are both correct. elles

With verbs such as lever (meanin g to roise), peser (meaning to weigh) and
acheter (meaning to buy), e changes to E throughout the conditional' In Ttp
lever the first e sounds like the vowel sound at the end of the English word me changes to m', te to t' and se to s' before a vowel, most words
teocher, but in liverais and so on the first e sounds like the one in the starting with h and the French word y.
English word pef.

Pronoun Example verb: lever

le liverais lil lrregular verbs in the conditional
tu lEverais L The same verbs that are irregular in the future tense are irregular in the
lEverait conditional, including: avoir, etre, faire, aller, devoir, pouvoir, savoir,
il
elle
tenir, venir, voir, vouloir.
on
nous liverions
t ) For more information on lrregulor verbs in the future tense, see poge 102.

vous lEveriez D To form the conditional of an irregular verb, use the same stem as for the
ils lEveraient future tense, for example:
elles avoir - aur-
€tre + ser-

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii'

110 Vrnss VrRes 111

) Then add the usual endings for the conditional. The perfect tense
Gonditional Conditional form What is the perfect tense?
lnfinitive Future
The perfect is one of the verb tenses used to talk about the past,
stem endings
especially about actions that took place and were completed in the past.
avorr aur- -ais, -ais, -ait j'auralg tu aurait illelle/on aurait.
-ions, -iez, -aient nous aurisns, vous aurlez
ils/elles auraicnl ! Using the perfect tense
€tre ser- -ais, -ais, -ait, ie seraig tu seralg illelle/on serail D You can often recognize a perfect tense in English by a form like I gove,
-ions, -iez, -alent nous serions, vous serigz, I hove finished.
ils/elles seralco!
I gave her my phone number.
faire fer- -ais, -ais, -ait, je fergig tu ferais illelle/on ferai!
I have finished my soup.
-ions, -iez, -aient nous ferions. vous ferlgz,
ils/elles feretcot
aller tr- -ais, -ais, -ait, i'iraig tu ira!5, illelle/on irail Ttp
-ions, -iez, -aient nous irisn!, vous irlcz,
ils/elles iiaient The perfect tense is the tense you will need most to talk about
that have happened or were true in the past. lt is used to talk about
J'llais si j'avais le temps. lwould go if I had time. actions that took place and WERE COMPLETED in the past.
Je voudrais un kilo de poires, l'd like a kilo of pears, please. Use the imperfect tense for regular events and in most descriptions.
s'il vous plait.
Tu devrais t'excuser. You should say you're sorry. * for more information on the lmpertect tense, see page 92.

Key points 2) Forming the perfect tense

y' Theconditional endings ur" ift" same for -er, -ir and -re verbs:
-ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -alent. > The imperfect, future and conditional tenses in French are made up of just
( Theconditional endings are the same as the endings for the one word, for example, je donne, tu finissais or il attendra. The perfect
imperfect tense of -er and -re verbs, but the stem is the same as tense has TWO parts to it:
the stem of the future tense. . the ge$n! tense of the verb avoir (meaning to have) or €tre (meaning
y' In verbs ending in -eter,and. -eter: to be)
| ' ll and t + tt throughout the conditional. . a part of the main verb called the past participle, like given, finished and
y' In verbs ending in -yer: done in English
y - i throughout the conditional (optional in -ayer verbs)' D ln other words, the perfect tense in French is like the form I hove donein
y' tne same verbs that are irregular in the future are irregular in the English.
conditional. lt is worth learning these in full.
r ) For more informotion on forming the present tense of ovoir ond etre, see
page 82.

3 | Forming the past participle

> To form the past participle of regular verbs, you use the infinitive of the
verb:

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii'xii.

112 Venes Venes 113
. For -er verbs, you replace the -er at the end of the infinitive with 6.
Infinitive Take off -er Add -6 Ttp
donner (to give) donn- donn6 je changes to j' in front of a word starting with a vowel, most
'T,;{h

tomb6 words starting with h, and the French word y.

tomber (fo foll) tomb-

o For -ir verbs, you replace the -ir at the end of the infinitive with -i. > The perfect tense of -ir verbs like finir is formed in the same way, except for
lnfinitive Take off -ir Add -i the past participle: j'ai fini, tu as fini and so on.
finir (to finish) fin- fini > The perfect tense of -re verbs like attendre is formed in the same way,
partir (fo leove, to go) part- parti except for the past participle: j'ai attendu, tu as attendu and so on.

. For -re verbs, you replace the -re at the end of the infinitive with -u.
6l avoir or 6tre?
lnfinitive Take off -re Add -u
attendu
> MOST verbs form their perfect tense with avoir; these include donner as
attendre (to wait) attend-
shown on page112.
descendre (to go down, descend- descendu
to come down, to get off > There are two main groups of verbs which form their perfect tense with
€tre instead of avoir:
o all reflexive verbs
tr Verbs that form their perfect tense with avoir
D Most verbs form their perfect tense with avoir, for example donner: t ) For more informqtion on Reflexive verbs, see page 88.
Pronoun avotr Past participle Meaning . a group of verbs that are mainly used to talk about movement or a
I al donn6 I gave
change of some kind, including these ones:
I have given
aller to go
tu a5 donn6 you gave I
venir to come
you have given
il a donn6 he/she/it/one gave arriver to arrive, to happen
elle he/she/it/one has given partir to leave, to go
on descendre to go down, to come down, to get off
nous avons donn6 we gave monter to go up, to come up
we have given entrer to go in, to come in
vouS avez donn6 you gave sortir to go out, to come out
you have given
mourir to die
ils ont donn6 they gave
naitre to be born
elles they have given
devenir to become
Elle a donn6 son num6ro de She gave Claude her phone number. rester to stay
t6l6phone i Glaude. tomber to fall
ll a achet6 un ord:nateur. He's bought a computer.
Je suis all6 au match de I went to the football match
Je n'ai pas regard6 la t6l6 hier. I didn't watch W yesterday.
football hier. yesterday.
ll est sorti acheter un journal. He's gone out to buy a newspaper.
Vous 6tes descendu d quelle Which station did you get off at?
station?
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii.xii.
114 Venes Venes 115

D Here are the perfect tense forms of tomber in full:

Gnmmar Extra!
Pronoun avotl Past participle Meaning
Some of the verbs on the previous page take avoir when they are used with a direct
object for example: je suts tomb6. (mosculine) I fell/l have fallen
descendre quelque chose to get something down, to bring tomb6e (feminine)
something down, to take something tU es tomb,6 (mosculine) you fell/you have fallen
down tomb6e (feminine)
monter quelque chose to go up something, to come up
il est tomb6 he/it fell,
something
he/it has fallen
sortir quelque chose to take something out
elle est tomb6e she/it fell, she/it has fallen
Est-ce que tu as descendu les Did you bring the bags down?
bagages? on est tomb6 (singulo) one fell/one has fallen,
Elle a mont6 les escaliers, tomb6s (mosculine plurol) we fell/we have fallen
5he went up the stairs.
Elle a sorti son pofte-monnaie de She took her purse out of her handbag: tomb6es (feminine plurol)
son sac. nous sommes tomb6s (mosculine) we fell/we have fallen
tomb6es (feminine)
* For more information on Direct objects, see page 47.
vous €tes tomb6 (mosculine singular) you fell/you have fallen
tomb6e (feminine singulor)
tombr6s (masculine plurol)
tr Verbs that form their perfect tense with 6tre tomb6es (feminine plurol)
F When a verb takes €tre, the past participle ALWAYS agrees with the subject ils sont tomb6s they fell/they have fallen
of the verb; that is, the endings change in the ferninine and plural forms. elles sont tomb€es they fell/they have fallen

Masculine Examples Feminine Examples

endings endings
Grammar Extra!
Singular tomb6 -e tomb6e When on means we, the past participle can agree with the subiect of the
parti partie sentence, but it is optional.
descendu descendue
On est arriv6s en retard. We arrived late. (masculine)
Plural -5 tomb6g -es tomb6cs On est rentr6es toutes les deux We both came in at the same time
partis parties d la m6me heure. (feminine)
descenduj descendu!i!

Est-ce ton frire est all6 ir
l'6tranger?
Elle est venue avec nous.
lls sont partis ir six heures.
Mes cousines sont aniv6es hier.
Did your brother go abroad?
She came with us.
They left at six o'clock.
My cousins arrived yesterday.
(The cousins are female.)
) The perfect tense of -ir verbs like partir is formed in the same way, except
for the past participle: ie suis parti(e), tu es parti(e) and so on.
) The perfect tense of -re verbs like descendre is formed in the same way,
except for the past participle: ie suis descendu(e), tu es descendu(e) and
so on.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

116 Venes Venes 117

ll The perfect tense of reflexive verbs

D Here is the perfect tense of the reflexive verb se laver (meaning to wash
(oneself), to have a wosh, to get washed) in full. Remember that all reflexive
Grammar Ertra! verbs take €tre, and so the past participle of reflexive verbs usually agrees
When a verb takes avoir, the past participle usually stays in the masculine singular form, with the sublect of the sentence.
as shown in the table for donner, and does not change for the feminine or plural forms.
ll a fini sa dissertation. He's finished his essay. Subject Reflexive Present tense Past participle Meaning
plonoun plonoun of 6tre
Elles ont fini leur dissertation. They've finished their essay.
ie me suls 1av6 (masculine) I washed myself
In one particular case, however, the past participle of verbs with avoir does change in
lav6e (feminine)
the feminine and plural forms. ln the sentences above, dissertation is the direct object
of the verb finir. When the direct obiect comes AFTER the verb, as it does in the tu t es lav6 (masculine) you washed
examples above, then the past participle doesn't change. lf the direct object comes lav6e (feminine) yourself
BEFORE the verb, however, the past participle has to change to agree with that direct il s' est lav6 he washed himself
object. one washed oneself
hier
la dissertation qu'il a finig the essay that he finished yesterday elle s est lav6e she washed herself

le dissertation qu'slles ont finie hier the essay that they finished yesterday on s' est lav6 (singulor) one washed oneself
Since object pronouns usually come BEFORE the verb, the past participle changes to lav6s we washed
agree with the pronoun. (masculine plural) ourselves
lav6es
ll a bu son th6? - Oui, il Ia bU. Did he drink his tea? - Yes, he's drunk it.
(feminine plurol)
ll a bu sa limonade? - Oui, il Ia bue. Did he drink his lemonade? - Yes, he's
nous nous sommes lav6s (masculine) we washed
drunk it.
lav6es (feminine) ourselves
vous vous Gtes lav6 you washed
rtp (masculine singula) yourself (singular)
Remember that with verbs taking €tre, it is the sggls v! the verb that
subiect of lav6e you washed
tells you what ending to add to the past participle. Compare this with the rule (feminine singulo) yourselves (p/urot)
for verbs taking avoir that have a direct objec! in their case, it is the direct Iav6s
obiect coming before the verb that tells you what ending to add to (mosculine plural)
the past participle. lav6es
(feminine plural)
ils 5e sont lav6s they washed
themselves
elles se sont lav6es they washed
themselves

rrp
When on means we, the past participle can agree with the subject
of the sentence, but it is optional.
On s'est lav6es l'une aprls We washed ourselves one after
f'autre. the other. (feminine)

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,

118 Venes Venes 119

Orammar Extra! Grammar Extra!

The past participle of reflexive verbs DOES NOT change if the direct object (la jambe in The pluperfect tense
the example below) FOLLOWS the verb.
Elle s'cs!_siassr6 la jambe.
What is the pluperfect tense?
She's broken her leg.
The pluperfect is a verb tense which describes something that had happened or had
been true at a point in the past, for example, I U1lgptten to finish my homework.

tr lrregular verbs in the perfect tense

tl Using the pluoerfect tense
) Some past participles are irregular. There aren't too many, so try to learn 1

them. > You can often recognize a pluperfect tense in English by a form like I hod arrived,
vou'd fallen.
avoir (meaning to have) +eu
devoir (meaning to hove to, must) -+ d0 Elle avait essav6 des douzaines She had tried on dozens of iumpers.
de pulls.
dire (meaning to soy, to tell) + dit
Nous avions d6ii commenc6 i We'd already started eating when
€tre (meaning to be) r 6t6 manger quand il est aniv6, he arrived.
faire (meaning to do, to moke) + fait J'ctals-arivcc la premiire. I had arrived first.
mettre (meaning to put) + mis Mes parents s'6taient couch6s t6t. My parents had gone to bed early.
pouvoir (meaning to be qble to, con) -PU
prendre (meaning to take) -+ pris l4 Forming the pluperfect tense
ravoir (meaning to know) +su > Like the perfect tense, the pluperfect tense in French has two parts to it:
tenir (meaning to hold) + tenu . the imperfect tense of the verb avoir (meaning to have) or €tre (meaning to be)
venir (meaning to come) ) venu . the past participle
voir (meaning to see) +vu D lf a verb takes avoir in the perfect tense, then it will take avoir in the pluperfect too.
vouloir (meaning to want) -+ voulu lf a verb takes Gtre in the perfect then it will take 6tre in the pluperfect too.
) if pleut becomes il a plq (it roined). r) For more informotion on the Impertect tense ond the Pertect tense, see pages 92 and
) il faut becomes \a fallu (it was necessary). 111.

lq Verbs taking avoir

y' rheperrect \e o"r.r,ol".l,l!tLtiat happened and were D Here are the pluperfect tense forms of donner (meaning to give) in full.
. completed in the past. lt is not used for things that happened Pronoun avotr Past participle Meaning
regularly or in descriptions.
y' I avais donn6 I had oiven
The per:fect tense is formed with the present tense of avoir or tu avats donn6 vou had qiven
€tre and a past participle. il avait donn€ he/she/itlone had given
y' Most verbs take avoir in the perfect tense. All reflexive verbs and elle
a small group of verbs referring to movement or change take on
nouS avtonS donn6 we had given
€tre.
y ii" prut participle ends in -6 for -er verbs, in -l for -ir verbs, and vouS avtez donn€
donn6
you had given
they had given
ils avaient
in -u for -re verbs. elles
/ VrfrtiuurU, tfrut iuLe avoir, the past participle does not usually
The pluperfect tense of -ir verbs like finir (meaning to finish) is formed in the same
change. With verbs that take €tre, including reflexive verbs, the
way, except for the past participle: j'avais fini, tu avais fini and so on.
past participle changes in the feminine and plural.
The pluperfect tense of -re verbs like attendre (meaning to woit) is formed in the
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii, same way, except for the past participle: i'avais attendu, tu avais attendu and so on.
120 Venes VeRes 121

l4 I Verbs takinq 6tre ld lrregular verbs in the pluperfect tense

) Here are the pluperfect tense forms of tomber (meaning to fall) in full. When a verb D lrregularpastparticiplesarethesameasfortheperfecttense(seepogellS).
takes €tre in the pluperfect tense, the past participle alWays agrees with the sublect
of the verb; that is, the endings change in the feminine and plural forms.

Ptonoun 6tre Past participle Meaning ut1

I 6tais tomb6 (mosculine) I had fallen
tomb6e (feminine)
tu 6tais tomb6 (mosculine) you had fallen
tomb6e (feminine)
il 6tait tomb6 he/it had fallen

elle 6tait tomb6e she/it had fallen

on 6tait tomb,6 (singulor) one had fallen
tomb6s (m ascu li n e pl u ro [) we had fallen
tomb6es (feminine pluroD
nouS 6tions tomb6s (mosculine) we had fallen
tomb6es (feminine)
vous ,6tiez tomb6 (mo scu I i n e si n g u I o r) you had fallen
tomb6e (f e m i n i n e si ng u I a r)
I tombds (masculine plurol)
tomb6es (feminine plurol)
ils i / 6taient tomb6s thev had fallen
ell6s 6taient tomb6es they had fallen

The pluperfect tense of -ir verbs like partir (meaning to leove, fo go) is formed in the
same way, except for the past participle: j'6tais parti(e), tu 6tais parti(e) and so on.

The pluperfect tense of -re verbs like descendre (meaning to come down, to go down,
to get offl is formed in the same way, except for the past participle: j'6tais
descendu(e), tu descendu(e) and so on.
'6tais

rq
When on means we, the past participle can agree with the subject of the
sentence, but it is optional.
On 6tait tomb6es. We had fallen. (feminine)

E Reflexive verbs in the pluperfect tense

D Reflexive verbs in the pluperfect tense are formed in the same way as in the perfect
tense, but with the imperfect tense of the verb 6tre (see poge 97).

+ For more informotion on the Pertect tense of reflexive verbs, see page 117.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,

 122 Vrnes Venes 123
.r Forming the Passive
The passive > ln English we use the verb fo bewith the past participle (wos hit, was given)
to form the passive. In French the passive is formed in exactly the same
What is the passive? way, using Ctre and the past participle. The past participle agrees with the
The passive is a form of the verb that is used when the subject of the verb subject of the passive verb; that is, the endings change in the feminine and
is the person or thing that is affected by the action, for example, / wos
olural forms.
given, we were told, it had been mqde.
Elle est encourag6e par ses She is encouraged by her parents.
parents.
tr Using the passive Vous 6tes tous bien pay6s. You are all well paid. ('you' refers to
more than one Person here)
}ln a normal, or octive sentence, the'subject'of the verb is the person or
Les portes ont 6t6 ferm6es. The doors have been closed.
thing that carries out the action described by the verb. The'object'of the
verb is the person or thing that the verb'happens'to.
Ryan (subject) hit (active verb) me (object).
t l, For more information on the Past participle, see poge 111.

l In English, as in French, you can turn an active sentence round to make a D Here is the present tense of the -er verb aimer (meaning to like, to love) in
passive sentence. its passive form.
| (subject) was hit (possive verb) by Ryan (ogent).
Pronoun Present tense Past participle Meaning
l Very often, however, you cannot identify who is carrying out the action of 6tre
indicated by the verb. le suis aim6 (mosculine) lam loved
I was hit in the face. aim6e (feminine)
The trees will be chopped down. tu e5 aim6 (mosculine) fou are loved
l've been chosen to represent the school. aim6e (feminine)
il est afme ;a he/it is
fved
Tt/p elle est armee she/it is'fovedt
There is a very important difference between French and English on est aim6 (singulor) one is l9v$d
in sentences containing an indirect object. In English we can quite aim6s (m o s c u I i n e p I u ra l) we are loved
easily turn a normal (active) sentence with an indirect object into a aim6es (femin in e plu ra[)
passive sentence. we are loved
nous sommeS aim6s (mosculine) i

Active aim6es (feminine)

Someone (subject) gave (active verb) me (indirect object) a book vouS Ctes aim6 (m o scu I i n e si n g u I a r) yoiu are loved
I
(direct object). aim6e (f e m ln i n e si n g u I a r)
aim6s (m o scu I i n e p I u ro l)
Passive
aim6es (feminine plural)
| (subiect) was given (possive verb) a book (direct object).
ils sont aim6s they are loved
In French, an indirect object can NEVER become the subject of a sont aim6es they are loved
elles
passive verb.
The passive of -ir verbs is formed in the same way, except that the past
Q for more informotion on Direct and lndirect objects, see poges participle is different. For example, elle est remplie (meaning it is fulD.
47 ond 49.
The passive of -re verbs is formed in the same way, except that the past
participfe is different. For example, il est d6fendu (meaning it is forbidden).

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,

124 Vrnes Venas 125

Grammar Extra! Grammar Extra!

When on means u/e, the past participle can agree with the subject of the sentence, but
it is optional. The present participle
On est aim6s de tout le monde. We're loved by everyone. (mosculine) What is a present participle?
The present participle is a verb form ending in -ing which is used in English to
) You can form other tenses of the passive by changing the tense of the verb form verb tenses, and which may be used as an adiective and a noun, for example,
€tre. Whot are you doing?; the setting sun; Swimming is eosy!
lmperfect: j'6tais aim6(e) | was loved
Future: tu seras aim6(e) you will be loved i1] Using the present pafticiple
Perfect: il a 6t6 aim6 he has been loved
> Present participles are not as common in French as in English, because they are not
+ For more information on the lmpertect, future and pertect tenses, see pages used to form tenses. The main uses of the present participle in French are:
92,98and111. o as a verb, on its own, corresponding to the English -ingform. lt DOES NOT agree
wlth the sublect of the verb when it is used in this way.
} lrregular past participles are the same as for the perfect tense (see page ll
Habitant prds de Paris, ie vais Living close to Paris, I go into town
assez souvent en ville, quite often.
E_l Avoiding the passive lls m'ont suivi, criant mon nom. They followed me, shouting my
D Passives are not as common in French as in English. There are two main name.
ways that French speakers express the same idea.
o as a verb, after the preposition en. The present participle DOES NOT agree with
o by using the pronoun on (meaning someone or they) with a normal, the subiect of the verb when it is used in this way. The subject of the two parts of
active verb the sentence is always the same. en can be translated in a number of different
On leur a envoy6 une lettre. They were sent a letter. (literally: ways.
Someone sent them a letter.) En attendant sa s(Eur, Richard While waiting for hls sister, Richard fell
On m'a dit que tu ne venais I was told that you weren't coming. s'est endormi, asleep.
pas. (literally They told me you weren't Appelle-nous en arivant Call us when you get home.
coming.) chez toi.
En aoouvant sur ce bouton, on By pressing this button, you can
+ For more information on Pronouns, see poge 42. peut imprimer ses documents. print your documents.
o by using a reflexive verb ll s'est bless6 en essavant de He hurt himself trying to rescue a cat.
sauver un chat.
Les melons se vendent 2 euros Melons are sold for 2 euros each.
la pidce. + For more informotion on the preposition en, see poge 158.
r0 For more informotion on Reflexive verbs, see page 88.
o as an adjective, like in English. As with all adjectives in French, the ending DOES
change in the feminine and plural forms.
Key
y' tnepresent tense of ,r'" prrliJJit'iirr.a by using the present le soleil couchant the setting sun
l'ann6e suivante the following year
Ces enfrants sont 6nervants. Those children are annoying.
"'" des chaises plia$cs

; i*:::**:k*:*: :x;'"::",':
folding chairs

reflexive verb or the pronoun on.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,

 126 Venes VeRes 127

Ttp lmpersonal verbs

The French present participle is NEVER used to translate English verb forms
fike / wos walking, we are leaving.
Q For more information on the lmpertect tense ond the Present tense, see
pages 92 and 1 1 1.
What is an impersonal verb?
An impersonal verb is one that does not refer to a real person or thing
,rnd where the subject is represented by it, tor example, lt's going tp rain;
It's ten o'clock,

D lmpersonal verbs are only used with il (meaning if) and in the infinitive.
English verbs describing movement that are followed by an adverb such as out or
They are called impersonal verbs because il does not really refer to { real
down, or a preposition such as dcross or up are often translated by a verb + en +
present participle.
person, animal or thing, just like itand there iryEnglish in the examples
ll est sorti en courant. He ran out. (literolly: He came out
running.)
J'ai_lraVerSe la rue en boitant. I limped across the street. (literally:
I crossed the street limping.)

e Forming the present participle

) -ir and -re verbs, you use the nous form
To form the present participle of regular -er,
of the present tense and replace the -ons ending with -ant. addition to their normal meanings, for example, ifvok, €trf and
nous form of present tense Take off -ons Add -ant lnfinitive Expression Meaning
donnons donn- donnant avoir + noun il va there isJslngulor) |
langons lang- langant
r.,l
tn"nu u(":<iuroD I

mangeons mange- mangeant Ctre + time il est it isi

finissons finiss- finissant faire + noun il fait jour ,it's daylight
partons partant il fait nuit 'it's dark " \,
Part-
attendons attend- attendant falloir + noun il faut we/you etc. need
descendons descend- descendant
it takes \

falloir + infinitive il faut we/you efc. have to

LqJ lrregular verbs manquer il manque there is ... missing (singular)
there are ... missing (p/urol)
) Three verbs have an irregular present participle:
paraitre il parait que it appears that
avoir (meaning to hove) + ayant
it seems that
6tre (meaning to be) + 6tant
rester + noun il reste there is ... lelt(singular)
savoir (meaning to know) + sachant there are ...lett @lurol)
sembler il semble que it appears that
y' present participtes are never ffl f;:R tenses in French, but they can
it seems that
valoir mieux + infinitive il vaut mieux it would be better to

iil:lii{il:;,ff:::J:ilTi"T1T ll* ,n"y asree w,h ,he ll y a quelqu'un a la porte. There's somebody at the door.
" fiI| j["[:;'"T?i,.n'"n the nous rorm or the present tense and ll est deux heures. It's hrrlo o'clock.
ll faut partir. l'vs/\Vs'vs efc. got to go.
" ::15,..,."t
the -ons ending with -ant. The exceptions are avoiri €tre and
ll manoue cent euros. 100 euros are missing.
ll reste du pain. There's some bread left.
ll vaut mieux ne rien dire. It would be better to say nothing.
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.
 128 Venes VeRss 129
l Several impersonal verbs relate to the weather.
Grammar Extra!
lnfinitive Expression Meaning
faire + adjective il fait beau the weathert lovely The subjunctive
il fait mauvais the weather's bad
What is the subjunctive?
faire + noun il fait du vent it's windy
The subiunctive is a verb form that is used in certain circumstances to express
il fait du soleil it's sunny some sort of feeling, or to show there is doubt about whether something will
geler il gEle it's freezing happen or whether something is true. lt is only used occasionally in modern
nerger il neige it's snowing English, for example, lf I were you, I wouldn't bother.; So be it.
pleuvoir il pleut it's rainino

l! Using the subiunctive

Grammar E><tra! L In French the subjunctive is used after certain verbs and coniunctions when two parts
There is another group of useful expressions that start with an impersonal il. These are of a sentence have different subjects.
followed by a form of the verb called the subiunctive. l'm afraid he won't come back.
il faut que (The subject of the first part of the sentence is'l'; the subject of the second port of the
ll faut que je oarte. l've got to go. sentence is'he'.)

il est n6cessaire que D Sometimes, in a sentence like We want her to be happy, you use the infinitive of the
ll est n6cessaire qu'on le fasse, We have to do it verb in English (fo be). This is NOT possible in French when there is a different
subject in the tvvo parts of the sentence (we and her).You have to use a subiunctive
il est possible que
for the second verb.
ll est possible qu'il vienne. He might come.
Nous voulons Ctre heureux. We want to be happy.
il est dommage que
ll est dommage que tu ne It's a shame you didn't see him.
(No change of subject, so you con just use an infinitive - dtre - in French.)
I'gPs pas vu, Nous voulons qu'elle soit heureuse. We want her to be happy.
(Subject chonges from nous to ellg so you hove to use a subjunctive - soif - in French')
O For more information on the Subjunctive, see page | 29. ) You can only use the infinitive instead of the subiunctive in French with impersonal
verbs.
ll faut que tu viennes ir l'heure. ll faut venir ir l'heure.
(using subjunctive) (using infinitive)
( You have to come on time.
ll vaut mieux que tu restes chez toi. ll vaut mieux rester chez toi.
n (using subjunctive) (using infinitive)
It's better that you stay at home.

l4 Coming across the subiunctive

) The subjunctive has several tenses but you are only likely to come across the present
subjunctive occasionally in your reading.
D You may see a subjunctive after certain verbs that you use when you are:
o wishing something: vouloir que and d6sirer que (meaning to wish thot, to wont),
aimer que (meaning to like thot), aimer mieux que and pr6f6rer que (meaning
to prefer thot)
o fearing something: avoir peur que (meaning to be ofroid thot)
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii. o giving your opinion: croire que (meaning to think that)
 130 Vrnss Venes 131

o saying howyou feel: regretter que (meaning to be sorry fhof), €tre content que 4I Forming the present subiunctive of -ir verbs
(meaning to be pleased thot), €tre surpris que (meaning to be surprised that) and
so on D To form the stem of the present subiunctive you take the infinitive and chop off -ir,
Je suis content que vous les l'm pleased you like them.
just as for the present tense. Then you add the correct ending, depending on
aimiez. whether you are referring to to je, tu, il, elle, on, nous, vous, ils or elles.
J'ai peur qu'il ne revienne pas. l'm afraid he won't come back. Pronoun Ending Add to stem, e.g. fin- Meanings

L You may see a subjunctive after certain verbal expressions starting with il, such as il ie (') -tsse je finisse I finish

tu -isses tu finisses you finish

faut que (meaning it is necessary thot) and il vaut mieux que (meaningj it is better
that). il -tsse il finisse he/she/it/one finishes
elle elle finisse
ll faut que je vous oarle. I need to speak to you. on on finillc
nous -tsstonS nous finissions we finish
.) For a list of some expressions requiring the subjunctive, see page I 28. vous -issiez vous finlEligz vou finish
ils Jrsent ils finissent they finish
elles finissent
tr Forminq the present subiunctive of -er verbs elles

L To form the stem of the present subjunctive you take the infinitive and chop off -er,
just as for the present tense. Then you add the correct ending, depending on
whether you are referring to ie, tu, il, elle, on, nous, vous, ils or elles.
ie changes to i' in front of a word starting with a vowel, most words
D For -er verbs the endings are the same as for the ordinary present tense, apart from starting with h, and the French word y.
the nous and vous forms, which have an extra i, as in the imperfect tense.

Pronoun Ending Add to stem, Meanings

lsl Forming the present subiunctive of -re verbs
e.g. donn-
D To form the stem of the present subiunctive you take the infinitive and chop off -re,
je 0') -e le donne I give
just as for the present tense. Then you add the correct ending, depending on
tu -e5 tu donnc! you grve whether you are referring to je, tu, il, elle, on, nous, vous, ils or elles.
il -e il donng he/she/itlone gives Pronoun Ending Add to stem, Meanings
elle elle donne e.g. aftend-
on on donng
ie (i') -e i'attends lwait
nou5 -tons nous donn!g!s we qve
tu -es tu attendes you wait
vous lez vous donnlgz you gve
ils -ent ils donnent they give il -e il attende he/she/it/one waits
elles elles donnea! elle elle attende
on on attendc

nous -tons nous attendions we wait

vous -iez vous attendlg! vou wait
ie changes to j'
in front of a word starting with a vowel, most ils -ent ils attendent they wait
words starting with h, and the French word y. elles elles aftendcqt

f i/p
je changes to j' in front of a word starting with a vowel, most words
starting with h, and the French word y.

For further explanation of grammatical termg please see pages viii-xii.

 132 Vrnes VeRss 133

E lrregular verbs in the subjunctive Verbs followed by an infinitive

) Some important verbs have irregular subiunctive forms. 1l Linking two verbs together
Verb Meaning ie (i'l ttl illelle/on nous vous ils/elles > Many verbs in French can be followed by another verb in the infinitive. The
aller to oo allle ailles aille allions alliez aillent
infinitive is the form of the verb that is found in the dictionary, such as
avoir to hove ate aies ait ayons ayez aient
donner (meaning to give), finir (meanin g to finish) and attendre (meaning
devoir to hove doive doives doive devions deviez doivent
to, must to wqit).
dire to soyl dise dises dise dlsions disiez disent > There are three main ways that verbs can be linked together:
to tell
€tre to be 50r5 sots soit soyons soyez soient
. with no linking word
faire to do, fasse fasses fasse fassions fassiez fassent Vous voulez aftendre? Would you like to wait?
to moke . with the preposition i
pouvoir to be oble pur5se puisses purs5e puissions puissiez puissent l'm learning to swim.
J'apprends d nager.
to, con
toke . with the preposition de
prendre to I prenne I prennes I prenne prenions I
preniez I prennent
(apprend re and comprendre also behave like this - j'ag rprenne, tu rpPrennes Essayez de venir. Try to come.
and so on
savotr to know sache saches sache sachions sachiez sa<hent
t ) For more information on Prepositions ofter odjectives, and on Prepositions
ventr to come vtenne vtennes vtenne ventons ventez viennent ofter verbs, see pages 1 83 qnd 1 78.
vouloir to want to veuille veullles veuille voulions voullez veuillent
2) Verbs followed by an infinitive with no preposition
D A number of verbs and groups of verbs can be followed by an infinitive
y' Attercertain verbs you have ,5""tJ:'ltj""ctive in French when there is a
with no preposition. The following important group of verbs are all very
different subject in the two clauses. These verbs mostly relate to wishing,
fearing, and saying what you think, what you feel and that you are
irregular, but they crop up so frequently that they are worth learning in full:
,.n.:qi:..1 subjunctive ii also found aftei certain verbal expressions that o devoir (to have to, must, to be due to)
start with ll. Tu dois 6tre fatigu6e. You must be tired.
r' 1ne
stem of the present tense subiunctive is the same as the stem used for Elle doit oartir. She has to leave.
the ordinary present tense.
The new shopping centre is due to
y'- tne present tense subiunctive endings for -er and -re verbs are:
Le nouveau centre commercial
doit ouvrir en mai. open in May.
-e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez and -ent.
y' fhe present tense subjunctive endings for -ir verbs are: o pouvoir (can, moy)
-isse, -isses, -lsse, -issions, -issiez and -issent. Je pcux t'aideI, si tu veux. I can help you, if you like.
Puls-ie venir vous voir samedi? May I come and see you on
Saturday?
savoir (fo know how to, con)
Tu sais conduire? Can you drive?
Je sais faire les omelettes. I know how to make omelettes.
vouloir (to wont)
Elise veut rester un iour de plus. Elise wants to stay one more day.
Ma voiture ne veut pas My car won't start.
d6marer.
Voulez-vous boire quelque chose? Would you like something to drink?
Je voudrais acheter un l'd like to buy a computer.
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,
ordinateur.
 134 Venes Vrnss 135

} faffoir (meaning to be necessary) and valoir mieux (meaning to be better) > Verbs that relateto movement of some kind and do not have a direct
are only used in the infinitive and with il. obiect, such as aller (meanin g to go) and venir (meaning to come), can be
ll faut orendre une d6cision. We/you efc. have to make a dec followed by an infinitive
ll vaut mieux t6l6ohoner avant. lt's better to ring first. Je vais voir Nicolas ce soir. l'm going to see Nicolas tonight.
Viens voir! Come and see!
D For more information on lmpersonal verbs, see page 127.
3] Verbs followed bv d + infinitive
l The following common verbs can also be followed by an infinitive without L There are some common verbs that can be followed by ir and an infinitive.
preposition:
adorer
s'amuser ir faire quelque chose to have fun doing something
to love
apprendre ir faire quelque chose to learn to do something
aimer to like, to love
€ommencer ir faire quelque chose to begin to do something
aimer mieux to prefer
d6sirer to want continuer i faire quelque chose to go on doing something
d6tester to hate s'habituer i faire quelque chose to get used to doing something
envoyer to send J'apprends i skier. l'm learning to ski.
esp6rer to hope ll a commenc6 d pleuvoir. It began to rain.
faire to make, to have something done (fhat is, faire faire >> Some verbs can be followed by a person's name or by a noun relating to a
quelque chose)
person, and then by ir and an infinitive. Sometimes you need to put i in
laisser to let front of the person too.
pr6f6rer to prefer aider quelqu'un i faire quelque to help someone do something
sembler to seem chose
J'espite te voir la semaine I hope to see you next week. apprendre i quelqu'un ir faire to teach someone to do
prochaine. quelque chose something
Ne me fuis pas rire! Don't make me laugh! inviter quelqu'un ir faire quelque to invite someone to do
J'ai_faltfCparer mes chaussures. l've had my shoes mended. chose something
Je pr6fdre manger d la cantine. I prefer to eat in the canteen.
tr Verbs followed by de + infinitive
) Some of these verbs combine with infinitives to make set phrases with a
L There are some common verbs that can be followed by de and an infinitive'
special meaning.
arreter de faire quelque chose,
aller chercher quelque chose to go and get something
s'arr€ter de faire quelque chose to stop doing something
laisser tomber quelque chose to drop something
commencer de faire quelque chose to start doing something
vouloir dire quelque chose to mean something
continuer de faire quelque chose to go on doing something
Va chercher ton papa! Go and get your dad! d6cider de faire quelque chose to decide to do something
Paul a laiss6 tomber le vase. Paul dropped the vase. se d6p6cher de faire quelque chose to hurry to do something
Ou'est-ce que ga veut dire? What does that mean? essayer de faire quelque chose to try to do something
s'excuser dlavoir fait quelque chose to apologize for doing something
} Verbs that relate to seeing or hearing, such asvoir (meaning to see),
to finish doing something
regarder (meaning to watch, to look at),6couter (meaning to listen fo) and finir de faire quelque chose
entendre (meaning to heor) can be followed by an infinitive. oublier de faire quelque chose to forget to do something
ll nous a vus arriver. He saw us arrive. proposer de faire quelque chose to suggest doing something
On entend chanter les oiseaux. You can hear the birds singing. refuser de faire quelque chose to refuse to do something
For further explanation of grammatical tems, please see pages viii-xii. sugg6rer de faire quelque chose to suggest doing something
 136 Venes Venes 137

J'ai-d€erd6_dc lui 6crire. I decided to write to her. Other uses of the infinitive
Je leur ai sugg6r6 de partir de I suggested that they set off early.
> The infinitive can be used in many other ways:
bonne heure,
. after certain adjectives
L The following verbs meaning asking or telling are also followed by de and
content de happy to
an infinitive. Sometimes you need to put ir in front of the person you are
asking or telling.
pr€t i ready to
commander i quelqu'un de faire to order someone to do ll est touiours pttOti-re[drc He's always ready to help.
quelque chose something service.
demander i quelqu'un de faire to ask someone to do something o after certain prepositions
quelque chose Pour aller d la gare? How do you get to the station?
dire ir quelqu'un de faire quelque to tell someone to do something ll est parti sans dire au revoir. He left without saying goodbye.
chose o after certain set phrases involving a verb plus a noun
emp€cher quelqu'un de faire to prevent someone from doing avoir envie de faire quelque chose to feel like doing something
quelque chose something
avoir besoin de faire quelque chose to need to do something
remercier quelqu'un de faire to thank someone for doing
quelque chose avoir peur de faire quelque chose to be frightened of doing
something something
J'ai besoin de changer de l'argent. I need to change some money.
Grammar Extra!
lf it is important to emphasize that something is going on at a particular time, you can o in instructions that are aimed at the general public - for example, on
use the phrase €tre en train de faire quelque chose. signs or in cookery books
ll est en train de travailler. Est-ce que vous He's working. Can you call back later? Aiouter le sel et le poivre, et Add the salt and pepper, and mix
pouvez rappeler plus tard? bien m6langer. well.
lf you want to say you have just done something, you can use the phrase venir de faire Conserver au frais. Keep refrigerated.
quelque chose. In English you use the PAST tense, but in French you use the pRESENT as the subject or object of a sentence, when the infinitive corresponds to
tense.
the -ing form in English used as a noun
Elisabeth vient de partir. Aisabeth has just left.
Fumer n'est pas bon pour la Smoking isn't good for your health.
sant6.
J'adore lire. I love reading.
(
Ttp
{ You can use the verb faire with an infinitive to refer to something
you are having done by someone else.
rf Je dois faire r6oarer ma I have to get my car
voiture. repaired.

f
(
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.
 Nrcnrves 139

> In English, drd is often used to make a statement negative.

I went to his party. * | didn't go to his party.
We saw David at the weekend. + We didn't see David at the weekend.

A negative question or statement is one which contains a word such as fl Note that the French verb faire is NEVER used in this way.
not, never or nothing and is used to say that something is not happening, > non plus is the equivalent of English neither in phrases like me neither,
is not true or is absent. neither do / and so on.
'Je n'aime pas les 'l don't like hamburgers.'- 'Me
hamburgers.'-'Moi non plus.' neither.'
tr Using negatives
ll n'y va pas et moi non plus. He isn't going and neither am l.
F ln Engfish we use words like not, no, nothing and neverto show a negative.
l'm not very pleased. ) The French word ne is missed out when negatives are used without a verb
Dan never ranq me. to answer a question.
Nothing ever happens here! 'Oui a t6l6phon67'- 'Personne.' 'Who rang?'-'Nobody.'
There's no milk left. 'Qu'est-ce que tu fais cet 'What are you doing this
aprds-midi?' - 'Bign.' afternoon?' - 'Nothing.'
) Nof is often combined with certain English verbs - for example, can!
won't, didn't, hasn't.
He isn't iokino. Ttp
She didn't sav. In everyday conversation French native speakers often miss out the
word ne. Be careful about doing this yourself in formal situations.
L In French, if you want to make something negative, you generally use a pair
of words, for example, ne ... pas (meaning not). The verb goes in the Je peux pas venir ce soir. I can't come tonight.
middle. ll me l'a pas dit. He didn't tell me.
ne ... pas not
ne ... rien nothing, not ... anything
ne ... personne nobody, no one, not... anybody, not ... anyone Grammar Extra!
ne ... jamais never, not .., ever Sometimes you will find two of these negative expressions combined.

ne ... plus lls ne font jamais rien d'int6ressant. They never do anything interesting.
no longer, no more, not... any longer, not... any more
Je ne connais plus personne I don't know anyone in Nice any
Je ng fume oas. I don't smoke. i Nice. more.
Ne changez rien. Don't change anything.
Je ne vois personne. I can't see anybody.
Elle nlanive iamais d I'heure. She never arrives on time.
El Word order with negatives
ll ng travaille plus ici. He's no longer working here.
D Negative expressions in French 'sandwich' the verb in the present tense and
in other tenses that consist of lust one word. ne goes before the verb and
the other half of the exoression comes after the verb.
ll ne boit iamais d'alcool. He never drinks alcohol.
ll ne pleuvait pas. It wasn't raining.

For further explanation of grammatical tenns, please see pages viii-xii.

140 Necnrvrs Necnrves 141

) In the perfect tense and other tenses that consist of two or more words 3 I non and pas
such as the pluperfect there are two possibilities:
. ne ... pas, ne ... rien, ne ... plus and ne ... jamais follow the pattern:
> non (meaning no) is the usual negative answer to a question. lt can also
correspond to nof in English.
ne (n') + avoir or €tre + pas + past participle
'Tu veux nous accompagner?'- 'Do you want to come with us?'-
Elle n'a pAS fait ses devoirs. She hasn't done her homework.
'Non, merci.' 'No thanks.'
Je n'ai rien dit. I didn't say anything.
Tir viens ou non? Are you coming or not?
Piene nlest pas encore aniv6. Pierre isn't here yet.
J'espdre que !!g_lt. I hope not.
o ne ... personne follows the pattern:
pas is generally used when a distinction is being made, or for emphasis.
ne (n') + avoir or €tre + past participle + personne
It, too, often corresponds to not in English.
Je n'ai vu personne. I didn't see anybody. 'Oui veut m'aider?'-'Pas moi!' 'Who wants to help me?' - 'Not
me!'
+ For more informqtion on the Perfect tense, see poge 111. 'Est-il de retour?' -'Pas encore.' 'ls he back?' - 'Not yet.'
) A negative sentence may also contain a pronoun such as te, le, lui and so 'Tu as froid?'-'Pas du tout.' 'Are you cold?' - 'Not at all.'
on that is the direct or indirect oblect of the verb, or a reflexive pronoun. lf Pas question! No way!
so, ne comes before the pronoun.
Je ne t'entends pas. I can't hear you.
Ne lui parle pas! Don't speak to him/her!
Tu ng te rappelles pas de lui? Don't you remember him?
ll ne se ldve iamais avant midi. He never gets up before midday.

+ For more informotion on Direct ond Indirect object pronouns and on

Reflexive pronount see pqges 47, 49 snd 89.

) When a verb is in the infinitive, ne ... pas, ne ... rien, ne ... plus and ne ...
jamais come together before the infinitive.
ll essayait de ne oas rire. He was trying not to laugh.
J'ai peur de ne pas r6ussir. l'm afraid of not succeeding.

After these negative expressions, un, une and des (the indefinite /
arttgl$ and du, de la, de l' and des (the partlttye_arttelO change to
de.

4 for more informotion on the tndefinite article and the Portitive

orticle, see pages 1 9 and 22.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 Oursnorus 18
OUESTIONS E-j Asking a question by using est-ce que
) The phrase est-ce que is used to ask a question. Word order stays just the
same as it would in an ordinary sentence. Est-ce que comes before the
What is a question? subject and the verb comes after the subject. So to turn the sentence Tu
A question is a sentence which is used to ask someone about something connais Marie (meaning You know Morie) into a question, all you need to
and which normally has the verb in front of the subject. A question word do is to add est-ce que.
such as why, where, who, which or how is used to ask a question.
Est-ce oue tu (subject) connais Do you know Marie?
(verb)MarieT
How to ask a question in French Est-ce que vous allez en ville? Are you going into town?
Est'ce que ta s@ur est vraiment ls your sister really happy?
tl-l The basic rules heureuse?
) There are four ways of asking questions in French:
o by making your voice go up at the end of the sentence tr Asking a question bv changing word order
o by using the phrase est-ce que ) In ordinary sentences, the verb comes AFTER its subject. In this type of
question, the verb is put BEFORE the subject. This change to normal word
o by changing round the order of words in a sentence order is called inversion. You can do this when the subject is a pronoun
o by using a question word such as vous or il. When you change the word order (or invc$ in this way,
you add a hyphen (-) between the verb and the pronoun.
tr Asking a question by making llour voice go up
Vous (subiect) aimez (verb) You like France.
} lf you are expecting the answer yes or no, there is a very straightforward la France.
way of asking a question. You can keep word order just as it would be in a Aimez (verblvous (subject) Do you like France?
normal sentence (subject then verb), but turn it into a question by making la France?
your voice go up at the end of the sentence. 5o to turn the sentence Vous
aimez la France (meaning You like France) into a question, all you need to ll6crit bien. He writes well.
do is to add a question mark and make your voice go up at the end. Ecrit-ilbien? Does he write well?
Vous (sublect) aimez (verb) la Do you like France? On part tout de suite. We're leaving right away.
France? Part-on tout de suite? Are we leaving right away?
On part tout de suite. We're leaving right away.
On part tout de suite? Are we leaving right away? + For more informotion on Pronouns, see poge 42.

C'est vrai. That's that true.

C'est vrai? ls that true? Ttp
Tes parents sont en vacances. Your parents on holiday. This is quite a formal way of asking a question.
Tes parents sont en vacances? Are your parents on holiday?

In the perfect tense and other tenses that consist of two or more words
such as the pluperfect the part of the verb that comes from avoir or Gtre is
the one that goes before the pronoun.
Ag-tu vu mon sac? Have you seen my bag?
Est-elle rest6e longtemps? Did she stay long?

+ For more information on the Perfect tense, see page 111.

For furthel explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.
 144 0uesroru$ Oussrolrts 145
l When the verb ends in a vowel in the illglle form, -t- is inserted before the you can use est-ce que. lf you do this, the question word goes at the
pronoun to make the words easier to say. START of the sentence.
Aime-t-il les chiens? Does he like dogs? you can change word order so that the verb comes before the subject.
Atelle assez d'argent? Does she have enough money? lf you do this, the question word goes at the START of the sentence.
Vous arrivez quand?
Ttp Ouand est-ce que vous arrivez? When do you arrive?
Ouand anivez-vous?
Unlike English there are two ways in French of answering yes to a
question or statement. oui is the word you use to reply to an Tu prends quel train?
ordinary question. Ouel train est-ce que tu prends? What train are you getting?
'Tu l'as fait?'-'Oui.' , 'Have you done it?' - 'yes., Ouel train prends-tu?
'Elle est belle, n'est-ce pas?'- 'She's beautiful, isn't she?' lls vont ou?
'Oui.' -'Yes.' Oi est-ce qu'ils vont? Where are they going?
si is the word you use to reply to a question or statement that
contains a negative expression like ne ... pas.
Oi vont-ils?
'Tu ne l'as pas fait?'-'Si.' 'Haven't you done it?' - 'Yes
(l have).' + For more information on Negatives, see poge | 38.
'Elle n'est pas tris belle.'- 'She isn't very beautiful.' -
'Mais si!' 'Yes, she is!'

Grammar Extra!
You can also form a question in this way with a noun or a person's name. lf you do this,
the noun or name comes firsf then you add an extra pronoun after the verb and link
them with a hyphen.
Jean-Piene (subject) est(verb)-il ls Jean-Pierre there?
(pronoun) li?
La piCce dure-t-elle longtempsT Does the play last long?
In less formal French, the pronoun may come before the verb, and the noun or name
may come at the end of the sentence.
ll est li, Jean-Piere? ls Jean-Pierre there?
Elle dure longtemps, la pilce? Does the play last long?

tr Asking a question by using a question word

} A question word is a word like when or how that is used to ask for
information. The most common French question words are listed on pages
146-150.
l You can use a question word with one of the methods described above:
. you can make your voice go up at the end of the sentence. lf you do
this, the question word goes at the END of the sentence.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii,

 146 Oueslorus Oursnorus 147
O,uestion words 2I qui?. que? and quoi?
tr Common question words > In questions, qui, que and quoi are all pronouns. Which of them you
) Listed below are some very common question words. que, quel, qui, quol choose depends on:
and lequel, are explained on pages 147-150. o whether you are referring to people or to things
o combien + verb? how much?, how many? o whether you are referring to the subject or object of the verb (the
combien de + noun? how much?, how many? subject is the person or thing that is carrying out the action described
Combien co0te cet ordinateur? How much does this computer by the verb; the object is the person or thing that'receives'the action)
C'est combien, ce pantalon? How much are these trousers? o whether the word you use will come after a preposition such as i, de
Tu en veux combien? Deux? How many do you want? Two? or en
Combien de personnes vas-tu How many people are you going to
inviter? invite?
t ) For more informqtion on Pronouns ond Prepositions, see poges 42 and 62'

o comment? how? > qui? and que? have longer forms, as shown in the table below. There is a
Gomment va-t-elle? How is she? difference in word order between the longer and shorter forms'
Comment tu t'appelles? What's your name?
> qui? is used for talking about people, and means who? or whom? in English.
You can use whom? in formal English to refer to the object of verb, though
most people use who). qui? gan be used after a preposition.
pardon is also used to ask someone to repeat something, and is thd".
Referring to Meaning Examples Meaning
Who?
same as Pardon? in English. comment and quoi can mean the same people
Whom?
thing, but are informal, and are the same as Whot? in English. Who's coming?
Subiect qui? who? Qui vient?
qui est-ce Qui est-ce
oi? where? qui? qui vient?
Ori allez-vous? Where are you going? Object qui? who? Qui vois-tu? Who/Whom
D'or) viens-tu? Where are you from? qui est-ce whom? Qui est-ce can you see?
que? que tu vois?

rtp After qui?

prepositions qui est-ce
who?
whom?
De qui est-ce
qu'il parle?
Who's he
talking about?
Be careful not to mix up oir, which means where, and ou (without que? Pour qui est ce Who's this
an accent), which means or. livre? book for?
A qui avez-vous Who did you write
pourquoi? why? 6crit? to?, To whom did
Pourquoi est-ce qu'il ne vient Why isn't he coming with us? you write?
pas avec nous?
quand? when?
Quand est-ce gue tu pars en
vacances?
When are you going on holiday? rw
que changes to qu' before a vowel, most words beginning with ih',
Depuis quand est-ce que vous How long have you known him? h, and the French word y.
le connaissez?

t) For more informqtion on que ond qui, see page 62.

For further explanation of grammatical torms, please see pages viii-xii.
148 Ouesrnrus Ouesrolvs 149

} i qui is the usual way of saying whose in questions. quel, quelle, quels and quelles are all forms of the same word. The form
that you choose depends on whether you are referring to something that
A qui est ce sac? Whose is this bag? is masculine or feminine, singular or plural.

+ For more information on using d to show possession, see page 165. Masculine Feminine Meaning
Singular quel? quelle? who?
L que? and quoi? are used for talking about things, and mean what? in what?
English. que? cannot be used after a preposition; you have to use quoi? which?
instead. Plural quels? quelles? who?
What? Referring to Meaning Examples Meaning what?
things which?
Subject qu'est-ce qui? what? Qu'est-ce qui se What's
Ouel est ton chanteur pt6t6r6? Who's your favourite singer?
passe? happening?
Ouel vin recommandez-vous? Which wine do you recommend?
Qu'est-ce qui Whatt worrying
t'inquiEte? you? Ouelle est ta couleur pr6f6r6e? What's your favourite colour?
Object qu'est-ce que? what? Qu'est-ce que What are you Ouelle heure est-il? What time is it?
vous faites? doing? Ouels sont tes chanteurs Who are your favourite singers?
Que faites-vous? pr6f6r6s?
After quoi? what? A quoi penses- What are you Vous jouez de quels What instruments do you play?
prepositions tu? thinking about? instruments?
De quoi parlez- What are you
vous? talking about? Ouelles sont tes couleurs What are your favourite colours?
pr6f6r6es?
Ouelles chaussures te plaisent Which shoes do you like best?
le plus?
Ttp
It is possible to finish an English sentence with a preposition such t ) For more information on how quel in used in exclomotions, see page 21 .
as about or of, even though some people think this is not good
grammar,
Who did you write to? {{ lequel?. laquelle?. lesquels? and lesquelles?
Whqt ore you talking about? D In questions lequel, laquelle, lesquels and lesquelles (meaning which
It is NEVER possible to end a French sentence with a preposition. one/ones?) are all forms of the same pronoun, and are used to replace
nouns. The form that you choose depends on whether you are referring to
something that is masculine or feminine, singular or plural.
tr quel?, quelle?. quels? and quelles?
quel? (meaning who?, which? or what) can be used with a noun (as an Masculine Feminine Meaning
adiective) or can replace a noun (as a pronoun). Compare this with que? Singular lequel? laquelle? which?
(and its longer forms) and quoi?, which also mean whot?, but are NEVER which one?
used with nouns. Plural lesquels? lesquelles? which?
which ones?
+ For more information on Adjectives and Pronouns, see poges 25 ond 42.
'J'ai choisi un livre.'-'Lequel?' 'l've chosen a book.'-'Which one?'
Laouelle de ces valises est d Which of these cases is Bruno's?
Bruno?
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.
 150 Oursrorus Ouesnorus 151
'Tu te souviens de mes amis?' 'Do you remember my friends?'-
tWhich ones?' Grammar Extra!
-'Lcs_Sce!S?'
Lesouelles de vos seurs sont Which of your sisters are married? All the questions in the previous section are the actual words that someone uses when
mari6es? they are asking a question, and so they all end with a question mark. These are called
diree! questions. When you are telling someone else about a question that is being
+ For more informotion on lequel, see poge 63. lrked, you use an indirect question. Indirect questions never end with a question mark,
rrrd they are always introduced by a verb such as to ask, to tell, to wonder, to know and
tr n'est-ce pas? and non? ro on.

} English-speakers often use an expression like isn't it?, don't they?, weren't He asked me what the time was. (His actual question was What is the timeT)

we? or will you? tagged on to the end of a sentence to turn it into a Tell me which way to go. frour actual question was Which way do I go)
question. French uses n'est-ce pas? instead. This useful little phrase never
Word order in indirect questions is generally the same as in English:
changes, so is very easy to use. You use it in questions when you expect question word + subject verb.
person you are talking to to agree with you.
Dites-moi quel (question word) Tell me which bus goes to the
ll fait chaud, n'est-ce pas? lt's warm, isn't it? autobus (subject)va (verb) ila station.
pas? gafe.
Tu parles frangais, n'est-ce You speak French, don'tyou?
ll m'a demand6 combien He asked me how much money
Vous n'oublierez pas, n'est-ce You won't forget, will you?
d'argent j'avais. I had.
pas?
Je me demande s'il viendra I wonder if he'll come or not.
) lt common to use non (meaning no) in the same way in spoken
is very ou pas.
French. hein? means the same as eh? in English, and is only used in very
informal conversations. When the subiect of the question is a noun and NOT a pronoun like ie or il, the sublect
,rnd verb that come after the question word are often swapped round.
ll fait chaud, non? It's warm, isn't it? Je me demande oi (question I wonder where my keys are.
ll fait chaud, hein? It's warm, eh? word) sont (verb) mes cl6s (subject).
Demande-lui qui est venu. Ask him who came.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 Aovenes 153

ADVERBS Masculine adjective Feminine adjective Adverb Meaning

heureux heureuse heureusement fortunately
doux douce doucement gently, slowly
What is an adverb? seul seule seulement only
An adverb is a word usually used with verbs, adjectives or other adverbs
that gives more information about when, how, where, or in what The adverb ending -ment is added to the masculine not the feminine form
circumstances something happens, for example, quickly, hoppily, now. of the adjective if the masculine ends in -6, -i or -u.

Masculine adjective Feminine adjective Adverb Meaning

How adverbs are used d6sesp6r€ d6sesp6r6e d6sesp6r6ment desperately
vral vrate vraiment truly
) ln general, adverbs are used together with:
absolu absolue absolument absolutely
o verbs (act quickly. speak strongely. smile cheerfully)
o adjectives (rc!fu ill, q lot better, deeply sorry)
) lf the adjective ends in -ant, the adverb ends in -amment. lf the adjective
ends in -ent, the adverb ends in -emment. The first vowel in the -emment
. other adverbs (resWfart, bo quickly, ysrywell) and -amment endings is pronounced in the same way in both - like the o
l Adverbs can also relate to the whole sentence; they often tell you what the in the English word caf.
speaker is thinking or feeling. courant + couramment (fluently)
Fortunately, Jan had already left. r6cent * r6cemment (recently)
Actually, I don't think l'll come. @ Note that an exception to this rule is the adverb lentement
(meaning slowly), which comes from the adjective lent (meaning
slow).
How adverbs are formed
tr The basic rules
A lrregular adverbs
) Adverbs in French NEVER change their form, no matter what they refer to. ) There are a number of common irregular adverbs.
ll est tris
beau. He's very handsome. Adjective Meaning Adverb Meaning
Elles sont tris belles. They're very beautiful. bon good bien well
J'y vais souvent. I often go there. gentil nice, kind gentiment nicely, kindly
Nous y allons souvent. We often go there. mauvars bad mal badly
t,tote that there is one exception to this rule. The word tout changes meilleur better, best mieux better
@ petit peu
in certain phrases, for example, tout seul (meaning oll alone). small little
pire worse worse
ll est aniv6 tout seul, He arrived on his own. Pis

Elle est souvent toute seule. She's often on her own. Elle travaille bien. She works well.
G'est un emploi trds mal pay6. It's a very badly paid job.
) Many English adverbs end in Jy, which is added to the end of the adiectivc
(quick - quickly, sad - sodlt/;, frequent - frequentQ. In French, many
adverbs end in -ment. This is usually added to the end of the feminine l{ Adjectives used as adverbs
singular form of the adjective. > Certain adlectives are used as adverbs, mostly in set phrases:
o bon good
sentir bon to smell nice
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.
154 Aovenes AoveRes 155

cher expensive Comparatives and superlatives of adverbs

co0ter cher to be expensive
payer cher to pay a lot .t I Comparative adverbs
droit straight , What is a comparative adverb?
r A comparative adverb is one which, in English, has -er on the end of it or
aller tout droit to go straight on
i more or /ess in front of it for example, eorlier, loter, soonert moreless
dur hard i frequently
travailler dur to work hard
> Adverbs can be used to make comparisons in French, just as they can in
fort loud English. The comparative (more often, faster) of adverbs is formed using the
parler plus fort to speak up same phrases as for adjectives.
mauvais bad o plus ... (que) more ... (than)
sentir mauvais to smell Tu marches pluS vite que moi. You walk faster than me.
Elle chante plus fort gue les She's singing louder than the others.
tr Adverbs made up of more than one word autres.
) Adverbs can be made up of several words instead of iust one. Here are
o moins ... (que) less ... (than)
50me common ones: Parle moins vite! Don't speak so fast! (literally Speak
lessfast!)
bien sOr of course
Nous nous voyons moins We see each other less often than
c'est-ir-dire that is
souvent qu'avant. before.
d'abord first
o aussi ... que as... as
d'habitude usually
de temps en temps from time to time
Je parle frangais aussi bien oue I can speak French as well as you!
toi!
en g6n6ral usually
Viens aussi vite que possible. Come as quickly as possible.
en retard late
tout de suite straight away t) For more information on Comparative odjectives, see poge 34.

ld Superlative adverbs
What is a superlative adverb?
A superlative adverb is one which, in English, has -esf on the end of it or
most or leostin front of it, for example, soonest, fostest, mostlleast
frequently.

L The superlative of adverbs (the most, the fastest) is formed using the same
phrases as for adjectives, except that le NEVER changes to la or les in the
feminine and plural with adverbs as it does with adjectives.
o le plus ... (que) the most ... (that)
Marianne parle le plus vite. Marianne speaks fastest.
o le moins ... (que) the least... (tha$
G'est Gordon qui a mang6 le moins. Cordon ate the least.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

t) For more information on Superlotive odjectives, see page 34.
 156 Aovenes Aovenes 157

tr Adverbs with iregular comparatives and superlatives Some common adverbs

) Some of the most common adverbs have irregular comparative and
D Here are some common adverbs that do not end in -ment:
superlative forms.
alors then, so, at that time
Adverb Meaning Comparative Meaning Superlative Meaning apris afterwards
beaucoup a lot plus more le plus (the) most aprEs-demain the day after tomorrow
bien well mieux better le mieux (the) best aujourd'hui todaY
mal badly pis worse le pis (the) worst assez enough, quite
plus mal le plus mal aussi also, too, as
Peu little moins less le moins (the) least avant-hier the day before yesterday
C'est lui qui danse le mieux. He dances best.
beaucoup a lot, much
bientOt soon
cependant however
dedans inside
dehors outside
d6ia already, before
demain tomorrow
depuis since
derriEre behind
devant in front
encore still, even, again
enfin at last
ensemble together
ensuite then
environ about
hier yesterday
ici here
jamais never, ever

rw
jamais can sometimes be used without ne to mean never or ever.
'Est-ce que tu vas souvent au 'Do you 9o to the cinema a
cinema?'-'Non, ian0atg.' lot?' - 'No, never.'
As-tu iemels revu ton pdre? Did you ever see your father
again?

Q for more information on Negatives, see poge 1j8.

ta there, here
li-bas over there
For further explanation of grammatical tems, please see pages viii-xii. loin far, far off, a long time ago
 158 AoveRss AoveRes 159
longtemps a long time D Some of the adverbs listed on pages 157 and 158 can be followed by de
maintenant now, nowadays and used in front of a noun to talk about quantities or numbers of things or
m€me even people:
moins less
. assez de enough
oir where
Nous n'avons pas assez de We don't have enough time.
parfois sometimes temps.
partout everywhere
peu not much, not very
o beaucoup de a lot of
Elle fait beaucoup de fautes. She makes a lot of mistakes.
o combien de how much, how many
Ttp Gombien de personnes as-tu How many people have you invited?
Be careful not to confuse peu, which means not much or not very, invit6es?
with un peu, which means o little or q bit.
o troP de too much, too many
ll voyage peu. He doesn't travel much.
J'ai mang6 trop de fromage. l've eaten too much cheese.
Elle est un peu timide. She's a bit shy.
D Several of the adverbs listed on pages "157 and 158 can also be used as
prepositions: apr6s, avant, devant derriEre and depuis.
peut-€tre perhaps
plus more + For more informotion on Prepositions, see page 162.
presque nearly
puis then ) The question words combien (meaning how much, how mony), comment
quelquefois sometimes (meaning how), pourquoi (meaning why) and quand (meaning when) are
si 50 described on page 146.
soudain suddenly ) pas, plus and jamais are used in negative word pairs.
souvent often
surtout especially, above all + For more informqtion on Negotives, see poge 138.
tard late
t6t early
toujours always, still
tout all, very
tris very
trop too much, too
vite quick, fast soon

T{,p
vite and rapide can both mean fost or quick. Remember, though,
that vite is an adverb and rapide is an adiective.
une voiture rapide a fast car
ll roule trop vite. He drives too fast.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 160 Aovrnas Aovenes 161

Word order with adverbs > Some adverbs FOLLOW the past participle of verbs that consist of more
than one word. This rule covers most adverbs that tell you how or where
tr Adverbs with verbs something is done, and a few adverbs that tell you about time.
) In English, adverbs can come in different places in a sentence. aujourd'hui today
l'm never coming back. demain tomorrow
See you soon! hier yesterday
Suddenlv the phone rano. loin far, far off, a long time ago
l'd reallv like to come. longtemps a long time
D In French, the rules are more fixed. When an adverb goes with a verb that
partout everywhere
quelquefois sometimes
consists of just one word, such as a verb in the present tense or the
imperfect tense, it generally goes AFTER that verb. t6t earlv

janvier. tard late

ll neige touiours en lt always snows in January. vite quick, fast soon
Je pensais souvent d toi. I often used to think about you.
On les a vus partout. We saw them everywhere.
) When an adverb goes with a verb that consists of more than one word,
Elle est revenue hier. She came back yesterday.
such as a verb in the pcrfeeftense, it generally comes BETWEEN the part of
the verb that comes from avoir or €tre and the past participle.
ll a trop mang6. He's eaten too much. ,4 Adverbs with adiectives and other adverbs
lls sont d6idr patis. They've already gone. l When an adverb goes with an adjective, it generally comes iust BEFORE that
adjective.
+ For more information on the Pertect tense, see poge 'l 11. lls ont une tris belle maison. They have a very nice house.
une femme bien habill6e a well-dressed woman
l The rule above covers most adverbs that tell you about quantity or time
(apart from a few listed later), and some very common ones telling you ) When an adverb goes with another adverb, it generally comes just BEFORE

how something is done. that adverb.

beaucoup a lot, much C'est troo tard. It's too late.
bien well Fatima travaille beaucoup Fatima works much faster.
pluS vite.
bientdt soon
d6ie already, before
encore still, even, again
enfin at last
mal badly
mieux better
peu not much, not very
rarement rarely
souvent often
toujours always, still
trop too much, too
vraiment really

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 PReposmorus 163

PREPOSITIONS i, de and en
Eit
What is a preposition? D Be careful not to confuse the preposition ir with the illelle/on form of the
A preposition is a word such as at, for, with, into or from, which is verb avoir: il a (meaning he hos) and so on.
usually followed by a noun, pronoun or, in English, a word ending in -ing.
Prepositions show how people and things relate to the rest of the
sentence, for example, She's at home.; a tool for cutting grass; it's from
rw
When ir is followed by le, the two words become au. Similarly,
David.
when i is followed by les, the two words become aux.

Using prepositions il for more informotion on Articles, see page

} Prepositions are used in front of nouns and pronouns (such as me, him, the
! i can mean ot.
mqn and so on), and show the relationship between the noun or pronoun
and the rest of the sentence. Some prepositions can be used before verb Les melons se vendent i 2 Melons are selling at 2 euros each.
forms ending in -ing in English. euros pidce.
Nous roulions i 100 km i We were driving at 100 km an hour
I showed my ticket to the inspector.
l'heure.
Come with me.
J'ai lanc6 une pierre d Chantal. I threw a stone at Chantal.
This brush is really good for cleaning shoes.
Je suis d la maison. l'm at home.
+ For more informotion on Nouns ond Pronouns, see pqges 1 and 42. Note that ir la maison can also mean to the house.
@
) Prepositions are also used after certain adjectives and verbs and link them Je rentre d la maison. l'm going back to the house or
to the rest of the sentence. back home.
Je suis trds contente de te voir. l'm very happy to see you. Li can mean rn.
Tu aimes jouer au tennis? Do you like playing tennis? Nous habitons d la campagne. We live in the country.
) In English it is possible to finish a sentence with a preposition such as for, Mon pdre est d Londres. My father is in London.
obout or on, even though some people think this is not good grammar. Restez au lit. Stay in bed.
You can NEVER end a French sentence with a preposition. Jean est entr6, un livre i la Jean came in with a book in his
Le caf6 au laiL c'est pour qui? Who's the white coffee for? main. hand.

Qe quoi parlez-vous? What are you talking about?

Ttp
rtp ir is used to mean in with the names of towns and cities, and au
(singulor) or aux (plurot) with the names of countries that are
The French preposition is not always the direct equivalent of the
masculine in French.
preposition that is used in English. lt is often difficult to give just one
English equivalent for French prepositions, as the way they are used J'habite au Mexique. I live in Mexico.
varies so much between the two languages. Elle est aux Etats-Unis. She's in the States.

i can mean to.

Je vais au cin6ma ce soir. l'm going to the cinema tonight.
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii. Donne le ballon d ton frdre. Give the ball to your brother.
164 Pneposmorus Pneposmorus 165
. how you travel
T'P Onyvaipied? Shall we walk?
i is used to mean to with the names of towns and cities, and au ll est venu i v6lo. He came on his bike.
(singulor) or aux (plurol) with the names of countries that are
masculine in French.
Ttp
Je vais assez souvent d Paris. I go to Paris quite often.
Apart from i v6fo and i cheval (meaning on horseback), the
ll va aux Etats-Unis la semaine He's going to the States prepositions en and par are used with most other means of
prochaine. next week. transport.

} ir is also used with de to mean from ... to ... D ir can also show what something is used for.
le trajet de Londres d Pads the journey from London to Paris une boite aux lettres a letter box
La banque est ouverte de 9 The bank is open from 9 to 12. une machine d laver a washing machine
heures i midi. une tasse d caf6 a coffee cup
Je suis en vacances du 21 juin l'm on holiday from 21 June !o
auSjuillet. 5July. [J i
ruote that une tasse caf6 means a coffee cup, but une tasse de cafd
i
means o cup of coffee. In the same way, un verre vin means o vvine
Li can mean on. g/oss but un verre de vin means o gloss of wine.
ll y a deux beaux tableaux au There are two beautiful paintings
> ir is used with times, centuries and the names of festivals.
mur. on the wall.
Le bureau se trouve au premier The office is on the first floor. d trois heures at three o'clock
6tage. au vingtiime siBcle in the twentieth century
Ou'est-ce qu'il y a ir la t6l6 ce What's on W tonight? i No6l at Christmas
soir? d Piques at Easter

@ Note that ir and sur can both mean on in English. sur usually means ir is used to talk about distances and rates.
on the top of something. sur la t6l€ means on top of the W set, buL La maison est d 6 kilomdtres The house is 6 kilometres from here.
i fa t6f6 means broadcqst on TV. Both can be translated as on the TV d'ici.
in English. sur le mur means on top of the wall, but au mur means G'est dr deux minutes de chez lt's two minutes from my place.
hanging on the woll. moi. !

) ir is often used to describe: Je suis pay6 i l'heure. l'rh,Raid by the hour.

o what someone looks like or is wearing
\ J
ows who owns sornq:th\r
la femme au chapeau vert the woman with the green hat Ce cahier est i Pau[ s.
un gargon aux yeux bleus a boy with blue eyes C'est d toi? ours?
how something is done C'est d qui de nettoy\la salle Vflhose.turh'is it to clean the
fait i
la main hand-made de bains? bathroom?
laver d la machine to machine-wash lf you want to say where something hurts, you use i.
what a type of food is made of J'ai mal d la t6te. l've got a headache.
une tarte aux poires a pear tart J'ai mal aux jambes. My legs ache.
un sandwich au jambon a ham sandwich J'ai mal i la gorge. l've got a sore throat.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

166 Pneposrrorus PRrposmorus 167

) ir is used with certain adjectives. D de is also used with ir to mean from ... to ...
Son 6criture est difficile dr lire. His/Her writing is difficult to read. le trajet de Londres d Pads the journey from London to Paris
Je suis pr6t dr tout. l'm ready for anything. La banque est ouverte de 9 The bank is open from 9 to I 2.
heures i midi.
+ For more information about Prepositions sfter adiectives, see page 183. Je suis en vacances du 21 juin l'm on holiday from 21 lune to
auSjuillet. SJuly.
) i is used with certain verbs.
) de often shows who or what something belongs to.
s'int6resser i quelque chose to be interested in something
un amide la famille a friend of the family
penser d quelque chose to think about something
les fen6tres de la maison the windows of the house
la voiture de Marie-Piene Marie-Pierre's car
+ For more information obout Prepositions after verbs, see page 178.
D de can indicate what something contains, when it usually corresponds to
D Finally, some common ways of saying goodbye contain i. of in English.
A bient6t! See you soon! une boite g[allumeftes a box of matches
A demain! See you tomorrow! deux bouteilles de vin two bottles of wine
A samedi! See you Saturday! une tasse de caf6 a cup of coffee
A tout i l'heure! See you later! Note that une tasse de caf6 means a cup of coffee butune tasse ir
@
caf6 means a coffee cup. ln the same way, un verre i vin means o
lTt de wine glass but un verre de vin means o gloss of wine.
l de is used as part of the partitive article, whibh is usually the equivalent of ) de can describe what material something is made of.
some or ony in English. une robe de coton a cotton dress
+ For more information on the Psrtitive orticle, see page 22. une porte de bois a wooden door

Ttp rw
en can also be used to say what something is made of, and is
When de is followed by le, the two words become du. Similarly,
used when it is important to stress the material. 41.,
when de is followed by les, the two words become des.
un bracelet en or a gold bracelet
4 for more information on Articles, see poge 12.

You can use de to say what something is used for.

de can mean from.
un sac de couchage a sleeping bag
Je viens d'Edimbourg. l'm from Edinburgh.
un terrain de foot a football pitch
une lettre de Rachid a letter from Rachid
un an6t de bus a bus stop
Je la vois de temps en temps. I see her from time to time.
de is found after superlatives (the most..., the biggest, the least... and so on).
la plus belle ville du monde the most beautiful city in the world
le film le moins int6ressant the least interesting film in the
du festival festival

t) For more informotion on Superlotive odjectives, see page 34.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 Pneposmorus 169
168 Pnrposrlorus
D en is used to talk about years and months, and to say how long something
L de is used in phrases to talk about quantities. will take, when it is the equivalentof in/within:
Elle fait beaucoup de fautes. She makes a lot of mistakes. en 1923 in 1923
Combien de personnes as'tu How many people have you invi en janvier in lanuary
invit6es? l'll do it in three days.
Je le ferai en trois iours.
) de is used with certain adlectives.
Je suis trds surpris de te voir. l'm very surprised to see you. Gmmmar Extra!
ll est triste de partir. He's sad to be leaving.
en and dans can both be used in French to talk about a length of time, but the
t) For more informqtion on Prepositions ofter adjectives, see page 183. meaning is very different.
Je le ferai dans trois jours. l'll do it in three days.
Je le ferai en trois iours. l'll do it in three days.
Grammar hctra! Though both can be translated in the same way, the first sentence means that you'll do
lf you want to use an adiective after quelque chose, rien, quelqu'un and personne, it in three days, time; the second means that it will take three days for you to do it.
you link the words with de.
quelqu'un g['important someone important
quelque chose d'int6ressant something interesting
) en is used with the names of the seasons, except for spring'
rien d'amusant nothing funny en 6t6 in summer
en automne in autumn
en hiver in winter
) de is found after certain verbs.
BUT: au printemPs in sPring
d6pendre de quelque chose to depend on something
parler de quelque chose to talk about something D en is used for most means of transport.
Je suis venu en voiture' I came by car.
+ For more informqtion on Prepositions ofter verbs, see page 178.
G'est plus rapide en train' lt's quicker by train.
ll est all6 en ltalie en avion. He flew to ltaly.
tren
@ Note that en is never followed by an article such as le, du or des. Ttp
) en is used to talk about a place. lt can be the equivalent of the English to The prepositions i and par are also used with means of transport.
or in.
Je vais en ville. l'm going to town. Use en to say what language something is in.
ll a un appartement en ville, He has a flat in town. une lettre 6crite en'espagnol a letter written in Spanish
Nous allons en France cet 6t6. We're going to France this summer. Dis-le en anglais. Say it in English.
Nous habitons en France. We live in France.
> en can be used to say what something is made of when you particularly
want to stress the material.
rrp ' un bracelet en or a bracelet made of gold, a gold
en is used with the names of countries that are feminine in French. ' bracelet
Use ir with the names of towns and cities, and au or aux with un manteau en cuir a coat made of leather, a leather
masculine countries. coat

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii'

 170 Pneposmorus Pneposmorus 171

Eome other common Prepositions

{f t tote that some of these words are also adverbs, for example, avant,
depuis.

r I For more information on the Adverbs, see poge 152.

) en often describes the situation or state that something or someone is in.
Je suis en vacances. l'm on holiday. > The following prepositions are also frequently used in French:
La voiture est en panne. The car's broken down. o lpp|5 after
Tu es toujours en retard! You're always late! after lunch
aprds le d6ieuner
) is found before present participles. the form of the verb that ends in aprds son d6part after he had left
en
-ing in English and -ant in French. la troisiBme maison apris la the third house after the town hall
mairie
Je fais mes devoirs en I do my homework while watching
Aprds vous! After you!
regardant la t616. TV.
ll m'a vu en passant devant la He saw me as he came past the
[J Note that where English uses a verb in the perfect tense following
porte. door. ofter, French uses the infinitive avoir or 6tre and a past participle'
r) For more informotion on the Present participle, see poge 125, Nous viendrons aprds avoir fait We,|l come after we,ve done the
la vaisselle. dishes.

o 3y6n1 before
ll est arriv6 avant toi. He arrived before you.
Toumez d gauche avant la Turn left before the Post office.
poste.

@ Note that where English uses a verb ending in -ing alter before,
French uses de followed by the infinitive.
Jepr6firefinirmesdevoirsIprefertofinishmyhomework
avant de manger. before eating.

o avec with
avec mon pdre with my father
unechambreavecsa||edebainaroomwithitsownbathroom
Ouvre-la avec un couteau' Open it with a knife'
. chez
Elle est chez Pierre. She's at Pierre's house.
Elle va chez Pierre. Shet going to Pierre's house,
Je reste chez moi ce weekend' l'm staying at home this wecletttl
Je vais rentrer chez moi. l'm going home.
lls habitent pris de chez moi. They live near my house.

For further explanataon of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 172 Pneposmorus Pneposmorus 173
l derriEre behind
T'P derridre la porte behind the door
I
chez is also used with the name of jobs or professions to indicate
a shop or place of business. devant in front of
Je vais chez le m6decin. l'm going to the doctor's. ll est assis devant moi. He's sitting in front of me.
l

contre against entre ... et between ... and

Ne mets pas ton v6lo contre Don't put your bike against the wall
ll est assis entre son pire et He's sitting between his father and
son oncle. his uncle.
le mur.
i
Le bureau est ferm6 entre 13 The office is closed between 1 and
dans in, into et 14 heures. 2 p.m.
ll est dans sa chambre. He's in his bedroom.
jusque as far as, until
Nous passons une semaine We're spending a week in the Alps.
dans les Alpes. Je te raccompagne iusque l'll go with you as far as your house.
chez toi.
dans deux mois in two months'time
Jusqu'ot vas-tu? How far are you going?
ll est entr6 dans mon bureau. He came into my office.
Jusqu'ici nous n'avons pas eu Up to now we've had no problems.
de probldmes.
Grammar Extra! l'm staying until the end of the
Je reste iusqu'i la fin du mois.
l dans and en can both be used in French to talk about a length of time, but the month.
meaning is very different.
Je le ferai dans trois iours. l'll do it in three days.
Je le ferai en trois jours. l'll do it in three davs.
Though both can be translated in the same way, the first sentence means that you'll do jusque changes to jusqu' before a word beginning with a vowel,
it in three days' time; the second means that it will take three days for you to do it.
most words starting with h, and the French word y.

o depuis since, for . par by, with, per

Elle habite Paris depuis 1998. She's been living in Paris since '1
998 deux par deux two by two
Elle habite Paris depuis cinq She's been living in Paris for five
Par le train by train
ans. years.
par la poste by post
@ Note that French uses the present tense with depuis to talk about par email by email
actions that started in the past and are still going on. Son nom commence oar un H. His name begins with H.
ll est en France depuis le mois He's been in France since Prenez trois cachets oar iour. Take three tablets per day.
de septembre. September. (ond he is still there) Le voyage co0te quatre cents The trip costs four hundred euros
lf you are saying how long something has NOT happened for, you use euros Dar personne. per person.
the perfect tense with depuis. Nous nous voyons une fois oar We see each other once a month.
Nous ne I'avqng pas vu deouis We haven't seen him for mois.
un mois. a month. ll est tomb6 par terre. He fell down.
ll y a beaucoup de touristes There are a lot of tourists around
Q For more informotion on the Present tense qnd the Pertect tense, see
pogesTl and111. par ici. here.

For further explanation of grammatical te]ms, please see pages viii-xii.

174 PReposmorus Pneposmorus 175

sans without
rtp Elle est venue sans son frdre' She came without her brother.
The prepositions i and en are also used with means of transport. un caf6 sans sucre a coffee without sugar
un pull sans manches a sleeveless sweater
o pendant during, for
Qa s'est pass6 pendant l'616. It happened during the summer. ()
-
Note that sans can also be used before infinitives in French. In English a
verb form ending in -ing is used after without.
ll n'a pas pu travailler pendant He couldn't work for several
plusieurs mois. months. Elle est partie sans dire au revoir. She left without saying goodbye.
. sauf except

Ttp Tout le monde vient sauf lui. Everyone's coming except him'

French uses the perfect tense with pendant to talk about actions . sous under
in the past that are completed. sous la table under the table
Nous avons habit6 pendant dix We lived in Scotland for ten sous terre underground
ans en Ecosse. years. (but don't any more)
o SUr On
You can also miss out pendant. Pose-le sur le bureau. Put it down on the desk.
Nous avons habit6 dix ans en We lived in Scotland for ten Ton sac est sur la table. Your bag is on the table.
Ecosse. years. Vous verrez l,hapitat sur votre You'll see the hospital on your left.
gauche.
pendant is also used to talk about something that will happen in the
un livre sur la politique a book on politics
future.
Je serai i NewYork pendant l'll be in New York for a month. Note that i and sur can both mean on in English. sur usually means
m
un mois. on the top of something. sur la t6l6 means on top of the TV set, bul
Q for more information on the Pertect tense, see page 111 i fa t6l6 means broadcost on TV. Both can be translated as on the TV
in English. sur le mur means on top of the wall, but au mur means
hanging on the wall.
pour for (who or what something is for, and where something or someone is
going)
C'est un cadeau pour toi. lt's a present for you.
Ttp
With numbers and measurements sur can also mean in, out of
Nous voudrions une chambre We'd like a room for two nights.
and by.
oour deux nuits.
le train pour Bordeaux the train for Bordeaux une personne sur six one person in ten
J'ai eu quatorze sur vingt en I got 14 out of 20 in maths'
E Note that pour can also be used with infinitives, when it has the maths.
meaning of in order to. La pidce fait quatre mitres sur The room measures four metres

Elle tt6l6phone pour savoir i She's ringing to find out what time
deux. bY two'

quelle heure on arrivera. we'll get there.

Pour aller dr Nice, s'il vous plait? Which way is it to Nice, please?
. vers towards (a place), at about
ll allait vers la gare. He was going towards the station.
Je rentre chez moi vers cinq I go home at about 5 o'clock.
heures.
For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.
176 Pnepognorus
PReposmoNs 177

} voici (meaning this is, here rs) and voilir (meaning there is, that rs) are two consisting of more than one word
very useful prepositions that French speakers often use to point things out. one.
Prepositions can also be made up of several words instead of iust
Voici mon frire et voild ma This is my brother and that's my
s(Eur. sister. au bord de at the edge of, at the side of
Voici ton sac. Here's your bag. au bout de after
Le voici! Here he/it is! i cause de because of
Tiens!Voild Paul. Look! There's Paul. au-dessous de below
Tu as perdu ton stylo? En voilir Have you lost your pen? Here's au-dessus de above
un autre. another one. i au fond de at the bottom of, at the end of
Les voildr! There they are! au milieu de in the middle of
Au bout d'un moment, il s'est After a while, he fell asleep'
endormi.
Nous ne pouvons Pas sortir We can't go out because of the bad
weather.
i-eeuse-dg mauvais temps.
J'ai gar6 la voiture au bord de I parked the car bY the side of the
la route. road.
Mon porte-monnaie est au fond My purse is at the bottom of mY
dg mon sac. bag.
Place le vase au milieu de la Put the vase in the middle of the
table. table.

For further explanation of grammatical toms, please sce pages vlii-xli.

 178 Pneposlrrols Pneposnprus 179

Prepositions after verbs |> Here are some verbs taking i in French that have a different construction in
[nglish.
) some French verbs can be followed by an infinitive (the fo form of the verb)
croire i quelque chose to believe in something
and linked to it by either de or i, or no preposition at all. This is also true ol
verbs and their obiects: the person or thing that the verb ,happens,to. r'lnt6resser ir quelqu'un/quelque to be interested in someone/
chose something
S For more informotion on Verbs followed by an infinitive, see page l j3. fouer ir quelque chose to play something (sports, gomes)
ob6ir i quelqu'un to obey someone
penser ir quelqu'un/quelque chose to think about someone/something
Ttp r6pondre ir quelqu'un to answer someone
The preposition that is used in French is not always the same as the t6l6phoner i quelqu'un to phone someone
one that is used in English. Whenever you learn a new verb, try to
learn which preposition can be used after it too.
rtp
l rhe lists in this section concentrate on those French verbs that involve a When you are using jouer to talk about sports and games, you
different construction from the one that is used in English. use i. When you are using jouer to talk about musical instruments,
you use de.
i jouer au tennis to play tennis
tr Verbs that are followed by + obiect
jouer aux 6checs to play chess
l i is often the equivalent of the English word to when it is used with an
indirect object after verbs like send, give and soy. jouer de la guitare to play the guitar
jouer du piano to play the piano
dire quelque chose ir quelqu'un to say something to someone
donner quelque chose ir quelqu'un to give something to someone
6crire quelque chose i quelqu'un to write something to someone D plaire followed by i is a common way of saying you like something.
envoyer quelque chose ir quelqu'un to send something to someone plaire i quelqu'un to please someone (literollY)
montrer quelque chose i quelqu'un to show something to someone Ton cadeau me plait beaucoup' I like your present a lot.
Ce film plait beaucoup aux This film is very popular with young
+ For more informotion on lndirect objects, see page 49. jeunes. people.

Grammar E><tra!
manquer ir works quite differently frorn its English equivalent, to miss. The English obiect
lr the French subjec! and the English subiect is the French oblect.
with this type of verb. In English, you can say either to give something
manquer i quelqu'un to be missed by someone (literolly)
to someone or to give someone something; lo show something to
Tu (subject) me (object) manques. | (subject) miss you (obiect).
someone or to show someone somethinq.
Mon pays (subject) me (obiect) | (subject) miss my country @biect) very
You can NEVER miss out i in French in the way that you can
manque beaucoup. much.
sometimes miss out fo in English.

D There are also some verbs where you can put a direct obiect before ir. The
verb demander is the most common.
demander quelque chose ir quelqu'un to ask someone something, to ask
someone for something

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii t ) For more informotion on Direct obiects, see page 47.
 180 PReposmorus Pneposmorus 181

@ ruote that demander in French does NOT mean fo demond.lt means Grammar Ertra!
to osk something or to ask for something. lf you want to say demand
lhe verb se tromper de quelque chose is often the equivalent of to get the wrong ...
in French, use exiger.
Je me suis tromp6 de num6ro. I got the wrong number.
Nous avons demand6 notre We asked a taxi driver the wav. Je me suis tromp6 de maison. I got the wrong house.
chemin d un chauffeur de taxi.
J'exige des excuses! | demand an apology!

A Verbs that are followed by de + object ll I Verbs taking a direct obiect in French but not in English
D In English there are a few verbs that are followed by for, on, in, to or ot
) Here are some verbs taking de in French that have a different construction
which, in French, are not followed by a preposition such as a or de. Here
in English.
are the most common:
changer de quelque chose to change something (one's shoes and so on)
attendre quelqu'un/quelque chose to wait for sb/sth
d6pendre de quelqu'un / to depend on someone/something
chercher quelqu'un/quelque chose to look for sb/sth
quelque chose
demander quelqu'un/quelque chose to ask for sb/sth
s'excuser de quelque chose to apologize for something
6couter quelqu'un/quelque chose to listen to sb/sth
jouer de quelque chose to play something
esp6rer quelque chose to hope for sth
parler de quelque chose to talk about something
payer quelque chose to PaY for sth
se servir de quelque chose to use something
regarder quelqu'un/quelque chose to look at sb/sth
se souvenir de quelqu'un/ to remember someone/something
quelque chose ruote that attendre does NOT mean to ottend in English. lt means to
@
wqit for. lf you want to say that you attend something, use assister
rw i quelque chose.
When you are using jouer to talk about sports and games, you Je t'attends devant la gare. l'll wait for you in front of the
use i. When you are using jouer to talk about musical instruments, station.
you use de. Vous altez assister au concert? Are you going to attend the
jouer au tennis to play tennis concert?
jouer aux 6checs to play chess
D habiter can be used with or without a preposition:
jouer de la guitare to play the guitar o habiter is mostly used without a preposition when you are talking about
jouer du piano to play the piano living in a house, a flat and so on
Nous habitons un petit We live in a small flat in town'
L Some common phrases using avoir also contain de.
appartement en ville.
avoir besoin de quelque chose to need something
use habiter with ir when you are talking about a town or city, and au
avoir envie de quelque chose to want something
(singutor) or aux (plurot) with the names of countries that are masculine
avoir peur de quelque chose to be afraid of something in French
) There are also some verbs where you can put a direct object before de. Nous habitons i Liverpool. We live in Liverpool.
remercier is the most common. Nous habitons aux Etats-Unis. We live in the United States.
remercier quelqu'un de quelque chose to thank someone for something
use habiter with en when you are talking about feminine countries
+ For more informotion on Direct objects, see poge 47. Nous habitons en Espagne. We live in Spain'

For further explanation of grammatical terms. please see pages viii-xii.

 PRepostlotrls 183
182 Pneposmorus

Key points
Prepositions after adiectives
y' French prepositions after verbs are often not the ones that are > lust like verbs, some French adiectives can be linked to what follows by
used in English. French verbs often have a different construction either i or de.
from English verbs. D An adlective followed by de or ir can be followed by a noun, a pronoun or
y' French verbs are usually linked to their obfects by de, ir or an infinitive.
nothing at all. D Some adjectives that can be followed by de are used to say how
you feel,
U/ You can never miss out i in French in the way that you can miss that you are certain about something, or that it is necessary or important
out to in English constructions like to give someone something. to do something. These are the most common:
certain certain
content happy
d6sol6 sorry
enchant6 delighted
heureux haPPY
important imPortant
malheureux unhaPPY
n6cessaire necessary
sfir sure
triste sad

Tu es sOr de pouvoir venir? Are you sure You can come?

Enchant6 de faire votre Delighted to meet You.
connaissance.
ll est n6cessaire de r6server. You have to book'

Grammar Etctra!
) Some adjectives, such asfacile (meaning eosy), int6ressanl
(meaning interesting) or
be followed by eitherir orde. de tends to be
Irnporriut" (meaning impossible), can
u"iJ *r,"" you are saying something that is generally true. itends to be used when
you are saying something about someone or something in particular'

de
ll est difficile une
Prendre It's difficult to make a decision.
d6cision.
ll est difficile d connaitre. He's difficult to get to know.
His accent is difficult to understand.
Son accent est difficile d
comprendre.

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 Coru.lurucnorus 185

CONJUNCTIONS

What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word such as and, but, or, so, if and becouse, that links
two words or phrases of a similar type, or two parts of a sentence, for
exampfe, Diane and I have been friends for years; I Ieft becouse ! wos bored.
o siif
et mais, ou, parce que and si Je me demande si elle ment' I wonder if she's lYing.
Si i'6tais d ta Place, ie ne lf I were you, I wouldn't invite him'
D et mais, ott parce que and si are the most common conjunctions that you
need to know in French. l'inviterais Pas.

o et and
toi et moi you and me
rw
ll pleut et il fait tris froid. It's raining and it's very cold. si changesto s'before il or ils. 'fifr,
Sil ne pleut pas, on mangera lf it doesn't rain' we'll
eat
o mais but
dehors. outside'
C'est cher mais de trds bonne It's expensive, but very good quality.
qualit6.

@ Note that mais is also commonly found in front of oui and si.
'Tu viens ce soir?'-'Mais oui!' 'Are you coming tonight?,
-
'Definitely!'
'll n'a pas encore fini?'- 'Hasn't he finished yet?'-'He
'Mais si!' certainly has!'
a ouor
Tu pr6fdres le vert ou le bleu? Do you like the green one or the
blue one?
Donne-moi ga sU ie me f6che! Cive me that or l,ll get crossl

T'P
Be careful not to confuse ou (meaning or) with of (meaning
where).

. parce que because

Je ne peux pas sortir parce que I can't go out because l've still got
j'ai encore du travail dr faire. work to do.

For further explanation of grammatical torms, please see pages viii-xii.

L

186 Gol.lurucnolrs Gorrr.lurucnorus 187

ili Some other common conjunctions The conjunction que

) Here are some other common French coniunctions: D When que is used to join two parts of a sentence, it means fhof.
o car because ll dit qlLil m'aime. He says that he loves me.
ll faut prendre un bus pour y You need to take a bus to get there Elle sait que vous 6tes lit. She knows that you're here.
acc6der car il est interdit d y because cars are prohibited.
monter en voiture.
@ Note that car is used in formal language or in writing. The normal
way of saying becouse is parce que. ln English you could say both He soys he loves me and He says that
he loves me, or She knows you're here and She knows thot you're here.
o Comme aS
You can NEVER leave out que in French in the same way.
Gomme il pleut, je prends la As it's raining, l'm taking the car.
voiture. D que is also used when you are comparing two things or two people. In this
donc so case, it means os or thon.
'
J'ai rat6 le train, donc je serai I missed the train, so l'll be late. lls n'y vont pas aussi souvent They don't go as often as us'
en retard. que nous.
o lql5qus when Les melons sont plus chers que Melons are more expensive than
J'allais composer ton num6ro I was about to dial your number les bananes. bananas.

lorsque tu as appel6. when you called.

o
t ) For more informotion on Comparative odjectives, see page 34.
quand when
Je ne sors pas quand il pleut. I don't go out when it rains. D Some words which give you information about when something happens,
can also be conjunctions if you put que after them. pendant que (meaning
@ t,tote that when quand and lorsque are used to talk about something
while) is the most common of these.
that will happen in the future, the French verb has to be in the future
tense even though English uses a verb in the present tense. christian a t6l6phon6 pendant Christian phoned while chantal was
que Ghantal prenait son bain. in the bath'
Ouand je serai riche, j'achdterai When l'm rich, l'll buy a nice house.
une belle maison. [J Note that when pendant que (meaning whi!e), quand (meaning wfien)
- and forsque (meaning when) are used to talk about something that
+ For more informotion on the Present tense and the Future tense, see poges will happ-en in the future, the French verb has to be in the future tense
71 and 98. even though English uses a verb in the present tense.
L French, like English, also has conjunctions which have more than one part. Pendant que ie serai en France, l'll go and visit them while l'm in
Here are the most common: j'irai les voir. France.
o ne ... ni ... ni neither ... nor
Je n'1aime ni les lentilles ni I like neither lentils nor spinach.
t ) For more information on the Present tense and the Future tense, see poges
71 and 98.
les 6pinards.

@ Note that the ne part of this expression goes just before the verb. Grammar Extra!
o ou ... ou, ou bien ... ou bien either ... or tluc can replace another coniunction to avoid having to repeat it.
Ouand tu seras plus grand et When you're older and You have
Ou il est malade ou il ment. Either he's sick or he's lying.
que tu auras une maison i toi,... a house of your own, "'
Ou bien il m'6vite ou bien il Either het avoiding me or else he As it's raining and I don't have an
Comme il pleut et que ie n'ai
ne me reconnait pas, doesn't recognize me. pas de parapluie, ... umbrella, ...

For further explanation of grammatical terms, please see pages viii-xii.

 NuMeens 189

1st premier (1er), premiire (1re)

NUMBERS 2nd
-r,^\
deuxiEme (2e or 2Gme; or second(e) (2no(e)1
3rd troisiEme (3e or 3eme;
4th quatriime 1+e or 4fme)
1 un (une) 5th cinquidme 15e or 5eme)
2 deux 6th sixidme 16e or 6efe)
3 trois 7th septiEme 1Ze or 7!me)
4 quatre 8th huitiEme (8e or 8eme1
5 cinq 9th neuviEme (9e or 9e.me)
6 six 1 oth dixiEme (10e or 101t")
7 sept 1 1th onziEme (11e or 11"T")
8 huit 'lzth douzidme (12e or 12.et")
9 neuf 1 3th treiziEme (13e or tt"t:)
l0 dix 14th quatorziEme (14e or l4eme)
11 onze 15th quinziEme (15e or l5eme)
't2 douze 1 6rh seiziime (16e or l6eme)
13 treize 17th dix-septiEme (17e or 17:me)
14 quatorze dix-huitiime (l8e or l8ele)
1 8th
15 quinze dix-neuviEme (19e or'l9eme)
1 9th
16 seize 2oth vingtiime (2Oe or 20em1 .
17 dix-sept 21st vingt et unidme (21e or 2l:me)
18 dix-huit 22nd vinit-deuxidme (22e or 22eme)
19 dix-neuf 3oth treitiEme (3oe or 3oeT")
20 vingt 't
00th centiime (100e or 100eme)
21 vingt et un (une) 101st cent uniime (l0le or 101eme)
22 vingt-deux 1 000th milliime (l0O0e or l000eme)
30 trente
40 quarante 112 un demi
50 cinquante 113 un tiers
60 soixante 213 deux tiers
70 soixante-dix 114 un quart
71 soixante et onze 1ls un cinquiEme
72 soixante-douze 0.5 z6ro virgule cinq (0,5)
80 quatre-vingts 3.4 trois virgule quatre (3,4)
81 quatre-vingt-un (-une) 10o/o dix pour cent
90 quatre-vingt-dix 100o/o cent pour cent
9',l quatre-vingt-onze EXAMPLES
EXEMPLES
100 cent
101 cent un (une) ll habite au dix. He lives at number ten.
300 trois cents d la page dix-neuf on page nineteen
301 trois cent un (une) au chapitre sePt in chapter seven
1 000 mille ll habite au cinQuidme (6tage). He lives on the fifth floor.
2000 deux mille ll est aniv5 troisiime' He came in third.
1,000,000 un mlllion 6chelle au vingt'cinq millidme scale one to twentY-five thousand
 190 Trtae aruo Dere Tunenruo Dere 191

THEURE THE TIME LES MOIS MONTHS OF THE YEAR

Ouelle heure est-il? What time is it? ianvier January
ll est... It's... f6vrier . February
une heure mars March
one o'clock
une heure dix ten past one avril April
une heure et quart mai May
quarter past one
une heure et demie half past one
juin lune
deux heures moins vingt twenty to two
juillet July
deux heures moins le quart quarter to two ao0t August
septembre September
A quelle heure? At what time? octobre October
ir minuit at midnight novembre November
i midi at midday, at noon d6cembre December
ir une heure (de l'aprEs-midi) at one o'clock (in the afternoon)
i huit heures (du soir) at eight o'clock (in the evening) Ouand? When?
i llhl5 or at 1 1.15 or eleven fifteen en f6vrier in February
onze heures quinze
le 'ler d€cembre on December 1st
it 2Oh45 or at 20.45 or twenty forty-five le premier d6cembre on December first
vingt heures quarante-cinq
en 1998 in 1998
en mille neuf cent quatre- in nineteen ninety-eight
LA DATE THE DATE vingt-dix-huit
LES JOURS DE LA SEMAINE DAYS OF THE WEEK Ouel jour sommes-nous? What day is it?
lundi Monday Nous sommes |e... It's...
mardi Tuesday lundi 26 f6vrier or Monday 26 February or
mercredi Wednesday lundi vingt-six f6vrier Monday twenty-sixth of
jeudi Thursday February
vendredi Friday
samedi Saturday dimanche ler octobre or Sunday 1st October or
dimanche Sunday dimanche premier octobre Sunday the first of October

Ouand? When?
Note that months of the year are NOT written with a capital letter in
lundi on Monday French.
le lundi on Mondays
tous les lundis every Monday
mardi dernier last Tuesday
vendredi prochain next Friday
samedi en huit a week on Saturday
samedi en quinze two week on Saturday

a Note that days of the week are NOT written with a capital letter
French.
in
192 Trurnruo Dnre

VOCABULAIRE USEFUL VOCABUTARY

Quand? When?
aujourd'hui today
ce matin this morning )ral problems
cet aprEs-midi this afternoon
can't always translate French into..Enslish,
aT, E"gi:l
ce soir this evening it is :::"::,*tto
often 1:T nol For
ii-*ta. While occasionally it is possible to do this'
Souvent? How often? lmmPle:
tous les jours every day
, o English phrasalverbs (verbs followed
bf
1%"1-"t"'"tl::,:t^:t-"tb)'
often translated by
tous les deux jours every other day for exampfe, to run awoy, to fall down, are
une fois par semaine once a week ONE word in French.
deux fois par semaine twice a week to go on
une fois par mois once a month
continuer
tomber to fall down
$a s'est pass6 quand? When did it happen? rendre to give back
le matin in the morning
more information on Verbs, see pages 69-1 37'
le soir in the evening For

hier yesterday
preposition in English, might
hier soir yesterday evening rsentences which contain a verb and
avant-hier the day before yesterday NOT contain a preposition in French'
il y a une semaine a week ago payer quelque chose to pay for something
il y a quinze jours two weeks ago regarder quelqu'un/quelque to look at somebodY/something
l'an dernier or l'ann6e derniEre last year chose
6couter quelqu'un/quelque to listen to somebodY/something
$a va se passer quand? When is it going to happen?
demain tomorrow chose
demain matin tomorrow morning a verb and preposition in
aprEs-demain the day after tomorrow - Similarly, sentences which contain
o
dans deux jours in two days ii"nift, tight NOT contain a preposition in English'
somebody/something
dans une semaine in a week ob6ir dr quelqu'un/quelque to obey
dans quinze jours in two weeks chose
le mois prochain next month changer de quelque chose to change something
l'an prochain or l'ann6e next year ."nqu", de quelque chose to lack something
prochaine
into English in
o The same French preposition may be translated
different waYs.
parler gle quelque chose to talk about something
s0r ele quelque chose sure of something

voler quelque chose d quelqu'un to steal something from someone

croire i quelque chose to believe in something
poge 162'
O For more informotion on Prepositions' see
 194 Tlps Trps 195

oA word which is singular in English may not be in French. . a present ParticiPle

les bagages luggage Etant plus timide que moi, Being shyer'than me, she...
ses cheveux his/her hair elle...
o Similarly, a word which is singular in French may not be in For more informstion on the Present participle, see page 125.
English.
un short
. a nOUn
shorts
mon pantalon Le ski me maintient en forme. Skiing keeps me fit.
my trousers
+ For more information on Nouns, see page 1.
For more information on Nottns, see page 1.

o In English, you can use 3 to show who or what something to be

belongs to; in French, you have to use de.
The verb to beis generally translated by €tre.
la voiture de mon frdre my brother! car
ll est tard. It's late.
la chambre des enfants the childrenl bedroom
Ge n'est pas possible! It's not possible!
+ For more information on the preposition de, see page 166.
when you are talking about the physical position of something, se trouver
may be used,
Specific problems Oir se trouve la gare? Where3 the station?
tr =ins certain set phrases which describe how you are feeling or a state you are
L The -ing ending in English is translated in a number of different ways in In, the verb avoir is used.
French: avoir chaud to be warm
o to be ...-ing is translated by a verb consisting of one word. avoir froid to be cold
ll part demain. He's leavlng tomorrow. avoir faim to be hungry
Je lisais un roman. lwas reading a book. avoir soif to be thirsty
to be afraid
+ For more information on Verbs, see poges 69-1 37. I avoir Peur
to be wrong
avoir tort
@ trtote that when you are talking about somebody's or something,s avoir raison to be right
physical position, you use a past participle.
when you are describing what the weather is like, use the verb faire.
Elle est assise li-bas She's sitting over there. Ouel temps fait-il? What's the weather like?
ll 6tait couch6 par tere. He was lving on the ground. ll faat beau. It! lovely.
ll fait mauvais. It's miserable.
+ For more informqtion on the Past participle, see page 111.
It! windy.
ll fait du vent.
D -ing can also be translated by:
When you are talking about someone's age, use the verb avoir'
r an infinitive How old are you?
Ouel 6ge as-tu?
J'aime aller au cin6ma I like going to the cinema. l'm fifteen.
J'ai quinze ans.
Arr6tez de vous disouter! Stop arouinq!
Avant de oartir... Before leavino... When talking about your health, use the verb aller.
Comment allez-vous? How are you?
+ For more information on lnfinitives, see page 133.
Je vais trds bien. ljm-very well.
For further explanation of grammatical tems, please see pages viii-xii.
 196 Trps Trps 197

E it is. it's
) if is and if3 are usually translated by il est or elle est when referring to
noun.
'Oi est mon parapluie?'-
'll€S! la, dans le coin.'
Descends la valise si elle
pas trop lourde.
ff you want to say that you know how to do something, use savoir.
She can't swim.
Elle ne sait pas nager.
a
When con is used with verbs to do with what you can see or hear, you do
Where's my umbrella? lt's there, in use pouvoir in French.
the corner. Je ne vois rien. I can't see anything.
n'CEt Bring the case down if it isn't too ll les entendait. He could hear them.
heavy.

) When you are talking about the time, use il est. ta

'Ouelle heure est-il?'-'ll est What time !5j? - lt's half past The preposition to is generally translated by it.
sept heures et demie.' seven. Donne le livre d Patrick. Cive the book to Patrick.
) When you are describing what the weather is like, use the verb faire. For more information on the preposition d, see page 16j.
ll fait beau. tt5 lovely.
ll fait mauvais. lt's miserable. When you are talking about the time, use moins.
ll fait du vent. ltt windy. dix heures moins cinq five to ten

} lf you want to say, for example, it is difficult to do something or it is easy to dr sept heures moins le quartat a quarter to seven
do something, use il est.
ff you want to say (in order) to, use pour.
ll est difficile de r6pondre difficult to answer this question,
It is
Je I'ai fait pour vous aider' ls help you.
dr
I did it
cette question,
ll va en ville pour acheter un He's going into town to buy a
l In ALL other phrases and constructions, use c'est. cadeau. present.
C'est moi qui ne I'aime pas. It's me who doesn't like him.
C'est Charles qui l'a dit. It's Charles who said so.
C'est ici que je les ai achet6s. It's here that I bought them.
C'est parce que la poste est It's because the post office is closed
ferm6e que... that...

El there is, there are

) Both there is and there are are translated by il y a.
ll y a quelqu'un i la porte. There is someone at the door.
ll y a cinq livres sur la table. There are five books on the table.

trt can. to be able

) lf you want to talk about someone's physical ability to do something, use
pouvoir.
Pouvez-vous faire dix Can you walk ten kilometres?
kilomitres d pied?

For further explanation of grammatical te]mt please see pages vili-xii.

 THE ALPHABET MAIN INDEX
!, 6 verbs 79,80,96 aux 14, 55, 63,163,164 compoundnouns 11,33
) The French alphabet is pronounced differently from the way it is pronounced 82,'163
12,'t9
auxquelles
auxquels
63
63
nouns
concrete
conditional
16
105
in English. Use the list below to help you sound out the letters. 14, sO, 57, 1 33, 1 35, avant 159 conditional: irregular verbs 109
163, 167, 't7s, 178, 183 avec 16,'171 conditional: reflexive verbs I 09

.,. | 164 avoir 16, 48, 56, 70, 87 ' 1'11 , coniuqations 69
fe, fa, f' and les 14, 55, 113,137,160,163, I 71, 180 coniuiations: first 72
Ava lql (ah) like'a' in 'la' 63,163 avoir: conditional 110 coniulations: second 74
Brb (bay) gtnouns 16 avoir: future tense 103 coniugations: third 76
lbel ru 80. 101,108 avoir: imperative 87 confunctions '129,1U
C,C lsel Gay) verbs '122 avoir: impersonal verbs 127 contre 172
Drd (day) 20,23,25 avoir: past participle 8
1 1 countries 17,163,164,169
ldel avoir: ptesent tense 82 court 32
Er€ lel (uh) like'e' in 'le' t 25,27,39,44,125 avoir: pluperfect tense 1'19 .,d 105

F,t (efO endings 27 avoir: dans 57,169,172

't8,'tg'l
lefl perfecttense 111, 113, 118 dates
G,g kel 0av) 27, 29, 34, 35 avoir: present Participle '126 days of the week 5, 1 8, 190
followed byir/de 183 avoir: subjunctive 132 de 15, 20, 35, 56,133,'135'
H,h taJl (ash) be 123 140, 159, 164, 166, 171,
'r80. 183
l,i lil (ee) byinfinitive 137 beau
beaucoup (de)
20,23,29,32
156,159 de: with fe, fa, I' andles 15,22,
farticiples used as125
t,i lsil 0ee) plural 30, 35 bel
belle
29
29 definitearticfe 12,13,16,35
55, 56,63
K,k lkal (ka)
23,2s,32,16'l bien 36,153,156 demander 179
Ll lell (ell) "126. 152 body: parts of
bon
"17,40,165 demonstrativeadiectives 37
demonstrativepronouns 65
M,r leml (emm) r word order 160
105 c'
20,23,32,153
see ce depuis 159,172
N,h lenl (enn) c' see ce deinier 33
25,27,39, 44,-'125 i" 66 derriire "159,173
o,o lol (oh) of articles 13,19 iar 186 des 15,19,20,22,56,'166
Prp lpel (pay) : of past ce 37,65 descendre 1"13,114,'l'15,
qq 44,114,116,117 ceci 66 120,126
lkyl (ku) like'u' in 'une' cela 66 describing words see adiectives

R,r (air) participle 't25 celle 66 desquelles 63

lerl celle-ci 67 desquels 63
5,s lesl (ess) adjectives 39 celleli 67 devant 159,173
celles devenir -102,118,132,1333
It ltel (tay) pronouns 54 celles-ci
66
67 devoir
11

U,U tyl (u) like'u' in 'une' celleslir

celui
67
66
dire
directobiect
118,132
114,116,118,
wrbs 72, 74, 76, 93, 98, 1o5
Vv lvel (vay) 123,134 celui-ci 67 135,181
wrw [dubleve] (doobla-vay) 41, 61 celui-Ih 67 direct obiect pronouns 4Z 58. 59
70, 82, 98, 104, 1'10, 'l'13, ces 37 direct questions 151
X,X tiksl (eex) 132,'135 c€ sont 2'1,52,65 doino words see verbs

Y,y Iigrek] (ee-grek) 22 c'est 21,52,65 dommage:

12,19 Get 37 il est dommage que 128
Z,Z [zed] (zed) 32 c'€tait 65 donc 186
12, 19, 21, 22, 24 cette 37 donner 72, 85, 93,99, '106,
60, I 38 ceux 66 112, 119, 126, '130
60, 1 38 ceux-ci 67 dont 64,67
50, 1 38 ceux-lir 67 droit 153
79,100,107 chacun 51,60 du 15,22,56,'166
159,171 chaque 4'l duquel 63
113 chei 32,153 dur 154
12 chez 171 eoa 41, 60
187 -ci 37,67 each other 91
os 34 clothinq 11, 164 6couter 135
I for something 105 cofoursi adiectives 31, 32 either ... or 186
de 159 combien (de) 146,159 elle 43, 44, 51, 66, 69
163 comme 186 elfe-mGme 52
hdre 76,a5,95,99,106, comment 146 effes 43,45,51,69
112, 113, 119, 126, 131, 18'l comparative adiectives 34 ef es-m€mes
f 52
14, 55, 63,163,164 comparative adverbs 155 emphasis 52,66
63 comparisons 34,52 em'phatic pronouns 51
34,'t55 comparisons: en 17,18, 56, 59,85,'125'
For further explanation of grammatical tems, please see pages viii-xii. 41 pronouns used in 52 126,"168,172
 Mnru lruoex 2O1
200 Mnrru lruoex
49,5'l nouns: coJnpounds 1 l, 33 petlt 20, 23, 32, 'l53
en train de 136 himself 52 irregular verbs: 52 nouns: conirete 16 beu 153, 156, 158
endings: adiectives 27 his 39,54 present tense 82,84 see me nouns; endinqs 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 bire 36,153
endings: nouns 2, 3, 7, 8,9 how 146 irregular verbs: subiunctive 1 l, 39 nouns: Enqlis6, used in French 5 brs 153
endings:verbs 69,72,74,76, how much/many '146 it 43, 44, 47, 66, 1 ) | 184 nouns: feminine 1,2, 3, 5, 13' bfaire 179
93, 94, 98, 1 05, I I 4 43,5'l its t9
153,156 17,19,22,44,45 bfeuvoir 103,'128
entendre 1 35 il 43, 44, 66, 69,127 itself 5t
78,96,126,'t27 nouns: masculine 1,2,3, 5,13, ifuperfecttense 119,139
entre 173 il est 55,^128 i' see lr 128,179 19,22,44,45 pluperfect tense:
' irr'eoular verbs
entrer 11 3 il fait 128 iamais I 5/
adiectives 25,27,28, nouns: plural ''t,9, 14, 19, 23 12O
-er 34,155 il faut (que) 102,118,'t28, je 43,61, ' 29,30 nouns: iinqular 1 Dluperfect tense:
' reilexive verbs 'l2o
-erverbs 72, 85, 93, 105, 112, 129,130 ieter
jeune
79,100,101
and feminine forms nous 42, ql, qg, 5'1,69,85,
119,123,126,130 ifmanque '128 3il t 89' 9'l olural
'plus 9,11
-erverbs: spelling changes 78, gue
if parait '128 fobs
joli
2l 1,',13, 19, 22, nous-m€mes 52 34, 155
79, 80, 81, 95, 99, 't07 il pleut 45, 103, 118 l) 44,45 nouveau 29,32 iossession 67,167
esp6rer 81.'134 il reste 't28 jouer 179,180 32,153,154 nouvel 29 bossessive adiectlveJ 39
essayer 80, I01,108 il semble que 128 fusque 17 |
47, 49,89 nouveffe 29 bossessive Pronouns 54
-est 34,155 il vaut mieux (que) 129 l' see lq h 47,51 numbers 75,190 possible: il est Possible que 28
1

est-ce que 143,'144 ilya 56,128 la "13,47 't7 5 obiect 122,147 Pour | /+
et 33, '184 lls 43,45, 69 -la 38,67 32,36,'153 obiect pronouns 47,58, 59 bourquoi 146
€tre 48, 65, 70, 7'l , 87, 92, lmperative 48.85 la leur 5l 41, 52 obiect bronouns: word order 86 bouv,iir +8, 1o2, 118,'132, 133
1't1, 160,'t7'l imperative: irregular verbs 87 la mienne 54 eit 11 br6f6rer 81 134
atre conditional la moins
39
bremier ' 32
110 imperative: word order 86
la n6tre
35
118 of 167,'175
etre future tense I 03 imperfecttense 92, "119,'l60 51
36,153 on 43,45,51,69,124 brendre 118,132
Ctre imoerfect tense 97 imperfect tense: fa plus 34
54 on 164 irepositions 47, 51, 67,126,
Ctre imoersonal verbs 127 irregular verbs 97 la sienne 54
48,5'l one 43,69 147.162
atre passive 123 imperfect tense: la tienne 54 52 one onother 91 prepositions: after adiectives 1 83
Ctre past participle 8 1 1
reflexive verbs 96 la v6tre 54
36 one's 39 prepositions: afterverbs 'i,78
Ctre Dresent tense 82 impersonal verbs 127 lancer 78,95,126 34. 1 55 oneself 51,52 preposruons:
'
etrq pluperfect tense 1'19 in 35,163,168,169 languages 5, 17, 169 39 orders and instructions 48, 50, 85 foilowed bv infinitive 137
etre perfecttense 1 11, 113, -ing 125, '137, '162, '171,'175 faqueffe 63, 149 113,'114 orders and instructions: present particiPles 55, 125,'17 O
'I1Z, ll8, I19 indefinite adiectives 41 le '13,47,46
5,169 irregular verbs 87 present participles:
' irreoulir
etre present participle 126 fe leur 54 verbs 126
indefinitearticles 12,19 le meilleur
34 orders and instructions:
pres6nttense 71,72,74,76,
Ctre subjunctive 132 indefinite article:
le mien
36
34,153 word order 50,57,A6'90 ' 98.160. 186
eux 51
in negative sentences 20
fe mieux
54
113 othet 41
present tense: inegulai verbs 82
eux-mOmes 52
indefinite article: use of 2'l
le moindre
36,156 39 ou 184
every 41
indeflnite pronounr 60
36 .52 oir '146'184 bresent tense: reflexive verbs E9
everyone 60,127 le moins 35, 156 ou... ou 186 oresent tense:
indirect object "122,178
le n6tre
see ne '
chanqes
everything 61
indirect object pronouns 58, 59
54
113 ou bien... ou bien 186 soellinq 78
faire 70,82,103,110, 118, le pire 36 oui orices aid rate-s I 8, 1 65
indirect questions 51 1
le pis
words see nouns 144,184
prochain
27, 2A, 32, 34, 37, 38
1 1 1 1 1 1
infinitives 48,65,72,74,76, fe pfus
156
vowels 8 out 39 33
falloir 103,127,134
88,105, r11,129,130,
34,156 adiectives 32 ours 54 irofessions 21 172
'
le plus mal
:
feminine adiectives 27, 29, 34, 156 139 ourselves 5'1,52 i:ronouns 42,140
13't,137,140 fe sien
35
adjectives
54
iamais 20,23,138 par 173 pronouns:
' reffexive 89,96,'102,1O9
femininenouns'1,'13,17,19, infinitives: after 137 le tien 54 ,,.
baraftre
22,44,45 infinitives: fe v6tre
ni
... iri ... 186
que
127
Dronouns: word order 50,86
... pas
54 194
few after another verb98, 1 33 leost 35,155
20,23,138,144 iarce
barler- bronunciation 7, 10, 14, 19, 28'
few: a
finir 74, 85,94,99,106, 113,
41
infinitives: lent 153 ...'personne 60, 138 17
past 44, 48, 111 ' ' 30, 39, 57,78,79,80,85,
after prepositions '171, 174, 175 lentement ... blus 38 1 iarticipfes:
' 100, 107, 144
119,126,131 153
--- iien 61, 38 1"14.119,120,123,171
fol 29 in order to
instructions
175 lequef 63,'149
il est
1
participles: Present 55, 125,170 propre 32
folle 29 137 fes '13,47 'Dartir 84, 113,115, 120' 126 qu' see que
't54 invariable adjectlves 31 fes leurs
r que 128
duand
fort
inversion
54
21,23,138 iartitive article 12,22, 56 quantities
146,186
fou 29 143 fes miennes 54 barts of the body 17, 40,165 22,168
from 166 invert 143 les miens 54
de after
word order 139
20
Das l4l riue 34,62,67,147,187
from ... to 1 64, 167 -irverbs 74,84,85,94,'105, les moins 35 128 iassive 45,122 riuef 21,'148'"149
tense 71, 94, '174,'186 2,
5, 1 1 9, 1 20, 23,'1 26 fes n6tres bassive: irreqular verbs duefle '148, 149
"t "1
future 1 11 54 186 124
future tense: irregular verbs I 02 irregular comparative and fes plus 34 bastpa*ici-pl"s 44,48,1'11' duelfes 148,149
future tense: reflexive verbs 1 02 superlative adjectives 35 fes siennes 54 a'!rt-ce pas
80,101,108
150
114, 119, 120, 123, 171 tiuelque chose 60, 68 1

geler 79,100,107,128 irregular comparative and les siens 54 Itlttoyer past ParticiPles: dueldue chose de 61
138
genoer 1,2,3 superlative adverbs '156
fes tiennes 54 llrer ' irreiular
verbs 118 dueldu'un 60,168
138
fes tiens dueldu'un de
'153 inegular feminine ad,ectives 29 D0 longer
gentil
fes votres
54
Nmore 138 oav6. 80,101, 108 61
gentiment 153 irregular verbs: conditional 1 09 54
60, 1 38 beiet 79,100,107 duefs que 148,149
grand 5Z irregular verbs: future tense 102 fesquelles 63,149 60, I 38 bendant (que)
'174,187 ou'est-ce i48
gros 5Z irregular verbs: imperative 87 fesquefs 63,"149 ''DOne
,t&odY
140,150 ierfecttenie
' 111,139,143' riu'est-ce dui 148
habiter 182 irregular verbs: /ess 34 ||On
non plus 139
"160"i.74 ouestionw6rds 65,'144'"146
haut 5Z imperfect tense 97 letb 85 39 Derfect tense: irreqular verbs 1 1 8 questions 21,142
he 43, 51, 69 irregular verbs: passive
124 feur 39,49 nol
138 berfect tense: reflixive verbs 11 7 duestions: indirect 151
hein 150 irregular verbs: perfect tense 1 I 8 feurs 39 flot
50, 1 38 bersonal pronouns 42 qui 62,67,147
ner 39,47,5'l irreoular verbs: lever 80, 101,108 Qothlng
39 bersonnd 60,168 dui est-ce que/qui 148
ners 54 pliperfect tense 121 -11 98 notre
muns 1, 13 bersonne de 6'l duoi 146' 147
herself 52 irreoular verbs: long 32 't6 ierer 80,101 ripide 159
him 47, 5'l prEsent participles 126 lorsque '186 nouns: abstract
 202 Mnrru lruoex

re verbs 76, 85, 105, 112, 115, i;E: 47,49,89 ,r*iri 1 ,,

11 9,'t 20, 1 23,'t 26, 1 31 i6,il il 44,102,118 voij: 1,,
reffexive pronouns a9, 96, 102,

reflexive pronouns: word order

109
tense
tenses: future
tenses: imperfect
69
71, 98
92
vc'ir
/0ti
iJif,i:r:.
102, '118, | ;

VERBTABLES
90 tenses:perfect fi1 venlrjr 48,87, 102,118, i.' 1

reflexive verbs 84,124 tenses: pluperfect 119 lr

rrtu,: 40,
reflexive
reflexive
verbs: present tense 89
verbs: conditional 1 09
tenses: present 71, 72, 74, 76, 98
I;1:, 39
43, 47, 49, 51 , 69, 8"
89, ') I lntroduction
reflexive verbs: future tense 1 02 than 34,187 ilCiJt- | i.' '!l'l
reflexive verbs: that 37, 62, 66, 67 trt l Is-irri:tl r:: 1.'
imperfect tense 96 thot one/those ones 67 WC 43, 45, 51, 6 '

llre Verb Tables in the following section contain 93 tables of French verbs
reflexive verbs: the 't2 weatner .1"
orders and instructions 90 the one 66 weights and measures
reflexive verbs: perfect tense 1 1 7 tnetr 39 what 146,14t" (rOme regular and some irregular) in alphabetical order. Each table shows you
...! )
reflexive verbs:
pluperfect t€nse 12Q
theirs
them
54
47, 51
what (o)
when 14r ttrc follo-wing forms: Present, Perfect, Future, subiunctive, lmperfect,
ie-q:i iit ;l 135 themselves 52 where
which
14t conditional, lmperative and the Present and Past Participles. For more
there 57,127 62, 63, 14') and so
Ilf ormation on these tenses, how they are formed, when they are used
regurar verps 69
r6.1rlerr 8i these 37, 67 which one(s) 14')
relative pronouns 62
't13, 128
they 43,45, 51, 69 who 62,11, {)lr, you shoufd look at the section on verbs in the main text on pages 69-137.
!tiI
!:!'i5 this 37,66,67 whom 62,'14,
1e I 60,168 this one/these ones 67 whose 64,14t'
'ici1 i:!e 61 those 37,67 why 14t'
lrr order to help you use the verbs shown in Verb Tables correctly,
there are also
-3 67 time 45,169,172 with 17
page to show the verb as
to '163, 168 within 'l
{,'t ,r number of eximple phrases at the bottom of each
\e 39 TO: 51 will 9fi
sdme 41 ro!'rrit le 52 word order: with adverbs 16(l rt is used in context.
:t;ii i:, 16,175 i0ri!hei 1't3, 1't5, 120 word order:
r'a:t,loir :{.ii in indirect questions rules) and
lrr French there are both regular verbs (their forms follow the normal
90 39 1 5 I

1i:Ui 175 r'OXr5 61,152 word order: in negatives I 3(l

87,102,118,126,'t32,
.t00
Itlt:
ll0il;,-rl
41,61,'t52
152
woro oroer:
in orders and instructions 8('
lrregular verbs (their formi do not follow the normal rules). The regular verbs
school subjects 17 ,i !1rrr::::, 61,'t52 woro oroer: [r these tables are:
lri 88, 89, 91 i:tul: il r 'ntr,.ir: 5'l in questions 143,141
seasons 5,18,169 towns and cities 163,164,169 word order: with adjectives 3)
,rf verb, Verb Table 29)
r,ri;rer 90,102,109,117 transport
i:ioi f,tll i
165,169
'159
word order: with,.:t and,r 5Z 5(r
'loriri,irl (regular
trnrr (regular il verb, Verb Table 39)
jsi i!iit!':rL 128 word order:
. ir,.i" ,. ,., 181 tu 40,43, 69,85 with object pronouns 48,50, 511
:E' 39 Lin 19
't9
woro oroer: ,rll ,ij,,ril.;. (regular','i verb, Verb Table 8)
she 43, 51, 69 ;i mf
.t58
with reflexive pronouns 9t)
rit 144,184 U[-t li]!.r would 10lJ
singular adjectives 25, 27, 30 us 47, 5'l r 57, 59, 85 I he irregular verbs are shown in full.
singular nouns
,l
'/4[i]if tri{ill 128,134 years 169
:tQi 5.1 ye:nir. 102, 1'13, 118, 132, '135 yes 144
ir4ir+
ioi 52 rcnr i-! '136 .tt:)).: 1I
he Verb Index at the end of this section contains over 2000 verbs,
each of
I
some 12, 19, 20, 22, 24, 41 verbs 69 you 43, 46, 47, 51, 69
somebody 60 verbs: 1, 2, 3, 6 type 79, 80, 96 your 39 which is cross-referred to one of the verbs given in the Verb Tables. The table
someone 45,60 verbs: active 122
'105
yours 54
rhows the patterns that the verb listed in the index follows'
something 60 verbs: conditional yourself 51, 52
.!r'iri 39 verbs:endings 69,72,74,76, yourselves 52
:oIirL 113,114 93, 94, 98, 105, .l'114
.oili 175 verbs: followed by i 35
spelling changes in -,:r verbs 78, verbs;
79, 80, 81, 95, 99, 107 followed by an infinitive 133
sports 17 verbs: followed by rne 1 35
stems 69,72,74,76,93,94, verbs: infinitives 48, 65, 72, 74,
'129,
98, ',l 05 76, 88, 10s, 111, 130,
stressed pronouns
't31,137,140
see emphatic pronouns verbs: plural 69
subiect 122,147 verbs: prepositions after 135,137
subiect pronouns 43 verbs: regular 69
subiunctive 129 verbs: singular 69
subiunctive: irregular verbs 132 verbs: stems 69, 72,74,76,93,
suggestions i 05 94,98,105
superfativeadjectives 34, 167 tigif 29
superlative adverbs 155 vie ll l; ,o
s7, 175 iteLit, 29,32
l' see i:e .ri tf; i59
':t 39 voice: in questions 142,144
 VrRg Taelrs Vrne Taeles

F aehster (to buy)

p$?H$ffintIT r{*"fi vffi pffi E$ g&tT $ ti HJs".!ilucrfi wE
flF{fr s Hx\t"T' $ Li ff ,"r ff PRE$EIST

r achdte i' achbte ,' acquiers i' acquibre

tu achbtes tu achdtes tu acquiers tu acquiEres
illelle/on achdte il/elle/on achEte illelle/on acquiert illelle/on acquiEre
nouS achetons nous achetions nous acquerons nous acqu6rions
vou5 achetez vous achetiez vous acqu6rez vous acquenez
ils/elles achEtent ils/elles achEtent ils/elles acquidrent ils/elles acquidrent

PHRFHCT IMPERFiiCT PERFHfr'T tlvttlHRr'HCl'

I ai achet6 j' achetais , ar acqurs l' acqu6rais

tu as achet6 tu achetais tu as acquis tu acqu6rais
il/elle/on a achet6 illelle/on achetait illelle/on a acquis ilielle/on acqu6rait
nous avons achet6 nous achetions nous avons acquis nous acquenons
vous avez achet6 vous achetiez vous avez acquts vous acqu6riez
ils/elles ont achet6 ils/elles achetaient ils/elles ont acquis ils/elles acqu6raient

FUTUNE Sf}lUffilTfSFiiAt" FUTTJftF {j[][tDtTtofltAt

I achdterai j' achdterais j' acquerrai I acquerrais
tu achbteras tu achEterais tu acquerras tu acquerrals
il/elle/on achbtera illelle/on achdterait illelle/on acquerra illelle/on acquerrait
nous achEterons nous achdterions nous acquerrons nous acquerrions
vous achdterez vous achEteriez vous acquerrez vous acquerriez
ils/elles achEteront ils/elles achdteraient ils/elles acquerront ils/elles acquerraient

IMPERATIVE PAST p$,$?TE,fri$*l1t-ta IMPEffiAFI\1L 'r;$c J brJ{r.lTl.t.,1F3 .(:l

achite / achetons / achetez achet6 acquiers / acqu6rons I acquf.rez acquis

PRFSEI\IT PARTISIPTE PRESFISI PAffiTifiBPLtr

achetant acquerant

EXANIPLE FfftrASES EXA Jtf ,s*i,s' pFf ffA i;F s

I'ai ochet| des gdteaux d lo pdtisserie. I bought some cakes at the cake shop. EIle a acquis Ia nqtionqlitd frangaise en 2003.She acquired French nationality in 2003.
Qu est-ce que tu lui as ochetd pour son anniversaire? What did you buy him for his
birthdav?
Je n'achdte jamois de chips. I never buy crisps.

ielj'=11u=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we yeus=you ils/elles=they le/j'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vene Tneles VrRe TnsLes

[r. ilidii$$.ri (to go)

phEH$ffi [\['tr $q,!ffi.j[.rr,,ieT'ivff
l;'i;Li;i:)i;E'l l $!tti:$[i\rT :q {"1 ffi "jF.f i\lc ['\rf I'NE5HftJT
je vais I atile i' aPPelle j' apPelle
tu vas tu ailles tu appelles tu appelles
illelle/on va illelle/on aille il/elle/on appelle illelle/on appelle
nous allons nous allions nous appelons nous appelions
vous allez vous alliez vous appelez vor.rs appeliez
ils/elles vont ils/elles aillent ils/elles appellent ils/elles appellent

ir!tktii:ti;.i,; lr ifr4FFFlFEfi? PERr'f r:1: !hIiCFfifiqF'H{:T

je suis all6(e) I allars i' ai aPPel6 i' appelais

tu es all6(e) tu allais tu as appel6 tu appelais
illelle/on est all6(e) illelle/on allait illelle/on a appel6 illelle/on appelait
nous sommes all6(e)s nous allions nous avons appel6 nous appelions
vous 6tes all6(e)(s) vous alliez vous avez appel6 vous appeliez
ils/elles sont all6(e)s ils/elles allaient ils/elles ont appel6 ils/elles appelaient

i;t ! i:tjtt lf; fr$[\igStTfifsr'JAi- FUTt![1ffi; c{.}&*m5T$ffi[\td\i..

j, irai j' irais i' aPPellerai i' appellerais

tu iras tu irais tu appelleras tu appellerais
illelle/on ira illelle/on irait illelle/on appellera illelle/on appellerait
nous irons nous irions nous appellerons nous appellerions
vous irez vous iriez vous appellerez vous appelleriez
ils/elles iront ils/elles iraient ils/elles appelleront ils/elles appelleraient

FIA,S']fi p-,e$4, ? { e ! p [. [r
i iiij i],r r,i l il'!, C' i],1,r f : *o*"n ***u'.rr,u,'o* IMPHF{&fl 0\1rf,:

valallonslallez all6 appelle / appelons / aPPelez appel6

!:'$:;!i.$ ii,r :ii" i [.

"a
ill ;1;,;; ;,r;-lt; PRFSHtr,fi'fi FiA$l1'iil(l$F-t.E

allant appelant

'r,,". : j ;. I ,:' EXA {Vl pt b. p*rytrdi$jl :i

Vous ollez qu cindmci? Are you going to the cinema? Elle s oppel| Ie mddecin. She called the doctor.
le suis o116 a Londres. I went to London. t'oi apyitd Richard d Londres. I called Richard in London.
'Comment
Est-ce que tu es ddjd attd en Attemagne? Haveyou ever been to Germany? tu t'oppelles? What's your name?

fi See poges 88-91 for information on howtoform the reflexiveverb s'appeler'

ie/l'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous-we vous=you ils/elles=they le/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vou$=you ile/elles=thev
 ti
Vene Tneles v5nerlgyg

.1r irri'i i, (to arrive) (to sit down)

r:ll i
i l ;l.:i::i:ri ,l .
;:.;r.,t ii. ti:.r,;r :, ir r'i:: t , ,, , ; tit i l'll '.,:

i' arrive I arnve je m'assieds/m'assois Je m'asseye

tu arrives tU arrives tu t'assieds/t'assois tu t'asseyes
illelle/on arrive illelle/on illelle/on s'assied/s'assoit illelle/on s'asseye
arrive
nous arrivons nous nous asseyons/nous assoyons nous nous asseyions
- vous arrivez
nouS
vous
arrivions
arriviez vous vous asseyez/vous assoyez vou5 vous asseyiez
ils/elles arrivent ils/elles s'asseyent/s'assoient ils/elles s'asseyent
ils/elles arrivent
. r, .. I irt:rri !i;, ll'ilij ::
il:i .'ii
ll r 'i.:: ,li il I i ,il i irr,l tt,
I i |

je suis arriv6(e) arrivais ye me suis assis(e) je m'asseyais

tu es arriv6(e) tu
I
arrivais tu t'es assis(e) tu t'asseyais
illelle/on estarriv6(e) illelle/on arrivait illelle/on s'est assis(e) illelle/on s'asseyait
nous sommes arriv6(e)s nouS arrivions nous nous sommes assis(es) nous nous asseyions
vous 6tes arriv6(e)(s) VOU5 arriviez vous vous €tes assis(e(s)) vous vous asseyiez
ils/elles sontarriv6(e)s ils/elles ils/elles se sont assis(es) ils/elles s'asseyaient
arrivaient
rr il r i.,;:r:1,,. ', .. , ir .;it
....,i , ,:i i i ,
..r'i ir: : ii:i ,!t, i-
i

j' arriverai j' arriverais

je m'assi6rai je m'assi6rais
tu arriveras tu arriverais tu t'assieras tu t'assi6rais
illelle/on arrivera illelle/on arriverait illelle/on s'assi6ra illelle/on s'assi6rait
nous arriverons nous arriverions nous nous assi6rons nous nous assi6rions
vous arriverez vous arriveriez vous vous assi6rez vous vous assi6riez
ti
ils/elles arriveront ils/elles arriveraient ils/elles s'assi6ront ils/elles s'assi6raient
I
j 'h li
r:r li i'.rtr il,.;r:' Inirr '

arrive / arrivons I arrivez arnve assieds-toi / asseyons-nous / asseyez-vous a5sr5

rr..i l.,a:trii li, llh{ i.'ij,:,. ' I

arrivant s'asseyant

I ', : r:i :'r .rr .irl r.i,r :

"ri.r::ri:.1

l'srrive d I'6cole d huit heures. I arrive at school at 8 o'clock. Assieds-toi, Nicole. Sit down Nicole.
Le prof n'est pqs encore arriv6.fhe teacher hasn't arrived yet. Asseyez-vous, Ies enfants.Sit down children.
Qu'est-ce qui est orriv6 d Aurdliel What happened to Aur6lie? le peux m'sssoir? May I sit down?
Je'me suis qssise sur un chewing-gum! l've sat on some chewing gum!

jelj'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles-thev jeli,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 VrneTAsLEs
VeRe TneLes

M m&*mrxdre tto wait)

Pltiirilr':ri'iit ii' lir'I ii.:,i.i ii:ii l,i i:iLi f:,i.i i.; iilr:' f i]'Jh':
PHtrSH!,{T FF{F.$E$$"r', $ L$ ri-}t-r ffi fr rl\f ffi

i' I ai i' aie

i' attends
tu
attende
tu as tu aies
tu attends attendes
illelle/on a il/elle/on ait
il/elle/on attend illelle/on attende nous ayons
nous avonS
nous attendons nous attendions vous ayez
vous attendiez vouS avez
vous attendez ils/elles aient
ils/elles attendent ils/elles ont
ils/elles attendent
pi:[,tiiil,r;.1" i ;uq ir' 1,,.;L1::t:{,1 {"
FHFIFHfiT rMsPHffit-f;s-r

j' .i' I ai eu l' avais

ai attendu
tu
attendais
tu a5 eu tu avais
tu as attendu attendais
illelle/on aeu illelle/on avait
illelle/on a attendu illelle/on attendait nous avions
nous attendions nous avons eu
nous avons attendu vous aviez
vous attendiez vous avez eu
vous avez attendu ils/elles ont eu ils/elles avaient
ils/elles ont attendu ils/elles attendaient
Ft_j'! i.iF,,i,,
(;tl,.l llr, [jii"i;]il.L'lilr i.
I-UTL!NH &#rup5T[ffi[\lA[-

i' I aurai i' aurais

i' attendrai
tu
attendrais
tU auras tu aurais
tu attendras attendrais
illelle/on aura iUelle/on aurait
illelle/on attendra illelle/on attendrait nous aurions
nous attendrions nous aurons
nous attendrons vous aurez vous auriez
vous attendrez vous attendriez ils/elles auraient
ils/elles attendraient ils/elles auront
ils/elles attendront
lffi ;i i l;r',r:r
ii:: i l; . lir'it !:
In4FHi\Ar['qdffi ps.$T trld\{q{un[PLE [ai,!1f! r-,1,

aielayons/ayez eu
attends / attendons / attendez attendu
):'r
PRfil'li:i:r,l'ri i,r:r!: ':
Pffig$Ei\dT pd\HfieiP[-ffi
ayant
attendant

F,Y.qt ll,lll" f . i:' ir'fil,,r .,'li lrr .: :,rl

#x4 Jtrgpc"f Ff{0#-{$fi $
ll a les yeux bleus. He's got blue eyes.
Attend s- moi! W ait f or me! os-tul How old are You?
Quel dge
Tu ottends depuis longtempsT Have you been waiting long?
ll s eu un accident. He's had an accident'
le l'ai sttendu d lo poste. I waited for him at the post office.
'le
m'aftends d ce rju'it soit en retord. I expect he'll be late. l'avois foim. I was hungry.
ll y o beaucoup de monde. There are lots of people'

$ see poges 88-91 for informotion on how to form the reflexive verb s'ottendre.

jeli'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous:we v6u5=lou ils/elles=they le/i'=ltu-you il=he/it etle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vsne TheLes Vrne TneLes

ts battre (to beat)

PRESENT PRESENT SUBJUI\ICTIVE PRESET{T PRE$EI\I"T' SU BJU [lfi STIVF

je bats je batte le bois je boive
tu
bats tu battes tu bois tu boives
illelle/on bat illelle/on batte il/elle/on boit il/elle/on boive
nous battons nous battions nous buvons nous buvions
vous battez vous battiez vous buvez vous buviez
ils/elles battent ils/elles battent ils/elles boivent ils/elles boivent

PFRFECT IMPERFECT PERFEfr'$' i[vlPHFtFF]CT

j' ai battu je battais i' ai bu ie buvais

tu as battu tu battais tu as bu tu buvais
illelle/on a battu illelle/on battait illelleion a bu il/elle/on buvait
nous avons battu nous battions nous avons bu nous buvions
vous avez battu vous battiez vous avez bu vous buviez
ils/elles ont battu ils/elles battaient ils/elles ont bu ils/elles buvaient

FUTURE CONDITIONAL FUTT.'[48 coNDIT!01\Al-

je battrai je battrais je boirai ie boirais
tu battras tu battrais tu boiras tu boirais
illelle/on battra illelle/on battrait il/elle/on boira illelle/on boirait
nous battrons nous battrions nous boirons nous boirions
vous battrez vous battriez vous boirez vous boiriez
ils/elles battront ils/elles battraient ils/elles boiront ils/elles boiraient

IMPERATIVE PAST PARTIEIPLF IMPEffiA !VH FIAST PARTICIPI.E

bats/battons/battez battu bois/buvons lbuvez bu

PRESENT PARTICIPLE PRESEhi'l fld..+?'r lo jd'ii"Fi

battant buvant

EXAMPLE PHRA.9FS EXA4i{qLE pf-fffills&,$

On a bottus deux d un. We beat them 2-1 .
les
Qu'est-ce que tu veux boire? Whatwould you.like to drink?
l'oi ceur qul bafl My-heart's beating (fast)l
le Ii ne boit iamqis d'alcoal. He never drinks alcohol'
ArrQtez de vous bottre! Stop fighting!
l'ai bu ui litre d'eau. I drank a litre of water.
fi See poges 88-91 for informotion on how to form the reflexive verb se bqttre.

ieli'=ltu=you il-he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they ielj,=|tu=youi|=he/ite||e=she/iton=We/onenou$=Wevous=youi|s/e||es=they

 Vens Tneles
Vrne TneLes

&' hmsxfrfiH$"r (to noit)

ji"d,i{"tr IULiT'gVffi
i3li{Fj$,iEtl,l?' c:.{i *l,.rl["] r Put tlHi[\]T f i"i[.]"{:iH[,,,T $t
r":tf ,$EhiT F\rj,i..:-i'ir,r

ie bous je bouille je commence ie commence

tu bous tu bouilles tu commences tu commences
illelle/on bout il/elle/on bouille ,l/elle/on commence il/elle/on commence
nous bouillons nous bouillions nous commentons nous commencions
vous bouillez vous bouilliez vous commencez vous commenciez
ils/elles bouillent ils/elles commencent ils/elles commencent
ils/elles bouillent
iitr: l)iili'rr;f
Ii:'li ll'
$ERf fiL;{ !n$$]KffiFlHcll" PFRt fld"{

je i' je commenEais
i' ai bouilli bouillais
tu
ai commenc6
tu commenqais
tu as bouilli tu bouillais as commenc6
illelle/on commengait
illelle/on a bouilli illelle/on bouillait illelle/on a commenc6
nous nous bouillions nous avons commenc6 nous commencions
avons bouilli
vous vous bouilliez vous avez commenc6 vous commenclez
avez bouilli
ils/elles bouillaient ils/elles ont commenc6 ils/elles commenEaient
ils/elles ont bouilli
. :)i")t,rr !.:'"i'r'r.l-
t3 r*r
"i-
i .! fli f # ft lH $,!
"ii
ilr {3 [\1r\ !'" FUTt!${FJ

je bouillirai je bouillirais je commencerai ie commencerais

tu bouilliras tu bouillirais tu commenceras tu commencerals
il/elle/on bouillira il/elle/on bouillirait il/elle/on commencera il/elle/on commencerait
nous bouillirons nous bouillirions nous commenceronS nous commencerions
vous bouillirez vous bouilliriez vous commencerez vous commenceriez
ils/elles bouilliraient ils/elles commenceront ils/elles commenceraient
ils/elles bouilliront
' : /\i ?:r'ti-t | -:[t{ €
FMIP$l$TAT,V; prfl|lr;'r: PF, i:i [ifid [iL,H lMPFFir:t'r "

/ commengons / commencez commence

bous / bouillons / bouillez bouilli commence

'
Pffi H$*ir\|T; i14'1iI{T'l&iIPf..ffi PRE$|.;','t "r'
bouillant commenqant

A-i rf,.lf-#pi{"f; +rltil r l;,: -q;

Exdfl,f.pii-t: it #i{, i:"i-':,l;
L'eau bout.The watert boiling. ll a commenc| a pleuvoir.lt started to rain'
Tu peux mettre de I'eau d bouillirT Can you boil some water? tiiiuit io.^rhcent d neuf heures' Lessons start at 9 o'clock'
7i it iiii i"iienc1 de *itri pii,
trt exqmens? Have you started revising for the
e*ams?

vous=you ils/elles=they
ie/j'=ltu=you il=he/it elle-she/it on=we/one nous:we vous=you ils/elles=they ie/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we
 VeRB Tnsles
Vens Tneles

(to conclude) (to know)

,: i.li:.:r.,,1::r:ti ll ilr,
;. f ri;j:iijii,il 1' ri I il.t:,.li,iii;ili l' ft [ ;;r,l;:!'ti :]
:.i r :.il;1"
i,!i: tt I i,'[.

je conclus je
conclue je connais je connaisse
tu conclus tu
conclues tu connais tu connaisses
illelle/on conclue illelle/on connait illelle/on connaisse
illelle/on conclut nous connaissions
nous concluons nous concluions nous connaissons
vous concluiez vous connaissez vous connaissiez
vous concluez
ils/elles concluent ils/elles connaissent ils/elles connaissent
ils/elles concluent
il rrr,:.i-:.i I ti
Pfrtiiirirl.' r'

je i' ai connu je connaissais

i' ai conclu concluais
tu tu
tu as conclu tu concluais as connu
illelle/on connaissait
connaissais
illelle/on a conclu illelle/on concluait il/elle/on a connu
nous concluions nous avons connu nous connaissions
nous avons conclu vous connaissiez
vous avez conclu vous concluiez vous avez connu
ils/elles concluaient ils/elles ont connu ils/elles connaissaient
ils/elles ont conclu
rt f".i:
.:l'l FtII iiirrli;: r.li.i rrrll'1.r, I l: i,l,i r :
r:..i I irrr lrij',iif,ir'jill ii

je
conclurai je conclurais je
connaitrai je connaitrais
tu
concluras tu conclurais tu
connaitras tu connaitrais
illelle/on conclurait il/elle/on connaitra illelle/on connaitrait
il/elle/on conclura
nous conclurion5 nous connaitrons nous connaitrions
nous conclurons
vous concluriez vous connaitrez vous connaitriez
vous conclurez
ils/elles concluraient ils/elles connaitront ils/elles connaitraient
ils/elles concluront
r:i(-.: , . ,i.trli',r ,' r:',
j' il':r;, l','.:' t::rli i:r f :r- li.)r, 'r i
t"' rilt;;!, lN'lF[ri:; ] I ir l

conclus / concluons / concluez conclu connais / connaissons / connaissez

P['{fiir.] ',1 i li

concluant connaissant

f.A','i.!1i1.1,,,r1, :: r.i,,,.i r, ,. :,

llsont conclu un mqrch6. They concluded a deal. le ne connais pqs du tout cette rdgion. I don't know.the area at all'
Vous connaisiez M Amiot? Do you know Mr Amiot?
J'en oi conclu qu'il 6tait porti. I concluded that he had gone.
ll n'a pas connu son grond-pirb' He never.knew his granddad'
le conclurai par ces mots...lwill conclude with these words...
tls se iont connus d Rouen. They first met in Rouen'

t ) see pages 88-91 far information on how to form the reflexive verb se connaitre'

iery=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they |e4,=|tu=youi|=he/ite||e=she/iton=we/onenous=Wevous=youi|$/e||es=they

 Vene TneLes VrRa Theles

p' cOflrdre (to sew)

PFIf;SENT PRFS gtUT {ruS"ir"'f{cfl vE PRESHTU"T PlqHrinnv"t" $if;"iF-iJ{.!hn6 i"[\t+i

ie
couds je couse ie courS je
coure
tu
couds tu couses tu courS ru
coures
illelle/on coud illelle/on couse illelle/on court illelle/on coure
nous cousons nous cousions nouS courons nous courions
vous cousez vous cousiez vous courez vous couriez
ils/elles cousent ils/elles cousent ils/elles courent ils/elles courent

PERFEGT I[UPE$TFfrfiT PERFF*"d" lilfllrtir Iri!;!] f. I f

i' ai cousu je cousais I ai couru je courais
tu as cousu tu cousais tu as couru tu courais
illelle/on a cousu illelle/on cousait illelle/on a couru illelle/on courait
nous avons cousu nous cousions nous avons couru nous courions
vous avez cousu vous coustez vou5 avez couru vous couriez
ils/elles ont cousu ils/elles cousaient ils/elles ont couru ils/elles couraient
'hi]
FT.'TUHH c0ru$tT'!CIru,AL FUTI.'Hfi C{,} 0\8 [:lE'fl i14,{ fl ."

ie
coudrai je coudrais le courrai je courrais
tu
coudras tu coudrais tu courraS tu courrais
illelle/on coudra illelle/on coudrait illelle/on courra illelle/on courrait
nous coudrons nous coudrions nouS courrons nous courrions
vous coudrez vor.rs coudriez vouS courrez vous courriez
ils/elles coudront ils/elles coudraient ils/elles courront ils/elles courraient

IIMPERATIVE PAST PAffi"{"H*IPLM IMPEFtATiVF, ;*/.\ii;ll Fift tir,iTfl 'd.]!|rr! .i::

couds/cousons/cousez cours/couronslcourez

PRHSENT PARTIEIPLH PR E$ H fd'fi

' -[,il{ !.1 i'lt"li1 i:t [.ii"

cousant courant

EXAfrIIPLE Pf{RA$gS EXA tl/fp{ $.i,t}FLFri.{1"$i.r.itj

Tu sais coudrel Can you sew? le ne cours pas tris vite. I can't run very fast.
Elle o cousu ette-mAme son costume. She made her costume herself. f.lle est sortie en couront. She ran out.
Ne courez pas dons le couloir. Don't run in the corridor.
l'oi couru jusqu'd l'6cole, I ran all the way to school'

jelj'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they leii,-ltu-you il=he/it elle=she/it on-we/one nou$=we y6u5=lou ils/ell63=they
 Vene TleLrs
V5ne Tlalrs
:,.r .,'
: .,, (tO fgaf) riii (to create)
i:it I i.;i'
,.,i.;, I r
t'til:ii !qil
l::i

je crains cratgne ,e je cr6e le c16e

tu tu cr6es
tu crains craignes tu cr6es
il/elle/on cr6e
il/elle/on craint illelle/on craigne ,1,'r'lle/on cf6e
notrs cr6ons nouS c16ions
nous craignons nous craignions
vous creez vous crEiez
vous craignez vous craigniez
ils/elles cr6ent ils/elles cr€ent
ils/elles craignent ils/elles craignent

i:, :'
I'l ]li ,,,. l':' .

l. : r:: :' r' rir 1r: ''t- i.r I l

je
j' ai craint je craignais j' ai cr66 c16ais
tu tu cr6ais
tu as craint tu craignais as cr66
illelle/on c16ait
il/elle/on a craint illelle/on craignait rl/elle/on a cr66
nous avons cr66 nous c16ions
nous avons craint nous craignions
vous avez cr6.6 vou5 c16iez
vous avez craint vous craigniez
ils/elles ont cr66 ils/elles cr6aient
ils/elles ont craint ils/elles craignaient
-:'rr , ..i:'l ,l i.
tl ' ;'l- ',.;t
'r t'1,' l: ,t ir 'lll ' r,.1 I i; ;, r:
ilfIt.!lii:i;il

je
craindrai je craindrais je cr6erai
je c16erais
tu tu cr6erais
tu
craindras tu craindrais cr,-aeras
illelle/on c16erait
iUelle/on craindra illelle/on craindrait il/elle/on c16era
nous nous cr6erions
nous craindrons nous craindrions cr6eronS
vous vous cr6eriez
vous craindrez vous craindriez cr6erez
ils/elles cr6eront ils/elles cr6eraient
ils/elles craindront ils/elles craindraient
ilr:'i.i'
._,,,.1i.tr,, il,i !' IMPpN:t rr: itli:fl
cr66
crains / craignons I craignez craint cr6e/cr6ons I cr6ez

,'il Pftfil:ii:i;r''i ai]rir,l:, I, rrI

,' a,::.,1' 'r.lr 'lr'
craignant .'u1"1

t] :'i' r'i" :'. i')t.: \'

IX4,{li'ri1r.'1'

tt o cr66 une nouvelle invention. He's created

Tu n'os rien d crsindre. You've got
le crains le pire. I fear the worst'
a new invention'
nothing to fear. 't;;;;;,ra iit Jinitrtta'iiit tt ,onde entier. This virus is creating difficulties all
over the world.
Leoouvernementcrfueradeuxmilleemploissuppllmentaires'Thegovernmentwill
cieate an extra 2000 lobs.

vous=you ils/elles=they
ieli'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one noua=we vou$=you ils/elles=they iefi'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one n6g5=w€
 VeRs Tneles
Vene Tnsles

nr- .'" I ,",r I (to shout) > C$.4,.?i:lail (to believe)

''.;:-.'il t'i,1i :it;iiirt',f"i t illl:i'r

!rilii[:rit:fi41:' lr]ii.I itl.l: iirrNstii:'li i fltl 1;[::liU'd'

je crie ,e crle je crois le crote

tu cries tu cries tu crois tu croies
iUelle/on crie illelle/on crie tl/elle/on croit illelle/on croie
nous crions nous cntons nous croyons nous croyions
vous criez vous cntez vous qoyez vous croyiez
ils/elles crient ils/elles crient ils/elles croient ils/elles croient

- r,ir i' ' i:l ;li:ri. :

lgt4pt'dit[:'iefi''s PI Rt .,.. 'l

I' al crle je criais i' ai cru le croyars

tu as cri6 tu criais tu as cru tu croyais
illelle/on a cri6 illelle/on criait il/elle/on a cru illelle/on croyait
nous avons cri6 nous criions nous avons cru nous croyions
vous avez cri6 vous criiez vous avez cru vous croyiez
ils/elles ils/elles criaient ils/elles ont cru ils/elles croyaient
ont cri6
ii .::,.'lr l\ l I Iir
'1r 'ii
ir-ll i\ij. 'l'l! i
,.r1:il::i: r.ii Ji'll iJ L i i,: /[,.1.+,irir, FUT[,i14t::

je je
croirai je croirais
fe crierai crlerals
tu tu
tu crieras tu crierais croiras
il/elle/on croirait
croirais
illelle/on criera il/elle/on crierait il/elle/on croira
nous crierons nous crierions nous croirons nous croirions
vous crierez vous cnenez vous croirez vous croiriez
ils/elles crieront ils/elles crieraient ils/elles croiront ils/elles croiraient

i,lrti ljar f::'ii, i;r i l i:i;l i!

.i l i rl .
,lj. j.,.i' lt{lii'li |,lj!.l,'i l tr'.:liPfl-ifr IMPF:l!'li!'i-lii ir:

crie/crions/criez cne crois/croyonslcloyez

i3i:it:illPr[ii't il,..:ri1il'l{;,}fl Pf" Fl PREI', " j

criant croyant

l::r)iii:i,il;ii,ir'',{,,L:' li f ir',i1iil.!jj'x!iii 6Xl,'::;

Ne crie pas comme Eol Don't shoutl 'l'oine
le te crois pas. I don't believe you.
Elle q cri6 au secours. She cried for help. cru que tu n'ollqis pqs venir. I thought you weren't going to come'
'Elle
" Attention! ", cri a-t- il.'Watch out! " he shouted. croyoit encore ou pi:re Nod/. She still believed in Santa'

il3/elles=they
je/j'=ltu-you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we v6g5=lou ilslelle$=they le/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you
 VeneTeeLEs
VrRs Tnelrs

(to grow)
I'll f":J'-il [,:.ll',i
, l,,ir .l;ii'
r

t, ill,i i',, i

je cueille je cueille
je crois je croisse
tu cueilles tu cueilles
tu crois tu croisses
il/elle/on cueille illelle/on cueille
iUelle/on croit illelle/on croisse nous cueillions
nous cueillons
nous croissons nous croissions vous cueilliez
vou5 cueillez
vous croissez vous croissiez ils/elles cueillent
ils/elles cueillent
ils/elles croissent ils/elles croissent
,.r ''
; r: PEiiFii;t. rr

I 1
I ai cueilli je cueillais
j' ai crO je croissais
tu as cueilli tu cueillais
tu as crO tu croissais
il/elle/on a cueilli il/elle/on cueillait
illelle/on a crO illelle/on croissait nous cueillions
nous avons cueilli
nous avons crO nous croissions vous cueilliez
vous avez cueilli
vous avez crO vous croissiez ils/elles cueillaient
ils/elles ont cueilli
ils/elles ont crO ils/elles croissaient
FU"n't f flii'l i .' :iril-,r: :l t;i..iill':i.:-
:.') ,, :,t
,ll'
cueillerai je cueillerais
je croitrai je croitrais tu
ie
cueilleras tu cueillerais
tu croitras tu croitrais
illelle/on cueillera il/elle/on cueillerait
il/elle/on croitra illelle/on croitrait nous cueillerions
nouS cueillerons
nous croitrons nous croitrions vous cueilleriez
vouS cueillerez
vous croitrez vous croitriez ils/elles cueilleraient
ils/elles cueilleront
ils/elles croitront ils/elles croitraient

t ir'il
IMFH'rriIt,i i!:i,
:.
cueille / cueillons / cueillez cueilli
crois / croissons / croissez crO (N8: crue, crus, crues)

PRffii'-.r :if
Itr ;,'lii,,l r ',,,,ti
, L ,
ii,:'i.:j.,i
cueillant
croissant

EX,A.ii#'r i; ,'!i,.,r l-:i,.:,lri i

garden.
l,oi cueilli quelques fraises dons Ie iardin.l've. picked a few strawberries in the
ventes croissent de 60/0 par an. Sales are growing by 60/o per year. 'tl montogne' lt's forbidden to pick
est interdit di cueitlh des fleurs iauvages
Les ditns ta
C'est une plonte qui croit dans les pays chouds. This plant grows in hot countries. wild flowers in the mountains.

ils/elles=they
io/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you
ie/j'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vou$=you ils/elles=they
 Vene Tnelrs Vene TnBLrs

(to cook) (to go down)

r' ;.',,;:r. r:
i
I'II[:;;ii',.1':1' :i.

|e cuis je cuise je descends le descende

tu cuis tu cuises tu descends tu descendes
illelle/on cuit illelle/on cuise il/elle/on descend il/elle/on descende
nous cuisons nous cuisions nou5 descendons nous descendions
vous cuisez vous cuisiez vouS descendez vous descendiez
ils/elles cuisent ils/elles cuisent ils/elles descendent ils/elles descendent

'r'li' i ,i I. r': r;' i':' l'

i,;', :
t'Elt$:[:i,'i I

j' ai cuit je cuisais je suis descendu(e) je descendais

cuit tu as tu cuisais tu es descendu(e) tu descendais
illelle/on a cuit illelle/on cuisait iilelle/on est descendu(e) illelle/on descendait
nous avons cuit nous cuisions nous sommes descendu(e)s nous descendions
vous avez cuit vous cuisiez vouS 6tes descendu(e)(s) vous descendiez
ils/elles ont cuit ils/elles cuisaient ils/elles sont descendu(e)s ils/elles descendaient

i ',..1 'r ;,. , I ;r'

i i, .',1:, i1.,, i: :, . : , ,'
Pg-f"{.lii'irl
1

je cuirai je cuirais Je descendrai ie descendrais

tu cuiras tu cuirais tu descendras tu descendrais
illelle/on cuira illelle/on cuirait illelle/on descendra il/elle/on descendrait
nous cuirons nous cuirions nou5 descendrons nous descendrions
vous cuirez vous cuiriez vouS descendrez vous descendriez
ils/elles cuiront ils/elles cuiraient ils/elles descendront ils/elles descendraient

rirr,,lr. .l :, ri, l',llr

IMFF;t"-ii., i"1,,:r

cuis/cuisons/cuisez cuit descends / descendons / descendez descendu

ir : ri. : ir,il ,: I i.:,.,. I : i,: I,:,

PRff*:ii:if!l i i
cuisant descendant

i.;t..rli'.,; t, ,' .. .'! '' 'i

EXy'nfi.'r'rli'i-u:''1r': i:'r'l r':r"{1

le les oi cuits au beurre. I cooked them in butter. Descendez Io rue jusqu'ou rond-point. Co down the street to the roundabout.
En g4n6ra[ je cuis les l4gumes d lo vopeur. I usually steam vegetables. Reste en bos: je descendsl Stay downstairs
* l'm coming down!
Ce gdteau prend environ une heure d cuire. This cake takes about an hour to bake. Nous sommes descendus d lci stotion Trocoddro. We got off at the Trocad6ro station'
Vous pouvez descendre mo valise, s'i! vous plcitT Can you get my suitcase down,
please?

[J Note that descendre takes avoir in the perfect tense when it is used with a
direct obiec! see page 1 14.
jeli'=ltu-you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they lelj'=ltu-you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous-we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vrne TnsLes Vrns TaeLes

(to become) (to have to; to owe)

pJ11,il,i:1, ri i

je deviens je
devienne Je dois je doive
tu deviens tu
deviennes tu dois tu doives
illelle/on devient illelle/on devienne illelle/on doit il/elle/on doive
nous devenons nous devenions nouS devons nous devions
vous devenez vous deveniez vouS devez vous deviez
ils/elles deviennent ils/elles deviennent ils/elles doivent ils/elles doivent

]', [)[]:l:ihilt.i, .

je suis devenu(e) je devenais I ai d0 je devais

tu es devenu(e) tu devenais tu as d0 tu devais
illelle/on est devenu(e) illelle/on devenait illelle/on ad0 illelle/on devait
nous sommes devenu(e)s nous devenions nouS avons d0 nous devions
vous 6tes devenu(e)(s) vous deveniez vous avez d0 vous deviez
ils/elles sont devenu(e)s ils/elles devenaient ils/elles ont d0 ils/elles devaient

i .i Fll!'lr'i.Ii . :
,l ,l ; ,' l

jedeviendrai je deviendrais je devrai je devrais

tudeviendras tu deviendrais tu devras tu devrais
illelle/on deviendra illelle/on deviendrait illelle/on devra illelle/on devrait
nous deviendrons nous deviendrions nouS devrons nous devrions
vous deviendrez vor.rs deviendriez vou5 devrez vous devriez
ils/elles deviendront ils/elles deviendraient ils/elles devront ils/elles devraient

i ., lMPiiri'r,. , r''
deviens / devenons / devenez devenu dois/devonsldevez d0 (NB: due, dus, dues)

.
PI"lfirLr I

devenant devant

[-Xliiir,ri'.r i ,.]':'
".
ll devenu mddecin. He became a doctor.
est Je dois aller fqire les courses ce mqtin. I have to do the shopping this morning.
Q.odevient de plus en plus difficile. lt's becoming more and more difficult' A quetle heure est-ce que tu dois paftir? What time do you have to.leave?
Qu'est-ce qu'elle est devenueT What has become of her? ll ;t d0 faire ses devoirs hier soir. He had to do his homework last night'
ll devoit prendre le troin pour aller trovoiller He had to go to work by train.

jelj'=ltu=you it=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we v6us=lou ils/elles=thev le/i,=ltu=you it=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ilsr/elles=they
 Vrne Tnslrs
VrRe TneLts

': (to say)

t,
(to give)
1,...
lil:r.'::t, i,.,1..,,, l)llFr{:i:S'li:i l

je je dise le donne je donne

dis
tu dis tu dises tu donnes tu donnes
illelle/on dit illelle/on dise il/elle/on donne illelle/on donne
nous disions nous donnons nous donnions
nous disons vous donniez
vous dites vous disiez vous donnez
ils/elles disent ils/elles donnent ils/elles donnent
ils/elles disent
I ,1r, I t l

l' i,r'.t]I l

je i' ai donn6 je donnais

i' ai dit
tu
disais
tu tu donnais
tu
as dit disais as donn6
ilielle/on donnait
illelle/on a dit illelle/on disait illelle/on a donn6
nous disions nous avons donn6 nous donnions
nous avons dit
vous disiez vous avez donn6 vous donniez
vous avez dit
ils/elles disaient ils/elles ont donn6 ils/elles donnaient
ils/elles ont dit
.. i, 'rl1: .i ,rr'
l i.t:l i!lr:i: .r-.. t11 1-1',i!1rl::

dirai je je dirais ie donnerai le donnerais

diras tu tu dirais tu donneras tu donnerais
illelle/on dirait illelle/on donnera illelle/on donnerait
illelle/on dira nous donnerions
nous dirons nous dirions nous donnerons
vous diriez vous donnerez vous donneriez
vous direz
ils/elles diraient ils/elles donneront ils/elles donneraient
ils/elles diront
i::r. , : I ri :r I

.,,,,i.i lMPflilli.'' r, ' ,/

dit donne/donnons/donnez donn6

dis/disons/dites
r1;'r ri ' rii'
,.,r.t;,,.,i PRFir'ii:i:i r .i

disant donnant

, :\'j : '.. .
I:.\l{fiirr:,, 1 1"', :) : '

Qu'est-ce qu'elle dit?What is she saying? Donne-moi la main. Give me your hand'
"Bonjour!", q-t-il dit. "Hello!" he said. tst-ie aue ie t'ai donn| mon adresse? Did I give you my address?
tls m"ont dit que te film 6tqit nuL They told me that the film was rubbish. t'apportement donne sur Ia ploce.The flat overlook the square'
Comment ga se dit en anglois? How do you say that in English?

fi See poges 88-91 for information on how to form the reflexive verb se dire'

ils/elles=they
ielj,=11.,=you il-he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they le/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nou$=we vous=you
I

I Trers
I

Vene
t- vene

i :,:,., (to sleep)

L

I ] i, ;,ni'i:,,ri:l\,j? i:!ir!i:i:rir:ii:i:ii1f'j'

ie dors le dorme i' 6cris i' 6crive

i" ;;;; i, dormes tu 6cris tu 6crives
] itl"tt"/on ;il illelle/on dorme illelle/on 6crit il/elle/on 6crive
I nous Jortont nous dormions nous 6crivons nous 6crivions
vous Jorrnur vous dormiez vous 6crivez vous 6criviez
ils/elles Jor1n"nt ils/elles dorment ils/elles 6crivent ils/elles Ecrivent

liiildl'a:iFllfili:l;'i PF['iFlri]i:l'il' r'ii .r'li: .: .:, ''r

ii.rl:lil,iiir!!ll:1'l' i

i, dormi
ai le dormais 6crit
i' ai j' 6crivais
tu as dormi tu dormais tu
6crit as tu 6crivais
illelle/on
' il/eile/on dormait il/elle/on a 6crit illelle/on 6crivait
nous "-Oriri
uuont Jotai nous dormions nous avons 6crit nous 6crivions
vous avez dormi vous dormiez vous avez 6crit vous 6criviez
ils/elles ont dormi ils/elles dormaient ils/elles ont 6crit ils/elles 6crivaient

ii'"ili ri"
ii;i",r11"$"i'|ti:: (1.;i! llll I i,i,li il,:'.I.. Fl-,i'l-D-;, .." . rf
";"irrrii'rrLr
je dormirai ie dormirais i' 6crirai j' 6crirais
tu dormiras tu dormirais tu 6criras tu 6crirais
illelle/on dormira illelle/on dormirait illelle/on 6crira illdle/on 6crirait
nous dormirons nous dormirions nous 6crirons nous 6cririons
vous dormirez vous dormiriez vous 6crirez vous 6cririez
""' "'l:::. ;;;;;';:^'
ils/elles dormiraient ils/elles 6criraient
i ils/elles dormiront ".,.u.. ils/elles 6criront

I I i r'ir''i.i rifts-
'llu
dors / dormons / dormez dormi 6cris / 6crivons / 6crivez

lliLi,o::rti,ill.ilr"'j tl:ir,iil'i'!1'[]:ilt'ril [! PRFr,i:i;r'ir;,,rr' l ,r]r,' , i' l"rrir'rl. i'

dormant 6crivant

i:,,i,riltli +.i: r.t',i'lllir,hiii$ E,Yl,:,

Tu os bien dormi? Did you sleep well? Tu as 6crit d to correspondonte rdcemment? Have you written to your penfriend lately?
Nous dormons dans la m€me chombre. We sleep in the same bedroom. Elte icrit des romans. She writes novels.
A t heures, it dormait d1id. He was already asleep by nine. Ciriirt qa s'6crit, "brouillard"? How do you spell "brouillard"?

fi see pages 88-91 for informqtion on how to form the reflexive verb s'Ecrire.

jelj'=ltu-you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we voua:you ils/elles=thev le/i,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vene TneLrs
Vene TnsLrs

(to move)
f,8[sH|\dT frill:.r'li Fr i\\l i' t, ; 11.
p q"tr
;rX 4 ;i il \l [.:
l,:' : rl[t::,rir:il,] ii" 11' r:i 11fl, i:i i'!i-il i,l iL-r l,;, i i l 11{ r.; r'i \i'rit

i'entre entre j'

j' 6meus 6meuve i' tu entres entrestu
tu 6meus 6meuvestu rl/elle/on entre illelle/on entre
illelle/on 6meut illelle/on 6meuve nous entrions
nous 6mouvions nous entronS
nous 6mouvons vous enlrez votrs entriez
vous 6mouvez vous 6mouviez ils/elles entrent
ils/elles entrent
ils/elles 6meuvent ils/elles 6meuvent
itiiirlit:;ll:11;'l it :i i';:.ri'
PERFEC T
il,,lli:i:' 1,: l"ii
"i:-l:.'t

j' je suis entr6(e) i' entrais

ai 6mu i' 6mouvais
tu es entr6(e) tu entrais
tu as 6mu tu 6mouvais
rl/elle/on estentr6(e) il/elle/on entrait
illelle/on a 6mu ilielle/on 6mouvait nous entrions
nous 6mouvions nous sommes entr6(e)s
nous avons 6mu vous 6tes entr6(e)(s) vous entriez
vous avez 6mu vous 6mouviez ils/elles entraient
ils/elles sontentr6(e)s
ils/elles ont 6mu ils/elles 6mouvaient
I U TURf: riilfrl il,li i"l1[:rlrii;lrir
ir;ir,ii'lr iilt/,:: i,.i.rrrrr,,l i .ri' :t iri.;,liitil ii_

j' i'entrerai j' entrerais

i'
6mouvrai €mouvrais
tu entreras tu entrerais
tu
6mouvras tu 6mouvrais
ll/elle/on entrera illelle/on entrerait
illelle/on 6mouvra illelle/on 6mouvrait nous entrerions
nous 6mouvrions nous entrerons
nous 6mouvrons vous entrerez vous entreriez
vous 6mouvrez vous 6mouvriez ils/elles entreraient
ils/elles entreront
ils/elles 6mouvront ils/elles 6mouvraient
rMPER,B',f,$\dil; l,i{',lti it- !.:llioilt'j'[l;lir i]., .
lilrlritii ii:i:.rii ii':l'llii;: tlril:t',,t lt;)],.;rr.l I l,r:t:illll_ l:.
cntre/entrons/entrez entr6
6meus / 6mouvons / 6mouvez 6mu

PRESEruT i?'A.hi. ir it;iqlii-L'j

!',jrLl.::i;,1.,i'rii i : l.rl,iii'i rt t:itj,'lr i:

cntrant
6mouvant

t XAM| t * s *: r,.J',,r di; : :

le peux entrer? Can I come in?

Ce film nous o 6mu.This film moved us.
I ssuie-toi les pieds en entrqnt. \Mpe your feet as you come in.
Cette histoire m'6meut touiours beaucoup. This story always moves me to tears.
lls sont tous'entAs dans Ia moison. They all went into the house'

lr{,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nqus=w€ vous=you ils/elles=they

ie/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ile/elles=thev
 VEneTAeLrs Vrne Tneles

iu,n {::}iiilUI'.j,ili\,llri:iii' (tO Send }

i:rlltxriii:iiii$'i'
rrr1.1t'r,f
ii: iri.
I' ::irI lll:1.'rir.; ii:i i-r: i'l:r,:i PRE$fifl\f1' i'i :lilili tir it l i :ii; ii tr l,':. I i I i'!llf lr it''i,' I l

j'
envoie envoie i' i'espdre espdre j'
tu
envoies envoies tu tu esperes espdres tu
illelle/on envoie illelle/on envoie il/elle/on espEre illelle/on espbre
nous envoyons nous envoyions nous esp6rons nous esp6rions
vous envoyez vous envoyiez vous esp6rez vous esp6riez
ils/elles envoient ils/elles envoient ils/elles espdrent ils/elles espdrent

i)fiiiiifiil.j:ijT li:r,lill
r
::r!;rt:rr'1'' I PEHFg(;i' irii,iiir;ilrl':l i;,l !, .

i' ai envoyd i' envoyais j' ai esp6r6 l' esp6rais

tu as envoy6 tu envoyais tu as esp6r6 tu esp6rais
illelle/on a envoy6 illelle/on envoyait illelle/on a esp6r6 il/elle/on esp6rait
nous avons envoy6 nous envoyions nous avons esp6r6 nous esp6rions
vous avez envoy6 vous envoyiez vous avez esp6r6 vous esp6riez
ils/elles ont envoy6 ils/elles envoyaient ils/elles ont esp6r6 ils/elles esp6raient

ii.;qi1-il1-fi:iiir il. i. rriir,i lr-l[ | i, -.i',L,li li FUTU$qH t .iir iiili1..1['i] ii-ll iir.,lrli, ir ,

i' enverrai i' enverrais i'esp6rerai i' esp6rerais

tu enverras tu enverrais tu esp6reras tu esp6rerais
il/elle/on enverra illelle/on enverrait illelle/on esp6rera illelle/on esp6rerait
nous enverrons nous enverrions nous esp6rerons nous esp6rerions
vous enverrez vous enverriez vous esp6rerez vous esp6reriez
ils/elles enverront ils/elles enverraient ils/elles esp6reront ils/elles esp6reraient
'!rr,'l.r :: ii:lt ir i,i:;ii.ll..i r;'ir"ili;r; ;;
li\lt1'lilir,irr,i ii :/, r:: il, :r
IMPF${,q:["Etrlir iiriir'r;'r; l il'1lr' .l

envoie / envoyons I envoyez envoy€ espEre / esp6rons / esp6rez esp616

;rr$i tiri.il []1,'.i jt' tr:41 lj:i PRE$Hi$"1, i,,,u,lhi1,j, l{:! i;,t.,t,

envoyant esp6rant

ii."ii:i.ii'i4iii!j-'l it ijri l i. l,rl

jr:,,,r,
EXAMFT;'{.;ri'
l'ai envoy| une corte postole d ma fonte. I sent my aunt a postcard. l'espire que tu vqs bien. I hope you're well.
Envoie-moi un e-moil. Send me an email. tl esp4roit pouvoir venir. He was hoping he'd be able to come.
le t'enverrai ton cadeau par la poste. l'll send you your present by post. tu penses nlussir tes exomens? - J'espdre bien! Do you think you'll pass your exams?
- | hope so!

ie/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vou$=you lls/elles=thev lr4'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vsss=fou ils/elles=they
 VeRe TaeLEs
Vrne Tnelrs

(to be) (to do; to make)

It{;rl i: 1:1,

fais je fasse
le Suls le sots
tu
ie
tu fasses
tu es tu sois
il/elle/on
fais
fait il/elle/on fasse
illelle/on est illellelon soit nous fassions
nous faisons
nous Sommes nous soyon5 vous fassiez
vous soyez vous faites
vor:s €tes ils/elles fassent
ils/elles soient ils/elles font
ils/elles sont
r:ii:
llr. I

i' ai fait je faisais

j' ai 6t6 i' 6tais
as fait tu tu faisais
tu as 6t6 tu 6tais
illelle/on a fait illelle/on faisait
iUelle/on a 6t6 illelle/on 6tait nous faisions
nous 6tions nous avons fait
nous avons 6t6 vous avez fait vous faisiez
vous avez 6t6 vous 6tiez ils/elles faisaient
ils/elles 6taient ils/elles ont fait
ils/elles ont 6t6
lr't
Ft1,l:l"' '

je je je ferai le ferais
serai
tu
serais
tu feras tu ferais
tu seras serais
illelle/on fera il/elle/on ferait
illelle/on sera illelle/on serait nous ferions
nous serions nous ferons
nous serons vous ferez vous feriez
vous serez vous seriez ils/elles feraient
ils/elles seraient ils/elles feront
ils/elles seront
i
l|Vliti:r:r
',. ,:
j
fais/faisons/faites fait
l sois/soyons I soyez 6t6

PPfil,,:, r,r i

faisant
6tant

f_:ff,li,iii, .,' t,,'..' )

Qu'est-ce que tu faisT What are you doin-g? .

Mon pire est professeur. My father's a teacher. What did he do?
Qu'est-ce Qu'it a foit? What has he done? or
Quelie heure est-il7 - tl est dix heures. \Nhat time is it? - lt's 1 0 o'clock a cake'
lls ne sont pos encore qniv6s. They haven't arrived yet.
Jiai fait un gdteau. l've made a cake or I made
tl s'est fsit iouper les cheveux' He's had his hair cut'

r i) See poges 88-91 for informotion on how to form the reflexive verb se faire.

le/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vsse=you ils/elles=they

ielj,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on-we/one nous=we y6us=you ils/elles=they
 VERS Tasles Vrne TleLrs

Ei. *lr:li{imli' (to be necessary} > fnn'l:rii (to finish)

It) t:i i:r {:i ii:,ili'!' iti iir' Nril; Ll $rt l' .:,.:; t. I hrl, i L[ lti] {.;:rJ \i{
fl l: pRH$fii,,,1r..x" ilrtiJ l:.,]j; :, 1 i 1j i.lj N:l i i.i liri" ir';l ri:i [:

il faut it faille le finis finisse |e

tu finis finisses tu
illelle/on finit il/elle/on finisse
nous finissons nous finissions
vous finissez vous finissiez
ils/elles finissent ils/elles finissent

' ,*pg:Sr:)"{. ,i i lil ri') li.i FrjIi l;:r"'.' ;

l-";,ilii'[,'.i I [i,rd !,i l: l? i;,i l!{":' f

il a fallu it fallait i' ai fini je finissais

tu fini as tu finissais
illelle/on a fini illelle/on finissait
nous avons fini nous finissions
vous avez fini vous finissiez
ils/elles ont fini ils/elles finissaient

(::r!iirili!f,]rl Tit ) liii'*,i

ir:tl liii,li:iial 'a,l'r
j1 i'j i:lr!
-r,,
ii !,} {dpti I - FLrTt"jfi[i .

il faudra il faudrait ie finirai le ltnrralS

tu finiras tu finirais
il/elle/on finira illelle/on finirait
nous finirons nous finirions
vous finirez vous finiriez
ils/elles finiront ils/elles finiraient

i l,t,rri.l n:i,{.";['ii 1/ li .:Rri;]i' [jli1 ]i i'ili-;li i!., a'r

1i1166r P.n*;1L'|'i xlEii irr;i\r'.; t.tij;!iil".{: I Mrli;1

not used fallu finis / finissons / finissez fini

,'r'lii,hrj,[::Li'! i' i1-1!]i!:; ii;ri:lijii i,,li; PR}ili ?1[\.T l ]'+l"r'lr'ir': :'l"ll. u:,r

not used finissant

ExAlirliatrti,: f?fi[,,llrr l:;]ii',:,:

li: ldl #rri,{ ai tllr .;,i
',lri!/l,,ii'i,ii't
ll fsut se d€pdcher!We have to hurry up! Finis to soupel Finish Your souP!
ll me falloit de l'argent. I needed money. l'ai
'!e
fini! l've finished!
ll faudrs que tu sois ld d 8 heures. You'll have to be there at 8. finirai mes devoirs demain.l'll finish my homework tomorrow'

je/j'=ltu-you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous*you il$/ellos=they jelj'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vene Tnslrs 'i

p fanEr (to ftee)

pffiF$E$\tT PRESEIV"$' SU ffi J t' $\ICTIVE PRESH['dT xliF,'iffi $jundT $R-J m,{q", ftlil"T'['dffi

je fuis je fuie ie hais le haisse

tu fuis tu fuies tu hais tu haisses
il/elle/on fuit illelle/on fuie illelle/on hait il/elle/on l'ru.':t:
nouS fuyons nous fuyions nous harisons nous hatsstons
vouS fuyez vous fuyiez vous haissez vous harssiez
ils/elles fuient ils/elles fuient ils/elles haissent ils/elles harssent

PERFECT ,\L{\r .i- i l. l. /:':,

PHMFfrC' IMPERF:ECT'

I ai fui je fuyais j' ai hai je haissais

tu as fui tu fuyais tu as hai tu haissais
illelle/on a fui illelle/on fuyait illelleion a hai il/elle/on haissait
nou5 avons fui nous fuyions nous avons hai noLrs haissions
vous avez fui vous fuyiez vous avez hai vous haissiez
ils/elles ont fui ils/elles fuyaient ils/elles ont hai ils/elles haissaient

FT,!TUffiN CffiniiDlTl0lUAt FUTTJFl$: *$ft!flit"'f flS$\t,r{fi-

je fuirai je fuirais ie hairai le hairais

tu fuiras tu fuirais tu hairas tu hairais
il/elle/on fuira iUelle/on fuirait illelle/on haira il/elle/on hairait
nous fuirons nous fuirions nous hairons nous hairions
vous fuirez vous fuiriez vous hdirez vous hairiez
ils/elles fuiront ils/elles fuiraient ils/elles hairont ils/elles haiiaient

ii\npffimAx-tvE PA$IT PAIBTfldiJIPLE IMPHffiATIVH F*q$f tr/&lq] fi{l$Pt"hi

fuis/fuyons lfuyez fui hais / haissons / haissez hai

URHSEt\[T pAmT"lfl | pt-E PRE$H!\t"I' pd\FtrTiiCl!f'[.tri]

fuyant haissant

tr x:Afyi,F* g pfd,ffil{s&q ExAdbf P'd.tr PFr,ry,41'$iii $

lls ont fui leur pays. They fled their country, le te hoisll hate you!
'Etle
Le robinet fuit.The tap is dripping. hdissait tout'le monde, She hated everyone.
lls se hdissent. They hate each other.

Q See poges 88-91 for informotion on how to form the reflexive verb se hqir.

je{'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they ls/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nou$=we vous=you ils/olles=they
 VgRe Tneles
VrRe TneLes
(to join)
(to throw)
lrlif r. ltrr,
je joins je joigne
je iette
je jette
tu joins tu joignes
tu jettes tu jettes
illelle/on joint illelle/on joigne
illelle/on jette illelle/on jette joignons nous joignions
nous
nous jetons nous jetions joignez vous joigniez
vous
vous jetez vous jetiez joignent ils/elles joignent
ils/elles
ils/elles jettent ils/elles lettent
Irl i ,r, ' i'
l

i' ai ioint je joignais

j' ai jet6 le jetais
tu as joint tu joignais
tu as jete tu jetais
illelle/on a joint illelle/on joignait
illelle/on a jet6 illelle/on jetait nous joignions
nous avons joint
nous avons jet6 nous jetions vous loigniez
vous avez joint
vous avez jet6 vous jetiez ils/elles joignaient
ils/elles ont ioint
ilVelles ont jet6 ils/elles jetaient
rr l
l:l .' ,i i :r'; ,r : ,,,i

je joindrai je joindrais
je jetterai je jetterais
tu joindras tu joindrais
tu jetteras tu jetterais
illelle/on joindra il/elle/on joindrait
illelle/on jettera illelle/on jetterait nous ioindrions
nous joindrons
nous jetterons nous jetterions vous joindrez vous joindriez
vous jetterez vous jetteriez ils/elles loindraient
ils/elles joindront
ils/elles jetteront ils/elles jetteraient
lM{Fi::irl 'ir r'r

jette/jetons/jetez jet6
joins / joignons / joignez

Pltii-r::
. '

joignant
jetant

[X;:illr"';'. , '

Oi est-ce qu'on peut te ioindre ce week-end? Where can we contact you this weekend?
Ne jette pas tes vQtements par terre. Don't throw your clothes on the floor.
On a joini les deux tqbles. We put the two tables together'
Elle o jett son chewing-gum par lo fen1tre. She threw her chewing gum out of the
window
lls ne jettent jamqis rien. They never throw anything away.

jelj'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they |e/j,=|tu=youi|=he/ite||e=she/iton=we/onenous=wevous=youi|s/e|les=they

 Vene TneLEs Vena TneLps

i,i.' [+;rtt*rr (to lift)

$.tr}iIli]i^t\.i'r' !rii ii:,i:i, [: fir] it ) t i; iii . t i..L ir!,l {l:l'llJii; PRESHf;ST ili:i!:ri'iitril.lT [5] l[','jili!!lri;'rj'i!i ir:

je ldve 1e ldve le lis je lise

tu ldves tu ldves tu lis tu lises
illelle/on l6ve ilielle/on lEve iUelle/on lit illelle/on lise
nouS levons nous levions nous lisons nous lisions
vous levez vous leviez vous lisez vous lisiez
ils/elles ldvent ils/elles lbvent ils/elles lisent ils/elles lisent

Ftr!'1t$;f:r(:lli
1igiif:irl+;
[; l::i4i. i: il PERFH{;T !lv-tFPiiFir'irl:t] r

I ai lev6 ie levais i' ai lu le lisais

tu as lev6 tu levais tu as lu tu lisais
illelle/on a lev6 illelle/on levait illelle/on a lu il/elle/on lisait
nous avons lev6 nous levions nous avons lu nous lisions
vous avez lev6 vous leviez vous avez lu vous lisiez
ils/elles ont lev6 ils/elles levaient ils/elles ont lu ils/elles lisaient
iiilr

ii:ilLi ;,'iiJi;Xi.. ri; i.l:i:,i1,ltIl ili.'il\if:i 1. FUTLIA{F {jtil}l'ri Dl1-!iI{,rr*AL

l

je ldverai ie liverais ie lirai je lirais

tu ldveras tu ldverais tu liras tu lirais
illelle/on l6vera illelle/on ldverait illelle/on lira illelle/on lirait
nous lEverons nous ldverions nous lirons nous lirions
vous ldverez vous ldveriez vous lirez vous liriez
ils/elles lEveront ils/elles ldveraient ils/elles liront ils/elles liraient

li f ui ift H F:ir{i_"tj i',i F fii,i:.ll ti ir;rirlilii ; !i:;;Ii]I.L: IMPEffiATIVK. iit!,&liT l'#.: !:ll"lil;l !' t' i :

fdve/levons llevez lev6 lis/lisons/lisez lu

ij)f1 I-jSi"iti'i rrj:rtrli,; i|i.: Il:i l Fr PRE$ ffi BX"n- it'd\ffi {'l{il !i' [, [r

levant lisant

i,.;...'"jt.!f . t.. : :.: i,. ... .

Ex,itr illf p*4" g pr-dsi,A $id,r;
i
Li4le b ftte. Lift your head up. Vous ovez lu "Mqdame Bovary"? Have you read "Madame Bovary"?
i Levez Iq main! Put your hand up! le Ie liroi dans I'avion. l'll read it on the plane.
le me live tous les jours d sept heures. I get up at 7 every day. Elle lui lisoit une histoire. She was reading him a story.

tl S See pages 88-91 for informqtion on how to form the reflexive verb se lever.

jelj'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you als/elles=they le/j,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one noua=we voua=you ils/elles=they
 Vene TneLes
I
VeRe Tneles

lt
{to eat)
PRESENT PRHSE[\I'T' $U ffi .} L.' IVfi T'&Vffi
l.

,e mange je maudis je maudisse

le
mange
tu tu tu maudisses
i tu
manges manges maudis
il/elle/on maudisse
iUelle/on mange illelle/on mange il/elle/on maudit
nous mangeons nous mangions nous maudissons nous maudissions
vous mangez vous mangiez vous maudissez vous maudissiez
ils/elles mangent ils/elles maudissent ils/elles maudissent
ils/elles mangent
l
, PERFECT ffvlpHH$-HsT

le i' ai maudit je maudissais

l
t" ai mang6
tu
mangeais
tu tu maudissais
tu as mang6 mangeais as maudit
illelle/on maudissait
illelle/on a mang6 illelle/on mangeait il/elle/on a maudit
tl

nous avons mange nous mangions nous avons maudit nous maudissions
vous avez mange vous mangiez vous avez maudit vous maudissiez
ils/elles mangeaient ils/elles ont maudit ils/elles maudissaient
ils/elles ont mang6
l

.
FUTURE s{}[\xmn'rlst\cA!-

je mangerais 1e maudirai
je maudirais
le
mangerai
tu tu tu maudirais
li
tu
mangeras mangerais maudiras
iUelle/on maudirait
iUelle/on mangera il/elle/on mangerait illelle/on maudira
nous man9eronS nous mangerions nous maudirons nous maudirions
i

vous mangerez vous mangeriez vous maudirez vous maudiriez

ils/elles mangeraient ils/elles maudiront ils/elles maudiraient
l
ils/elles mangeront

IMPERATIVE r*A$T FlAffi"flB{T[$][-ffi

]i
mange / maudissons / maudissez maudit
mange / mangeons / mangez maudls

PRESET{T PARTIEIPTE

mangeant maudissant

EXATfiPLE P'L'ffiASES

Nous ne mqngeons pos souvent ensemble' We don't often eat together' lls moudissent leurs ennemis. They curse their enemies'
Tu ss assez iang6? Haveyou had enough to eat? Ce mqudit stvlo ne marche pqs/ fhis blasted pen doesn't work!
ll
Je mangerai plus tard. l'll eat later on'
i

ils/olles=they
ie/i,=|tu=youi|=he/itel|e=she/iton_we/onenous=wevous=youi|s/6||es=they ieli'=ltu=you il=he/it elle-she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you
 Vens TnnLEs
Vene TneLes

s" fr?'.jff$'f,ttg'#$ (to put)

,,i,liriirrjtl-l "-',Lt"j.".!.q_lr$j{:i
[::,td'f lillbJffi
IitrLi$i&i$',:1T' FiljqHSHrl\{T ${"lH.i[-tillff fi $1"V8 PRE$HT"iT'

je je monte je monte
ie mets mette
tu montes
tu mets tu mettes IU montes
illelle/on monte
illelle/on met iUelle/on mette illelle/on monte
nous mettions nous montons nous montions
nous mettons vous montiez
vous mettez vous mettiez vous monrez
ils/elles montent ils/elles montent
ils/elles mettent ils/elles mettent

PERd-H#T" it:'i1 it:'l:i t ii;trt:',.,' !

ii't:rFi[:F;fl.'f !fTSPffimFfl:CT

i' ai mis je mettais le suis mont6(e) ie montais

tu as mis tu mettais tu es mont6(e) tu montais
illelle/on est mont6(e) il/elle/on montait
illelle/on a mis illelle/on mettait
nous mettions nous sommes mont6(e)s nous montions
nous avons mis vous montiez
vous avez mis vous mettiez vous €tes mont6(e)(s)
ils/elles sont mont6(e)s ils/elles montaient
ils/elles ont mis ils/elles mettaient

FUTLIi[.?E Itr,.] ii \4 f,i' I :f i# tu{it\t

ir,I l"li't..l]*:iii $mi'ti{3[TXSF\jl\*-

je je mettrais je monterai je monterais

mettrai tu monterais
tu mettras tu mettrais tu monteras
illelle/on monterait
ilielle/on mettra illelle/on mettrait illelle/on montera
nous mettrions nous monterons nous monterions
nous mettrons vous monteriez
vous mettrez vous mettriez vous monterez
ils/elles monteront ils/elles monteraient
ils/elles mettront ils/elles mettraient
;tAi\I.j :' i'jn\r;':,i
li,i]i;li i.lrl
i l-htl fri hl ['i i iT-iil/ f: tr,*,&$T fll.,f;{ ij] fr *fi !Ft'E lMptr$tA\TI\f!:
monte/montons/montez mont6
mets/mettons/mettez mis

F[:tfi l.]lf.rB\["f tr]!,{\Fi I.dCiF[.t: PRA$ ffi IU"i' F/n rtrilif .lii [r I r:

mettant montant

fi'-{,r4fhf.'f+d",,f F! l,t?.4$s:?1: EXd{ f l4trl #t"ff t?li.':tl] i:il

suis mont1e taut en hsut de Io tour. I went all the way up the
tov'rer'
Mets ton manteau! Put your coat on! le
'Monte t'emmdne. Cet into the car, l'll take.you tl't"t"' .
Oi est-ce que tu os mis les cl6s? tffhere have you put the keys? dans la voiture, ie
going up
ll s,est tordu lo cheville en montqnt d une 6chelle. He twisted his ankle
l'ai mis Ie livre sur la tqble. I put the book on the table.
Elle s'est mise d pleurer. She started crying. a ladder.

r) See pages 88-91 for informqtion on how to form the reflexive verb se mettre. [7] Note that monter takes avoir in the perfect tense when it is used with a direct
- objecq see Page 114.

je/j'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one noua-we vous=you ils/elles=they ie/j'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vene TneLrs
Vene TaeLes

i,iririi'ri,ji;'lr (tO bite)

ii:i :,::i i,,, r''1,::ii", i;: rit i ri,,,;i:r",1ir.i,1lt
l:.r : :.r l: ,,t tlltrr;. iil irt,:il ltt',:.,r,li l'l t [: i-; F.:ft!'f
,
i
moule
je mords je morde je mouds
tu
ie
moules
tu mords tu mordes tu mouds
illelle/on moule
illelle/on mord illelle/on morde il/elle/on moud
moulons
nous moulions
nouS mordons nous mordions nouS
vous mouliez
vous mordez vous mordiez vous moulez
ils/elles moulent ils/elles moulent
ils/elles mordent ils/elles mordent
|,l
ii r:a:-i- ' ' l,riti.'r': -i ' I'ER$-iiHET
!:'',ilit
je moulais
I ai mordu je mordais I ai moulu
tu moulais
tu as mordu tu mordais tu as moulu
illelle/on a moulu illelle/on moulait
illelle/on a mordu illelle/on mordait nouS moulions
nous avons mordu nous mordions nous avons moulu
vouS avez moulu
vous mouliez
vous avez mordu VOUS mordiez ils/elles moulaient
ils/elles ont mordu ils/elles mordaient ils/elles ont moulu
ii ;i"iij\lt []ili:i ii',..1il{lll ,,i.
:il I
Jli; ii l ;lirI .-,1 rl,t ir t., ;'it,,i,.ri il FUTUfllLri

je moudrai ie moudrais
je mordrai
tu
mordrais
mordrais tu
le
moudras
tu moudrais
tu mordras il/elle/on moudrait
il/elle/on mordra illelle/on mordrait il/elle/on moudra
nous moudronS nous moudrions
nouS mordrons nous mordrions vous moudriez
vou5 mordrez vous mordriez vous moudrez
ils/elles moudront ils/elles moudraient
ils/el les mordront ils/elles mordraient
, l'rll,riil'' -1
:liir.lil il:ri, li!,' il. !' r'i-llir: ,ii 1,,.,r: lMl$38ffiP;fl'ri'F:
moulu
mords/mordons lmordez mordu mouds/moulons/moulez

,t i :- r:r1. . t\.i il
i;al.
I rl lr',1:i.;lli PFtESi::Id'i i';li;i l'ii ii Fi ii:

mordant moulant

jair,]ij.il4 iili: !r
.- : i . ::\ | : t:i t :' .l: il:,il.rri:|
:i :,'i:'1,; [: xA ft4fry_,L
pour demain motin' l've ground some coffee for
tomorrow
Le chien m'q mordue. The dog bit me. J'ai moulu du caf,6

ll ne va pos te mordrel He won't bite! morning.

nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they

je/i'=ltu-you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we v6u5=lou ils/elles=they ie/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one
 Vens Tnelrs
Vene Tneles

&" $sBqle$ffi8$" (to die)

pRF$F[\lT $tiffiJuNeflvn
FXifi$!::ttlT FF?[:$fiS]T ${"i ffi,i ["i fdCTf '{i K PRESEFJT

je je nais
je naisse
Je meurs meure
tu
tu meurs meures tu tu nais naisses
illelle/on meurt illelle/on meure il/elle/on nait illelle/on naisse
nous mourions nous naissons nous naissions
nous mouronS
vous mourez vous mouriez vous naissez vous naissiez
ils/elles naissent ils/elles naissent
ils/elles meurent ils/elles meurent

PERFECT [&fipgttFHcT
F!fill#SdjT !IVNPilffiFffCT

je suis mort(e) je mourais je suis n6(e)

je naissais
tu es mort(e) tu mourais tu es n6(e) tu naissais
il/elle/on est mort(e) illelle/on mourait illelle/on est n6(e) illelle/on naissait
nous mourions nous sommes n6(e)s nous naissions
nous sommes mort(e)s
vous mouriez vous €tes n6(e)(s) vous naissiez
vous €tes mort(e)(s)
ils/elles sont n6(e)s ils/elles naissaient
ils/elles sontmort(e)s ils/elles mouraient

l- FUTURE COI\IDIT!MNAL
XfrL!TqJffiE fi {-l} ii| h..} H Til C} FilA

je je je naitrais
mourrai le mourrals
tu
naitrai
tu naitrais
tu mourras tu mourrais naitras
illelle/on naitrait
illelle/on mourra illelle/on mourrait il/elle/on naitra
nous mourrions nous naitrons nous naitrions
nous mourrons vous naitriez
vous mourrez vous mourriez vous naitrez
ils/elles naitront ils/elles naitraient
ils/elles mourront ils/elles mourraient

F,j{$.;, I"$iilfi I] U_H IMPERATIVE PA$T PA${T'ICIPE"Sl

trfl,riF3ffi$-id"\'[i\rFi F;;{ Ftr

/ ne
meurs/mourons lmourez nais / naissons naissez

13 ii".jl Fi$ fi nlT FA iil-fl"$d":t P{. f, PRE$ H [\lT pAffi-{"fi*0pLH

mourant naissant

fr ,{'/{ r1,{$A ,* Fd.{q,4,{i*r5 EX+\MP|-E P,t-ffiA$b")

I was born on 12 February'
suis n6e Ie 2 fdvrier' .
EIle est morte en 1998.She died in 1998. le in i^-
,- . e.- rMarch'
1
'[r-AiAi Delphine naitra en mors' Delphine is going to have a baby
i,
sont morts. They're dead.
lls
On meurt de froid icy' We're freezino to death in here! Quand est-ce que tu es n6?When were you born/

vous=you ils/elles=they
je/j'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous-we vous=you ils/€lles=they ie/i'=ltu=you il=he/it ells=she/it on=we/one nous=we
 Vene TaeLes Vene TneLes

i,iu l''itil)'ffili]l? {,!iii (to clean)

iir|i i::llili:lrrr-[ F'tCff 6tri\{T }; Ll ffii"l LtmS"$ {'idfr PRH$FNi"$' Piri t:jl.1i:lri,l"I i; ff ll,}.i [ ! i\iii.:'i llf [:

je nettoie je nettoie i' offre j'

offre
tu nettoies tu nettoies tu offres tu
offres
illelle/on nettoie illelle/on nettoie illelle/on offre illelle/on offre
nous nettoyons nous nettoyions nous offrons nous offrions
vous nettoyez vous nettoyiez vous offrez vous offriez
ils/elles nettoient ils/elles nettoient ils/elles offrent ils/elles offrent

liiHiiit:Hfl"i IfMFi:,mF$t#]" PE$TFH{:T' il$.-thjH*81[lfi"tr

j' ai nettoy6 je nettoyais j' ai offert j' offrais

tu as nettoy6 tu nettoyais tu as offert tu offrais
illelle/on a nettoy6 il/elle/on nettoyait illelle/on a offert illelle/on offrait
nous avons nettoy6 nous nettoyions nous avons offert nous off rions
vous avez nettoy6 vous nettoyiez vous avez offert vous offriez
ils/elles ont nettoy6 ils/elles nettoyaient ils/elles ont offert ils/elles offraient

!,r( irt.!ii!r: c#nqff$TN{JF,pdil" FUTtIF{ffi fi*niF:]tTfi(.?htAt-

je
nettoierai je nettoierais j'
offrirai i' offrirais
tu
nettoieras tu nettoierais tu
offriras tu offrirais
illelle/on nettoiera il/elle/on nettoierait il/elle/on offrira illelle/on offrirait
nous nettoieronS nous nettoierions nous offrirons nous offririons
vous nettoiefez vous nettoieriez vous offtirez vous offririez
ils/elles nettoieront ils/elles nettoieraient ils/elles offriront ils/elles offriraient

' rj+\li.!- l,,in1ii !(:ri 'i

ifrilltieliAiii'iil: F-1,1,$"fr
p,s, $q"r ii -{: I F} f-" n tMpHFilt!l\l'f:l lr.

nettoie / nettoyons / nettoyez nettoy6 offre/offrons loffrez offert

f,ftF,..;::i,,i i' ; t1 i 1? 1,,:ii:! .it:-1 PHfi $fl f$" il Pi'r\ltl lriif[']'Lr fr

nettoyant offrant

)'i,
r'f ,{rii ilrlif L- .FT'fj?r:ri.i'irt,l-i Exd&fp,t F Fi?lt.,rri _,$,j:r s;

Richard o nettoy0 tout I'opportemenf. Richard has cleaned the whole flat. on lui s offert un poste de secr^taire. They offered her a secreterial post.
EIle nettoyait le sol en 1coutant lq rqdio. She was cleaning the floor while listening Offre-tui des fleurs. Cive her some flowers.
to the radio. Viens, je t'offre d bolre. Come on, l'll buy you a drink'
le ne nettoie pqs souvent mes lunettes. I don't clean my glasses very often. le me suk offert un nouveou stylo. I treated myself to a new
pen'

* see poges 88-91 for infarmotion on how to form the reflexive verb s'offrir'

jelj'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we yqus=loU ils/elles=they je/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/ellos=they
 .,:1" ;;{it:.
Vrne TleLrs Vens Tneles :,;*;-,1

PRESENT PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE PRESENT PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

i'
ouvre i' ouvre le parais je paraisse
tu
ouvres tu ouvres tu parais tu paraisses
illelle/on ouvre illelle/on ouvre illelle/on parait illelle/on paraisse
nous ouvrons nous ouvrions nous paraissons nous paraissions
vous ouvrez vous ouvriez vous paraissez vous paraissiez
ils/elles ouvrent ils/elles ouvrent ils/elles paraissent ils/elles paraissent

-
PERFECT
-- IMPERFECT PERFECT IMPERFECT
j' ai ouvert i' ouvrais i' ai paru je paraissais
tu as ouvert tu ouvrais tu as paru tu paraissais
iUelle/on a ouvert illelle/on ouvrait il/elle/on a paru illelle/on paraissait
nous avons ouvert nous ouvnons nous avons paru nous paraissions
vous avez ouvert vous ouvriez vous avez paru vous paraissiez
ils/elles ont ouvert ils/elles ouvraient ils/elles ont paru ils/elles paraissaient

FUTURE CONDITIONAL FUTURE CONDITIONAL

i' ouvrirai I OUVrrrars jeparaitrai je paraitrais
tu ouvriras tu ouvrirais tuparaitras tu paraitrais
illelle/on ouvrira illelle/on ouvrirait illelle/on paraitra illelle/on paraitrait
nous ouvrirons nous ouvririons nous paraitrons nous paraitrions
vous ouvrirez vous ouvririez vous paraitrez vous paraitriez
ils/elles ouvriront ils/elles ouvriraient ils/elles paraitront ils/elles paraitraient

IMPERATIVE PAST PAHTICIPLE IMPERATIVE PAST PARTICIPLE

ouvre/ouvrons louvrez ouvert parais / paraissons / paraissez paru

PRESENT PARTICIPLE PRESENT PARTICIPLE

ouvrant paraissant

EXAMPLE PHRASES EXAMPLE PHBASES

Ellea ouvert Iq porfe. She opened the door.
Est-ceque tu pourrois ouvrir la fen1tre? Could you open the window?
le me suis coupd en ouvront une boite de consbrve. I cut myself openinq a tin.
Lo porte s'est ouverte. The door opened.
EIleparaissoit fatiguie. She seemed tired.
Cisdleporait plus jeune que son rige. Cisdle doesn't look her age...
tt pordit qu'il"foit chaud toute I'anni6e /d-bos. Apparently it's hot all year round over
there.

fi See poges 88-91 for informqtion on how to form the reflexive verb s,ouvrin

jeli'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on*we/one nous=we vous=you ils/olles=they

ielj'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vqu5=lou il$/elles=they
 Vene Tnnles
VrnsTeeLrs

p- $.Sffiff'efrfi' (to go; to leave)

pffi n:s PRESfrPdT litfilalsfii\i"il- g;q i tr',J ! ! f*( ;'Y I v {r
[!f:iF'$f;'tufT" ffi nd'T $ c.j r*"t u fiufrT'tvE
je pars ie parte ie passe le passe
tu pars tu partes tu passes tu passes
illelle/on part illelle/on parte illelle/on passe illelle/on passe
nous partons nous partions nous passon5 nous passion5
vous partez vous partiez vous passez vous passiez
ils/elles partent ils/elles partent ils/elles passent ils/elles passent

PERFE#'il" llViP'F-rhlF{:C:i
rru$tF$q:T ItsrtPFffiFffiCT

ie suis parti(e) je partais l' ai Pass6 ie passais

tu es parti(e) tu partais tu as pass6 tu passais
illelle/on estparti(e) illelle/on partait illelle/on a pass6 illelle/on passait
nous sommes parti(e)s nous partions nous avons pa55e nous passions
vous €tes parti(e)(s) vous partiez vous avez pass6 vous passiez
ils/elles sontparti(e)s ils/elles partaient ils/elles ont pass6 ils/elles passaient

il l.{', [\,l,A
rjLi "it.rmE:
{t;ri-} fr'* [J
c-$t\t&?[r[0rudit FUTUffiE fr lL.

jepartirai je partirais ie passerai le passerais

tupartiras tu partirais tu passeras tu passerais
il/elle/on partira illelle/on partirait il/elle/on passera il/elle/on passerait
nous partirons nous partirions nous passeronS nous passerions
vous partirez vous partiriez vous passerez vous passeriez
ils/elles partiront ils/elles partiraient ils/elles passeront ils/elles passeraient

Iii,{PFrRlriTl'11ii. pilgi t" $.'1.{ ffiifi ff I $3Lffi lMFtr[tAffli;rF i'+5:ifl ilrr,ti:l i"di.lrti'!. [']

passe/passons/Passez pass6
pars/partonslpartez Parti

PRH$m8\Jii Iplii ii.i'l' i;i r:l ir']i i.

Brg+H n[\q".d- r]Arq-x{.1:E$-}ff "F:

partant passant

:: ",:lfifir{ !. I+! :i h.t:: [ {', rx,A nfdFd"a:,F#{lc/4.5 ii: ;i

On port en vacances le 1 5 aoAL We're going on holiday
Ne partez pos sans moi! Don't leave without me!
Elle est partie t6t ce matin.She left early this morning.
on 1 5 August. Les mois ont possA. Months passed. . .
a ooss€ soi exqmen en iuin. He took his exam In June'
ll'1r",5;";;;;;;i;;;;;;,;A;A;;
to spend the holidavs
' at mv orandparents' house' mii siiaiSs'parents"t'm eoins
tii es( p'iiiiei'me dire boniour. She cametakes
by to say hello'
t:ii{{u[e ti posse au MexiQue' The story plate in Mexico'

trtote that passer can also take €tre in the perfect tense; see page 1 1 4'
[t
Q pages 88-91 for information on how to form the reflexive verb se pqsser.
See

ieli'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they je/j'=ltu-you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vrne TaeLEs Vens TneLes

t,.
F pmfratc$n'm (to paint)
i'r : ir!itliiirl-'ti,i' i)i; i l:], Ii I ij ii.ii tj-Il i.iF p[i f { i$ [-f ii?"] iri ](.:'ili \'rE
rl:: i iI ;:; !.,1 i::;. i PRffi$f;fdT S F: $"{l" ff

je paye je paye Je petns le

peigne
ru payes tu payes tu peins tu
peignes
illelle/on paye illelle/on paye illelle/on peint illelle/on peigne
nous payons nous payions nous peignons nous peignions
vous payez vous payiez vous peignez vous peigniez
ils/elles payent ils/elles payent ils/elles peignent ils/elles peignent
',
i'[:iliii:j[:rl,'; iliii.:iili-,: rl;:iij i: rr': i IrvnPF.FtF']rHS]l'
PEMFHOT
i' ai pay6 le payais i' ai peint je peignais
tu as pay6 tu payais tu as peint tu peignais
illelle/on a pay6 illelle/on payait illelle/on a peint illelle/on peignait
nous avons pay6 nous payions nous avons peint nous peignions
vous avez pay6 vous payiez vous avez peint vous peigniez
ils/elles ont pay6 ils/elles payaient ils/elles ont peint ils/elles peignaient

i:r{.r: i'l.jliji'lf: i l! )it:tl: tl'it lli rl'r,ir*r.:t C{J [\Jltl-

Fi"rT{-lmr hq n} B"1"!t?

Je payerai je payerais je
peindrai je peindrais
tu payeras tu payerais tu
peindras tu peindrais
illelle/on payera illelle/on payerait illelle/on peindra illelle/on peindrait
nous payerons nous payerions nous peindrons nous peindrions
vous payerez vous payeriez vous peindrez vous peindriez
ils/elles payeront ils/elles payeraient ils/elles peindront ils/elles peindraient

I il.iil ii [1[=l f '\: [':"i:4' iii .t..,f ., i :,, ' i. : i i,i' tii:,r[ [:: li+i .r r;4, {:i i: .i:,
IMFH["rJs, ; L,:; it:i"!- ! it

PaYe/payonslpayez pay6 peins / peignons / peignez Peint

F !lfii:i;[-rl!i! ii l"4i [i f iir ;;;.:1r,11:

PRHSffi f'{} [i14\i:rrll'ti':li
ji|.,ir:

payanr peignant

,rKll,iiliiri. 5 l: il i,f .,i.t4 i:irlir:.f i

€,Y,4 jWP* *i Pd'dfr'./'! i:,il]i l:i

Tu l'as pay4 combien? How much did you pay for it? On o peint l'entrde en bleu clair. We painted the hall light blue.
Mo potronne me paiero demqin. My boss will pay me tomorrow. Ce tqbleau a 6tt peint en 1913. This picture was painted in 191 3
Les 4tudionts poyent moiti( prix. StJdents pay iralf price.

jeli'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=tnev

ie/i,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
tll,lllllilillill!ii!l;;i

t,':
VeRe TleLEs ri'
Vene Tnsles ,i,

@ p#trffitrffi (to lose)

$:rFq[1,$ffi!\f;T PHF$EilUT ${".I ffiJI,JN'ETIVE PRESENT PRESHNT SUEJUIUCTIVE

je perds le
perde ie plais je plaise
IU perds tu
perdes tu plais tu plaises
illelle/on perd il/elle/on perde il/elle/on plait il/elle/on plaise
nou5 perdons nous perdions nous plaisons nous plaisions
vous perdez vous perdiez vous plaisez vous plaisiez
ils/elles perdent ils/elles perdent ils/elles plaisent ils/elles plaisent

PffiFTFE#T IMIPERFAST PERFECT IMPERFICT

ai perdu le perdais i' ai plu je plaisais

tu
I
as perdu tu perdais tu as plu tu plaisais
illelle/on a perdu illelle/on perdait illelle/on a plu illelle/on plaisait
nous avons perdu nous perdions nous avons plu nous plaisions
vous avez perdu vous perdiez vous avez plu vous ptatsrez
ils/elles ont perdu ils/elles perdaient ils/elles ont plu ils/elles plaisaient

F{.}TUTEE c{)ff\tf}tTt&t\tAt" FUTURE CO[\IDITIONAL

je perdrai |e perdrais je plairai le plarrars

IU perdras tu perdrais tu plairas tu plairais
illelle/on perdra illelle/on perdrait il/elle/on plaira illelle/on plairait
nouS perdrons nous perdrions nous plairons nous plairions
vou5 perdrez vous perdriez vous plairez vous plairiez
ils/elles perdront ils/elles perdraient ils/elles plairont ils/elles plairaient

nfritPH$qp\T'nvE PS-{Ii'I' P,A m T'&S}[ Pl-H IMPTRATE\IH PAST PARTICIPTE

perds/perdons/perdez perdu plais / plalsons / plalsez plu

r:|f{H,$ E t\9"$- pA ffix"t 0l *'x-ffi, PRE$EIUT T'AHTIfr[P''g

perdant plaisant

trxAMf,f-s'dpffffiAsFs EXAMPLE PI{'?ASSS

J'ai perdu mon porte-monnoie dqns le mdtro. I lost my purse on the underground. Le menu ne me plait 'dpos. I don't like the menu.
L'ltolie o perdu un d zdro. ltaly lost one-nil. Q.ote ploirait diqtter lo mer? Would yo,u like to 90 to the seaside?
Si tu te perds, appelle-moi. Call me if you get lost. Qa t'a plu, Ie film7 Did you like the
film?
s'il te ploit please
t') \ee poges 88-91 for informotion on how to form the reflexive verb se perdre. s'il vous ploit please

ie/j'=11,r=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we v6qs=lou ils/elles=they jelj,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=shelit on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vsne Tneles veReTngles '' '

PRESENT PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE PRESENT PRESENT SUB.JUNCTIVE

il pleut tr pteuve ie peux le puisse

tu peux tu puisses
il/elle/on peut il/elle/on puisse
nous pouvons nous put55tons
vous pouvez vous puissiez
tls/eiles peuvent ils/elles puissent

PERFECT IMPERFECT PERFECT IMPERFECT

il a plu il pleuvait j' ai pu le pouvats

tu as pu tu pouvais
illelle/on a pu illelle/on pouvait
nous avons pu nous pouvtonS
vous avez pu vous pouvtez
ils/elles ont pu ils/elles pouvaient

FUTURE CONDITIONAI. FUTURE CONDITIOI\AL

il pleuvra il pleuvrait je pourrai je pourrais

tu pourras tu pourrais
illelle/on pourra illelle/on pourrait
nous pourrons nous pourrions
vous pourrez vous pourriez
ils/elles pourront ils/elles pourraient

IMPERATIVE PAST PARTICIPLE IMPERATIVE PAST PI\NTICIPLE

not used not used pu

PRE$ENT PARTICIPLE PRESENT PARTICIPLE

pleuvant pouvant

EXAMPLE PHRASES EXAMPLE PHRA$ES

ll a plu toute la journde. lt rained all day long. le peux t'oide4 si tu veux. l can help you if you like.
'J'rii
ll pleut beaucoup d Glosgow. lt rains a lot in Clasgow. fait tout ce que j'oi pu. I did all I iould.
I'espire qu'il ne pleuvra pas demqin. I hope it won't be raining tomorrow. le ne pourroi pis ienir samedi. I won't be able to come on Saturday.

ie/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/onB nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they lc/i,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous-you ils/elles=they
 VeRe Tlgles VrRe Tneles

p. prffifl'Bdre (to take)

pn€$FtilT F'ffi H$fi fdT $ U m"J Uf\{{:"{'NVH PRESENT irmH$HtvT $!.j mJ{J l\ig"n{vH
je
prends le prenne ie protdge je protEge
tu
prends tU prennes tu prot6ges tu protdges
illelle/on prend illelle/on prenne illelle/on protdge illelle/on protdge
nous prenons nous prenions nous prot6geons nous prot6gions
vous prenez vou5 preniez vous prot6gez vous prot6giez
ils/elles prennent ils/elles prennent ils/elles protdgent ils/elles protdgent

PITFEfiT fi[t/[[:!HRFfi:e"t- PERFECT ItVNPFftFEfiT

i' ai pris le prenars i' ai prot6g6 je prot6geais

tu
as pris tu prenais tu as prot6g6 tu prot6geais
illelle/on a pris illelle/on prenait illelle/on a prot6g6. illelle/on prot6geait
,
nous avons pns nous prenions nous avons protege nous prot5gions
vous avez pris vous preniez vous avez prot6g6 vous prot6giez
ils/elles ont pris ils/elles prenaient ils/elles ont prot6g6 ils/elles prot6geaient

FLJTC-Iffig fif![\i[]fiT$CI[ss,!"" FUTURE cffirun!"$'flssiAL

je
prendrai ,e prendrais le prot6gerai je prot6gerais
tu
prendras tu prendrais tu prot6geras tu prot6gerais
illelle/on prendra illelle/on prendrait il/elle/on prot6gera illelle/on prot6gerait
nous prendrons nouS prendrions nous prot6gerons nous prot6gerions
vous prendrez vouS prendriez vous prot6gerez vous prot6geriez
ils/elles prendront ils/elles prendraient ils/elles prot6geront ils/elles prot6geraient

NIWPF:ffiAfCVH EIA$"F g:hp,

[q'T'fl s i] [-. E
n IMPERATIVE p&s] [:]AFi ], [{][F]i..il

prends / prenons / prenez pris protdge / prot6geons I prot6gez prot6g6

pmE$E[sT rrARTn{}l6:]l-'* PRESENT PAHTICIPLE

prenant prot6geant

trft ,4 fvrpd"tr- pd-rffiAstr$ EXAMPLE PF'ffiASSS

J'oi prk plein de photos. I took lots of pictures. ll protige so petite seur o l'6cole. He protects his little sister at school.
N'oublie pas de prendre ton passeport. Don't forget to take your passport. Protige ton livre de la pluie. Protect your book from the rain.
ll prendro le troin de 8h20. He'll take the 8.20 train. I e champ est prot6g6 du vent par la colline. The field is sheltered from the wind
-

Pour qui est-ce qu'il se prendT Who does he think he is? by the hill.

r) See poges 88-91 for information on how to form the reflexive verb se prendre.

ielj'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=the\ lo/i'=l1u=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/ollos=they
 Vene Theles Vene TneLes

h" trffitrm\'{d'}b$" (to receive)

PRHSfr[\iT prlHlili[\t"fi. 16il-th]JilIF\1il 1.[\itr

P${Si"$fifttT' FffiH$trfldT $UEJUNETIVE
je reqois le regoive je rentre je rentre
tu reEois tu reEoives IU rentreS tu rentreS
illelle/on reEoit illelle/on regoive il/elle/on rentre il/elle/on rentre
nous recevonS nous recevions nous rentrons nous rentrions
vous recevez vous receviez VOUS rentrez vouS rentriez
ils/elles reqoivent ils/elles regoivent ils/elles rentrent ils/elles rentrent

PtrFNFFfll' IMPHRSrfii{:T PERFM*T il['{'gfFHffi!i'f]]{; !

j' ai regu je recevais le suis rentr6(e) le rentrais

tu as regu tu recevais tu es rentr6(e) tu rentrais
illelle/on a reEu illelle/on recevait illelle/on est rentr6(e) illelle/on rentrait
nous avons retu nous recevions nouS sommes rentr6(e)s nous rentrions
vous avez regu vous receviez vous €tes rent16(e)(s) vouS rentriez
ils/elles ont reEU ils/elles recevaient ils/elles sont rentr6(e)s ils/elles rentraient

r.Lf fltiffifl #{.}6rumFTt0zuA[" FIJTT"IFiH {l,tJ!\!ffff fiQrulAL

je recevrai je recevrais je rentrerai le rentrerais

tu recevras tu recevrais tu rentreras tu rentrerais
illelle/on recevra illelle/on recevrait illelle/on rentrera illelle/on rentrerait
nous recevronS nous recevrions nouS rentreronS nous rentrerions
vous recevrez vous recevriez vouS rentrerez vous rentreriez
ils/elles recevront ils/elles recevraient ils/elles rentreront ils/elles rentreraient

I[\IEPHffiA;I"IVF: F..r"l$l F-J{ [;] s-[ ffi | FI-H !MPffiH"!i;!'iri'l:1 fr:/r,$'l' Ir,ilifiit $t li [i'il. S,

reEois / recevons / recevez re9u rentre / rentrons / rentrez rentr6

pffi *"s,fi t\tT' elAffi'T'tqh pL.ffi Pmm$fi fili't' iir',.Eliiq l' lli ..ili:r'l rl

recevant rentrant

r.-'1.;.,,"' '
C-k,S,l/lF1 # f) idfA$trq EXeM&tt-t .' :

Elle o regu une lettre de Chqrlotte. She received a letter from Charlotte.
le ne regois jamqis de courrier. I never get any mail.
Elle recevrq une r,lponse la semaine prochaine. She'll get an answer next week.
Ne rentre pos trop tard. Don't come home too late.
Ils sont rentr4s dons le mogosin. They went into the shop.
A quelte heure est-ce qu'elle est rentrdeT What time did she get in?
le rentre ddjeuner d midi. I go home for lunch.
tt a ddjd rmtr{ ta voiture dqns Ie garage. He's already brought the car into the garage'

@ ruote that rentrer takes avoir in the perfect tense when it is used with a direct
obiec! see page 1 14.

je/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they je/i.=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=w€ vous=you ils/elles=they
 VeRe Tneles Vene TneLrs

i. . .. ,,.q ,. (to answer)

ili-iri5i $ili1("i- iriiili-r;:i{'rfr'lrl li l;i.i li,j',i. f ,ti6"il:'ii'Ulir, l'ltFSfilnXT F ffi H$ m tq*'f S L! ffi "! q.r' hlCTl"vf E

je 16ponds je r6ponde je r6sous je

r6solve
tu 16ponds tu 16pondes tu r6sous tu
r6solves
illelle/on 16pond illelle/on 16ponde il/elle/on 16sout illelle/on r6solve
nous 16pondons nous r6pondions nous r6solvons nous r6solvions
vous 16pondez vous 16pondiez vous r6solvez vous r6solviez
ils/elles 16pondent ils/elles 16pondent ils/elles r6solvent ils/elles 16solvent

P*ifif:r,'iril;i' qlvnF!EffiF&i{':'n"
i,iii lrrt; iti !:';:.i,'ii PERFE$T

t ai r6pondu le 16pondais i' ai r6solu le r6solvais

tu as r6pondu tu 16pondais tu as r6solu tu r6solvais
illelle/on a repondu illelle/on 16pondait illelle/on a r6solu illelle/on r6solvait
nous avons r6pondu nous 16pondions nous avons r65olu nous r6solvions
VOUS avez rEpondu vous r6pondiez vous avez r6solu vous r6solviez
ils/elles ont r6pondu ils/elles 16pondaient ils/elles ont r6solu ils/elles r6solvaient

i=t,i"fiiljffiiI 1'.i,;i1, 1.|:i'I iil.fi i:\j:iirr._ FUT[.JRH *on$Dl'tri]0cil/4i-

je repondrai je 16pondrais je r6soudrai je r6soudrais
tu 16pondras tu r6pondrais tu r6soudras tu r6soudrais
illelle/on 16pondra illelle/on 16pondrait illelle/on r6soudra il/elle/on 16soudrait
nous 16pondrons nous 16pondrions nous r6soudrons nous r6soudrions
vous 16pondrez vous r6pondriez vous r6soudrez vous r6soudriez
ils/elles 16pondront ils/elles 16pondraient ils/elles r6soudront ils/elles 16soudraient
"il'
il flrll [riE i;.t,l il i ld [:: l,::.'j, :rrt I : r'ii ii r'tiilft il-rll,i:. tMPRFIA'ifiilil: ft4$ F,ri tt:i i-i{,;i ir}..1. i-:

r6ponds / r6pondons / r6pondez 16pondu r6sous / r6solvons / r6solvez 16solu

PIf trrii;i1t\ij"4' t:rtri.[i'i''i]i;:ii'rl. lt:r PRA$Eh\!"fi' !",4\lX p:-It-;1!-1& r:

16pondant r6solvant

.:.{}c.tf':ri, . i -,
.': .1.'"
ExAlblfsf g F'ffIqE "5d;*'l
Lisez le texte et rhpondez aux questions. Readthe text and answer the questions. J'ai r4solu le probldme. l've solved the problem.
C'est elle qui o rdpandu ou tdl4phone. She answered the phone. La violence ne rlsout rien. Violence doesn't solve anything.
Qo ne rhpond pos. There's no reply.

je/j'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we voug=you ils/elles=thev ielj,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we y6u5=lou ils/elles=they
Ill!l
ll

VeRe TeBLes
Vrne TneLes

Fi:" f.'tsifi*.}r' (to remain)

pRH$nruT SL$ *.tl.J tu{e'rtvE
*-liil[:ij rtij.$ ]' Fri hi$'{: f',i'l' $ [ J [.]..i iJ 4\! #"ffi \{f: PRESEftJT

reste je reste ie je retourne je retourne

restes tu restestu tu retournes tu retournes
il/elle/on reste il/elle/on reste il/elle/on retourne il/elle/on retourne
nous restons nous restions nous retournons nous retournions
vous restez vous restiez vous retournez vous retourniez
ils/elles restent ils/elles restent ils/elles retournent ils/elles retournent

p'Ii.lrF],'dT $tvH$i$ifnFFfi"fl' PERFEST IMPH}?FECT

ie suis rest6(e) le restais je suis retourn6(e) le retournais

tu es rest6(e) tu restais tu es retourn6(e) tu retournais
illelle/on estrest6(e) illelle/on restait il/ellelon est retourn6(e) illelle/on retournait
nous sommes rest6(e)s nous restions nous sommesretourn6(e)s nous retournions
vous €tes rest6(e)(s) vous restiez vous 6tesretourn6(e)(s) vous retourniez
ils/elles sontrest6(e)s ils/elles restaient ils/elles sont retourn6(e)s ils/elles retournaient

f;i"i"r"t'rjl $ri r: {;*&il'}i iil4Jmf,tl FUT'UffiE SffNfiff[{llSA\t-

ie resterai je resterais yeretournerai je retournerais

tu resteras tu resterais tu retourneras tu retournerais
illelle/on restera illelle/on resterait illelle/on retournera il/elle/on retournerait
nous resterons nous resterions nous retournerons nous retournerions
vous resterez vous resteriez vous retournerez vous retourneriez
ils/elles resteront ils/elles resteraient ils/elles retourneront ils/elles retourneraient

9.x,4$T' fr &. f+,'f f {:;0 P[. F:

Ihr$ iitilrjJiii"l 1l'li: ilr,,i;;;; irt' F:lirtr ffi tr 3{;qg.3i,-H IMPE;trAYTVF

reste/restons/restez rest6 retourne / retournons / retournez retourn6

F ii{,Fi i{i [: Td T' $Y\. [1Tl (,: l] f.i l1.. il; PRESI: nd T rjA!'B ! :("'[p[- fi

restant retournant

.i-. jrL,"L'l ft.,#;.:il,fi f !.f ii!r:,,A "$,fi{;i EXAMFIF P'dF?,45}::5

Est-ce que tu es retournle d Londres? .Havg. Yo..Y been back

to London?
Cet 6t6, je reste en Ecosse. l'm staying in Scotland this summer.
lls ne sont pas restes tes longtemps. They didn't stay very long. l,oimerqis bien retourner en ttqlie un iour, l'd like to go back to ltaly one day'
'Elle
ll leur restait encore un peu d'argent. They still had some money left. s retourn, lo corte pour vdifier. She turned the card over to check.
7ie, ,rtourrr-toil Turn around 2o6!
t tote that retourner takes avoir in the perfect tense when it is used
with
fl
- a direct obiec! see Page 1 14.

fi see pages 88-91 for informqtion an how to form the reflexive verb se retourner'
jeli'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they ie/j'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vene Tneles Vene Tnsles

h fffiwffiffi$e" (to come back)

pffi k"$Er\i"!" ii[-$ m.] L] !\q6'$'trj/Ei
flHEsr,&tT PRESTIUT SI"' B.JU ruETIVE PRE$Hhi"T

le revlens Je revlenne ie ris le rie

tu reviens tu reviennes tu ris tu ries
illelle/on revient illelle/on revienne il/elle/on rit illelle/on rie
nous revenonS nous revenions nous rions nous riions
vous revenez vous reveniez vous riez vous riiez
ils/elles reviennent ils/elles reviennent ils/elles rient ils/elles rient

IMPERF&CT PERFHCT IM*PHFTfJffiTT

PtrRFHS"fl"

je suis revenu(e) ,|e revenals j' ai ri je riais

tu es revenu(e) tu revenais tu as ri tu riais
iUelle/on estrevenu(e) illelle/on revenait illelle/on a ri il/elle/on riait
nous sommes revenu(e)s nous revenlons nous avons ri nous riions
vous 6tes revenu(e)(s) vous reveniez vous avez ri vous riiez
ils/elles sont revenu(e)s ils/elles revenaient ilslelles ont ri ils/elles riaient

[:[,.!TUffiF *s|\t$!Tfr$&lAl- FUTTJHE e;*ruffi!3 [ffi!\iAht

jereviendrai ,e revlenoralS je rirai je rirais

tureviendras tu reviendrais tu riras tu rirais
illelle/on reviendra illelle/on reviendrait illelle/on rira il/elle/on rirait
nous reviendrons nous reviendrions nous rirons nous ririons
vous reviendrez vous reviendriez vous rirez vous ririez
ils/elles reviendront ils/elles reviendraient ils/elles riront ils/elles riraient

$[\{Pfrffi,tli]"'$V# PAS'T PAffiTICIPLE IMPEFIJ&{"1{rrfl f;),&s'i" pAF{T'lr}F rit.)

ris/rions/riez ri
reviens / revenons / revenez revenu

PFi[i$f; [\JT Pg\ffiTEClp[-F PflE$ F.

pJ t' $3'i\ r'{T"l{i:n ri [. b:

revenant riant

F? li i|llPi"F. d?Ftffi/tSIS €xAft.,rp*ff fry?tr14s$li

Mon chat n'est toujours revenu. My cat still hasn't come back.
pqs On a bien ri. We had a good laugh.
Je reviens dans cinq minutes! l'll be back in five minutesl Ne ris pas, ce n'est pos dr1lel Don't laugh, it's not funny!
Q.o me revientl lt's coming back to me now! C'dtoil iuste pour rire' ltwas only for a laugh.

je/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they ie/i'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
Hllttl
rl
1l

Vene Tnelss Vens Tneles

b rffimptrffi (to break)

pRESrrdT 03ffi tr$ERtT ${J mJ U tr\!{:'fl [\if; PRE$FflJT' PME$E'VT SI-IBJUNETIVS

je romps je rompe je sais je sache

tu romps ru rompes tu sais tu Saches
illelle/on rompt iUelle/on rompe il/elle/on sait illelle/on sache
nous romponS nous rompions nous Savons nous sachions
vous rompez vous rompiez vous savez vous sachiez
ils/elles rompent ils/elles rompent ils/elles savent ils/elles sachent

PEHFHCT ll\frFHRF[:ST PERFFET IMPERFEET

j' ai rompu le rompais i' ai su je savais

tu as rompu tu rompais tu a5 su tu savais
illelle/on a rompu illelle/on rompait illelle/on a su illelle/on savait
nous avons rompu nous rompions nous avons su nous savions
vous avez rompu vous rompiez vous avez 5u vous saviez
ils/elles ont rompu ils/elles rompaient ils/elles ont su ils/elles savaient

FUTil'Rf; e#a$r"ixTE0rdA[- FUT["IRE c0ruptTt0lsp"t

je romprai je romprais je saurai je saurais
tu rompras tu romprais tu sauras tu saurais
illelle/on rompra illelle/on romprait illelle/on saura iUelle/on saurait
nous romprons nous romprions nous SauronS nous saurions
vous romprez vous rompriez vous saurez vous sauriez
ils/elles rompront ils/elles rompraient ils/elles sauront ils/elles sauraient

[fvfiFNRATIVH F.A$T F],,A &1"t'B CN

p LE IMPERAI'{V}: tlA$T pAffi"!]#lpLffi

romps/rompons/rompez rompu sache/sachons/sachez

Bt{fi sfr $s"fi' PAmrIcIPt".H PRE$HI$"]i- f!&:fiTlidIP[.. E

rompant sachant

gffAfr/rPs"fi'r"f{trsstrs E X.A lt/t P ! " { i3.1.t \ !} li i : li

Elle o rompu le silence. She broke the silence. Tu sois ce que tu vqs faire l'annie prochaineT Do you know what you're doing
Paul et lo ont rompu. Paul and Jo have split up. next year?
Ie ne sois pqs.
Je don'tt Know.
pas. I oon know.
EIIe ne'oE
sait pas noger. She can't swim.
Tu savqis que son-pdre 6tait pakistanals? Did you know her father was Pakistani?

jelj'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous:you ils/elles=they jelj,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vene Thslrs Vene TeeLes

F SffiK"ltilf (to smell; to feel)

ffruf;$Hl'd"$' $)aHs H nd"r' $["3 B"J u nifi T l\lH PRESEft!T PRESEhIT $ U BJUI\ICTIVE

je ie je serye
ie sens sente
ru
sers
tu
tu sens tu sentes Sers serves
illelle/on sent illelle/on sente illelle/on sert il/elle/on serye
nous Sentons nous sentions nous seryon5 nous servions
vous sentez vous sentiez vous servez vous serviez
ils/elles sentent ils/elles sentent ils/elles servent ils/elles servent

PHfTFEfr"i' I[UPHMFffi$T PERFHCT tfrdpHmFEcT

I ai senti je sentais i' ai servi le servats

tu as senti tu sentais tu as servi tu servais
illelle/on a senti illelle/on sentait illelle/on a servi illelle/on servait
nous avons senti nous sentions nous avOnS Servi nous servions
vouS avez senti vous sentiez vous avez servi vous servtez
ils/elles ont senti ils/elles sentaient ils/elles ont servi ils/elles servaient

FCJTLJMU fi#*$L!gTlffizu,qF". FUTUHE CONDITIONAL

je sentirai je sentirais je Servlral je servirais
tu sentiras tu sentirais tu serviras tu servirais
illelle/on sentira illelle/on sentirait illelle/on servira il/elle/on servirait
nous sentirons nous sentirions nous servirons nous servirions
vous sentirez vous sentiriez vous servirez vous servifiez
ils/elles sentiront ils/elles sentiraient ils/elles serviront ils/elles serviraient

IiV?PHffiATIWH $3.EIf i il',,l"l.$-i"l [${Pl*ffi IMPERAIF$*F PAST PARTIEIPLE

sens/sentons/sentez senti sers/servons/servez servi

F$?HSFIU"T PAftTICIPIF PR ES H[\lT P,r"{F{["!d;fi Pn""H

sentant servant

H.&A Ji/fr
pd"sj pFdp?,4 si:,$ EXAMFLE PT{FA$di,
On vous sert? Areyou being served?
Qa sentoit mouvqis. lt smelt bad.
le n'oi rien renti. ldidn'tfeel a thing. Cq sert d quoi ce bouton? Whal is this button for?
'servez-vois
EIle ne se sent pos bien. She's not feeling well. en vionde. Help yourself to meat.

S See pages 88-91 for informqtion on how to form the reflexive verb se sentir. Q See poges 88-91 for informotion on how to form the reflexive verb se servir'

jelj'=11,r=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we v6g5=lou ils/elles=they ie4'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vens TneLes Vens Tneles

F $s,?w'ffilff' (to go out)

ii),qj[r,1;1[.:]\{tr $]ffi s-.:q g {rd",t i$ iJ $*""t L} [\i {xrft \f h; PHE$f;f\{'f pil:tH.$ Htht 1- $ i_$ ffi ,.$ rJ rui,tTf vrj

le sors ie 50rte je suffis je suffise

tu sors tu sortes IU suffis tu suffises
illelle/on sort illelle/on sorte illelle/on suffit illelle/on suffise
nous softons nous sortions nouS suffisons nous suffisions
vous sortez vous sortiez vous suffisez vous suffisiez
ils/elles sortent ils/elles sortent ils/elles suff isent ils/elles suff isent

PHffi[::HOT IP-'NPtrfi{Ftr*"7
PiiritHffi*t 1fil/if)[:ii"tF'r:S"f

suis sorti(e) sortais I ai suffi je suffisais

Je
TU es sorti(e) tu
Je
sortais IU as suffi tu suffisais
illelle/on est sorti(e) illelle/on sortait illelle/on a suffi iUelle/on suffisait
nouS sommes sorti(e)s nous sortions nous avons suffi nous suff isions
vous €tes sorti(e)(s) vouS sortiez vouS avez suffi vous suffisiez
ils/elles sont sorti(e)s ils/elles sortaient ils/elles ont suffi ils/elles suffisaient

F!"1-&'l.,tFiE: {:tr h! il} r l{$ ffi $\cc.!. H" FUTUffif: il$l\[[)8T1ffi{{i,qp..

sortirai je sortirais je suffirai je suffirais

tu
ie
sortiras IU sortirais tu suffiras tu suffirais
illelle/on sortira illelle/on sortirait il/elle/on suffira illelle/on suffirait
nouS sortirons nous sortirions nous suffirons nous suff irions
vou5 sortirez vous sortiriez VOUS suffirez vous suffiriez
ils/elles sortiront ils/elles sortiraient ils/elles suffiront ils/elles suffiraient

plh$'fl $}$,&'ff[*{ r} ["[:

lP\i"{PfrffiA.f IilP: &:Ain"l ii'l,\ffi r l{:}[F"l-ff IMP$li?l.1iiVf,:

sors/sortons/sortez sorti suffis / suffisons / suffisez suffi

pFt[$tritl* PRfSFiIF\i"{- p/l[i lj sii.;llir'.. i::

r."effiTE#tFtL

sortant suffisant

fi ,,r'tr i.} fl f JE_ pi

,,
Fr'{,,r{,4 Sf; $ &'Xli *i#f"},{_ff tF,hri"d.$,1j.:j;

le ne suis pas sartie ce week-end. I didn't 90 out this weekend. Qo te suffiro, 10 eurosT Will'l 0 euros be enough?
Aur'llie sort avec Bruno. Aur6lie is going out with Bruno. Qa suffit! That's enough!
Elle est sortie de l'h6pitolhler: She came out of hospital yesterday. il suffisait de me le demqnder. You only had to ask.
Je n'oi pos sorti le chien parce qu'il pleuvoif. I didn't take the dog out
for a walk
because it was raining.

[} Note that sortir takes avoir in the perfect tense when it is used with a direct
'14.
objec! see page 1

ie/j'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/Glles=they je/i,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 VeRe Tneles
Vene TeeLEs ,':'

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE PRESENT PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

PRESENT
je je me taise
le suls le suive
tu
me tais
tu te taises
tu suis tu suives te tais
il/elle/on
illelle/on suit illelle/on suive il/elle/on se tait se taise
nous Sutvons nous survton5 nous nous taisons
.
nous nous taisions
vous suivez vouS sutvtez vous vous taisez vous vous taisiez
ils/elles suivent ils/elles suivent ils/elles se taisent ils/elles se taisent

IMPEHFECT PERFECT IMPERFECT

PERFECT

l al sulvl le suivais je me suis tu(e) je me taisais

tu as suivi tu suivais tu
t'es tu(e) tu te taisais
illelle/on a suivi illelle/on suivait il/elle/on s'est tu(e) illelle/on se taisait
nous avons suivi nouS SUrVtOnS nous nous sommes tu(e)s nous nous taisions
vous avez Sutvl vouS SUIVIEZ vous vous €tes tu(e)(s) vous vous taisiez
ils/elles ont suivi ils/elles suivaient ils/elles se sont tu(e)s ils/elles se taisaient

FUTURE CONDITIONAL FUTURE CONDITIONAL

ie me tairai ye me tairais
le Sulvral je sulvrars
tu te tairas tu te tairais
tu suivras tu suivrais
il/elle/on se tairait
il/elle/on suivra il/elle/on suivrait illelle/on se taira
nous suivrons nous sutvnonS nous nous tairons nous nous tairions
vous sutvrez vouS sutvnez vous vous tairez vous vous tairiez
ils/elles suivront ils/elles suivraient ils/elles se tairont ils/elles se tairaient

PAST PARTICIPLE IMPERATIVE PAST PARTICIPLE

IMPERATIVE
sutvl tais-toi / taisons-nous / taisez-vous tu
suis/suivons/suivez

PRESENT PARTICIPLE PRESENT PARTICIPLE

suivant ;";;;;.

EXAMPLE PHRASES EXAMPLE PHNASFS

Mon chot me suit partout dqns la maison. My cat follows me everywhere around Il s'est tu. He stopped talking.
the house. Taisez-vous! Be quiet!
Il a un cours d'qllemond pendant six mois. He did a Cerman course for 6 months.
suivi Sophie, tais-toil Be quiet SoPhie!
Elles n'anivent pas d suivre eh maths. They can't keep up in maths.

io{'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we v6us=you ils/elles=they ie/i,=|tu=youi|=he/ite||e=she/iton=we/onenous=wevous=youils/elles=they

 VeRe Teeles
VEne TheLes

w ftemfrn' (to hoto) > tCIrmflner (to fall)

prq H$ E rsT' $ [J pffi fi $E[\lT $ U H"]U NU0TI\f tr
Pi?t)$H!UT ffi .$ L] ndff Tfi \./Fl PRE$EfU"tr

le tiens ie tienne le tombe je tombe

IU tiens tu tiennes tu tombes tu tombes
illelle/on tient illelle/on tienne il/elle/on tombe illelle/on tombe
nous tenons nous teniOnS nous tombons nous tombions
vouS tenez vous teniez vous tombez vous tombiez
ils/elles tiennent ils/elles tombent ils/elles tombent
ils/elles tiennent

PHffiFE$T tftnpHRr"gcT' PERFEC'fi' I!V!FHRFEfiT

r ai tenu je tenais je suis tomb6(e) je tombais

tu as tenu tu tenais tu estomb6(e) tu tombais
illelle/on a tenu il/elle/on tenait illelle/on esttomb6(e) illelle/on tombait
nous avons tenu nous tenions nous sommes tomb6(e)s nous tombions
vouS avez tenu vous teniez vous 6tes tomb6(e)(s) vous tombiez
ils/elles ont tenu ils/elles tenaient ils/elles sont tomb6(e)s ils/elles tombaient

il:U'TUffiC GCIq\!mflTtolvA[- FUT[.'fi€ *${vmNTlf}NAi-

je tiendrai je tiendrais le tomberai je tomberais

tu tiendras tu tiendrais tu tomberas tu tomberais
illelle/on tiendrait il/elle/on tombera iUelle/on tomberait
il/elle/on tiendra
nous tiendrons nous tiendrions nous tomberons nous tomberions
vous tiendrez vous tiendriez vous tOmberez vous tomberiez
ils/elles tiendraient ils/elles tomberont ils/elles tomberaient
ils/elles tiendront

I|\IgPffiffiATfiVffi *$$.$"F] flIA $?TIfi r N3 kE IMPF{4AffNVfi PA$T pAR'I"[{:[$']fl- Hii

tenu tombe/tombons/tombez tomb6

tiens/tenons ltenez

pl\H$K[u"n" $fi ffiTl(:npLF PRESE[\!T $3ds{4'11#lpLffi

tenant tombant

SXS iX,?,Pf.. *i PSf ffi A,$trS EXAIV{pd.F p$"ff,-{,,q,str$

Tiens-moi la moin. Hold mv hand. Attention, tu vas tomber! Be careful, you'll fall!
EIle tenoit beaucoup d son"chot. She was really attached to her cat' Nicole est tomb4e de chevql. Nicole fell off her horse'
my pen. Elle s'est fsit mal en tombant dans l'escalier. she hurt herself falling down
the stairs
Tiens, prends mon stylo. Here, have
Tiens-toi droit!Sit up straight!

fi See pages 88-91 for informotion on how ta form the reflexive verb se tenir.

jelj'=ltu-you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nou$:we voua=you ils/elles=they jeli,=|tu=youil=he/itel|e=she/iton=we/onenou$=Wevous=youils/e||e$=they

..r l:"itri-
,+"";,:$ Vrne Teeles VeRe Tneles

> traire (to milk) >

PRESENT PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE PRESENT PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

je trais je traie je vaincs le vainque

tu trais tu traies vaincs tu vainques
illelle/on trait illelle/on traie illelle/on vainc iUelle/on vainque
nous trayons nous trayions nous vainquons nous vainquions
vous trayez vous trayiez vous vainquez vous vatnqutez
ils/elles traient ils/elles traient ils/elles vainquent ils/elles vainquent

PERFECT IMPERFECT PERFECT TMPERFECT

i' ai trait le trayais , ar valncu le varnquars

tu as trait tu trayais tu as vaincu tu vainquais
illelle/on a trait illelle/on trayait illelle/on illelle/on vainquait
i.:1Ti,^-,,
nous
vous
avons trait
avez trait
nous trayions
vous trayiez il:: :Yuilfl:;" ::::
vous :1:::::l'
valnqulez
ils/elles ont trait ils/elles trayaient ils/elles ont vaincu ils/elles vainquaient

FUTURE CONDITIONAL FUTURE CONDITIONAL

je
trairai je trairais je vaincrai le varncrars
tu
trairas tu trairais tu vaincras tu vaincrais
illelle/on traira iUelle/on trairait illelle/on vaincra illelle/on vaincrait
nous trairons nous trairions nous vaincrons nous vatncnonS
vous trairez vous trairiez vous vaincrez vous vaincriez
ils/elles trairont ils/elles trairaient ils/elles ils/elles vaincraient
""i^ir""t
IMPERATIVE PAST PARTICIPLE IMPERATIVE PAST PARTICIPLE

trais/trayons ltrayez trait vaincs / vainquons / vainquez vaincu

PRESENT PARTICIPLE PRESENT PARTICIPLE

trayant vainquant

EXAMPLE PHBASES EXAMPLE PI{BASES

A lo ferme, on o appris d troire les vaches. We learnt to milk cows on the farm. L'ormde o 6t6 vaincue. The army was defeated.
Elle trsit les voches d six heures du motin. She milk the cows at 6 am. Lo France s vaincu la Corde trois buts q deux. France beat Korea 3 goals to 2.

ieli'=l tu=you il=he/it ellb=she/it on=we/one nous=we vou$=you ils/elles=they ie/i,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we y6u3=|ou ils/elles=they
 Vene TneLrs
Vene Taelrs

p, waloif (to be worth) > vendF€ (to sell)

PRSSHN}T $ RJU N#TNVE PRESEfUT PRE$ENT SU B-IU I\'CTIVE
PRESf;hIT I",'

je vaux le vaille vends

Je ie vende
tu vaux tu vailles tu venos tu vendes
illelle/on vaille il/elle/on vend illelle/on vende
il/elle/on vaut
nous valions nous vendons nous vendions
nous valons vous vendiez
vous valez vous valiez vous venoez
ils/elles vaillent ils/elles vendent ils/elles vendent
ils/elles valent

IIMPERFEET PERFECT IMPERFECT

PERFECT
j' ai valu je valais I ai vendu je venoars
tu as valu tu valais tu as vendu tu vendais
illelle/on valait illelle/on a vendu illelle/on vendait
illelle/on a valu
nous vendions
nous avons valu nous valions nous avons vendu
vous valiez vouS avez vendu vous vendiez
vous avez valu
ils/elles vendaient
ils/elles ont valu ils/elles valaient ils/elles ont vendu

FUTURg" c0rumlTl0niA[- FUTURE cor!DtfloNl\L

jevaudrai je vaudrais je vendrai je vendrais
tuvaudras tu vaudrais tu vendras tu vendrais
illelle/on vaudrait illelle/on vendra il/elle/on vendrait
illelle/on vaudra nous vendrions
nous vaudrons nous vaudrions nous vendrons
vous vaudriez vous vendrez vous vendriez
vous vaudrez
ils/elles vaudraient ils/elles vendront ils/elles vendraient
ils/elles vaudront

PIA$T P'$,i{T!fifi?tE IMPERATIVE PAST PAHTICIPTE

IIV?PERATNVE
vends/vendons/vendez vendu
vaux/valons lvalez valu

PI4HSHNT FANTfiCIPtffi PRESET\IT' PAffiT f;!PI.H

valant vendant

EXAMPLE FHtrA$T'S EXAMPI-E FFffi'llsgs

Il m'u vendu son vdlo pour 50 euros. He sold me his bike for 50 euros'
Qo vout combien? How much is it worth?
(.o voudroit Io peine d'essoyer. lt would be worth a try. Est-ce que vous vendez des piles? Do you sell batteries?
EIle voidrait vendre ss voiture. She would like to sell her car.
Il vout mieux ne pas y pensei: lt's best not to think about it.

ieli'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we v6u5=lou ils/elle$=they ie/j,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vene Tneues
Vens Tasles

@ gfefiXfrffi" (to come) > w&$;na" (to dress)

Pfd ffi,S E r'j'f $ tiJ zu*T[Vr, PRH$$IFiT P$?ffi $tr$$.d' ${."lSJ{.Jfi,{#T{l/fi

PHF$nihqT Uc [."r

je vienne je v€ts je v€te

viens le
tu viens tu viennes tu v6ts tu vetes
illelle/on vient illelle/on vienne illelle/on vOt illelle/on v€te
nous venonS nous venions nous v€tons nous v6tions
vous venez vous veniez vous v€tez vous v6tiez
viennent ils/elles v6tent ils/elles v€tent
ils/elles viennent ils/elles

$MiPffiffiFtrCT PEffiFfr#'T F[WPH}TFK*T

$jlHffirrtrflT

suis venu(e) je venats j'

ai v6tu je v6tais
,e
TU es venu(e) tu venais tu
as v€tu tu v€tais
illelle/on venait il/elle/on a v€tu illelle/on v€tait
illelle/on est venu(e)
venions nous avons v€tu nous v6tions
nous sommes venu(e)s nouS
vous veniez vous avez vOtu vous v€tiez
vous 6tes venu(e)(s)
ils/elles venaient ils/elles ont vOtu ils/elles v€taient
ils/elles sont venu(e)s

g1(_i?'L!ffiH fl:$i\trm['ffi0rsA{" FUT["0m8

(": {:., f d f } }T q
{:} h} A t
je
viendrai je viendrais je
v€tirai je v€tirais
tu
viendras IU viendrais tu
v€tiras tu v€tirais
illelle/on viendra il/elle/on viendrait illelle/on v€tira illelle/on v6tirait
nous viendrons nous viendrions nous v6tirons nous v6tirions
vous viendrez VOUS viendriez vous v€tirez vous v6tiriez
viendraient ils/elles v€tiront ils/elles v€tiraient
ils/elles viendront ils/elles

F"dh$}' F,ft fi:iT tr$lP[.H

ilf,"'[FF:&:fr"&T$Vlr ,Pl-l$l; i' l:;jl,iR'1"[r*llB]["ffi ilvtF!8trV"\.{ti/F;

venu v6ts/v€tons/v€tez v6tu

viens/venons /venez

$Hfsl'f FhqFi-['F*l PC-H

pftfj*ig:i\j'l r{"r{.\$f ifi[[pt F:
F!il{fr

venant v€tant

ff-;9*4,,14Ph f,: i#j"d&4$Sr$ EK,4/WpA€ Fddffi/q$s.f;

EIle ne viendro pas cette ann,Ae. She won't be coming this year. It 6tait v\tu d,un pantalon et d'un pull. He was wearing trousers. and a iumper'
Fatou et Malik viennent du S6ndgol. Fatou and Malik come from Senegal. litt fout se lever, se'lover et se votir e'n 1 0 minutes. You have to get up, get washed
Je viens de manger. l've just eaten.
and get dressed in 10 minutes.

() see pages 88-91 for informqtion on how to form the reflexive verb se vQtir.

ie/i'-ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they ie/i,=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vpne Tneles Vens TagLrs

F vivre (to live) ts v'ffifir (to see)

pnFsEtuT PFIESEh{T' S{"I EJU Nfr TIVH PF?H$HTST" PIft HSHIUT $U EJ IJ IUETIVE

je vis ,e vlve je vois le voie

tu vis tu vives tu vois tu voies
illelle/on vit illelle/on vive illelle/on voit il/elle/on voie
nous vivons nous vivions nous voyons nous voyions
vous vivez vous vtvtez vous voyez vous voyiez
ils/elles vivent ils/elles vivent ils/elles voient ils/elles voient

tMPEnFd:Cl' PtrFgFffiCT' TfuXPERFSCT

PERFECT

, ar vecu je vivais i'

ai vu le voyais
tu as v6cu tu vivais ru
as vu tu voyais
illelle/on a v6cu illelle/on vivait il/elle/on a vu illelle/on voyait
nous avons v6cu nous vivions nous avons vu nous voytons
vous avez v6cu vous viviez vous avez vu vous voyiez
ils/elles ont v6cu ils/elles vivaient ils/elles ont vu ils/elles voyaient

FUTLIRE c0Fdmtfl0NAL FL'Tti*nfr fiffNm[Tlsl\!Al-

le vlvral le vivrais je verrai je verrais

tu vivras tu vivrais tu verras tu verrais
illelle/on vivra illelle/on vivrait illelle/on verra illelle/on verrait
nous vivrons nous vivrions nous verrons nous verrions
vous vivrez vous vivriez vous verrez vous verriez
ils/elles vivront ils/elles vivraient ils/elles verront ils/elles verraient

IMFERAT[VH Pld$,"i &:'A*{Tlel PN-E llVfi Pffi F&l''\:I" j\itF.: PA$T PAffiTIEtPLg

vis/vivons lvivez v6cu vois/voyons /voYez

PRESETST PART'CIPI-H PF{ENiL:}ii"t n'll fi'i 1(;lF !.H

vivant voyant

EXAMFLE f'F'fr.ASFS F.{:i^wF{ {. u. .r::...rr i,

Ma seur vit en Espagne. My sister lives in Spain.
ll o vdcu dix ans d Lyon, He lived in Lyons for 10 years.
Les gorilles vivent surtout dqns Ia fordf. Corillas mostly live in the forest.
venez me voir quand vous serez d Paris. Come and see me when you're in Paris.
le ne vois rien sans mes lunettes. I can't see anything without !Y
glasses.
'Est-ce
que tu l'os vu? Did you see him? or Have you seen him?
Est-ce que cette tache se voitT Does that stain show?

r) see pages 88-91 for informotion on how to form the reflexive verb se voir.

ieli'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nous=we vous=you ils/elles=they ielj,-ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one 6qu5=w€ vous=you ils/elles=they
 Vens TneLrs Vrne lNoex

b. qdf'}*.fifi#xq" (to want) ff-Bmqnr tm rusm t$te Werh frffi{$sw

i:'Fl F:jSi E|'* T' ,:,ffi F$fr ru"f $iF,J nJ[j t\jfi i"]idn The verbs in bold are the model verbs which you will find in the verb tables.
je All the other verbs follow one of these patterns, so the number next to each verb
Je veux veuille
tu indicates which pattern fits this particular verb. For example, .aider (to help)
tu veux veuilles
follows the same pattern as donner (number 29 in the verb tables)'
illelle/on veut illelle/on veuille
nous voulons nous voulions
vous vouliez All the verbs are in alphabetical order. For reflexive verbs like s'asseoir (to sit
vous voulez
ils/elles veuillent down) or se taire (to siop talking),look under asseoir or taire, not under s' or se.
ils/elles veulent
Superior numbers (1, 2 etc) refer you to notes on.page 107. These notes explain
ft:nr$q{:;Efr"r lR'XPffiFlFI:ICT
any differences between the verbs and their model.
I ai voulu je voulais
tu a5 voulu tu voulais With the exception of reflexive verbs which always take 6tre, all verbs have the
illelle/on a voulu illelle/on voulait same auxiliary (6tre or avoir) as their model verb. There are a few exceptions
1 2.
nouS avons voulu nous voulions which are inilicated by a superior number or
vous avez voulu vous vouliez
ils/elles ont voulu ils/elles voulaient An asterisk (*) means that the verb takes avoir when it is used with a direct
object, and 6tre when it isn't.
'Fcr f i.lffif,! {: r,.,} ni ["] il T i # fld s" [-
r) For more information on verbs that take either avoir or €tre, see page 114.
je voudrai je voudrais
tu voudraS tu voudrais
illelle/on voudra illelle/on voudrait abaisser 36 accomplir 39 adorer 29 aiguiser 29
nous voudrions abandonner 29 accorder 29 aoosser 29 aimanter 29
nous voudrons aimer 29
vous voudriez abattre 10 accoter 29 adoucir 39
vous voudrez
ils/elles voudraient ab0tir 20 accoucher 29 adresser 29 aiouter 29
ils/elles voudront 29 accouder (s') 29 adveni13 90 ajuster 29
abimer
pF- H abolir ?q accourtr- | / aerer 35 alarmer 29
$MF fiF{$:8 [\{il !ltl:$ ll' ft:l il"l"fl fi $

abonder 29 accoutumer 29 affaiblir 39 alerter 29

voulu abonner 29 accrocher 29 affairer (s') 29 alimenter 29

veuille / veuillons / veuillez )9 accroitre6 22 affaisser (s') 29 all6cher 35
aborder
aboutir 39 accroupir (s') 39 affamer 29 all6ger 67
$r,' n Fi fi &: tlil i' F),pl, "ffi T[ * fi $] [- ]"n
aooyer 54 accueillir 23 affermir 39 all6guer 35
ab16ger 67 accumuler 29 afficher 29 aller 4
voulant abreuver 29 accuser 29 affirmer 29 allier 20
abriter 29 acharner (s') 29 affliger 46 aflumer 29
abrutir 39 acheminer 29 affoler 29 alt6rer 35
a: x,jn fu,{ia{ ft ,f,i{ ff ll,$ &;$ absenter (s') 29 acheter 2 affranchir 39 alterner 29
29 achever 44 aff16ter 35 af unir 39
absorber
Elle veut un v6lo pour Nodl.She wants a bike for Christmas. acqu6rir 3 affronter 29 amaigrir 39
absoudrea 71
lls voulaient aller qu cindma. They wanted to go to the cinema. abstenir (s') 84 actionner )q agacer 13 ambitionner 29
Tu voudrqis une tasse de th6? Would you like a cup of tea? abstraire 86 activer 29 agenouiller (s') 29 am6liorer 29
abuser 29 adapter 29 agir 39 am6nager 46
accabler 29 additionner 29 agiter 29 amener 44
accaparer 29 adh6rer ?< agrandir 39 ameuter 29
acc6der 35 adjoindre 4) ag16er 19 amincir 39
acc6l6rer ?q admettre 48 ahurir 39 amoindrir 39
accepter 29 admirer 29 aider 29 amollir 39

ie/j'=ltu=you il=he/it elle=she/it on=we/one nou$=we v6u5=lou ils/elles=they accompagner 29 adopter 29 aigrir 39 amonceler 5
 V,ena
Vrne lnloex luoex
(,1\ef 29 coincer 13 conseiller 29 . cr6pir 39
amorcer 13 i assembler 29 balader (se) 29 bouffir 39
29 I coincider 29 I consentir 78 r creuser 29
20 balafrer 29 bouger 46 ',i\5ef
amplifier assener 44
t1 (.ltalOgUer 29 collaborer 29 I consid6rer 35 I crever 44
amputer 29 i asseoir (s') 7 balancer 13 bouillir
( .ttapulter 29 collectionner 29 I consister 29 i cribler 29
amuSer 29
^^i asservlr 39 balayer 60 bouleverser 2\)
( aUSef 29 coller 29 consoler 29 ', crier 20
29 I 67 balbutier 2A boulonner 29
analyser assi6ger
29 ( coer 35 ; coloniser 29 ' consolider 29 critiquer 29
39 ; 29 baliser 29 bourdonner i
an6antlr assigner
)q 29 c eindre 6l colorer 29 consommer 29 crocheter 2
29 i bannir 39 bourrer
angorsser assimiler
r 6l6brer 35 , colorier 20 ' conspirer 29 : croire 21
29 29 bou rsoufler 29
animer assrster 29 baptiser
t eler 2 combattre 1 0 constater 29 ' croiser 29
29 bousculer 29
annexer 29 I associer 20 baratiner
29 censurer t9 comDter 29 I consterner 29 croitre 22
1 3I assombrir barbouiller 29 bousiller
annoncer 39
ce rcler 29 I commander 29 constituer 29', crouler 29
annoter 29 : assommer 29 barioler fo boutonner 29
29 24 I croupir 39
certifier 20 r commemorer construtre
annuler 29 i assortir 39 barrer 1q braconner 29
29 I commencer 'l3 29 I crucifier 20
cesser ; consulter
29 I cueillir
Jv , assouplr ?q barricader 29 brailler 29
anoblir
86 chag riner 29 r commettre 48 , contacter 23
anticiper 29 i assouplir 39 basculer 29 braireT
29 communier 20 contaminer 29 , cuire 24
29 chahuter
aparser 29 assourdir 39 baser 29 brancher
chamailler 29 : communiquer 29 contempler 29 I culbuter 29
68 I assujettir batailler 29 brandir 39
,
apercevoir 39
chanceler 5 . comparaitre 57 contenir 84 : cultiver 29
apitoyer 54 i assumer )9 batifoler 29 branler 29
, 29 I cumuler 29
29 bdtir 39 braquer 29 cnanger 46 comparer 29 contenter
aplatir 39 , assurer 29 compenser 29 i conter 29' curer 29
10 29 chanter
apparaitre' 5Z i astiquer 29 battre Draver
29 complaire 63 , contester 29 t, daigner 29
chantonner
appareiller 29 j astreindre 61 bavarder 29 bredouiller 29
46 compl6ter 35 r continuer 29 r damner 29
5 cnarger
apparenrer 29 i atermoyer 54 baver 29 breveter
29 complimenter 29 contraindre 18 danser 29
bricoler charmer
apparier 20 i attabler (s') 29 b6cher 29
20 compliquer 29 I contraner 20 r dater 29
29 charrier
appartentr 84 I attacher 29 becqueter 42 brider
29 comporter 29 ' contraster 29 , d6barquer 29
chasser
appauvrlr 39 i attaquer 29 b6gayer 60 briguer 29
20 composer 29 , contredire 28 , d6barrasser 29
1 atteindre ?o briller 29 chOtier
appeler 5 61 b6ler
29 comPoster 29 I contrefaire 37 i d6battre 10
20 brimer 29 chatouiller
39 i atteler 5 b6n6ficier 90 d6baucher 29
applaudir
29 chauffer 29 comprendre 66 I contrevenirl
29 ; 8 b6nir 39 briser
appliquer attendre
chausser 29 compromettre 48 I contribuer 29 ; d6biliter 29
29 i broder 29
29 i contr6ler
bercer 13
apponer attendrir 39
29 chercher 29 compter 29i d6biter 29
appr6cier 20 I atterrir 39 berner 29 broncher
39 conceder 35 . convaincre 87 d6blat6rer 35
29 1q ch6rir
apprenore 66 : attirer 29 beugler brosser
29 , concentrer 29 i convenirl 90 : d6bloquer 29
)a brouiller 29 chiffrer
appreter 29 I attraper 29 beurrer
39 concerner 29 I convertir 19 d6boiter 29
)o 54 choisir
apprivoiser 29 , attribuer 29 biaiser Droyer
29 concevoir 68 , convier 20 d6border 29
29 ch6mer
approcher 29 augmenter 29 bichonner 29 br0ler
choquer 29 . concilier 20 r Convoquer 29 : d6boucher 29
39 29 biffer 29 bru nir 39
approfondir i autoriser cnoyer 54 conclure 14 coop6rer 35 d6bourser 29
approprier 20 I avachir (s') 39 blaguer 29 buter 29
17 ; copier 20 d6boutonner 29
l9 chuchoter 29 concourir
approuver 29 avaler 29 bldmer 29 cabrer (se)
circoncire8 8l concurrencer 1 3 i correspondre 70 : d6brailler (se) 29
54 i avancer blanchir 39 cacner 29
appuyer 13
29 circonscri re 31 condamner 29 ', corriger 46 d6brancher 29
29), avanlager 46 blaser 29 cadrer
arc-bouter
29 circonvenirl 90 condenser 29 corrompre 76 d6brayer 60
29 i aventurer 29 bl€mir 39 cajoler
argenter
29 circuler 29 r condescendrel 25 corroyer 54 d6brouiller 29
arguer 29 i avertir 39 blesser 29 calculer
29 conduire 24 cOtoyer 54 d6buter 29
29 cirer
armer 29 i aveugler 29 bloquer 29 caler
2 conf6rer 35 coucher 29 d6caler 29
ciseler
arpenter 29 r avilir 20 blottir (se) 39 cdliner 29
29 confier 20 I coudre 16' d6canter 29
citer
arracner 29 j aviser 29 boire 11 calmer 29
20 confire9 81 , couler 29 d6caper 29
lo 20 clarifier
arranger 46 aviver 29 boiter calomnier
clasSer 29 confirmer 29 couper 29 ; d6capoter 29
29' avoir 9 bombarder 29 carquer 29
arrCter
29 classifier 20 , confisquer 29 courber 29 d6c6der' 35
arriver 6 , avouer 29 bondir 39 camper
cligner 29 , confondre 70 , courir 17 , d6celer 2
29
arrondir 39 , bdcler 29 bonifier 20 capituler
clignoter 29 r conforter 29 co0ter 29 , d'6.cCl6.rer 35
29 i bafouer ?o border 29 capter 29
arroser
)q 29 clouer 29 cong6dier 20 . couvrir 56 d6centraliser 29
asphyxrer 20 i bagarrer (se) borner 29 captiver
29 r congeler 2 cracher 29 I d6cerner 29
29 capturer 29 coder
29 1 baignel 29 boucher 18 d6cevoir
aspirer
)9 29 codifier 20 connaitre 15 craindre 68
assag rr 39 | bAiller boucler 29 caract6riser
cogner z9 conquerir 3 I craquer 29 r d6chainer 29
39 I baiser bouder 29 careS5er 29
assainir 29
29 coiffer 29 consacrer 29 cr6er 19 d6charger 46
assassiner 29 r baisser 29 bouffer 29 cancaturer
 Vrne lNoex
VEne lNoex
disposer 29 effaroucher 29 (s')
endormir 30 envoler (s') 29
2 d6peindre 61 i d6sorienter 29
envoyer
d6chiffrer d6geler
89 I 39 disputer 29 effectuer 29 enduire 24 34
d6chiqueter 42 d6g6n6rer 35 d6pendre dessaisir
dissocier 20 effeuiller 29 endurcir 39 6pandre 89
d6chirer 29 d6gonfler 29 d6penser 29 | dess6cher
29 6panouir 39
dissoudrel2 71 effondrer 29 6nerver
d6cider 29 d69ourdir 39 d6p6rir 39 | desserrer 29
29 6pargner 29
distendre 89 efforcer (s') 13 enfanter
d6cimer 29 d6go0ter 29 d6pister 29 | dessiner 29
6parpiller 29
distinguer )9 effrayer 60 enfermer 29
1 3 I destiner 29
d6clamer 29 d6grader 29 d6placer
63 I destituer 29 distordre 50 6galer ?9 enfiler 29 6pater 29
d6clarer 29 d6gringoler 29 d6plaire
20 i d6sunir 39 distraire 86 6garer 29 enflammer 29 6peler 5
d6classer 29 d6griser 29 d6plier
54 i d6tacher 29 distribuer 29 egayer 50 enfler 29 6plucher 29
d6clencher 29 d6guerpir 39 d6ployer
39 ! d6taillet 29 diversifier 20 6qorqer 46 enfoncer 6ponger 46
d6cliner 29 d6guiser 29 d6polir 6pouser 29
diviser 29 6laborer 29 enfouir 39
d6coder 29 d69uster 29 d6poser 29 | d6tecter 29
dpouvanter 29
divorcer 13 6lancer (s') 13 enfreindre 61
d6col6rer 35 d,6jeter 42 d6pouiller 29 | d6teindre 6^l
40 6preindre 61
donner 29 6largir 39
d6coller 29 d6jeuner 29 d6ooussi6rer 35 | d6teler 5
20 engager 46 6prendre (s') 66
dormir 30 6lectrifier
d6commander 29 d6jouer 29 d6pr6cier 20 i d6tendre 89
44 engloutir 39 6prouver 29
doubler 29 6lever
d6concerter 29 d6laisser 29 d6prendre 66 i d6tenir 84
6liminer 29 engourdir 39 6puiser 29
douter 29
d6conseiller 29 d6layer 60 d6primer 29 i d6t6riorer 29
29 6lire 45 engraisser 29 6quilibrer 29
29 I d6terminer 29 dresser
d6contracter 29 d6l69uer 35 d6raciner
durcir 39 6loigner 29 engueuler 29 6quiper 29
dEcorer 29 d6lib6rer 35 d6ranger 45 I d6tester 29
6quivaloir
29 i 50 durer 29 6luder 29 enivrer 29 88
esclaffer (s')
d6coudre 16 d6lier 20 d6raper d6tordre 29
6bahir (s') 39 6manciper 29 enjoliver
d6couler 29 d6lirer 29 d6169ler 35 | d6tourner 29
13 escorter 29
6battre (s') 10 6maner 29 enlacer
d6couper 29 d6livrer 29 d6roger 46 i d6traquer 29
esp6rer
29 ! d6tromper 29 6baucher 29 embarrasser 29 enlever 44 35
d6courager 46 d6loger 46 d6rouler
6blouir 39 embaucher 29 enneiger 46 esquisser 29
d6couvrir 56 demander 29 d6router 29 i d6truire 24
embellir 39 ennuyer 54 esquiver 29
€branler 29
d6cr6ter 35 d6manteler z d6saccoutumer 29 | d6valer 29
13 essayer 60
6carteler I emboiter 29 6noncer
d6crier 20 d6marquer 29 d6sagr6ger 67 | devancer 13
essorer 29
6carter 29 embourgeoiser (s') 29 enqu6rir (s')
d6crire 31 d6marrer 29 d6salt6rer 35 | d6velopper 29
29 essouffler 29
6changer 46 emDrasser 29 enqueter
d6crocher 29 d6m6ler 29 d6samorcer 3 I devenir
1 26
29 essuyer 54
6chapper 29 6merger 46 enraciner
d6croitrelo 22 d6m6nager 46 d6sapprendre 66 | d6verser 29
48 enfa9er 46 estimer 29
6chauder 29 6mettre
d6daigner 29 d6mener (se) 44 d6sapprouver 29 d6vdtir 91
29 enregistrer 29 estroprer zv
29 6migrer
d6dicacer 13 d6mentir 78 d6sassortir 39 i d6vier 20 6chauffer
6tablir
d6savantaqer 46 I deviner 29 6chelonner 29 emm6nager 46 enrichir 39 39
dr6dier d6mettre 48
29 emmener 44 enrouler 29 6taler 29
demeurerl l 29 i 29 6chouer
d6dire 28 29 d6savouer d6visser
6clabousser 29 6mouvoir 32 enseigner 29 6tayer 60
d6dommager 46 d6missionner 29 descendre* 25 | d6voiler 29
ensevelir 6teindre
29 i devoir 27 6claircir 39 emparer (s') 29 39 61
ensuivre (s')3 6tendre
d6douaner 29 d6molir 39 d6semparer 82 89
6clairer 29 empOcher 29
d6monter 29 d6sennuyer 54 i d6vorer 29
6ternuer
d6doubler 29
d6sensibiliser 29 I d6vouer 29 6clater 29 empi6ter 35 entamer 29 29
d6duire 24 d€montrer 29
29 | dicter 29 6clipser 29 emprrer 29 entasser 29 6tiqueter 42
d6faire 5/ d6multiplier 20 d6sentraver
6ceurer 29 emplir 39 entendre 89 6tirer 29
d6falquer 29 d6munir 39 d6s6ouilibrer 29 | diffdrer 35
54 enterrer 29 6toffer 29
6conduire 24 emproyer
d6favoriser 29 d€naturer 29 d6serter 29 I diffuser 29
6tonner
6conomiser 29 empoisonner 29 enthousiasmer 29 29
89 d6nier 20 d€sesp6rer 35 1 dig6rer 35
6touffer
d6fendre
29 i diluer 29 6corcher 29 emporter 29 entourer 29 29
d6f6rer 35 d6nigrer 29 d6shabiller
29 | diminuer 29 6couler 29 emprisonner 29 entrainer 29 6tourdir 39
d6ficeler d6niveler 5 d6shabituer
i
29 diner 29 6couter 29 j emprunter 29 entraver 29 6trangler 29
d6fier 20 d6nombrer 29 d6sh6riter
i
29 dire 2a 6craser 29 i encadrer )q entrelacer 13 €tre 36
d6figurer 29 d6noncer 13 d6signer
29 46 6cr6mer ?< encaisser 29 entremettre (s') 48 6treindre 61
d6filer 29 d6nouer 29 d6sinfecter | diriger 6crier (s') 20 enchainer 29 entreprendre 66 6tudier 20
29 d6sint6grer 35 | disconvenir 90
6vader (s')
d6finir 39 d6panner
d6sint6resser 29 i discourir 17 t6crire 3l enchanter 29 entrer* 33 29
d6foncer d6paqueter 42
6crouler (s') 29 encombrer 29 entretenir 84 6valuer 29
d6former 29 d6partager 46 d6sintoxiquer 29 i discriminer 29
46 entrevoir 93 6vanouir (s') 39
6difier 20 encourager
d6partir (se) 58 d€sirer 29 | discuter 29
6vaporer
d6fraichir 39
29 j disioindre 43 6diter 29 encourir 17 6num6rer 35 29
d6gager 46 d6passer 59 d6sister (se)
39 | disparaitre 57 6duquer endetter 29 envahir 39 6veiller 29
d69ainer 29 d6payser 29 d6sob6ir
29 | dispenser 29 effacer 1?, endoctriner 29 envelopper 29 6venter 29
d6gauchir 39 d6pecer 44 d6soler
effarer 29 endommager 46 envisager 46 6vertuer (s') 29
d6gazonner 29 d6p0cher 29 d6sorganiser 29 i disPerser 29
 Vene lNpex
VeRe lNosx

6viter 29 feindre 61 fr6mir 39 grimper 29 immoler 29 intituler 29 lubrifier 20 meuftnr 39

6voluer 29 feinter 29 fr6quenter 29 grincer 't

3 impatienter 29 intriguer 29 lutter 29 miauler 29

6voquer 29 f6ler 29 frirerr 81 griser 29 impliquer 29 introduire 24 macher 1A mijoter 29

exag6rer 35 f6liciter 29 friser 29 gro9ner 29 implorer 29 inventer 29 machiner 29 mimer 29

exalter 29 fendre eo frissonner 29 9rommeler importer 29 invertir 39 magnifier 20 miner 29

gronoer 29 impressionner 29 investir 39 maigrir 39 minimiser 29
examiner 29 ferler 29 froisser 29
?o )o maintenir 84 mobiliser 29
grossir 39 imprimer inviter
exasp6rer 35 fermenter 29 f16ler 29
29 maitriser 29 modeler 1
grouiller 29 improviser 29 invoquer
exc6der 35 fermer 29 froncer 13
29 majorer 29 mod6rer
grouper 29 inaugurer 29 irriter
excepter 29 f6ter 29 frotter 29
29 malfaire 37 moderniser 29
gu6rir J> inciter 29 isoler
exciter 29 feuilleter 42 frustrer 29
jaillir 39 malmener 44 modifier 20
incliner 29
exclamer (s') 29 fiancer 13 fuir 40 guerroyer 54
?a 39
exclure 14 ficeler \ fumer 29 guetter 29 inclurel6 't4
laser maltraiter 29 moisir
29 guider 29 incommoder 29 jaunir ?q manger M moissonner 29
excommunier 20 ficher 29 fusiller
20 mollir 39
guinder 29 Incorporer 29 leter 42 manier
excuser 29 fier 20 gAcher 29
je0ner 29 manifester 29 monnayer 60
29 incriminer 29
ex6crer 35 figer 46 gagner 29 habiller
43 manigancer 13 monopoliser 29
habiter 29 inculper 29 ioindre
ex6cuter 29 filer 29 galoper 29
29 manipuler 29 monter* 49
habituer 29 indiquer 29
exempter 29 fileter 9aranur 39 louer
jouir 39 man€uvrer 29 montrer 29
29 induire 24
exhiber 29 financer 13 garoer 29 hacher
juger 46 manquer 29 moquer (se) 29
hair infecter 29
exhorter 29 finir 39 garer 29 4"1
jumeler manufacturer 29 mordre 50
2 infeaster 29 5
exiger 46 fixer 29 garnir 39 haleter
29 manutentionner 29 morfondre (se) 70
29 infirmer 29
exiler 29 flairer 29 gaspiller 29 handicaper JUrer
20 marcher 29 mortifier 20
giter 29 infliger 46
exister 29 flamber 29 29 hanter iustifier
29 maner 20 motiver 29
influencer 13 labourer
exon6rer 35 fldner 29 gauchir 39 harceler
29 moucher fo
exp6dier 20 flanquer 29 gaufrer )a harmoniser 29 informer 29 tacer 13 marquer
hasarder 29 ing6nier (s') 20 l6cher 29 marteler moudre 51
exp6rimenter 29 flatter 29 gausser (se) 29
)q 29 masquer 29 mouiller 29
bl hiter inhaler 29 laisser
expirer 29 fl6chir 39 geindre
29 29 mourir 52
29 initier 20 lamenter (se) massacrer
expliquer 29 fl6trir 1q geler 44 nausSer T
exploiter 29 fleurirla 39 g6mir 39 h6berger +o iniurier 20 tancer 13 masser 29 mouvoirl

exploser 29 flotter 29 g€ner 29 h6b6ter ?( innover 29 languir 39 mat6rialiser 29 muer 29

exporter 29 foisonner )9 g6n6raliser to hennir 39 inoculer 29 larmoyer 54 maudire 47 multiplier 20

exposer 29 fomenter 29 g6rer h6risser 29 inonder 29 taver 29 maugr6er 19 munir 39

exprimer 29 foncer
't3 giboyer 54 h6riter 29 inqui6ter 35 l6cher 35 m6caniser 29 m0rir 39

expulser 29 fonctionner 29 gifler )a h6siter 29 inscrire 3I l6gatiser 29 m6connaitre 15 murmurer 29

exterminer 29 fonder 29 givrer 29 heurter 29 insensibiliser 29 l6gif6rer 35 m6contenter 29 museler 5

extraire 86 fondre 70 gracer 13 hocher 29 ins6rer 35 l6siner 29 m6dire 28 muter 29

exulter 29 forcer 13 glisser 29 nonorer lv insinuer 29 lever M m6diter 29 mutiler 29

fabriquer 29 forger 46 glorifier 20 horrifier 20 insister 29 lib6rer 35 m,6faire 37 mystifier 20

29 inspecter 29 licencier 20 m6fier (se) 20 nager 46
fdcher 29 formaliser (se) 29 gommer 29 nuer
)o 20 m6langer 40 naitre 53
29 Insprrer lier
faciliter 29 former 29 gonfler 29 humaniser
29 m€ler 29 nantir 39
humidifier 20 installer 29 ligoter
fagonner 29 formuler 29 go0ter 29
29 menacer 13 narrer 29
humilier 20 instituer 29 limer
facturer 29 fortifier 20 gouverner 29
29 m6nager 46 navrguer 29
hurler 29 instruire t1 limiter
faillirr3 poge 107 foudroyer 54 gracrer 20
faire 37 fouetter 29 grandir 39 hypnotiser 29 insulter 29 liqu6fier 20 mendier 20 navrer 29

falloir 38 fouiller 29 gratifier 20 id6aliser 29 insurger (s') 46 liquider 29 mener 44 n6cessiter 29

falsifier 20 fourmiller 29 gratter 29 identifier 20 int6grer 35 lire 45 mentionner 29 n6gliger 46

familiariser 29 fournir 39 9raver 29 ignorer 29 intensifier 20 livrer 29 mentir 78 n69ocier 20

29 interc6der 35 loger 46 m6prendre (se) 66 neiger 46
farcir 39 fourrer 29 gravir 39 illuminer
29 m6priser 29 nettoyer 54
29 interdire 28 lorgner
fasciner 29 fourvoyer 54 greffer 29 illustrer
39 m6riter 29 nier 20
29 int6resser 29 lotir
fatiguer 29 fracasser 29 gr€ler 29 imaginer
29 mesurer 29 niveler 5
imiter 29 interloquer 29 loucher
faucher 29 franchir 39 griffonner 29
29 mettre 4A noircir 39
immigrer 29 interroger 46 louer
faufiler 29 frapper 29 grignoter 29
29 meubler 29 nommer 29
immiscer (s') 13 interrompre 76 rouPer
fausser 29 frayer 60 griller 29
54 meugler 29 normaliser 29
l3 29 intervenir 90 louvoyer
favoriser 29 freiner 29 grimacer immobiliser
lF|n
l
l

Vene lNoex
Vene h{oex
r6futer 29 renifler 1A retourner* 73
29 partir 58 pomper 29 protester 29 16aliser 29
noter )a 29
prouver 29 rebattre t0 regagner renommer 29 retrancher
nouer 29 parvenir 90 ponctuer 29
rebondir 39 regaillardir ?o renoncer IJ retransmettre 48
nourrir 39 passer* 59 pondre 70 provenir 90
rebuter 29 regarder 29 renouer 29 r6t16cir 39
noyer 54 passionner 29 poruer 29 publier 20
^ receler r6g6n6rer renouveler retrousSer 29
nuirel6 24 patienter 29 poser 29 punrr 39
?< recenSer 29 169ir 39 16nover )o rerouver 29
numeroter 29 p6tir 39 poss6der purifier 20
20 recevoir 68 16gler renseigner 29 16unir 39
ob6ir 39 pauser 29 posler 29 qualifier
35 rentrer* 69 16ussir ?o
29 paver 29 pouoroyef 54 quereller 29 16chapper 29 169ner
obiecter 88
questionner 29 16chauffer 29 regretter 29 renverser 29 revaloir
obliger 46 pavoiser 29 pourfendre 89
29 rechercher 29 fegrouper 29 renvoyer 7C r6veiller 29
oblit6rer 35 payer 60 pourrir 39 quCter
29 r6v6ler 35
obscurcir 39 p€cher 29 poursuivre 82 quitter 29 16citer 29 16habiliter 29 16organiser
29 89 revendiquer 29
obs6der p6cher 35 POUtt..r,o 29 rabattre 1 0 16clamer 29 16habituer 16pandre
29 reparaitre 57 revenore 89
observer 29 peigner 29 pouvorr'- 65 raccommoder 29 16colter 29 renausser
recommanoer 29 16imprimer 29 rdparer 29 revenir 74
obstiner (s') 29 peindre 6"1 pratiquer 29 raccompagner 29
repartir 58 rever 29
obtenir 84 peler 44 p16c6der ?< raccorder 29 recommencer 13 16int6grer 35
10
16compenser 29 relaillir 39 16partir 16v6rer 35
occuper 29 pencher 29 prOcher 29 raccourctr 39
29 16concilier 20 42 repeindre 61 rev€tir 91
octroyer 54 penqre 89 p16ciser 29 raccrocner
rejoindre 43 repenore eo r6viser 29
29 p6n6trer 35 pr6dire 28 racheter 2 reconduire 24
offenser 92
29 16conforter 29 rr5jouir 39 repentir (se) 78 revivre
offrir 55 penser 29 pr6f6rer J5 racler
reconnaitre 15 relicher 29 reperdre 62 revotr 93
omettre 48 percer 13 pr6juger 46 racoter 29
reconquCrir retancer 13 35 r6volter 29
op6rer 35 percevorr 68 p16lever 44 raconter 29
39 reconstruire a/ rel69uer rdpondre 70 rhabiller 29
opposer 29 perdre 62 p16m6diter 29 raffermir
44 29 ridiculiser 29
opprimer 29 perfectionner 29 i prendre 66 raffiner 29 reconvertir 39 relever
20
repousser
reprendre 66 rigoler 29
29 perforer 29 pr6parer 29 rafler 29 recopier 20 relier
oroonner 75
rafraichir 39 recouore 16 relire 45 rep16senter 29 rire
organiser 29 p6rir 39 prescrrre 31
)q
)q ragaillardir 39 recourir 17 reluire23 za reproduire l4 risquer
orner 29 permettre 48 p16senter
recouvrir 56 remanier 20 16pudier 20 rivaliser 29
orthographier 20 pers6cuter 29 p16server 29 raidir 39
19 remarier 20 requ€rir 3 rogner 29
osciller 29 pers6v6rer 35 p16sider 29 railler 29 r,6c16er
pressentir 78 ratsonner 29 16crier (se) 20 remarquer 29 r6server 29 rompre 76
oser 29 persister 29
39 16crire rembourser )9 16sider 29 ronfler 29
6ter 29 persuaoer 29 p16sumer 29 rajeunir 3.1

1q Rq 29 rectifier 20 rem6dier IU r6signer 29 ronger 46

oublier 20 pervertir pr6tendre raiouter
29 recueillir 12 remercier 20 r6silier 20 r6tir 39
outrager 46 peser 44 I r'".-'
pr€ter 29 rajuster
recuire z+ remettre 48 16sister 29 rougrr 39
ouvrir 56 p6trifier 20 pr6valoilu 88 ralentir 39
oxyder 29 p6trir 39 i prevenrr 90 rallier 20 reculer 29 remmener 44 16sonner 29 i rourer 29
5) remonter* 49 16soudre 71 rousp6ter 35
pacifier 20 peuprer 29 j Pr6voir2r 93 rallonger 46 16cup6rer
56
29 recycler ?o remontrer 29 respirer 29 rouvrtr
p6lir 39 photographier 20 Itl pner 20 rallumer
?( 50 resplendir 39 rutner 29
remordre
parper 29 picoter 29 I priver 29 ramasSer 29 redescendre
+b remorquer 29 ressaisir ?o Saccager 46
palpiter 29 pi6ger 57 privil6gier 20 ramener 44 r6diger
redire 28 remoudre 51 ressembler 29 saisir 39
panser )9 pi6tiner 29 proc6der 35 ramollir 39
29 redoubler 29 rempracer IJ ressemeler 5 salir 39
parachever 44 pincer 13 procramer 29 ranrmer
redouter 29 remplir 39 ressenUr 78 Satuer 29
parachuter 29 placer 13 proc16er 19 rappeler
29 redresser ?o remployer 54 ressortir 80 sanctifier 20
paraitre 57 plaider 29 produire rapponer
r6duire 24 remponer 29 rester 72 sangloter 29
pararyser 29 plaindre 18 profiter 29 rappfocner 29
29 refaire 37 remuer 29 restreindre 61 satisfaire 37
parcourir 17 plaire 63 progresser 29 raser
to 29 r6f6rer renaitre24 53 r6sulter 29 sauter 29
pardonner 29 plaisanter +z rassembler
refermer 29 rench6rir 39 r6sumer 29 sauvegarder 29
parer 29 planifier 20 proronger 46 rass616ner 35
29 r6fl6chir 39 rencontrer 29 resurgir 39 sauver 29
parfondre 70 plaquer 29 promener 44 rasSurer
refl6ter 35 rendormir 30 r6tablir 39 savoir 77
parfumer 29 pleurer 29 pfomettre 48 rater 29
. 2? refondre 70 rendre 8 retaper 29 scier 20
parier 20 pleuvoir 64 promouvorr-- JZ rationaliser 29
r6former 29 renfermer 29 retarder 29 scinder 29
parler 29 plier 20 prononcer 13 rattraper 29
refroidir 20 renfler 29 retenir 84 scintiller 29
parquer 29 plonger 46 proposer 29 ravir 39
ravitailler 29 r6fugier (se) 20 renforcer 13 reUrer 29 s6cher
partager 46 polir 39 proscrire 31
retomber 85 Secouer 29
participer 29 polluer 29 prott6ger 67 r6agir 39 refuser 29 i renler 20
 Vene lNoex VrRe lNoex

secourir 17 suer 29 tournoyer 54 vendre 89

s6duire 24 suffire 81 tousser 29 venger 46
90
Notes
sembler 29 sugg6rer 35 tracaSser 29 venir
Semer 44 suivre 82 tracer 13 verdir 39
54
sentir 78
29
supplier
supposer
20
29
traduire
trahir
24
39
verooyer
v6rifier 20
t) Auxiliary=avoir.
s6parer
Serref 29 surcharger 46 trainer 29 vernir 39 2) Auxiliary = €tre.
sertir 39 surenchErir 39 traire 86 verrouiller 29
79 surfaire 37 traiter 29 verser 29 3) Only infinitive and 3rd persons of each tense used.
servir
s6vir 39 surgerer 2 transcrire 31 v€tir 9^l 4) Past participle: absous, absoute.
sevrer 44 surqir 39 transf6rer 35 VCXCT 29
si6ger o/
-1
surmonter' 49 transformer 29 vibrer 29 s) Conjugated with either avoir or etre.
48 vider 29
siffler 29 surpaS5er 59 transmettre
39
6) No circumflex on: j'accrois, tu accrois, and accru.
signaler 29 surprenore 66 transparaitre 57 vieillir
signer 29 surveiller 29 transprrer 29 violer 29 z) Hardly used except in the infinitive and the 3'd persons of the present,
signifier 20 survenir 90 transplanter 29 virer 29 future and conditional.
simplifier 20 survtvre 92 transporter 29 viser 29
simuler 29 susciter 29 traquer 29 visiter 29 8) Past participle: circoncis.
soigner 29 suspendre 89 travailler 29 visser 29 e) Past participle: confit.
sombrer 29 tacher 29 traversef 29 vitrifier 20
sommeiller 29 tacher 29 tr6bucher 29 vitup6rer 35 10) No circumflex on: je d6crois, tu d6crois, and d6cru.
46 tailler 29 trembler 29 vivifier 20
songer 11) When demeurer means to live, the auxiliary is avoir; when it means
50nner 29 taire (se) 83 tremper 29 vivre 92
29 tricher 29 vocif6rer 35 to remain, the auxiliary is €tre.
sortir* 80 taper
souffrir 55 tater 29 tricoter 29 voiler 29 12) Past participle: dissous, dissoute.
souhaiter 29 taxer 29 trier 20 voir 93
triompher 29 voter l9 13) Present participle: faillant; past participle: failli; future: je faillirai, etc;
souiller 29 teindre 61
soulager 46 teinter 29 tripoter 29 vomir 39 conditional: je faillirais, efc. NB: f'ai failli tomber = | nearly fell.
44 t6l6phoner 29 tromper 29 voter 29
soulever 14) When fleurir means to prosper, the present participle is florissant,
souligner 29 t6l6viser 29 troquer 29 vouer 29
29 trotter 29 vouloir 94 and the imperfect is florissait.
soumettre 48 t6moigner
soupgonner 29 tendre 89 troubler 29 vouvoyer 54 1s) Past participle: frit; used mainly in the present tense singular and in
44 tenir a4 trouer 29 voyager 46
soupeser compound tenses.
sourire 75 tenter 29 trouver 29 vrombir 39
3l terminer 29 truffer 29 vulgariser 29 16) Past participle: inclus.
souscrire
ternir 39 truquer 29 z6brer 35
sous-entenclre 89 17) Past participle: m0, rnue, mus, mues.
souStrarre 86 terrassef 29 tuer 29 z6zayer 60
soutenir 84 terrifier 20 tutoyer 54 ztgzaguer 29 18) Past participle: nui.
souvenir (se) 84
29
t6ter
ti6dir
35
39
ulc6rer
unifier
35
20
tr) In questions, je peux can be replaced by ie puis:
sp6cialiser
sp6cifier 20 timbrer 29 unir 39 Puis-je vous aider? May I help you?
standardiser 29 tirer 29 urbaniser 29 20) Subjunctive: je pr6vale, efc.
stationner 29 tol6rer 35 user 29
st6riliser 29 tomber 85 usiner 29 21
) Future: je pr6voirai, etc; conditional: je pr€voirais, etc.
stimuler 29 tondre 70 utiliser 29 22) Used only in the infinitive, present and past participles, and compound
stup6fier 20 tonner 29 vacciner 29
vaincre 87 renses.
subir 39 tordre 50
submerger 46 torpiller 29 valoir 88 2r) Past participle: relui.
subsister 29 tortiller 29 vanter 29
29 varier 20
24) No past participle, no compound tenses.
substituer 29 torturer
subvenirl 90 toucher 29 v6g6ter
succ6der 35 tourmenter 29 veiller 29
sucer 13 tourner 29 vendanger 46
 ilt" o*rH
What is the pa:
The passive is a
is the person o
qtven, we we'

[J ruote that des

meanings, sur
something is
) For moro

de changes to o
most words stai
Je n'ai pas d'r

r sBN 978-0-00-719644-9

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