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A Student Grammar of French
A Student Grammar of French is a concise introduction to French grammar, designed specifically for
English-speaking undergraduates. Keeping technical detail to a minimum, it explains the
fundamentals of the grammar in accessible and simple terms, and helps students to put their
learning into practice through a range of fun and engaging exercises. All the essential topics are
covered, with chapters on verbs, nouns, adjectives, pronouns, determiners, prepositions, adverbs,
negation, numerals, sentences and clauses. Every grammatical point is illustrated with a range
of authentic examples drawn from magazines and newspapers, covering many areas of
contemporary life such as fashion, health issues, relationships and sport. It is clearly organised
into a user-friendly numbered indexing system, allowing the learner to locate any grammatical
topic quickly and easily.
Functioning as both an indispensable reference guide and a comprehensive workbook, this
grammar will become the perfect accompaniment to any first- or second-year undergraduate
course.
Malcolm Offord was formerly Lecturer and Reader in the Department of French, University of
Nottingham. He is author of Varieties of French (1990), French Sociolinguistics (1996), French Words, Past,
Present and Future (2001), Francophone Literatures: A Literary and Linguistic Companion (2001), Using French:
A Guide to Contemporary Usage (with Ronald Batchelor, Cambridge University Press, 3rd edition
2000) and Using French Synonyms (with Ronald Batchelor, Cambridge University Press, 1993).
A Student Grammar
of French
MALCOLM OFFORD
M CAMBRIDGE
" UNIVERSITY PRESS
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS
Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, Madrid, Cape Town, Singapore, Sao Paulo
Cambridge University Press
The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge CB2 2RU, UK
Published in the United States of America by Cambridge University Press, New York
www.cambridge.org
Information on this title: www.cambridge.org/9780521547628
© Malcolm Offord 2006
This publication is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception and to the provision of
relevant collective licensing agreements, no reproduction of any part may take place
without the written permission of Cambridge University Press.
First published in print format 2006
iSBN-13 978-0-511-22025-8 eBook (EBL)
isbn-io 0-511-22025-1 eBook (EBL)
ISBN-13 978-0-521-54762-8 paperback
isbn-io 0-521-54762-8 paperback
Cambridge University Press has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of urls
for external or third-party internet websites referred to in this publication, and does not
guarantee that any content on such websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.
Contents
Acknowledgements
page xix
Introduction
1
Chapter 1 Verbs: 1
4
1 Introduction
4
2 Verbs
4
3 Treatment of verbs
4
Discursive treatment of verbs
5
Infinitives
5
4 Infinitives
5
Person
5
5 Person
5
Mood
5
6 Mood
5
Tense
6
7 Tense
6
8 Tenses
6
9 Presentation of tenses
7
10 Infinitives and conjugations
7
1 1 Infinitive endings for the four
• groups
7
1 2 Subgroups
7
1 3 Group 1 —er verbs, Group 2
-ir verbs
, Group 3 -re verbs, Group 4 —oir
verbs
8
1 4 The formation of tenses - simple and
compound tenses
8
Indicative mood
9
Present tense
9
15 Group 1 —er verbs
9
1 6 Present tense of Group 1 —er
' verbs
9
1 7 Subgroups
9
1 8 —er verbs Subgroup 1
9
1 9 —er verbs Subgroup 2
10
20 -er verbs Subgroup 3
10
2 1 —er verbs Subgroup 4
10
22 Group 2 -ir verbs
11
23 Present tense of Group 2 -ir
verbs
11
24 -ir verbs Subgroup 1
11
25 -ir verbs Subgroup 2
11
26 -ir verbs Subgroup 3
12
2 7 -ir verbs Subgroup 4
12
28 -ir verb mourir = to die
12
Contents
29 Group 3 -re verbs 12
30 Present tense of Group 3 -re verbs 12
3 1 -re verbs Subgroup 1 1 2
32 -re verbs Subgroup 2 13
33 -re verbs Subgroup 3 13
34 -re verbs Subgroup 4 14
35 -re verbs Subgroup 5 14
36 -re verbs Subgroup 6 14
37 -re verbs Subgroup 7 14
38 Group 4 —oir verbs 15
39 Present tense of Group 4 -oir verbs 15
40 -oir verbs Subgroup 1 15
4 1 -oir verbs Subgroup 2 1 5
42 -oir verbs Subgroup 3 1 5
Imperfect tense 1 6
43 Using and forming the imperfect tense 1 6
44 Examples of the imperfect tense Groups 1-4 17
Future and conditional tenses 1 8
45 Using the future and conditional tenses 1 8
46 Endings of future and conditional tenses 1 8
47 Examples of future and conditional tenses of Group 1 —er verbs 19
48 Stem changes of Group 1 —er verbs 1 9
49 Group 1 —er verbs with radical stem variation 20
50 Examples of future and conditional tenses of Group 2 -ir verbs 21
5 1 -ir verbs Subgroup 3 2 1
52 Group 2 -ir verbs with radical stem variation 2 1
53 Future and conditional tenses of Group 3 -re verbs 22
54 The exceptions etre and J aire 22
55 Future and conditional tenses of Group 4 -oir verbs 22
Participles 23
56 Present participles 23
57 Exceptions 24
58 Past participles 24
59 Formation of past participles Groups 1-3 24
60 Group 3 -re verbs with distinctive past participles 25
61 Past participles of Group 4 —oir verbs 25
Compound tenses 25
62 General comments 25
63 avoir or etre? 25
64 Verbs conjugated with etre and agreement 26
65 Verbs which may be conjugated with either avoir or etre 27
Perfect tense 27
66 Formation 27
67 Perfect tense of Group 1-4 verbs 27
Pluperfect tense 29
68 Formation 29
69 Pluperfect tense of Group 1-4 verbs 29
Future perfect tense 30
Contents
70 Formation 30
71 Future perfect tense of Group 1-4 verbs 30
Conditional perfect tense 3 1
72 Formation 31
73 Conditional perfect tense of Group 1-4 verbs 31
Past historic tense 32
74 Past historic 32
75 Past historic tense of Group 1 —er verbs 33
76 Examples of Group 1 -er verbs 33
77 Past historic tense of Group 2 -ir verbs 33
78 Examples of Group 2 -ir verbs 33
79 -ir verbs Subgroup 4 34
80 -ir verbs exceptions to Subgroup 2 and mourir 34
8 1 Past historic tense of Group 3 -re verbs 34
82 Group 3 -re verbs with past historic endings in -t— 34
83 Group 3 -re verbs with stem variation 35
84 Group 3 -re verbs with past historic endings in -w- 35
85 Past historic tense of Group 4 —oir verbs 36
86 Group 4 -oir verbs with past historic endings in -i— 36
87 Group 4 -oir verbs with past historic endings in — u— 36
Past anterior tense 37
88 General comments 37
89 Formation 37
90 Examples of Group 1-4 verbs 37
Subjunctive mood 38
Present subjunctive tense 38
91 Formation 38
92 Group 1 examples of the present subjunctive 38
93 Group 1 verb which diverges from the normal pattern - aller 39
94 Group 2 examples of the present subjunctive 39
95 Group 3 examples of the present subjunctive 39
96 Group 3 verbs which diverge from the normal pattern 40
97 Group 4 examples of the present subjunctive 40
98 Group 4 verbs which diverge from the normal pattern 40
Imperfect subjunctive tense 41
99 Formation and usage 41
100 Examples of the imperfect subjunctive 41
Perfect and pluperfect subjunctive tenses 42
101 Formation 42
102 Examples of Group 1-4 verbs 42
Pronominal verbs 43
103 Pronominal verbs 43
104 Compound tenses 43
105 Agreement of past participles 44
106 The variable values of reflexive pronouns - how to interpret the
pronouns 44
107 Occasional difficulty in deciding whether the pronoun is direct or
indirect object 46
Contents
108 The agreement in compound tenses of pronominal verbs with
direct objects and those with indirect objects 47
1 09 Verbs that are always pronominal and those that are
sometimes pronominal 47
Voice 48
110 Active and passive voice 48
111 Restrictions on conversion from active to passive voice 48
112 Formation of the passive voice 48
113 Examples of the passive voice 49
1 1 4 Avoiding and using the passive voice 49
Exercises 50
Chapter 2 Verbs: 2 53
Using verbs 53
Mood 53
The imperative mood 53
115 The imperative 53
116 The restricted forms of the imperative 53
117 The forms of the imperative 5 3
118 Forming the imperative 5 3
119 Exceptions 54
120 Forming the imperative of pronominal verbs 54
121 Meaning of the imperative 55
122 Alternatives to the imperative 55
123 The imperative combined with object pronouns 56
Indicative and subjunctive moods 56
124 The indicative and subjunctive moods and tenses 56
Present tense 56
125 Uses - 1: present moment; 2: habitual time; 3: universal time 56
126 4: marking continuous time 57
127 Other uses of the present tense - 5: future; 6: past 57
Past tenses 58
128 Past tenses 58
Imperfect tense 58
129 Uses - 1: duration; 2: interrupted time; 3: description;
4: repeated action 58
Past historic tense 59
130 Uses 59
Perfect tense 60
131 Uses - 1 : past affecting present; 2: past divorced from present 60
Pluperfect tense 6 1
132 Uses 61
Past anterior tense 6 1
133 Uses 61
Double compound past tense 62
134 Uses 62
Future tense 62
135 Uses - 1: future; 2: attenuation of imperative 62
Contents
1 36 Other ways of referring to the future 63
Future perfect tense 63
137 Use 63
Conditional tense 63
1 38 Uses - 1 : conveying future in reported speech; 2: as corollary of
conditional clause; 3: conjecture 63
Conditional perfect tense 64
1 39 Uses - 1 : conveying future perfect in reported speech; 2: hypothesis;
3: conjecture 64
1 40 Differences in tense usage in French and English 65
141 Differences between French and English use of tenses - 1: sequence
of tenses 65
142 Differences between French and English use of tenses - 2: depuis,
ily a 66
143 Differences between French and English use of tenses - 3: venir de 67
Subjunctive mood 68
144 When to use the subjunctive 68
145 Use of tenses in the subjunctive 68
146 Sequence of tenses in the subjunctive 68
147 Illustration of the sequence of tenses in the subjunctive 68
Grammatical circumstances requiring the subjunctive 69
148 In clauses introduced by a conjunctive expression 69
149 In clauses depending upon a verb or expression conveying an emotion 73
1 50 In clauses depending upon a verb or expression conveying avoiding,
chance, denial, evaluation, forbidding, (im)possibility improbability,
necessity, uncertainty 75
151 In relative clauses depending upon a superlative formed with plus
or moins 78
152 In noun clauses introduced by lefait que or que alone 78
153 In clauses depending upon a range of indefinite expressions, equivalent
to words in -ever - pronouns whoever, whatever, adjective whatever, adverbs
however, wherever 78
Grammatical circumstances where the subjunctive may be used 80
154 Optional subjunctive 80
155 In clauses depending upon a superlative not formed with plus or
moins and upon such expressions as dernier, premier, seul 8 1
156 Other situations where the subjunctive is optional 81
157 Use with apres que 82
158 Pluperfect subjunctive equivalent to conditional perfect 82
Modal verbs 83
159 Definition of a modal verb 83
160 devoir 83
161 pouvoir 84
162 s avoir 87
163 vouloir 87
Impersonal verbs 88
1 64 Impersonal verbs 88
Defective verbs 89
Contents
165 Defective verbs 89
Exercises 90
Chapter 3 Tabular treament of verbs 92
166 Order of presentation 92
Indicative mood 93
Group 1 —er verbs 93
167 Group 1 -er verbs 93
Group 2 -ir verbs 96
168 Group 2 -ir verbs 96
Group 3 -re verbs 98
169 Group 3 -re verbs 98
Group 4 —oir verbs 103
170 Group 4 -oir verbs 103
Subjunctive mood 106
Group 1 -er verbs 106
171 Group 1 -er verbs 106
Group 2 -ir verbs 109
172 Group 2 -ir verbs 109
Group 3 -re verbs 111
173 Group 3 -re verbs 111
Group 4 —oir verbs 115
174 Group 4 —oir verbs 115
Exercises 117
Chapter 4 Verb list 119
175 Using the list 119
176 The list 119
Chapter 5 Nouns and adjectives 129
Nouns 129
177 Nouns 129
Gender 130
178 Gender 130
179 Assigning gender 130
1 80 Patterns for masculine gender 131
181 Patterns for feminine gender 133
182 Awkward cases of gender identity 134
183 Names of countries, towns and rivers 135
184 Homonyms 136
185 Nouns requiring special attention 138
186 Nouns designating people and animals 138
187 Gender of compound nouns 139
Number 141
188 Count and mass nouns 141
189 Markers for forming the plural of nouns 142
190 Plural of compound nouns 144
191 Different usages of number in French and English 1 45
Contents
192 Contrast between singular and plural usage in French 146
Adjectives 146
193 Adjectives 146
194 Adjectives and gender 146
195 Adjectives with a variable masculine form 149
196 Adjectives and number 149
197 Adjectives and agreement 150
1 98 Agreement of certain prepositional and adverbial expressions involving
past participles 151
199 Comparison of adjectives - comparative and superlative forms -
1: comparative and superlative of inequality; 2: comparative of equality 152
200 Use ofne / le in clauses following a comparative 153
201 The more the merrier 153
202 The position of adjectives 153
203 Adjectives which change their meaning according to their position 155
204 Adjectives that may occur before or after the noun without
change of meaning 157
205 Multiple adjectives 1 5 7
Exercises 158
Chapter 6 Pronouns 161
206 Pronouns 161
Personal pronouns 161
207 Personal pronouns 161
208 The forms 162
209 Elision of certain pronouns 163
210 Position of pronouns - 1: subject pronouns; 2: object pronouns 163
211 Order of object pronouns 1 64
212 Order of pronouns with the imperative 1 65
213 Position of pronouns with an infinitive and the presentatives void
and voila 166
214 Agreement of past participles with a preceding direct object 167
215 First person personal pronouns 167
216 Second person personal pronouns 1 68
217 Third person personal pronouns 1 69
218 Different usages in French and English 1 70
219 ce and il with reference to persons 170
220 Neuter subject pronouns 171
221 ce or il? 1 - 1 : when followed by an adjective; 2: followed by
adjective + infinitive; 3: followed by adjective + clause; 171
222 Distinguishing il and ce : 2 173
223 The use of c'est to highlight a section of an utterance 174
224 Use of on 174
225 Agreement of adjectives and past participles with on 1 76
226 on and its other forms 1 76
227 Personal pronouns - object 177
228 The various values of the reflexive pronouns me, te, se, nous, vous 178
229 le referring to a previously expressed concept 1 79
Contents
241 Examples of possessive pronouns
Quantifying and indefinite pronouns
949 fliiantifuinfrnrnnniinc
230 Dealing with the anticipatory it of English 179
231 Stressed personal pronouns: 1 180
232 Stressed personal pronouns: 2 181
233 Stressed personal pronouns: 3 182
234 en and y 182
235 en ~ 182
236 y 184
Demonstrative pronouns 185
237 Demonstrative pronouns 185
238 Examples of demonstrative pronouns 186
239 The neuter demonstrative pronouns ceci, cela, ca 187
Possessive pronouns 188
240 Possessive pronouns 188
188
242 Quantifying pronouns 189
243 Examples of quantifying pronouns 189
244 laplupart 190
245 Indefinite pronouns and related expressions 190
246 Examples of indefinite expressions 191
Exercises 191
Chapter 7 Determiners 195
247 Determiners 195
The articles 195
248 The three articles 195
249 Forms of the three articles 196
250 Position of the articles 197
251 Differences between French and English usages of the articles - article
in French where none is used in English: 1 198
252 Article in French where none is used in English: 2 199
253 Article in French where none is used in English: 3 199
254 Differences between French and English usages of the articles - no
article in French where there is one in English 200
255 Differences between French and English usages of the articles - a
different article in French from English 201
256 Differences between French and English usages of the articles - usage
with titles 203
257 Differences between French and English usages of the articles -
lists of nouns 203
258 Zero article 204
259 When des becomes de 206
260 More de - use of indefinite and partitive articles with a
negative expression 208
261 Repetition of article 208
262 Which article? 208
263 La nouvelle Athenes 209
Contents
264 Key 209
Demonstrative determiners 210
265 Demonstrative determiners - demonstrative adjectives - the forms 210
266 Examples of demonstrative adjectives 211
Possessive determiners 212
267 Possessive determiners - possessive adjectives 212
268 The sow series 213
269 Possible ambiguity of meaning of sow series 214
270 votre/vos 215
271 Examples of the other persons of the possessive adjectives 215
Indefinite determiners 217
272 Indefinite determiners - chaque, tout 217
Exercises 218
Chapter 8 Prepositions 221
273 Prepositions 221
274 French prepositions 221
Prepositions which link 22 1
275 Prepositions which link 221
276 Zero preposition 222
277 Examples of verb + zero preposition 222
278 faire, entendre, envoy er, laisser, regarder, sentir, voir 223
a 224
279 a linking an adjective to a following infinitive 224
280 Examples of a linking an adjective to a following infinitive 224
281 a linking a noun to a following infinitive 225
282 Examples of a linking a noun to a following infinitive 225
283 a linking a verb to a following infinitive 225
284 Examples of a linking a verb to a following infinitive 226
285 contraindre, forcer, obliger 227
286 a linking a verb to a noun 227
287 Examples of a linking a verb to a noun 228
de ' 228
288 de linking an adjective to a following infinitive 228
289 Examples of de linking an adjective to a following infinitive 229
290 de linking a noun to a following infinitive 229
291 Examples of de linking a noun to a following infinitive 229
292 de linking a verb to a following infinitive 230
293 Examples of de linking a verb to a following infinitive 231
294 de linking a verb to a noun 231
295 Examples of de linking a verb to a noun 232
296 Verbs with direct object and de with a second noun 232
297 Examples of verbs with direct object and de with a second noun 233
298 Verbs involving a with a noun and de with an infinitive 233
299 Examples of verbs involving a with a noun and de with an infinitive 234
300 Verbs with variable prepositional usage 234
301 Examples of verbs with variable prepositional usage 234
Prepositional expressions 242
Contents
302 Prepositional expressions 242
303 a 242
304 a indicating place 242
305 a indicating time 244
306 a indicating manner 244
307 a to mark responsibility 245
308 a expressing measurement 245
309 a expressing a compound phenomenon 245
310 a + infinitive 246
311 a cause de = because of 246
312 a condition de = subject to 246
313 a cote de = next to, in comparison with 246
314 afin de = in order to 246
315 a force de = by virtue of 247
316 a moins de = unless 247
317 a partir de =from 247
318 apres / d' apres = after, according to, from 247
319 a travers = through 248
320 au bout de = at the end of 248
32 1 au cours de = during, in the course of 248
322 au-dela de = beyond, apart from 248
323 au-dessous de = underneath, beneath, below 248
324 au-dessus de = over, above 248
325 au lieu de = instead of 249
326 aupres de = in relation to, in comparison with, among 249
327 autour de = around, round, about 249
328 avant = before (of time) 249
329 avec = with 249
330 chez = at the home of, among 249
331 compris /y compris = including 250
332 contre = against 250
333 dans = in, from, during 250
334 de 251
335 */e indicating possession 251
336 de expressing place, origin 252
337 de expressing the idea of containing, measurement 253
338 de with expressions of quantity 253
339 de expressing function, material 254
340 de expressing time 254
341 de indicating cause 255
342 de expressing manner 255
343 de introducing the attribute of a noun or pronoun 255
344 de introducing an infinitive 256
345 de forming expressions 256
346 de crainte de / depeur de = for fear of 257
347 de facon a / de maniere a = so as to 257
348 depuis = since 257
349 derriere = behind 258
Contents
350
des =from
258
351
devant = in front of, before, faced with
258
352
du cote de = as for
259
353
du haut de =from the top of
259
354
durant =for, during
259
355
en
259
356
en expressing position
260
357
en expressing time
260
358
en with clothing, materials, containers
261
359
en with names of languages and countries
262
360
en in fixed expressions
262
361
en-dehors de = outside, apart from
264
362
en depit de = in spite of
264
363
entre = between, among, through
264
364
envers = towards
265
365
environ = about
265
366
excepte = except for, apart from
265
367
face a = opposite, facing
265
368
grace a = thanks to
265
369
hors de = out of
266
370
jusqu'a = as far as, until
266
371
le long de = along
266
372
lors de = during, at the time of
266
373
tnalgre = in spite of
266
374
par = through, by, per, on, in
266
375
par-dessous = underneath
267
376
par-dessus = over
268
377
parmi = among
268
378
par suite de = as a result of
268
379
pendant =for, during
268
380
pour =for
268
381
pres de = close to, near
269
382
quant a = as for
269
383
sans = without
269
384
sauf= except for, apart from
270
385
selon = according to
270
386
sous = underneath, beneath
270
387
suivant = following
270
388
sur = on, over, about
270
389
vers = to, towards, about
271
390
Slight shifts in meaning brought out by varying the prepositions
272
391
Prepositional alternation
276
392
The interlocking of French and English prepositions
277
393
Prepositions with place names
278
Exercises
282
Chapter 9 Adverbs and adverbial expressions
285
394
The role of adverbs
285
Contents
395 Formation of adverbs 285
396 Meaning of adverbs 289
397 Position of adverbs 289
398 Adverbs of manner 291
399 Examples of adverbs of manner 293
400 Adverbs of place 294
401 Examples of adverbs of place 295
402 Adverbs of time 295
403 Comments on certain adverbs of time 297
404 Examples of adverbs of time 298
405 Adverbs of degree 298
406 Comments on certain adverbs of degree 299
407 Examples of adverbs of degree 300
408 assez, autant, beaucoup, bien 9 tant, tellement, trop 301
409 Comparative and superlative forms of adverbs 301
410 Adverbs of affirmation, negation and doubt 303
4 1 1 Examples of adverbs of affirmation, negation and doubt 304
412 Interrogative adverbs 305
413 Adverbs as connectors 305
414 Examples of connectors 306
Exercises 307
Chapter 10 Negation 309
4 1 5 Negation + verb 309
416 ne + negative particle - ne . . . pas = not 309
417 ne alone 3 1 3
. personne = no one, not anyone 314
. rien = nothing, not anything 315
. aucun = no, none 3 1 7
. nul = no, no one 317
. guere = hardly, scarcely 3 1 8
. jamais = never 3 1 8
. plus = no longer, not any more 319
. que = only 320
. (pas) . . . ni . . . ni = neither . . . nor, not . . . or, not . . . either . . . or 320
427 pas alone = not 321
428 non = no, not 322
429 ... pas nonplus = neither, not . . . either, nor 322
430 Multiple negators 323
431 Omission of we 323
Exercises 324
Chapter 11 Numerals 326
432 Cardinal numbers and ordinal numbers 326
433 Cardinal numbers 326
434 Use of et and hyphens with cardinal numbers 329
435 Pronunciation matters 330
436 When to use figures to express cardinal numbers 330
418
ne . .
419
ne . .
420
ne . .
421
ne . .
422
ne . .
423
ne . .
424
ne . .
425
ne . .
426
ne . .
Contents
437
Approximate numbers
331
438
Fractions and decimals
332
439
Ordinal numbers
333
440
Telling the time
334
441
Dates
336
442
Miscellaneous matters
337
Exercises
338
Chapter 12 Sentences and clauses
339
Sentences
339
443
Sentences
339
444
Sentence types
340
Sentence structure
341
445
Sentence structure
341
Minor sentences and major sentences
341
446
Minor sentences
341
447
Major sentences
342
448
Simple sentences
343
449
Compound sentences
343
450
Complex sentences
344
451
Compound-complex sentences
345
452
Coordinating conjunctions
345
Glauses
347
453
Clauses
347
454
Clause types
348
455
Types of subordinate clauses
349
456
Causal clauses
349
457
Concessive clauses
350
458
Conditional clauses
351
459
Consecutive clauses
353
460
Final clauses
354
461
Manner clauses
355
462
Noun clauses
355
463
Highlighting with c'est
356
464
Relative clauses
357
465
Time clauses
360
466
Declarative clauses
363
467
Word order in declarative clauses
364
468
Inversion in declarative clauses
366
469
Highlighting
368
Interrogative sentences
368
470
Interrogative sentences
368
oui -
- non questions
369
471
oui — non questions
369
472
oui — non questions - 1 : those involving
inversion of the subject
and the verb
369
473
oui — non questions - 2: those involving
est-ce que + direct order of
the subject and verb
371
Contents
474 oui — non questions - 3: those involving intonation only 371
475 Elliptical oui — non questions 372
Questions introduced by question words 372
476 Questions introduced by question words 372
477 Question words - pronouns 373
478 Question words - adjectives 376
479 Question words - adverbs 376
480 Elliptical questions without a question word but suggesting one 377
481 Indirect questions 378
482 Rhetorical questions 379
Exclamative sentences 380
483 Exclamative sentences 380
Punctuation 381
484 Punctuation 381
Exercises 384
Key to exercises 387
Bibliography 406
Index 407
Acknowledgements
The following newspapers and magazines have provided and inspired the illustrative
examples used throughout this book: Bien dans ma vie, Cosmopolitan, File, VEquipe, Esprit
femme, Femme actuelle, FHM, le Figaro, Glamour, Laura, Marianne, Marie Claire, Men's Health,
Modes et travaux, le Monde, Monsieur, Optimum, Planete Foot, le Point, Solo, Sport et vie, Telerama,
Top Sante, Triathlete, le Vif-Express, Vingt ans, Vital, Vivre.
Her name should be Patience, but it's Judith and she has loyally and stalwartly sup-
ported me throughout the preparation of this book. Sincerest thanks to her and also to
Helen Barton at Cambridge University Press, whose valuable advice, tendered in her
gentle manner, ensured that the book didn't become, like its author, too eccentric.
Introduction
Grammar is a word that all too often strikes terror and a sense of panic into the breasts of
modern language students. Grammar presents a cold, clinical, unemotional exterior -
not exciting, straightforward and vibrant like vocabulary, especially when the latter tends
towards the informal and slang. The mortar of language (grammar) is never so interesting
as the bricks (vocabulary). Grammar is often seen as an obstacle to free expression - it
makes you linger and dither over whether to use one preposition rather than another,
whether an agreement is required or not - whereas you would rather press on, get your
meaning across, communicate. Anything that impedes or slows down that expression is
annoying and needs to be dealt with as soon as possible, or even ignored. But bricks
without mortar are ugly and lack style, are in danger of collapsing and not fulfilling the
purpose for which they were erected in the first place. What can we do about it?
First of all, there's no avoiding it - we need a grammar book. It's no good sticking
your head in the sand - mortar is essential, the right consistency, the right thickness for
maximum effect and to perform its job efficiently and discreetly. Secondly, we need a
grammar book that is easy to use, that helps us identify our problems, that has a very clear
and easily accessible index, that guides us to the right solution for us and explains what
we need to know, expressed in language we can understand. Thirdly, when we get to the
point where the explanation is, we need illustrations that are drawn from the world we live
in - not taken from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, not taken from the greatest
authors, whose French we cannot ever hope to emulate; not boring examples that have
been concocted to illustrate the point but don't connect with our world. We need examples
that make us want to read on, that entertain us, that make us smile, that might even inform
us on issues that are of interest to us, that make us look seriously at the way in which they
are expressed - because they're cool. We don't want fuddy-duddy examples about the
price of oranges (at least not too many), about who will bring the suitcases down, about
(not) doing your homework, examples that suck. We want real, living examples - examples
that are authentic, that express our reality - about relationships, sport, contemporary
entertainment, fashion, social behaviour, weight-control and - another word that strikes
terror into the breast of students, but not just the breast of students, it must be said -
sex, and related matters: in short about daily living in the twenty-first century. Fourthly,
we need a means of making sure that we have assimilated the grammatical points being
illustrated.
This Student Grammar of French is aimed at meeting all those needs. It is conceived in such a
way that no section is overwhelmingly long, that excessively technical language is avoided,
that the index is straightforward and contains references to all the points contained in
the book, and that the illustrative examples are worth a read in their own right and may
inspire you to imitate their phraseology as well as take note of the grammatical point
being illustrated. Since the vocabulary used in the examples is completely up-to-date, it's
worth learning the contemporary words as well as noting how the examples work. It has
to be admitted that some of the translations have been held back from being completely
free, and thus more typically English, in order to allow the grammatical point under
i 1
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
consideration to be seized more clearly - a more fluent translation might obscure the
grammatical point.
A simple but effective way of helping to ensure that the grammatical point is understood
and is becoming part of your personal grammatical apparatus is to test yourself with
the exercises provided at the end of each chapter, exercises that use similar material
to that contained in the examples in the text itself These exercises are designed to
consolidate your grammatical knowledge and perhaps increase your sociological and
cultural awareness.
Mortar can be fun and the result of using it effectively and skilfully very satisfying -
ask a bricklayer!
This grammar book has been designed according to the following plan. The first four
chapters are devoted to verbs - verbs are absolutely essential to self-expression, they are
the motors of speech; consequently it seems logical to place examination of them at the
beginning of the book. The first chapter provides the forms that need to be acquired
in order to be able to manipulate the verbs effectively. The second chapter shows how
the verbs are used, especially the different tenses, and the third chapter introduces a
large number of tables giving the full conjugations of the major verb groups, followed in
the next chapter by a list of verbs that do not belong to the first, most common group
of verbs (those ending in —er), and showing how these verbs relate to verbs illustrated
previously. The fifth chapter deals with nouns and adjectives and concentrates upon the
themes of gender and number (how to form plurals in particular). The sixth chapter
examines the area of pronouns - personal pronouns, demonstrative pronouns, possessive
pronouns and indefinite and quantifying pronouns. The next chapter examines the tricky
area of determiners - the definite, indefinite, partitive and zero (what?!) articles, and
demonstrative and possessive adjectives. Even more tricky is the topic of prepositions and
these are fully treated in chapter 8 - though they are often extremely small words and you
often glide over them without thinking about them, prepositions as linking words have a
very important role to play in the unrolling of speech; this is a long chapter which attempts
to cover all those environments where prepositions occur. The ninth chapter is devoted
to adverbs and adverbial expressions - these lend more detail and precision to our speech
and require skilful handling. Everything has been positive up to this stage - with the tenth
chapter we enter the realm of negation, how to deny, refuse, cancel - very important in
an age where science and technology are creating products which replace and supersede
previously current products. The next chapter, the shortest, looks at numerals, which the
speaker needs to be able to handle accurately - otherwise misunderstandings and more
serious problems may ensue. The last chapter on sentences and clauses shows how all that
has been learnt and hopefully assimilated in earlier chapters builds up into sophisticated
language, making communication exciting, rewarding and challenging. The purpose of
this chapter - and indeed of the book as a whole - is to allow us to express our thoughts,
hopes and ideals in appropriate, well-formed, clear sentences, showing us to be intelligent
and valuable members of society.
Just as there are many varieties of English, of which you are no doubt fully aware,
so there are many varieties of French. Some are geographically based - the French of
Paris differs in some ways from the French of the north-east of the country and from that
of the south-west, and more so from the French of Belgium, Canada and francophone
Africa. Others are based on age - youth-speak and wrinkly-speak differ considerably -
still others on gender - males and females have different speech habits from time to time.
However, the most important area of variety is that of formality - we speak formally, very
Introduction
formally, in certain circumstances, much less so in others. This grammar book takes as its
basis the variety of French that oscillates between standard French - the French used for
news broadcasts and in good-quality newspapers and magazines - and the upper end of
informal French - that is to say French that is dynamic, fairly but not excessively relaxed,
used amongst reasonably well-educated speakers, and at the cutting edge of linguistic
development. The book avoids on the one hand the more starchy realms of literary, highly
intellectual French, and on the other the cruder, often-grammar-disregarding depths of
slang and vulgar French. The variety selected is one which is current among educated
French-speakers, one with which it is hoped you will feel comfortable and which will
serve your needs in an appropriate way.
Chapter 1 Verbs: 1
1 Introduction
In this first chapter, devoted to verbs, we examine the ways in which verbs are formed
in French and the factors that have to be borne in mind when we are considering our
choice of form.
The forms are chosen according to the role that the verbs play as they fit into sentences.
We shall see that the form has to be adjusted according to who or what is the subject
of the verb (known as the person), the time when the event or state indicated by the
meaning of the verb occurs (the tense) and the syntactic circumstances in which the verb
occurs.
To provide us with some technical terminology and a general framework in which to
work, the following questions are answered - what is a verb? (see 2), what do the terms
infinitive (see 4), mood (see 6), person (see 5), tense (see 7) mean?
2 Verbs
The verb is often the pivotal element of a sentence. Indeed mention of a verb is regularly
included in the definition of a sentence or clause - but see 445, 449. The typical purpose
of a verb is to indicate how a state, action or process takes place during time and to
provide information about it.
3 Treatment of verbs
Verbs are so vital to communication - they provide information especially about the
subject (whether it is a question of singular or plural, first, second or third person), about
the time when the speech-event takes place (past, present, future) - that they need to be
given extensive treatment.
The verbs are discussed from three perspectives -
1 a discursive treatment, showing how verbs may be grouped together and the
relations that exist between them: see 4-165;
2 a tabular treatment showing how individual verbs and their derivatives (related verbs)
are conjugated - that is how the verbs' endings are adjusted or how other
modifications are made to the verbs in order to indicate their role in sentences: see
166-174;
3 a list of verbs, provided after the tabular treatment - this contains 1: the verbs
discussed in the two preceding groupings; and 2: the most frequently encountered
verbs not discussed in those sections - see 1 75-1 76; it does not include what are
known as perfectly regular verbs ending in —er- see 15.
6 Mood
DISCURSIVE TREATMENT OF VERBS
4 Infinitives
When we learn a new verb, we usually learn it in the infinitive form. This form is the
one dictionaries use to record verbs: the dictionary uses the infinitive as the headword
for the verb.
An infinitive consists of two parts, the stem, which tells us the meaning of the verb,
and the ending - see 1 1 .
When a verb is conjugated, the stem remains more or less constant, but the ending
varies according to how it is used in the sentence, depending upon the person it refers to,
the time the event takes place and the syntactic circumstances involved. The expression
'syntactic circumstances' refers to whether the verb occurs in a main or a subordinate
clause and what type of conjunction introduces the subordinate clause. These matters
are discussed in 10, 11, 115-165.
Infinitives are discussed in more detail in 1 and 1 1 .
first person singular
second person singular
third person singular
5 Person
Six persons are available for selection as subject of the verb -
je = I
tu =you
il = he /it
elle = she
on = one
nous = we first person plural
vous =you second person plural (also used to indicate a single person in a polite
manner)
Us = they . . T . .
// _ l | third person plural
suss — Li Ley I
The pronouns are discussed in more detail in 206-236.
6 Mood
Although there is controversy amongst grammar books as to what to include under the
heading 'mood', it is generally agreed that mood indicates the degree of certainty with
which something is said, and that there are at least three moods in French -
the indicative, which is the mood used in normal circumstances
the imperative, used to express a command
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
the subjunctive, often dependent upon particular syntactic circumstances and
normally used to express something which is lacking in certainty
The imperative mood is discussed in 1 15-123, 212.
As far as the other two moods are concerned, the choice as to which to use in a given
circumstance is usually quite straightforward. However, as will be seen in 156-158, there
are occasions where the choice is not so easy to make.
What is certain is that in the vast majority of cases, it is the indicative mood that is
used; the indicative can be called the 'default' mood.
However, at times syntactic circumstances dictate that the subjunctive mood be used.
The simplest way of determining which mood to use is to list those circumstances in
which the subjunctive mood is required, since they are much fewer in number than those
requiring the indicative, and to assume that in all other circumstances the indicative is
to be used.
These circumstances are listed in 144-158.
The situation in French is different from that in English, since in English the subjunctive
is so rare as to be virtually non-existent in ordinary speech and writing; when used, it
tends to sound somewhat pompous, eg
The judge insisted that the accused leave the courtroom.
The tenses associated with each mood are listed in 15-102.
7 Tense
It is the role of the tense of the verb to tell us the time when an event takes place in
relation to the present moment. Some events take place in the past, others in the present;
others are projected into the future.
The various uses of verb tenses are discussed in 125-147.
8 Tenses
To create some tenses the form of the verb itself is adjusted.
Using the verb donner = to give as a template, the following tenses fall under this
heading -
the present tense -je donne = I give
the imperfect - je donnais = / was giving
the past historic —je donnai = I gave
the future -je donner ai = I will give
the conditional -je donnerais = I would give
To create other tenses, what is called an auxiliary verb - avoir = to have or etre = to
be - is added to the past participle -
the perfect j'ai donne = I have given
the pluperfect -j'avais donne = I had given
12 Subgroups
the future perfect -j'aurai donne = / will have given
the conditional perfect -j'aurais donne = / would have given
All this will be explained in full detail below.
9 Presentation of tenses
A word of warning - although many French verbs are regular in their conjugations,
we still have to learn them. Others are renowned for their irregularities, and we have
to make even more of an effort to memorise them. Life is made somewhat easier if we
remember that the verbs often belong to groups and subgroups; that is to say, verbs that
are conjugated in similar ways may be grouped together for convenience of learning. So,
if we can remember which verbs are in which groups and subgroups, there is slightly less
learning to do!
A list of other verbs belonging to the various subgroups discussed here is provided in
Chapter 4.
10 Infinitives and conjugations
Verbs are organised into four major groups or conjugations according to the ending
of the infinitive. All verbs belong to one of these, and it is of vital importance that we are
able to recognise which group or conjugation the verb concerned belongs to, and how
to form correctly the various parts of its paradigm - the collection of forms which a
particular verb can adopt in any circumstances.
1 1 Infinitive endings for the four groups
Group 1 verbs end in —er —
eg aller = to go, danser = to dance, penser = to think, sembler = to seem
Group 2 verbs end in -ir —
eg courir = to run,finir = to finish, jouir = to enjoy, partir = to leave
Group 3 verbs end in -re -
eg J aire = to do, mettre = to put, plaire = to please, vendre = to sell
Group 4 verbs end in —oir —
eg devoir = to have to, pouvoir = to be able to, recevoir = to receive, voir = to see
12 Subgroups
For each group of verbs, there are subgroups (in other grammar books often called
'exceptions' or 'irregular verbs'). These will be recorded after the standard conjugations
have been presented.
It should be noted that, as a general rule, in these subgroups, as far as the present tense
is concerned, the first two persons of the plural tend to maintain the stem of the infinitive,
whereas the three persons of the singular and the third person plural have distinctive but
related forms. Taking pouvoir as an example -
pouvoir
nous pouvons, vous pouvez but je peux, tu peux 9 il / elle peut 9 Us / elles
peuvent
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
13 Group 1 -er verbs, Group 2 -ir verbs, Group 3 -re verbs,
Group 4 -o/r verbs
Group 1 —er verbs
This is the most numerous conjugation, and all newly created verbs belong to this group.
Most of the verbs belonging to this group form their tenses regularly. A few show minor
irregularities and may be gathered together into subgroups. One verb - alter = to go -
shows major departures from the norm.
Group 2 -ir verbs
The verbs belonging to this group may be divided into a number of subgroups. A major
distinction is to be made between those verbs which add -iss— between the stem and
the ending in certain tenses and persons - subgroup 1 - and those which do not -
subgroup 2 -
subgroup 1
finir = to finish - nous finis sons
jouir = to enjoy -jejouissais
subgroup 2 -
courir = to run -je courais
partir = to leave - nous partons
Group 3 -r£ verbs and Group 4 —oir verbs
The verbs in these groups often form small subgroups, but there are also a number of
verbs which are complete one-offs, especially in Group 4.
14 The formation of tenses - simple and compound tenses
Normally certain endings need to be added to the stem of the verb. Very occasionally
the ending is subsumed into the stem, eg
ilpart - third person singular of partir
The stem is the element preceding the —er/^ir/^re ending of the infinitive of Groups
1 to3-
eg port - from porter ', fin - from finir ', vend - from vendre
Identifying the stem is more of a problem with Group 4 verbs.
Simple and compound tenses
Tenses are of two types - simple and compound.
Simple tenses - here it is the form of the verb itself that varies -
eg for donner present tense je donne, imperfect tense je donnais, future tense je
donnerai
Compound tenses - here an auxiliary verb, either avoir or etre, is combined with
the past participle of the verb -
eg perfect tense j 'ai donne, pluperfect tense j'etais venu
18 -er verbs Subgroup 1
The tenses will be treated in the following order -
Simple tenses: present, imperfect, future, conditional;
Compound tenses: perfect, pluperfect, future perfect, conditional perfect. The past
historic (simple) and past anterior (compound) are treated last as they are relatively
It should be pointed out that, on a number of occasions, it is the spelling rather than
the pronunciation that is affected. Precision and accuracy of spelling are very important
in written French; spoken French does not need to reveal how certain forms are spelt! - so
more latitude is permissible there. However, this grammar book is designed to promote
orthographical accuracy.
INDICATIVE MOOD
-esent tense
15 Group 1 -er Verbs
16 Present tense of Group 1 -er verbs
The endings for the typical Group 1 —er verb porter = to carry are added to the stem
port-
singular plural
first person port—e port—ons
second person port—es port—ez
third person port—e port—ent
17 Subgroups
There are a few verbs that show slight changes in their stems in the three persons of the
singular and the third person plural.
This also applies to the future and conditional tenses of those verbs in all persons,
singular and plural.
Alter is an —er verb that shows major deviations from the norm.
For further details see the appropriate sections below.
18 -er verbs Subgroup 1
Verbs ending in —eler and —eter\ there are two possibilities -
1 some verbs double the final consonant of the stem in the persons mentioned
above;
2 others change the unstressed e of the stem to e.
Examples of Subgroup 1
1 doubling the final consonant of the stem in singular and third person plural -
appeler = to call
j'appelle, tu appelles, il/elle/on appelle, ils/elles appellent
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
but nous appelons, vous appelez
jeter = to throw
jejette^ tujettes, il/elle/onjette. Us / elles jettent
but nousjetons, vous jetez
2 changing —e— of stem to —e—
acheter = to buy
j'achete, tu achetes, il/elle/on achete. Us /elles achetent
but nous achetons, vous achetez
19 -er verbs Subgroup 2
Verbs, with —e— (apart from those in Subgroup 1) or —e— as the final vowel of the
stem -
the —e— or —e— is changed to —e— in the persons mentioned above.
Examples of Subgroup 2
tnener = to lead
je mene, tu menes, il/elle/on mene, Us /elles menent
but nous menons, vous menez
esperer = to hope
j'espere, tu esperes, il/elle/on espere, Us /elles esperent
but nous esperons, vous esperez
20 -er verbs Subgroup 3
Verbs with -c-, —g— occurring immediately before the ending - the /s/, /$/ sounds are
retained by changing —c— to —g— or adding an —e— after the —g— respectively in the first
person plural of the present tense (and also in other tenses before a (in imperfect and
past historic) or u (in past historic) with certain subgroups); —g— (= s-sound rather than
a A:-sound) is used in the spelling of these words to reflect the fact that the pronunciation
of the — c— remains the same.
For further details see 44, 76.
Examples of Subgroup 3
commencer = to begin
je commence but nous commencons (also je commencai^ commencais)
manger = to eat
je mange but nous mangeons (also je mangeai, mangeais)
21 -er verbs Subgroup 4
Aller = to go constitutes a major departure from the norms of the —er conjugation, not
only in the present tense but also in the future and conditional. The same forms are
affected as for subgroups 1 and 2.
10
25 -ir verbs Subgroup 2
alter
je vais, tu vas, il/elle/on va, ils/elles vont
but nous allons, vous allez
s'en alter = to go away is conjugated in the same way.
22 Group 2 -ir Verbs
23 Present tense of Group 2 -ir verbs
We need to draw a distinction between those -ir verbs that insert -iss— between stem
and ending with certain persons - Subgroup 1 , by far the most numerous subgroup -
and those that do not - the other subgroups.
24 -ir verbs Subgroup 1
The endings for the typical -ir verb finir = to finish are added to the stem Jin— for the
three persons singular, and to the stem plus -Jss— for the three persons plural -
singular plural
first person fin-is fin-^issons
second person fin-is fin-4ssez
third person fin-it fin-dissent
25 -ir verbs Subgroup 2
The endings for a typical -ir verb, without -Jss— in the plural, are added to the stem.
The treatment of the final consonant of the stem should be noted -
1 when the stem ends in -r- the -r— is retained throughout the paradigm
2 when the stem ends in —t—, the —t— does not appear in the written form of the first
two persons singular
3 when the stem ends in another consonant, the consonant does not appear in the
singular but reappears in the plural.
Examples of Subgroup 2
1 courir = to run
singular plural
first person cour—s cour—ons
second person cour—s cour—ez
third person cour—t cour—ent
2 partir = to leave
je pars, tupars, il/elle/on part
nous par tons, vous par tez, Us / elles partent
3 dormir = to sleep
je dors, tu dors, il/elle/on dort
nous dormons, vous dortnez, ils/elles dorment
11
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
26 -ir verbs Subgroup 3
Certain verbs whose infinitive ends in — ir are in fact conjugated like Group 1 —er
verbs.
Example of Subgroup 3
cueillir = to gather
je cueiUe, tu cueilles, il/elle/on cueille^ nous cueillons, vous cueillez,
ils/elles cueillent
27 -ir verbs Subgroup 4
Tenir = to hold and venir = to come and their derivatives form a subgroup with an
irregular present tense.
The two persons of the plural are formed like Subgroup 2 -ir verbs, but it is the other
persons that give this subgroup its particularity.
Example of Subgroup 4
venir
je viens, tu viens, il/elle/on vient, ils/elles viennent
but nous venons, vous venez
28 -ir verb mourir = to die
Mourir is the most irregular of the -ir verbs.
je meurs, tu meurs, il/elle/on meurt, nous mourons, vous mourez,
ils/elles meurent
29 Group 3 -re Verbs
30 Present tense of Group 3 -re verbs
Group 3 —re verbs involve a number of subgroups, some of which differ only slightly
from each other, others of which are much more radical in their deviations.
The endings for the present tense of most -re verbs follow a regular pattern for most
persons except the third person singular, where either the stem only occurs or a final -t
is added.
singular plural
first person -s —ons
second person -s —ez
third person stem only or —t —ent
31 -re verbs Subgroup 1
Subgroup 1 involves the use of the stem only in the third person singular. This subgroup
includes verbs ending in —andre, —endre (except prendre = to take and derivatives),
-erdre, —ondre, —ordre.
~ I
33 -re verbs Subgroup 3
Examples of Subgroup 1
vendre = to sell
je vends , tu vends , il/elle/on vend, nous vendons, vous vendez, ils/elles
vendent
perdre = to lose
jeperds, tuperds, il/elle/onperd, nous per dons , vous perdez, ils/elles
perdent
repondre = to reply
je reponds, tu reponds, il/elle/on repond, nous repondons, vous repondez,
ils/elles respondent
32 -re verbs Subgroup 2
The only difference between this subgroup and Subgroup 1 is that —t is added to the
stem of the verb for the third person singular.
This subgroup includes verbs ending in -ompre, and conclure = to conclude, rire =
to laugh and derivatives.
Examples of Subgroup 2
rompre = to break
je romps, tu romps, il/elle/on rompt, nous rompons, vous rompez,
ils/elles rompent
rire
je ris, tu ris, il/elle/on rit, nous rions, vous riez, ils/elles rient
conclure
je conclus, tu conclus, il/elle/on conclut, nous concluons, vous concluez,
ils/elles concluent
33 -re verbs Subgroup 3
Battre = to beat, mettre = to put and derivatives subgroup: this subgroup is distinctive
in that a single —t— (instead of the double —tt— that might be supposed) occurs in the
singular.
Examples of Subgroup 3
battre
je bats, tu bats, il/elle/on bat, nous buttons, vous battez, ils/elles battent
mettre
je mets, tu mets, il/elle/on met, nous mettons, vous mettez, ils/elles
mettent
I 13~
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
34 -re verbs Subgroup 4
Croire = to believe subgroup: this subgroup involves the addition of a —t for the third
person singular, and -i— becomes -y— in the first and second persons plural.
Example of Subgroup 4
croire
je crois, tu crois, il/elle/on croit, nous croyons, vous croyez, Us croient
35 -re verbs Subgroup 5
Lire = to read and conduire = to drive subgroup: this subgroup involves the addition of
a —t for the third person singular and of an —s— to the stem in all three persons of the
plural.
Examples of Subgroup 5
lire
je lis, tu lis, il/elle/on lit, nous lisons, vous lisez, ils/elles lisent
conduire
je conduis, tu conduis, il/elle/on conduit, nous conduisons, vous
conduisez, il/elles conduisent
36 -re verbs Subgroup 6
Ecrire = to write subgroup: this subgroup involves the addition of a —t for the third person
singular and of a —v— to the stem in all three persons of the plural.
Example of Subgroup 6
ecrire
j'ecris, tu ecris, il/elle/on ecrit, nous ecrivons, vous ecrivez, ils/elles
ecrivent
37 -re verbs Subgroup 7
This subgroup contains a series of common verbs which are very irregular in formation,
and each of which has a distinctive conjugation for the present tense.
Examples of Subgroup 7
boire = to drink
je bois, tu bois, il/elle/on boit, nous buvons, vous buvez, ils/elles boivent
craindre = to fear
je crains, tu crains, il/elle/on craint, nous craignons, vous craignez,
ils/elles craignent
dire = to say
je dis, tu dis, il/elle/on dit, nous disons, vous dites, ils/elles disent
faire = to do
14 I
42 -oir verbs Subgroup 3
jefais, tufaiS) il /elle /on fait 9 nous faisons, vousfaites. Us / elles font
prendre = to take
je prends, tu prends, il / elle / on prend, nous prenons, vous prenez, Us /elles
prennent
vivre = to live
je vis 9 tu vis 9 il/ elle /on vit 9 nous vivons, vous vivez 9 Us/ elles vivent
and the supreme irregular —re verb
etre = to be
je suis, tu es 9 il/ elle /on est, nous sommes 9 vous etes, Us /elles sont
38 Group 4 -oir Verbs
39 Present tense of Group 4 -oir verbs
Even more so than with Group 3 -re verbs, stem alterations and the existence of small
subgroups are extremely common in this group.
Normally the first and second persons plural forms reflect the infinitive; the other
forms are more distant from the original stem.
40 -oir verbs Subgroup 1
—cevoir subgroup: a number of stem alterations occur and —c— becomes —c— before —o—
(compare 20, 44, 75).
Example of Subgroup 1
recevoir = to receive
je recois, tu recois, il/ elle /on recoit, nous recevons, vous recevez, Us/ elles
recoivent
41 -oir verbs Subgroup 2
Voir = to see and its derivatives subgroup: -t- becomes -y— in first and second persons
plural. For other verbs in -^voir see Subgroups 1 and 3.
Example of Subgroup 2
voir
je vois 9 tu vois, il/ elle /on voit, nous voyons, vous voyez, Us /elles voient
42 -oir verbs Subgroup 3
As with Subgroup 7 of —re verbs, this subgroup contains a series of verbs that are very
irregular in formation, and each of which has a distinctive conjugation for the present
tense. The majority are very common.
Examples of Subgroup 3
asseoir = to sit - this verb (normally pronominal) has two conjugations for the present
tense, the first of which is the more commonly used -
I 15"
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
1 je m'assieds, tu Vassieds^ il/elle/on s'assied, nous nous asseyons, vous
vous asseyez, ils/elles s'asseyent
2 je m'assois, tu t'assois, il/elle/on s'assoit, nous nous assoyons, vous
vous assoyez, ils/elles s'assoient
avoir — to have
j'ai 9 tu as 9 il/elle/on a 9 nous avons, vous avez 9 ils/elles ont
devoir = to have to
je dois, tu dois, il/elle/on doit, nous devons, vous devez, ils/elles
doivent
falloir = to be necessary - an impersonal verb used only in the third person singular -
ilfaut
pleuvoir = to rain - an impersonal verb used only in the third person singular -
ilpleut
pouvoir = to be able to
je peux (puis-je is used in the interrogative - see 161), tu peux, il/elle/on peut,
nous pouvons, vous pouvez, Us / elles peuvent
s avoir = to know
je sais 9 tu sais 9 il/elle/on sait 9 nous savons, vous savez, ils/elles savent
valoir = to be worth
je vaux, tu vaux, il/elle/on vaut, nous valons, vous valez, ils/elles
valent
vouloir = to want
je veux, tu veux, il/elle/on veut, nous voulons, vous voulez, ils/elles
veulent
Imperfect tens*
43 Using and forming the imperfect tense
Usage
As will be explained in 129, the imperfect tense has a number of functions - mainly to
indicate the passage of time or the repetition of an action or event in the past.
In all cases, except etre, the imperfect tense is formed by taking the first person
plural form of the verb, and replacing the -ons ending by the appropriate imperfect
ending.
Endings
The endings for all verbs without exception are
16 I
44 Examples of the imperfect tense Groups 1-4
singular plural
—ais -4ons
—ais -4ez
—ait —aient
44 Examples of the imperfect tense Groups 1-4
Group 1
porter
je portais, tu portais, il/elle/onportait 9 nous portions, vous portiez,
Us /elles portaient
commencer
je commencais, tu commencais, il/elle/on commencait, nous
commencionS) vous cotntnenciez^ Us /elles commencaient
manger
je mangeais, tu mangeais, il/elle/on mangeait, nous mangions, vous
mangiez, Us /elles mangeaient
aller
j'allais 9 tu allais, il/elle/on allait, nous allions, vous alliez, Us /elles
allaient
Group 2
finir
jefinissais, tufinissais, il /elle /on finis s ait , nous finis sions, vous finis siez,
Us / elles finiss aient
partir
je partais, tu part ais, il / elle / on part ait , nous par tions, vous partiez,
Us /elles partaient
Group 3
vendre
je vendais, tu vendais, il/elle/on vendait, nous vendions, vous vendiez,
Us /elles vendaient
etre
j'etais, tu etais, il/elle/on etait, nous etions, vous etiez, Us /elles etaient
Group 4
recevoir
je recevais, tu recevais, il/elle/on recevait, nous recevions, vous receviez,
Us /elles recevaient
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
je voyais, tu voyais, il/elle/on voyait, nous voyions, vous voyiez, ils/elles
voyaient
pouvoir
je pouvaiS) tu pouvais, il/elle/on pouvait, nous pouvions, vous pouviez,
ils/elles pouvaient
j'avais, tu avals, il/elle/on avait, nous avions, vous aviez, ils/elles
avaient
jture and conditional tenses
45 Using the future and conditional tenses
Because these two tenses are formed in a very similar way, it is convenient to treat them
together.
Usage
As will be explained in 135, 138, the future tense refers to events that have yet to take
place, the conditional to 'the future in the past' and to express doubt or probability
46 Endings of future and conditional tenses
In the majority of cases, forming the future and conditional tenses is a relatively simple
matter.
For all Group 1 —er verbs (except aller and envoyer - see 49), the following end-
ings are added to the stem. However, the stem undergoes variation in a few cases -
see 48.
Future tense
Conditional tense
singular
plural
singular
plural
—erai
—erons
—erais
—erions
—eras
—erez
—erais
—eriez
—era
—eront
—erait
—eraient
For all Group 2 -ir verbs (except cueillir- see 51), the following endings are added to
the stem -
Future
tense
Conditional tense
singular
plural
singular
plural
-irai
-^irons
-wais
-prions
-4ras
-4rez
-Jrais
-4riez
-4ra
-4ront
-4rait
-Eraient
For Group 3 -re verbs, the following endings are added to the stem. All the subgroups
form their future and conditional tenses in the same way, with the exception of etre and
faire - see 54.
18
48 Stem changes of Group 1 -er verbs
Future tense
Conditional tense
singular
plural
singular
plural
— rai
-^rons
-razs
-^rions
— ras
-^rez
-rais
-^riez
-^ra
-ront
-rait
-^raient
For Group 4 —oir verbs, the situation is, inevitably, more complex. The endings are the
same as for Group 3 -re verbs, but it is the stem that needs to be noted.
47 Examples of future and conditional tenses
of Group 1 -er verbs
Future tense
singular
je porterai
tu porteras
il/elle/on
portera
plural
nous porterons
vous porterez
ils/elles
porteront
Conditional tense
singular
je porterais
tu porterais
il/elle/on
porterait
plural
nous porterions
vous porteriez
ils/elles
porteraient
48 Stem changes of Group 1 -er verbs
Subgroup 1
Verbs ending in —eler and —eter
1 some double the final consonant of the stem in all persons of the singular and the
plural;
2 others change the unstressed e of the stem to e.
Examples
appeler
future
j'appellerai, tu appelleras, il/elle/on appellera, nous appellerons, vous
appellerez, ils/elles appelleront
conditional
j'appellerais, tu appellerais, il/elle/on appellerait, nous appellerions,
vous appelleriez, ils/elles appelleraient
jeter
future
je jetterai, tujetteras, il/elle/on jettera, nous jetterons, vous jetterez.
Us / elles jetteront
conditional
jejetterais, tujetterais, il / elle / on jetterait^ nous jetterions, vous jetteriez,
Us / elles jetteraient
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
acheter
future
j'acheterai, tu acheteras, il/elle/on achetera, nous acheterons, vous
achetereZ) ils/elles acheteront
conditional
j'acheterais, tu acheterais, il/elle/on acheterait, nous acheterions, vous
acheteriez, ils/elles acheteraient
Subgroup 2
Verbs with —e— as final vowel of stem - the —e— becomes —e— throughout both
tenses.
Example
mener
future
je menerai, tu meneras, il/elle/on menera, nous menerons, vous menerez,
ils/elles meneront
conditional
je mener aiS) tu mener ais, il/elle/on mener ait ^ nous menerions, vous
meneriez, ils/elles meneraient
However, verbs with —e— as final vowel of stem retain —e— :
esperer
future
j'espererai, tu espereras, il/elle/on esperera, nous espererons, vous
espererez, ils/elles espereront
conditional
j y esperer aiS) tu espererais, il/elle/on espererait, nous espererions, vous
espereriez, ils/elles espereraient
49 Group 1 -er verbs with radical stem variation
Aller and envoyer both have highly irregular stems.
aller
future
yirai) tu iras 9 il/elle/on ira 9 nous irons 9 vous irez 9 ils/elles iront
conditional
j'irais, tu irais, il/elle/on irait 9 nous irions, vous iriez, ils/elles iraient
envoyer
future
j'enverrai, tu enverras, il/elle/on enverra, nous enverrons, vous enverrez,
ils/elles enverront
20
52 Group 2 -ir verbs: radical stem variation
conditional
j'enverrais, tu enverrais, il/elle/on enverrait, nous enverrions, vous
enverrieZ) ils/elles enverraient
50 Examples of future and conditional tenses
of Group 2 -ir verbs
finir
future
jefinirai, tu finir as ^ il/elle/onfinira, nous finir ons, vous finirez, ils/elles
finiront
conditional
jefinirais, tufinirais, il/elle/on finir ait , nous finirions, vous finiriez,
Us / elles finiraient
dormir
future
je dormirai, tu dormiras, il/elle/on dormira, nous dormirons, vous
dormirez, ils/elles dormiront
conditional
je dormirais, tu dormirais, il/elle/on dormirait, nous dormirions, vous
dormiriez* ils/elles dormiraient
51 -ir verbs Subgroup 3
Cueillir, etc
Just as the present tense of these verbs is formed differently from the norm, so are the
future and conditional. Here and in the following sections the stems and endings for the
first person singular and first person plural only for both tenses are given.
je cueillerai, nous cueillerons^je cueillerais, nous cueillerions
52 Group 2 -ir verbs with radical stem variation
A number of verbs have highly irregular stems.
tenir
je tiendrai, nous tiendrons 9 je tiendrais, nous tiendrions
venir
je viendrai, nous viendrons^je viendrais, nous viendrions
courir
je courrai, nous courrons^je courrais, nous courrions
mourir
je mourrai, nous mourrons 9 je mourrais, nous mourrions
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
53 Future and conditional tenses of Group 3 -re verbs
Future tense
singular
je vendrai
tu vendras
il/elle/on
vendra
plural
nous vendrons
vous vendrez
ils/elles
vendront
Conditional tense
singular
je vendrais
tu vendrais
il/elle/on
vendrait
plural
nous vendrions
vous vendriez
ils/elles
vendraient
54 The exceptions etre and faire
etre
future
je serai, tu seras, il/elle/on sera, nous serons, vous serez, ils/elles seront
conditional
je serais, tu serais, il/elle/on serait, nous serions, vous seriez, ils/elles
seraient
faire
future
jeferai, tuferas, il/elle/onfera, nousferons, vousferez, ils/elles feront
conditional
jeferais, tuferais, il/elle/on fer ait, nous ferions, vous feriez, ils/elles
feraient
55 Future and conditional tenses of Group 4 -o/r verbs
Some of these verbs undergo radical stem alteration.
Subgroup 1 - verbs in —cevoir
Future tense
singular plural
je recevrai nous recevrons
tu recevras vous recevrez
il/elle/on ils/elles
recevra recevront
Subgroup 2 - voir
Future tense
singular
je verrai
tu verras
il/elle/on
verra
plural
nous verrons
vous verrez
ils/elles
verront
Conditional tense
singular plural
je recevrais
tu recevrais
il/elle/on
recevrait
nous recevrions
vous recevriez
ils/elles
recevraient
Conditional tense
singular
je verrais
tu verrais
il/elle/on
verrait
plural
nous verrions
vous verriez
ils/elles
verraient
22
56 Present participles
Other Group 4 verbs
avoir
j'aurai, nous aurons 9 j'aurais 9 nous aurions
devoir
je devrai, nous devrons^je devrais, nous devrions
falloir
ilfaudra, ilfaudrait
pleuvoir
il pleuvra, il pleuvrait
pouvoir
je pourrai, nous pour rons,je pour rais, nous pourrions
savoir
je saurai, nous saurons 9 je saurais, nous saurions
valoir
je vaudrai, nous vaudrons^je vaudrais, nous vaudrions
vouloir
je voudrai, nous voudrons 9 je voudrais, nous voudrions
There are two participles: the present participle and the past participle.
56 Present participles
These are normally formed by adding the ending —ant to the stem of the first person
plural of the verb.
Examples
Group 1 —er verbs
porter
portant
Subgroups
appeler - appelant) acheter - achetant; mener - tnenant; esperer - esperant; commencer -
commencant; manger - mangeant; aller - allant
Group 2 -ir verbs
Subgroups
finir
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
finissant
partir
partant
cueillir - cueillant; tenir - tenant; mourir - tnourant
Group 3 -re verbs
Subgroups
vendre - vendant; rompre - rompant; battre - battant; croire - croyant; lire - lisant;
ecrire - ecrivant; conduire - conduisant] craindre - craignant; boire - buvant; dire - disant;
faire -faisant; prendre - prenant; vivre - vivant
etre - etant
Group 4 —oir verbs
Subgroups
recevoir - recevant] voir - voyant; asseoir - asseyant; devoir - devant\falloir - no present
participle; mouvoir - mouvant\ pleuvoir - pleuvant\ pouvoir - pouvant; valoir - valant;
vouloir - voulant
57 Exceptions
There are a very few exceptions to this principle -
avoir - ayant
savoir - sachant
58 Past participles
The groups form their past participles in distinctive ways.
59 Formation of past participles Groups 1-3
Group 1 —er verbs
The —er of the infinitive is replaced by —e
Examples
porter -porte, appeler- appele, acheter- achete
Group 2 -4r verbs
The -ir of the infinitive is replaced by -i
Examples
Jinir -fini, partir - parti, cueillir - cueilli, hair - hat
However, there are certain exceptions.
Ending in -m
tenir - tenu, venir - venu and derivatives
courir - couru, vetir - vetu
Ending in —ert
ouvrir - ouvert, also couvrir, decouvrir, offrir, souffrir.
Mourir has a distinctive past participle - mort
24
63 Avoir or etre ?
Group 3 -re verbs
Many Group 3 —re verbs form their past participle in — u
Examples
vendre - vendu, rompre - rotnpu, battre - battu, croire - cru, lire - hi, taire - tu =fell silent,
apparaitre - apparu = appeared (note croitre - cru = grew), vaincre - vaincu = conquered,
boire - bu.
However, many verbs in this group form their past participles in distinctive ways.
60 Group 3 -re verbs with distinctive past participles
absoudre - absous = absolved, ecrire - ecrit, suivre - suivi = followed, conduire- conduit,
craindre - craint, dire - dit,faire -fait, prendre- pris, naitre - ne, etre - ete
61 Past participles of Group 4 -oir verbs
All the verbs in this group (with the exception of asseoir, past participle - assis) form
their past participle in — u, but often with considerable modification of the stem.
Examples
recevoir - recu, voir - vu, devoir - du, but the form indicating feminine agreement is
due,falloir -fallu, pleuvoir - plu, pouvoir - pu, savoir - su, valoir - valu, vouloir - voulu,
avoir - eu
>mpound tenses
62 General comments
The compound tenses of all verbs are formed by adding an auxiliary verb, either avoir
or etre, to the past participle of the verb.
Certain verbs are always conjugated with avoir, others with etre', a few may in certain
circumstances be conjugated with one or the other auxiliary verb.
63 Avoir or etrel
Since the number of verbs conjugated with etre is comparatively small, the focus here is
upon such verbs.
Verbs conjugated with etre
The majority of these verbs are intransitive, in other words they are not followed by a
direct object. Most of them, but not all, indicate a movement.
The verbs are -
alter, ar river = to arrive, demeurer = to stay, descendre = to go down, entrer = to
enter and rentrer = to go home, monter = to go up, mourir, naitre^ partir, passer =
to pass, rester = to stay, retourner = to return, sortir = to go out, totnber = to fall, venir
and its derivatives convenir = to suit, devenir = to become, intervenir = to intervene,
parvenir = to reach, revenir = to return, survenir = to happen.
Verbs that are pronominal also always form their compound tenses with etre -
see 104.
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
64 Verbs conjugated with etre and agreement
In the case of these verbs, agreement between the past participle and the subject is
compulsory -
if the subject is feminine, an —e is added to the participle;
if the subject is plural, an —s is added, if the subject is masculine or is used generically;
an —es is added if the subject is feminine plural.
Examples
Lorsqu'elle est entree ,je me suis dit que c'etait ma chance = when she came in,
I said to myself, now' s my chance
Elle est devenue un objet de desir = she became an object of desire
Ses deuxfds sont venus me demander du conseil = his two sons came and asked me
for advice
II y a des hommes qui ne sont pas sortis de Venfance^ meme s His portent
des costumes = there are some men who have not left childhood, even if they wear suits
J'ai rencontre beaucoup defilles qui sont tombees amoureuses au moins
unefois par mois = I've met lots of girls who fell in love at least once a month
Comprenant qu'ily avait une lueur d'espoir, elles sont revenues au centre
chaquejour = realising that there was a glimmer of hope, they came back to the centre every day
In the case of vous, an -s or —es is added only if the reference is to a plural subject; if
vous refers to a singular subject, then no extra ending is added, unless a feminine
subject is involved - thus
masculine singular
Apres cette aventure^ vous etes sagement rentre aupres de votrefemme et
vous etes enfin devenu raisonnable = after this escapade, you returned quietly to your wife
and at last became sensible
masculine plural
Vous avez porte des pantalons a pattes d' elephant — vous vous etes moques
du bon gout =you wore flares -you didn't care about good taste
feminine singular
Peut-etre avez-vous eu un parent exigeant —face a lui vous vous etes sentie
impuissante et vulnerable = perhaps you had a demanding parent - confronted by him or her
you felt powerless and vulnerable
Vous etes restee sans nouvelles de lui, et puis le beau garcon a qui vous
aviez donne vos coordonnees vous contacte =you hadn't had any news from him, and
then the handsome guy you'd given your details to contacts you
feminine plural
Mesdemoiselles, ilfautfaire attention au web camera qui vous permet
d'etre filmees et vues sur Vecran de votre patron = girls, you must beware of the
web-cam which allows you to be filmed and seen on screen by your boss
"26 I
67 Perfect tense of Group 1-4 verbs
Si vousfumez ou etes entourees defumeurs, vous risquez de vous preparer
une cinquantaine penible = if you smoke or are surrounded by smokers, you're in danger of
preparing a very uncomfortable scenario for yourself at ffty
65 Verbs which may be conjugated with either avoir or etre
1 Some of the verbs listed in 63 may be used transitively as well as intransitively
If they are used transitively accompanied by a direct object, they are conjugated with
avoir and not etre, and no agreement with the subject takes place.
The verbs are
descendre^ monter^ passer^ rentrer, retourner, sortir
Examples
Elle a descendu le coffre = she brought down the trunk
Nous avons monte leurs bagages = we took their luggage up
lis ont passe le tnois de Janvier en Espagne = they spent January in Spain
II a rentre son chien a cause du bruit = he brought his dog into the house because of the
noise
Elle a retourne le vase pour evaluer sa qualite = she turned the vase over to get an
idea of its quality
lis ont sorti les dechets = they brought the rubbish out
2 Another group of verbs (not listed in 63) may be conjugated with either auxiliary
without the matter of transitivity being involved. The normal procedure is - when
an action is involved, avoir is used; when a state is implied, it is etre which is
used.
Examples
Ce magazine aparu le 29 Janvier = this magazine came out on 29 January
Ce magazine est par u depuis longtemps = this magazine came out a long time ago
also accourir, apparaitre, disparaitre
jrfect tens
66 Formation
The perfect tense is formed by combining the present tense of avoir or etre with the
past participle of the verb.
67 Perfect tense of Group 1-4 verbs
Group 1 —er verbs
porter
j'ai porte, tu as porte, il/ elle /on aporte, nous avons porte, vous avez
porte, ils/elles ont port e
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
aller
je suis alli/allie, tu es alli/allie, il est alii, elle est allie, on est alii, nous
sommes alles / allies , vous etes alii / allie / allis / allies , Us sont allis, elles
sont allies
Group 2 -ir verbs
finir
j'aifini, tu asfini 9 il/ elle /on afini, nous avonsfini, vous avezfini, Us /elles
ontfini
partir
je suis parti /par tie, tu es parti /par tie, il/on est parti, elle est par tie, nous
sommes partis /parties, vous etes parti /partie/ partis /parties, Us sont
partis, elles sont parties
j'ai ouvert, tu as ouvert, il/ elle /on a ouvert, nous avons ouvert, vous avez
ouvert, Us /elles ont ouvert
je suis mort/morte, tu es mort/morte, il/on est mort, elle est morte, nous
sommes morts/mortes, vous etes mort/ morte /morts/mortes, Us sont
morts, elles sont mortes
Group 3 -re verbs
vendre
j'ai vendu, tu as vendu, il/ elle /on a vendu, nous avons vendu, vous avez
vendu, Us /elles ont vendu
prendre
j'aipris, tu as pris, il/ elle /on apris, nous avons pris, vous avez pris,
Us /elles ont pris
descendre
je suis descendu / descendue, tu es descendu / descendue, il/on est
descendu, elle est descendue, nous sommes descendus / descendues, vous
etes descendu / descendue / descendus / descendues, Us sont descendus,
elles sont descendues
Group 4 —oir verbs
recevoir
j'ai recu, tu as recu, il/ elle /on a recu, nous avons recu, vous avez recu,
Us /elles ont regu
pouvoir
"28 I
69 Pluperfect tense of Group 1-4 verbs
j'aipu, tu as pu, il/elle/on apu, nous avons pu, vous avezpu, ils/elles ont
pu
luperfect tense
68 Formation
The pluperfect tense is formed by combining the imperfect tense of avoir or etre with
the past participle of the verb.
69 Pluperfect tense of Group 1-4 verbs
Group 1 —er verbs
porter
j' avais porti, tu avais porti, il/elle/on avait porti, nous avions porti,
vous aviez porti, ils/elles avaient porti
aller
y itais alli/allie, tu itais alli/allie, il/on itait alii, elle itait allie, nous
itions allis/ allies , vous itiez alii / allie / allis / allies , Us itaient allis,
elles etaient allies
Group 2 -ir verbs
finir
j y avais fini, tu avais fini, il/elle/on avait fini, nous avions fini, vous aviez
fini, ils/elles avaient fini
partir
y itais parti / partie, tu itais parti /par tie, il/on itait parti, elle itait partie,
nous itions partis /parties, vous itiez parti /par tie /partis /par ties, Us
itaient partis, elles itaient parties
j y itais mort/morte, tu itais mort/morte, il/on itait mort, elle itait
morte, nous itions morts/mortes, vous itiez mort/morte/morts/mortes,
Us itaient morts, elles itaient mortes
Group 3 -re verbs
vendre
j y avais vendu, tu avais vendu, il/elle/on avait vendu, nous avions vendu,
vous aviez vendu, ils/elles avaient vendu
descendre
y itais descendu / descendue, tu itais descendu / descendue, il/on itait
descendu, elle itait descendue, nous itions descendus / descendues, vous
itiez descendu / descendue / descendus / descendues, Us itaient descendus,
elles itaient descendues
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Group 4 —oir verbs
recevoir
y avals regu, tu avais regu, il/elle/on avait regu, nous avions regu, vous
aviez regu, ils/elles avaient regu
pouvoir
j y avais pu, tu avais pu, il/elle/on avait pu, nous avions pu, vous aviez pu,
ils/elles avaient pu
iture perfect tense
70 Formation
The future perfect tense is formed by combining the future tense of avoir or etre with
the past participle of the verb.
71 Future perfect tense of Group 1-4 verbs
Group 1 —er verbs
porter
j y aurai porti, tu auras porti, il/elle/on aura porti, nous aurons porti,
vous aurez porti, ils/elles auront porti
aller
je serai alli/allie, tu seras alli/allie, il/on sera alii, elle sera allie, nous
serons allis/ allies, vous serez alii / allie / allis / allies, Us seront allis,
elles seront allies
Group 2 -ir verbs
finir
j'auraifini, tu auras jini, il/elle/on aura jini, nous aurons jini, vous aurez
jini, ils/elles auront fini
partir
je serai parti / par tie, tu seras parti /par tie, il/on sera parti, elle sera
partie, nous serons partis /parties, vous serez parti /par tie /partis/
parties, Us seront partis, elles seront parties
j y aurai ouvert, tu auras ouvert, il/elle/on aura ouvert, nous aurons
ouvert, vous aurez ouvert, ils/elles auront ouvert
je serai mort/morte, tu seras mort/morte, il/on sera mort, elle sera
morte, nous serons morts / mortes, vous serez mort / morte / morts /
mortes. Us seront morts* elles seront mortes
30
73 Conditional perfect tense of Group 1-4 verbs
Group 3 -re verbs
vendre
j'aurai vendu^ tu auras vendu, il/elle/on aura vendu, nous aurons vendu,
vous aurez vendu^ ils/elles auront vendu
prendre
j'aurai pris, tu auras pris, il/elle/on aura pris, nous aurons pris, vous
aurez pris, ils/elles auront pris
descendre
je serai descendu / descendue, tu seras descendu / descendue, il/on sera
descendu^ elle sera descendue, nous serons descendus / descendues, vous
serez descendu / descendue / descendus / descendues. Us seront descendus,
elles seront descendues
Group 4 —oir verbs
recevoir
j'aurai regu, tu auras regu, il/elle/on aura regu, nous aurons regu, vous
aurez regu, ils/elles auront regu
pouvoir
j'aurai pu, tu auras pu, il/elle/on aurapu, nous aurons pu^ vous aurez pu,
ils/elles auront pu
.nditional perfect tense
72 Formation
The conditional perfect tense is formed by combining the conditional tense of avoir or
et re with the past participle of the verb.
73 Conditional perfect tense of Group 1-4 verbs
Group 1 —er verbs
porter
j ' aurais port e, tu aurais porte, il/elle/on aurait porte, nous aurions porte,
vous auriez porte, ils/elles auraient porte
aller
je serais alle/allee 9 tu serais alle/allee, il/on serait alle, elle serait allee,
nous serions alles/ allies , vous seriez alle / allee / alles / allees , Us seraient
alles, elles seraient allees
Group 2 -ir verbs
finir
y aurais jini) tu aurais fini 9 il/elle/on auraitjini, nous aurions fini, vous
auriez fini, ils/elles auraient fini
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
partir
je serais parti /par tie , tu serais parti /par tie 9 il/on serait parti, elle serait
partie, nous serious partis /parties 9 vous seriez parti /par tie /partis/
parties , Us seraient partis , elles seraient parties
j' aurais ouvert, tu aurais ouvert, il/ elle /on aurait ouvert, nous aurions
ouvert, vous auriez ouvert, Us /elles auraient ouvert
je serais mort/morte, tu serais mort/morte, il/on serait mort, elle serait
morte, nous serious morts/mortes, vous seriez mort / morte / morts /
mortes 9 Us seraient morts* elles seraient mortes
Group 3 -re verbs
vendre
j' aurais vendu, tu aurais vendu, il/ elle /on aurait vendu, nous aurions
vendu, vous auriez vendu, Us /elles auraient vendu
prendre
j 'aurais pris, tu aurais pris, il/ elle /on aurait pris, nous aurions pris, vous
auriez pris. Us /elles auraient pris
descendre
je serais descendu / descendue, tu serais descendu / descendue, il/on serait
descendu, elle serait descendue, nous serious descendus / descendues,
vous seriez descendu / descendue / descendus / descendues, Us seraient
descendus, elles seraient descendues
Group 4 —oir verbs
recevoir
j' aurais regu, tu aurais regu, il/ elle /on aurait regu, nous aurions regu,
vous auriez regu, Us /elles auraient regu
pouvoir
j ' aurais pu, tu aurais pu, il/ elle /on aurait pu, nous aurions pu, vous
auriez pU) Us /elles auraient pu
ist historic tense
74 Past historic
A tense that is mainly restricted to the written medium (see 1 30) and which involves many
irregularities of stem in Groups 3 and 4.
32
78 Examples: Group 2 -ir verbs
75 Past historic tense of Group 1 -er verbs
All —er verbs (even including alter) form their past historic tense regularly, by adding
the endings listed below to their stem. The Subgroup 5 verbs, commencer and
manger, etc, form their past historic tense according to the principles presented above -
see 20.
The following endings are added to the stem.
singular plural
—ai —ames
—as —ates
—a —erent
76 Examples of Group 1 -er verbs
porter
je portai, tuportas, il / elle / on porta, nous portames, vous portates,
Us / elles porterent
commencer
je commencai, tu commencas, il/elle/on commenca, nous
commencames, vous commentates, Us /elles commencerent
manger
je mangeai, tu mangeas, il/elle/on mangea, nous mangeames, vous
mangeates, Us /elles mangerent
aller
j'allai) tu alias, il/elle alia, nous allames, vous allates, Us /elles allerent
77 Past historic tense of Group 2 -ir verbs
All Subgroup 1 and Subgroup 3 (cueillir) verbs and many Subgroup 2 verbs form their
past historic tense in the same way.
The following endings are added to the stem.
singular plural
-is -imes
-Js -ttes
-it -nrent
78 Examples of Group 2 -ir verbs
finir
je finis, tu finis, il / elle / on finit, nous finimes, vousfinites, Us /elles
finirent
partir
je partis, tu partis, il/elle /on par tit, nous par times, vous partites,
Us /elles partirent
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
cueillir
je cueillis, tu cueillis, il/elle/on cueillit, nous cueillimes, vous cueillites,
ils/elles cueillirent
79 -ir verbs Subgroup 4
venir and tenir have a distinctive form in the past historic -
venir
je vins, tu vins, il/elle/on vint, nous vinmes, vous vintes, ils/elles
vinrent
tenir
je tins, tu tins, il/elle/on tint, nous tinmes, vous tintes, ils/elles tinrent
80 -ir verbs exceptions to Subgroup 2 and mourir
Certain — iV verbs form their past historic tense with the following endings.
singular plural
-t#s -^umes
-ms -nites
-^ut -^urent
Examples of —ir verbs forming their past historic in — u—
courir
je courus, tu courus, il/elle/on courut, nous courumes, vous courutes,
ils/elles coururent
je tnourus, tu tnourus, il/elle/on tnourut, nous mourumes, vous
mourutes, ils/elles moururent
81 Past historic tense of Group 3 -re verbs
It will be remembered, from the presentation of the present tense of this group of verbs,
that there are many subgroups. Since there are so many anomalies with this group
of verbs in the past historic tense, the most straightforward way of presenting them is
individually. Certain -re verbs form their past historic with endings in -i— and others
in — u—
Those verbs with endings in -i— will be dealt with first, then those whose endings are
in — u—
82 Group 3 -re verbs with past historic endings in -/-
singular plural
-is -ttnes
-4s -ttes
-it -4rent
Example of -re verbs with endings in -i—
vendre
34 I
84 Group 3 -re verbs: past historic endings in -u-
je vendis, tu vendis, il/elle/on vendit, nous vendimes, vous vendites,
ils/elles vendirent
Battre, perdre, repondre, rompre follow a similar pattern.
83 Group 3 -re verbs with stem variation
conduire: the stem acquires an —s—, as follows
je conduisis, tu conduisis, il/elle/on conduisit, nous conduisimes, vous
conduisites, ils/elles conduisirent
craindre, joindre and other verbs in —aindre / -oindre: the stem changes from
—aind/—oind to -aign/—oign.
craindre
je craignis, tu craignis, il/elle/on craignit, nous craignimes, vous
craignites, ils/elles craignirent
joindre —jejoignis, nous joignimes
dire and rire - the -i— of the stem is absorbed into the ending; consequently at times
the verb form is the same as the present tense. The past historic forms are
je dis, tu dis, il/elle/on dit, nous dimes , vous dites, ils/elles dirent
ecrire - the stem acquires a -v—, as follows -
j'ecrivis, tu ecrivis, il/elle/on ecrivit, nous ecrivimes, vous ecrivites,
ils/elles ecrivirent
faire
jefis, tufis, il/elle/on jit , nousjimes, vousjites, Us / elles firent
mettre - the stem is reduced to m—\ the forms are
je mis, tu mis, il/elle/on mit, nous mimes , vous mites , ils/elles mirent
prendre
jepris, tupris, il i elle / on prit, nous primes, vous prites, Us / elles prirent
84 Group 3 -re verbs with past historic endings in -u-
The endings are
singular plural
— us -^umes
-ms -^utes
-nit -mrent
Quite often stem variation is also involved.
Examples of —re verbs with endings in — u—
boire
je bus, tu bus, il/elle/on but, nous bumes, vous butes, ils/elles burent
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
conclure
je concluS) tu conclus, il/elle/on conclut, nous conclumes, vous conclutes,
ils/elles conclurent
je crus, tu crus, il/elle/on crut, nous crumes, vous crutes, ils/elles
crurent
etre
jefus, tufus 9 il/elle/onfut, nous fumes , vousfutes. Us / elles furent
lire
je lus 9 tu lus 9 il/elle/on lut 9 nous lumes, vous lutes , ils/elles lurent
vivre
je vecus, tu vecus, il/elle/on vecut, nous vecumes, vous vecutes, ils/elles
vecurent
85 Past historic tense of Group 4 -oir verbs
It will be remembered, from the presentation of the present tense of this group of verbs,
that many of them form that tense in highly irregular ways - see 39. The same applies
to the past historic.
As with Group 3 —re verbs, some form their past histories in -t— others - the majority
- in — u—
Group 4 —oir endings of past historic
singular plural singular plural
-Js -ttnes -ms -jkmes
-4s -ttes — ms -4ktes
-it -irent -nit -mrent
86 Group 4 -oir verbs with past historic endings in -/-
s'asseoir
je m'assis, tu t'assis, il/elle/on s'assit, nous nous assimes, vous vous
assites, il/ elles s'assirent
je vis, tu vis, il/elle/on vit, nous vimes, vous vites, ils/elles virent
87 Group 4 -oir verbs with past historic endings in -u-
avoir
j'eus, tu eus 9 il/elle/on eut 9 nous eumes, vous elites, ils/elles eurent
devoir
je dus, tu dus, il/elle/on dut, nous dumes, vous dutes, ils/elles durent
falloir
36 I
90 Examples: Group 1-4 verbs
ilfallut
pleuvoir
ilplut
pouvoir
je pus, tu pus, il/elle/on put, nous pumes, vous putes. Us / elles purent
recevoir
je recus, tu recus, il/elle/on recut^ nous recumes, vous recutes, Us /elles
regurent
savoir
je sus 9 tu sus 9 il/elle/on sut 9 nous sumes, vous sutes, Us /elles surent
valoir
je valus, tu valus, il/elle/on valuta nous volumes^ vous volutes^ Us /elles
valurent
vouloir
je voulus, tu voulus, il/elle/on voulut, nous voulumes, vous voulutes,
Us /elles voulurent
■ist anterior tense
88 General comments
This is the least common of the indicative tenses and is only used in conjunction with the
past historic, itself very uncommon in spoken French and in informal writing - see 133.
89 Formation
The past anterior tense is formed by combining the past historic tense of avoir or etre
with the past participle of the verb.
90 Examples of Group 1-4 verbs
Group 1
porter
j'eus porte, nous eutnes porte
aller
jefus alle(e), nous fumes alle(e)s
Group 2
finir
j'eusjini, nous eumes fini
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
partir
jefus parti(e) 9 nous fumes parti(e)s
Group 3
vendre
j'eus vendu, nous entries vendu
descendre
jefus descendu(e), nous fumes descendu(e)s
Group 4
recevoir
j'eus recU) nous eumes recu
pouvoir
j'eus pu, nous eumes pu
SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD
jsent subjunctive tense
91 Formation
The present subjunctive is normally formed by taking the third person plural form of the
present indicative tense, deleting the ending —ent and adding the appropriate endings.
Obtaining the stem -
portent — ► port—, finissent — ► finiss—, courent — ► cour— 9 vendent — ► vend—^
regoivent — ► regoiv—
The endings are
singular plural
—e -ions
—es -iez
—e —ent
Note that the usual stem variations apply according to the ending added.
92 Group 1 examples of the present subjunctive
porter
je porte, tu portes, il/elle/on porte, nous portions, vous portiez, ils/elles
portent
appeler
j'appelle, nous appelions
jeter
38 I
95 Group 3 examples: present subjunctive
jejette, nous jetions
acheter
j'achete, nous achetions
metier
je mene, nous menions
esperer
j'espere, nous esperions
commencer
je commence , nous commencions
manger
je mange , nous mangions
93 Group 1 verb which diverges from the normal pattern -
aller
j'aille, tu allies, il/elle/on aille, nous allions, vous alliez, ils/elles
aillent
94 Group 2 examples of the present subjunctive
finir
jefinisse, tufinisses^ il/elle/on jinisse, nous finis sions, vous finis siez.
Us / elles finissent
courir
je coure, tu coures, il/elle/on coure, nous courions, vous couriez, ils/elles
courent
cueillir
je cueille, nous cueillions
venir
je vienne, nous venions
95 Group 3 examples of the present subjunctive
vendre
je vende, tu vendes, il/elle/on vende, nous vendions, vous vendiez,
ils/elles vendent
rompre
je rompe, nous rompions
battre
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
je batte, nous battions
croire
je croie, nous croyions
conduire
je conduise, nous conduisions
ecrire
j'ecris, nous ecrivions
dire
je dise, nous disions
96 Group 3 verbs which diverge from the normal pattern
etre
je sois 9 tu sois 9 il/elle/on soit 9 nous soyons, vous soyez, ils/elles
soient
faire
jefasse, tuf asses ^ il/elle/onfasse 9 nous fassions, vousfassiez, ils/elles
fassent
97 Group 4 examples of the present subjunctive
recevoir
je regoive, tu regoives, il/elle/on regoive, nous recevions, vous receviez,
ils/elles regoivent
je voie, tu voies, il/elle/on voie, nous voyions, vous voyiez, ils/elles
voient
devoir
je doive, tu doives, il/elle/on doive, nous devions, vous deviez, ils/elles
doivent
98 Group 4 verbs which diverge from the normal pattern
avoir
j'aie, tu aies, il/elle/on ait, nous ayons, vous ayez, ils/elles aient
pouvoir
je puisse, tu puisses, il/elle/on puisse, nous puis sions, vous puissiez,
Us /elles puissent
40
100 Examples of the imperfect subjunctive
je seiche, tu s aches, il/elle/on seiche, nous seichions, vous sachiez, ils/elles
sachent
vouloir
je veuille, tu veuilles, il/elle/on veuille, nous voulions, vous vouliez,
ils/elles veuillent
iperfect subjunctive tense
99 Formation and usage
The imperfect subjunctive is extremely rare in everyday usage - see 145. When it occurs,
it is normally the third person singular form that is found.
It is normally formed by taking the first person singular form of the past historic tense,
deleting the last letter and adding the appropriate endings.
Obtaining the stem -
portai — ► porta- , finis — >fini—, courus — ► couru—, vendis — ► vendi—,
recus — ► recu—
The endings are
singular plural
—sse —ssions
—sses —ssiez
—~t —ssent
Note that for the third person singular a circumflex accent is added to the vowel of the
stem.
100 Examples of the imperfect subjunctive
Group 1
porter
je portasse, tu portasses, il/elle portat, nous port as sions, vous port as siez,
ils/elles portassent
aller
j'allasse, tu allasses, il/elle/on allat, nous allassions, vous allassiez,
ils/elles allassent
Group 2
finir
jefinisse, tufinisses, il/elle/on finit, nous finis sions, vous finis siez,
Us / elles finissent
je courusse, tu courusses, il/elle/on courut, nous courussions, vous
courussiez, ils/elles courussent
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Group 3
vendre
je vendisse, tu vendisses, il/elle/on vendit, nous vendissions, vous
vendissiez, ils/elles vendissent
etre
jefusse, tu fusses , il/elle/on fut, nous fussions, vous fussiez, ils/elles
fussent
Group 4
recevoir
je recusse, tu recusses, il/elle/on recut, nous recussions, vous recussiez,
ils/elles recussent
j'eusse, tu eusses, il/elle/on eut 9 nous eussions, vous eussiez, ils/elles
eussent
pouvoir
je pusse, tu pusses, il/elle/on put, nous pus sions, vous pussiez, ils/elles
pussent
>rfect and pluperfect subjunctive tenses
101 Formation
The perfect subjunctive is formed by combining the present subjunctive of the auxiliary
verbs avoir or etre with the past participle of the verb, and the pluperfect subjunctive
similarly by combining the imperfect subjunctive of the auxiliary verbs avoir or etre
with the past participle of the verb.
102 Examples of Group 1-4 verbs
Group 1
j'aie porte^j'eusse porte
Group 2
j'aiejini, j'eussefini
Group 3
j'aie vendu, j'eusse vendu
j'aie ete 9 j'eusse ete
Group 4
j'aie recu 9 j y eusse recu
j'aie eu,j'eusse eu
~ I
104 Compound tenses
^nominal verbs
103 Pronominal verbs
A pronominal verb is one which is accompanied by an unstressed object pronoun (see
208) in all its forms. The verbs are conjugated in exactly the same way as non-pronominal
verbs - those ending in —er are conjugated like other verbs ending in —er with the same
qualifications as apply to the latter (subgroups); and the same applies to the other groups
of verbs. The pronouns are me, te^ se (for third person singular and plural), nous,
vous.
Present tense
Group 1
se lever = to get up
je me leve, tu te leves, il/elle/on se leve, nous nous levons, vous vous levez,
ils/elles se levent
Group 2
se souvenir = to remember
je me souviens, tu te souviens, il/elle/on se souvient, nous nous
souvenons* vous vous souvenez* ils/elles se souviennent
Group 3
se plaindre = to complain
je me plains 9 tu te plains , il/elle/on se plaint 9 nous nous plaignons, vous
vous plaignez, ils/elles se plaignent
Group 4
s'asseoir = to sit down
je m'assieds, tu t'assieds^ il/elle/on s'assied, nous nous asseyons, vous
vous asseyez, ils/elles s'asseyent
104 Compound tenses
The major difference between pronominal and non-pronominal verbs occurs in the area
of compound tense formation. Whereas the majority of non-pronominal verbs use avoir
as their auxiliary when they form their compound tenses (see 63, 64), and only a small
minority do not, all pronominal verbs without exception use etre for their compound
tenses -
se lever —je me suis leve(e)
se souvenir —je me suis souvenu(e)
se plaindre —je me suis plaint(e)
s'asseoir —je me suis assis(e)
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
105 Agreement of past participles
The fact that the compound tenses of pronominal verbs are conjugated with etre and
not avoir has consequences for the agreement of the past participles - see 64. How-
ever, the situation is not quite so straightforward as with non-pronominal verbs con-
jugated with etre. Agreement depends upon the syntactic status of the object pronoun
- whether it is direct object or indirect object. In the former case, agreement occurs; in
the latter it does not. It is important, therefore, to interpret the value of the pronouns
correctly.
106 The variable values of reflexive pronouns - how to
interpret the pronouns
The pronouns that are used in conjunction with pronominal verbs have a number of
values.
1 They may be direct objects
The pronoun is directly affected by the action of the verb -
je me lave = I get washed, I wash myself
However, at times the action exerted by the verb is less obvious -
je me couche = I go to bed
je me suis as sis = I sat down
elle s'est promenee = she went for a walk
In all these cases, in compound tenses, the past participle agrees with the subject of the
verb.
2 They may be indirect objects
In this case the pronoun is not directly affected by the action of the verb, and no agreement
occurs -
je me suis dit que . . . = I said to myself that . . .
je me lave les mains = I am washing my hands
- here les mains is the direct object, what is being washed; the indirect object indicates
that the hands belong to the subject (see 257).
3 They may be used reflexively
In such circumstances the pronouns indicate that the subjects are doing something to
themselves. This applies to all the previous examples given in / and 2.
je me lave = / wash myself
je me couche = I put myself to bed
Elle se croyait enceinte = she thought she was pregnant (literally she thought herself
pregnant)
44 I
106 Variable values of reflexive pronouns
4 They may be used without a reflexive value
The pronoun has no independence from the verb, and the verb and pronoun constitute
a single semantic entity -
s'abstenir = to abstain, s'en aller = to go away, se douter = to suspect, s'endormir
= to go to sleep, s'evanouir = to faint, se mefier = to mistrust, se repentir = to repent
In all these cases, in compound tenses, the past participle agrees with the subject of the
verb.
5 They may have a reciprocal value
The pronoun is used to convey the fact that several subjects are doing the same thing to
each other.
The pronoun may be direct or indirect object -
Direct object -
s' admirer = to admire each other, s 3 aimer = to love each other, se detester = to hate each
other, se regarder = to look at each other
Indirect object -
se dire (la verite) = to tell each other (the truth), s'ecrire = to write to each other,
s 3 envoy er (un mail) = to send each other (an e-mail), se raconter (des histoires) = to
tell each other (stories)
A consequence of this is that certain verbs may be ambiguous in interpretation, sometimes
being reflexive, sometimes reciprocal.
Examples
se connaitre
in the singular a verb like se connaitre is reflexive - je me connais = / know
(= understand) myself -
but in the plural, it may be used
1 reciprocally - Us se connaissent = they know each other or
2 reflexively - Us se connaissent = they know (= understand) themselves.
se poser
The same would apply to se poser des questions - Us se posent des questions =
they ask each other questions or they ask themselves questions.
En Afrique, la nourriture, c'est cultureL Les maris ne se posent pas la
question de savoir si leur epouse cuisine bien = in Africa food is a cultural matter.
Husbands don't ask themselves whether their wife is a good cook
se dire
1 Les analystes se sont dits decus par le resultat net du troisieme
trimestre = the analysts declared themselves disappointed by the net result of the third term
2 Les analystes se sont dit des histoires pour egayer les resultats
decevants = the analysts told each other stories to enliven the disappointing results
i 45
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
In 1 the analysts are describing themselves (direct object) as disappointed; in 2 they are
telling stories (direct object) to themselves (indirect object).
A way of avoiding this potential ambiguity is to add the expression Vun V autre
in the appropriate form (for number and gender) in order to reinforce the reciprocal
value -
Les hommes politiques se sont felicites d 'avoir reussi leur campagne = the
politicians congratulated themselves on the success of their campaign
Les hommes politiques se sont felicites les uns les autres d 3 avoir reussi
leur campagne = the politicians congratulated each other on the success of their campaign
Sophie et Jessica se sont maquillees = Sophie and Jessica made themselves up / put their
make-up on
Sophie et Jessica se sont maquillees Vune V autre = Sophie and Jessica made each
other up / put each other's make-up on
6 As an alternative to the passive voice
The pronominal form of many verbs may be used instead of or to avoid the passive
voice - see 1 1 4.
Le franc ais se parle au Quebec = French is spoken in Quebec
II est comptable — ca se voit bien = he's an accountant, that can easily be seen (= that's
obvious)
Cette expression ne s y emploie plus = that expression is no longer used
Cette plante ne se trouve que dans tres peu dejardins = this plant is only found in
a few gardens
107 Occasional difficulty in deciding whether the pronoun
is direct or indirect object
It is not always immediately clear, especially for an English speaker who tries to trans-
late the French pronominal verb directly into English, whether the object pronoun is
indirect or direct. Sometimes a moment's reflexion is necessary to establish which pro-
noun is involved; at other times, in order to grasp the relationship between the pronoun
and the verb, mental gymnastics are required, as some of the examples quoted above
illustrate.
The case of se souvenir = to remember and se rappeler = to remember
As far as se souvenir = to remember (see below) is concerned, the se is direct object,
but, in the case of se rappeler = to remember, it is indirect object - the test here is that se
souvenir is followed by de, so that what is remembered depends upon a preposition,
consequently making the se direct object (= I remind myself)] whereas in the case of se
rappeler what is remembered is the direct object and consequently the pronoun, as
with se laver earlier, indicates who is being reminded (= I recall to myself '(?)).
Elle s'est souvenue de mon anniversaire but elle s'est rappele mon
anniversaire = she remembered my birthday
If the pronominal verb is followed by de, the pronoun is treated as a direct object.
46 I
109 Verbs that are always/sometimes pronominal
108 The agreement in compound tenses of pronominal verbs
with direct objects and those with indirect objects
1 Perfect tense of pronominal verbs with a direct object pronoun
se laver
je me suis lave/lavee, tu Ves lave/lavee, il s'est lave, elle s'est lavee, nous
nous sotntnes laves /lavees, vous vous etes lave / lav ee / laves / lav ees, Us se
sont laves, elles se sont lavees
Other examples -
s'asseoir, s'attaquer = to attack, se baigner = to have a swim, se battre = to fight,
se blesser = to hurt yourself, se cacher = to hide, se coucher = to go to bed, s'etendre
= to stretch out, s'habiller = to get dressed, s 'installer = to settle down, se lever, se
mettre debout = to stand up, se tnettre en route = to set out, se promener, se
raser = to get shaved, se retrouver = to turn up, se rouler = to roll, to wrap
yourself up
2 Perfect tense of reflexive verbs with an indirect object pronoun
se rendre cotnpte = to realise
je me suis rendu compte, tu t'es rendu compte, il/elle s'est rendu compte,
nous nous sommes rendu compte, vous vous etes rendu compte. Us /elles
se sont rendu compte
Other examples -
s'admettre = to admit, se demander = to wonder, se dire = to say to yourself, s'ecrire
= to write to yourself, se parler = to talk to yourself, se reprocher = to reproach yours elf, and
all examples where an action is being undertaken on part of the body - se brosser les
dents = to brush your teeth, se casser lajambe = to break a leg, sefrotter les mains
= to rub your hands, se laver le visage = to washyourface
For agreement of past participles with a direct preceding object, see 214.
109 Verbs that are always pronominal and those that are
sometimes pronominal
It will have been clear from the above sections that certain verbs are always pronominal,
whereas others sometimes are and sometimes are not. Most non-pronominal verbs may
on occasions be used pronominally
A small selection of verbs which are always pronominal in form -
s'abstenir = to refrain, s'en aller = to go away, se blottir = to huddle up,
s'evanouir = to faint, se refugier = to take refuge, se souvenir = to remember
A small selection of verbs which have pronominal and non-pronominal forms -
cacher = to hide (an object) - se cacher — to hide (yourself
laver = to wash - se laver = to get washed
lever = to raise up - se lever = to get up
nourrir = to feed - se nourrir = to feed yourself
promener = to take for a walk - se promener = to go for a walk
raser = to shave - se raser = to have a shave
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
1 1 Active and Passive Voice
In simple terms, in the case of verbs in the active voice, the subject of the verb performs
the action indicated by the verb.
In the case of verbs in the passive voice, the subject of the verb undergoes the action
indicated by the verb - the object of an active verb becomes the subject of a passive
verb -
Le ministre a manipule V opinion publique = the minister manipulated public
opinion — ►
L : 'opinion publique a ete manipulee par le ministre = public opinion has been
manipulated by the minister
Safemme le domine = his wife dominates him — ►
// est domine par safemme = he's dominated by his wife
1 1 1 Restrictions on conversion from active to passive voice
Unlike English, where an indirect object may be transformed into the subject of a passive
verb (eg his girlfriend gave him the CD for his birthday -^he was given the CD for his birthday by
his gir friend), in French only direct objects can be so used. Indirect objects cannot become
the subject of a verb in the passive voice.
1 1 2 Formation of the passive voice
The passive is formed by combining the past participle of the verb with the appropriate
tense of the auxiliary verb etre. The past participle agrees with the subject of the verb.
The conjugation of porter in the passive voice -
porter
present tense passive -
je suis porte/e, tu es porte/e, il/on est porte, elle est portee, nous sommes
portes/es 9 vous etes porte/e/s/es 9 Us sont portes, elles sont portees
imperfect tense passive -
j y etais porte / e^ tu etais porte/e, il/on etait porte, elle etait portee, nous
etions portes/es, vous etiez porte / e / s / es. Us etaient portes, elles etaient
portees
perfect tense passive -
j'ai ete porte/e, tu as ete porte/e^ il/on a ete porte, elle a ete portee, nous
avons ete portes/es, vous avez ete porte/e/s/es, Us ont ete portes, elles
ont ete portees
future tense passive -
je serai porte/e, tu seras porte/e, il/on sera porte, elle sera portee, nous
serons portes / es, vous serez porte/e/s/es. Us seront portes, elles seront
portees
48 I
1 14 Avoiding and using the passive voice
pluperfect tense passive -
j'avais ete porte/e, tu avais ete porte/e, il/on avait ete porte, elle avait ete
portee, nous avions ete portes/es, vous aviez ete porte / e / s / es, Us avaient
ete portes, elles avaient ete portees
The other tenses, subjunctive as well as indicative, are formed according to the same
pattern.
1 1 3 Examples of the passive voice
Deux medecins de Palerme sont soupconnes d 'avoir soigne le parrain de
Cos a Nostra = two doctors from Palermo are suspected of having treated the godfather ofCosa
Nostra
Un sondage a ete realise au tnois de septembre = a survey was carried out in
September
Ce mois-ci vous serez soulagee d'ajouter le mot «fin » a votre manuscrit =
this month you' 11 be relieved to add the word finished' to your manuscript
La certitude d'etre trompe gagne du terrain = the certainty of being cheated on gains
ground
Un accord a ete passe entre la presidence du tribunal de Paris et le
barreau = an agreement has been signed between the president of the Paris court and the bar
Les deux methodes donnent d'excellents resultats, a condition qu'elles
soient executees par de vrais pros = the two methods give excellent results, provided that
they are carried out by real professionals
Unpeu d'activite s 'impose, car, meme si votre capital beaute n' est pas
encore entame, il vaut mieux etre prevoyante = a little activity is called for, because
even if your beauty capital hasn't yet been opened up, it's better to think ahead
Votre patron n' est pas oblige d'embaucher, meme si c'est V esprit de la
loi =your boss isn't obliged to take on any extra staff, even fit's in the spirit of the law
1 14 Avoiding and using the passive voice
In relative terms English uses more passive voice constructions than French. This is
because French has a number of strategies that are regularly employed as alternatives to
the passive voice. In other words, where a passive voice would be used in English, French
sometimes uses a different construction. There are two strategies that are commonly
used as alternatives to the passive voice in situations where, in English, a passive would
be used.
1 The impersonal pronoun on
On is much more common as a pronoun in French than its equivalent one is in
English - see 226 -
On dit que = it is said that
On croit que = it is thought that
On lui a repare sa voiture = his car has been repaired
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
2 The pronominal form of the verb
L'ordinateur s'est inexorablement integre dans le pay sage prof essionnel =
computers have inexorably become an integral part of the professional scene
Une prise de conscience qui s'accompagne d'une sacree periode de
maturation = a pang of conscience accompanied by a jolly good period of growing up
Nous pensons que ce retard s'explique par une offre inacceptable = we think
that this delay may be explained by an unacceptable offer
See also 106.
Using the passive voice
As the examples in 1 1 3 have shown, despite the comment that French avoids the passive
voice, there are many instances where the passive voice is used. These tend to be in
technical and semi-technical circumstances - in manuals, brochures, reports, official
documents and so on.
1 Formation des verbes
Pour chacun des verbes suivants, donnez la forme qu'on vous demande-
indicatif
le present
premiere personne du singulier -
courir, craindre, cueillir, devoir, ecrire, etre, lire, savoir, venir, vouloir
deuxieme personne du pluriel -
oiler, avoir, commencer, finir, manger, partir, pouvoir, prendre, voir,
valoir
1 ' imp ar fait
deuxieme personne du singulier -
avoir, etre,J aire, finir, manger, perdre, recevoir, rire, valoir, vendre
troisieme personne du pluriel -
aller, commencer, conduire, courir, devoir , jeter, porter , recevoir,
savoir, vouloir
le futur
troisieme personne du singulier -
acheter, aller, boire, courir, etre, pouvoir, savoir, venir, voir, vouloir
premiere personne du pluriel -
aller, commencer, devoir, envoy er, jeter, mener, mourir, partir, tenir,
vendre
50
Exercises
le passe simple
troisieme personne du singulier -
aller, boire, croire, cueillir, etre, porter, finir, pouvoir, savoir, vouloir
deuxieme personne du pluriel -
avoir, conduire, courir, devoir, ecrire,faire, lire, metier, mettre, vivre
subjonctif
le present
troisieme personne du singulier
avoir, dire, etre, J aire, finir,jeter, porter, s avoir, valoir, vouloir
deuxieme personne du pluriel
aller, boire, devoir, etre, f aire, manger, mettre, pouvoir, vendre,
vouloir
Pimp arf ait
troisieme personne du singulier
aller, avoir, boire, commencer, etre, J aire, finir, mener, s avoir, vouloir
premiere personne du pluriel
acheter, courir, devoir, etre, f aire, partir, porter, pouvoir, vendre,
vouloir
2 Les auxiliaires
Avec quel auxiliaire est-ce que les verbes suivants se conjuguent?
aller, arriver, s'asseoir, dire,falloir, mourir, naitre, porter, pouvoir,
recevoir, venir
3 Les verbes pronominaux
Donnez les formes des verbes pronominaux suivants qu'on vous
demande; en plus donnez les pronoms sujets -
troisieme personne masculine du singulier et deuxieme personne du pluriel du
present de l'indicatif-
s'asseoir, se laver, se lever, se plaindre, se souvenir
troisieme personne feminine du singulier et deuxieme personne masculine du pluriel
du passe compose de l'indicatif-
s'en aller, s'asseoir, se bercer, se laver, se lever, se mefier, se plaindre,
se porter, se rappeler, se souvenir
4 Reecrivez les passages suivants en transposant les verbes actifs en leur
equivalent passif; le cas echeant, faites d'autres modifications pour
garder le sens de la phrase -
i 51
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
a. Onpeut utiliser le tableau electronique interactif comme un tableau
normal — le stylet remplace la craie. On peut egalementy projeter des
infos prises directement sur internet ou on peut trouver cartes 9 photos 9
graphiques; on peut illustrer les cours facilement.
b. Seule une solution associant robustesse et maitrise totale de votre
consommation peut vous satisfaire.
c. C'est aussi un conseiller qui vous accompagne a chaque etape de votre
projet.
d. La Clementine confite, on la trouvera chez les confiseurs.
52
Chapter 2 Verbs: 2
USING VERBS
lood
The imperative mood
115 The imperative
The imperative is used to give commands and is, therefore, very common in everyday
speech -
sit up, listen, don't do that, forget it
Certain sets of circumstances are very prone to generate large numbers of orders, which
are then conveyed in the imperative mood - parents to children (and vice versa), teachers
to students, in the military, in arguments, in making arrangements. The written medium
makes less extensive use of the imperative mood - but it is common in manuals, recipes,
instructions on products, etc.
1 1 6 The restricted forms of the imperative
The imperative is the verb reduced to its minimum proportions - no subject pronouns
to use, used only with reference to the present time and with a very limited range of
persons; in addition, sentences containing an imperative are often only one word long.
1 1 7 The forms of the imperative
The imperative derives mainly from the 'you'-forms of the present tense of the verb,
second person singular and second person plural; less frequently an imperative based on
the first person plural occurs.
118 Forming the imperative
For Group 1 -er verbs
The singular imperative is derived from the second person singular forms of the present
tense, forms ending in —es or —as (aller — vas) (see 16), with the final -s deleted. This
—s is reinstated in certain situations - see below.
The plural imperative is derived from the second person plural forms and the first
person plural forms with no adjustment.
For Groups 2 — ir, 3 — re and 4 — oir verbs
The singular imperative is derived from the second person singular forms of the present
tense without adjustment (see 23, 30, 40-42). The ouvrir subgroup forms its singular
imperative like a Group 1 —er verb.
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
The plural imperative is derived from the second person plural forms and the first
person plural forms without adjustment.
Examples
Group 1 —er verbs
porter —porte, portez, portons
jeter —jette,jetez 9 jetons
manger - mange, mangez, mangeons
alter - va 9 allez, allons
The -s that has been deleted to form the imperative is reinstated when the imperative is
followed by the pronouns en and y -
Vas-y! = off you go!
Parles-en! = talk about it!
Group 2 -ir verbs
finir — finis , finis sez, finis sons
courir — cours, courez^ courons
ouvrir - ouvre, ouvrez, ouvrons
venir — viens, venez, venons
Group 3 —re verbs
vendre — vends^ vendez^ vendons
dire — dis 9 dites, disons
ecrire - ecris, ecrivez, ecrivons
faire —fais 9 faites 9 faisons
mettre — mets, mettez, mettons
Group 4 —oir verbs
recevoir — recois, recevez, recevons
119 Exceptions
There is a very small number of exceptions to the imperative-forming principle outlined
above. However, the verbs involved are common ones -
avoir — aie 9 ayez 9 ayons
etre - sois, soyez, soyons
savoir — sache 9 sachez, sachons
vouloir — veuille^ veuillez^ veuillons
120 Forming the imperative of pronominal verbs
The forms of the verb itself are created in exactly the same way as for non-pronominal
verbs. The difference between the pronominal and non-pronominal imperative forms
is that the former use the stressed form of the singular reflexive pronoun after the verb
in positive situations, but unstressed forms of the pronoun before the verb in negative
situations.
54 I
122 Alternatives to the imperative
Positive
se cacher — cache-toi, cachez-vous, cachons-nous
s'asseoir — assieds-toi, asseyez-vous, asseyons-nous
se taire - tais-toi, taisez-vous, taisons-nous
Negative
ne pas se cacher — ne te cache pas, ne vous cachez pas, ne nous cachons pas
ne pas s'asseoir — ne t'assieds pas, ne vous asseyez pas, ne nous asseyons
pas
ne pas se taire — ne te tais pas, ne vous taisez pas, ne nous taisons pas
121 Meaning of the imperative
The meaning of the second person forms is clear - a direct order -
cours, courez = run
mange, tnangez = eat up
assieds-toi, asseyez-vous = sit down
The meaning of the first person plural form is less peremptory and is equivalent to English
let's . . .
mangeons ensemble = let's eat together
asseyons-nous = let's sit down
122 Alternatives to the imperative
/ The infinitive used to give an order
In the written medium, particularly on notices, in manuals and instructions, it is common
for the infinitive to be used to give an order. The impression given is of a more polite,
moderated command -
Ne pas marcher sur Vherbe = don't walk on the grass
Tenir aufrais = keep in a cool place
Battre les oeufs avec la creme = whisk the eggs and cream together
2 Using defense to express a negative command
In negative situations, usually associated with public notices, the word defense (= prohi-
bition) is sometimes used -
Defense d'afficher = stick no bills
Defense de se pencher dehors = do not lean out
3 The future used to give an order
See 135.
4 Using vouloir to attenuate the imperative
See 163.
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
123 The imperative combined with object pronouns
See 212.
Indicative and subjunctive moods
124 The indicative and subjunctive moods and tenses
Indicative mood
Simple
Present
Imperfect
Past historic
Future
Conditional
Compound
Perfect
Pluperfect
Future perfect
Conditional perfect
Past anterior
Double compound
Subjunctive mood
Simple
Present
Imperfect
Compound
Perfect
Pluperfect
Present tense
125 Uses- 1: present moment; 2: habitual time;
3: universal time
Je mange is equivalent to English I eat (my lunch at one o'clock) and Fm eating (my lunch as
quickly as possible).
1 To describe events happening at the present moment
These fall into three main categories
Those relating to the present moment proper
L 3 anniversaire de Johnny Halliday est sans aucun doute Vevenement
musical de Vannee = Johnny Halliday's birthday is without doubt the musical event of the year
La France depense pour sa defense moins du dixieme du budget militaire
americain = France's defence expenditure is less than a tenth of America's military budget
Les recentsfeux deforet montrent qu'il nefaut pas relacher V effort pour
trouver une solution a ce probleme majeur du sud de VEurope = the recent
forest fires prove that it is vital not to relax efforts to find a solution to this very serious problem affecting
southern Europe
56 I
127 Other uses of the present tense
2 Those relating to habitual time
Voila la clef du mystere — ce littoral exquis apparait convert deux jours sur
trois par un brouillard a couper au couteau = here's the key to the mystery - this
exquisite coast-line is covered for two days out of three with afogyou could cut with a knife
Elle rentre a dix-sept heures tous les jours = she comes home every day at five o'clock
Son menu-carte change toutes les trois semaines et les idees fusent id
et la = he changes the menu every three weeks, and new ideas spurt out everywhere
3 Those relating to universal time
Toute reussite est un travail d'equipe = every success story is a matter of team effort
Deux et deux font quatre = two plus two makes four
Une ville a besoin d'un systeme de transports auquel on peutfaire
confiance = a town needs a transport system that inspires confidence
Avec Vage^ on apprend que les autres ont peut-etre raison, meme si Von est
certain qu'ils ont tort = with age, we learn that other people may perhaps be right, even if
we're sure they're wrong
126 4: Marking continuous time
In English it is possible to distinguish between a simple present tense {I wonder if we should
go) and a continuous present tense (I'm wondering if we should go). French does not have this
contrast.
Je me demande = / wonder and Tm wondering
However, if it is desirable for a French speaker to stress the length of time an action or
event is taking, a special construction exists, involving (etre) en train de —
A ce moment elle est en train de considerer toutes les possibilites pour sa
carriere = at the moment she's thinking about all her career possibilities
II est en train de dresser des plans pour Vavenir = he's (in the process of drawing up
plans for the future
Ml Other uses of the present tense - 5: future; 6: past
5 To refer to the near and not-so-near future
Je viens te voir ce soir = I'll come and see you this evening
Nous arrivons dans un instant = we'll be arriving in a moment
On part pour le Vietnam la semaine prochaine — we're leaving for Vietnam next week
See also the use of alter 136.
6 To refer to past time
This use of the present tense is known as the historic present, and is very common in
journalism and general literature, often to add a dramatic note or note of immediacy to
the recounting of an incident.
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Au 18e siecle les riches commencent a partir en vacances. Pour eux la
plage est une sorte de salon avec vue sur mer. On vient pour Vair marin
et la beaute des sites = in the eighteenth century, the rich began to go away on holiday. For
them the beach was a sort of lounge with a sea-view. They went for the sea air and the beauty of the
locations
Apres son arrivee en France , elle trouve unposte de jeune fille aupair. Elle
accepte pour le salaire, 700 euros par mois = after she arrived in France, she found a
job as an au pair. She took it because of the pay - 700 euros a month
Past tenses
128 Past tenses
Three tenses may be used to express events taking place one step back in time from the
perspective of the speaker/narrator:
the imperfect, the perfect, the past historic.
When it is a matter of two steps back from the perspective of the speaker/narrator,
other tenses may be used:
the pluperfect, the past anterior, the conditional perfect, the double compound.
Imperfect tense
129 Uses-1: duration; 2: interrupted time; 3: description;
4: repeated action
Equivalent to English / ate my lunch at college every Tuesday, I was eating my lunch when the
doorbell rang, I used to eat my lunch with my friends.
I To express the duration of time
Son crime? — avoir botte lesfesses de deux garnements qui chahutaient
dans sa classe = what was his crime? - to have kicked the backside of a couple oftearaways who
were making a nuisance of themselves in his class
L'epicier cherchait une plus import ante part du marche en important des
legumes du Maroc = the grocer was hoping to get a larger share of the market by importing
vegetables from Morocco
Les representants etaient recus a VElysee le 3 decembre = the representatives were
received by the President on 3 December
II etait conscient de ce qu'ilfaisait = he was aware of what he was
2 To express a period of time interrupted by an event
La jeune femme a obtenu le droit a un interview 9 pendant qu'elle dansait
avec la vedette = theyoung woman obtained the right to an interview, while she was dancing with
the celeb
Pendant qu'il parlait, les enfants ont ri avec impunite = while he was speaking,
the kids laughed with impunity
58
130 Past historic: uses
Le chanteur qui roulait a 201 ktn/h sur Vautoroute A10, a ete arrete par la
police = the singer who was driving at 201 km an hour on the A10 motorway was arrested by the
3 To describe a set of circumstances
J'ai tres vite senti queje n'etais pas un Europeen, queje n'etais pas un
Francais, quefetais un Negre, c'est tout (Aime Cesaire) = I soon realised that I
wasn't a European, nor a Frenchman, but quite simply a Black
En latin, ily avait trois genres, en franc ais deux et en anglais seulement un
= Latin had three genders, French two and English only one
Le document etait sans valeur juridique = the document was without legal value
4 To express a repeated or habitual action
L'usine produisait une cinquantaine de voitures par jour = the factory produced
about fifty cars a day
A Vepoque, on estimait que beaucoup de conducteurs ignoraient les
principes du code de la route = at that time, it was thought that many drivers did not know
the principles of the highway code
II naviguait avec aisance dans la societe parisienne = he circulated effortlessly in
Parisian society
Past historic tense
130 Uses
// mangea is equivalent to English he ate, as in
Le President mangea avec ses invites dans la salle a manger de VElysee —
the President had lunch with his visitors in the dining room of the Elysee Palace
The past historic tense is used to refer to a point of time in the past with no link with or
repercussion upon the present.
However, this role may also be played by the perfect tense (see 131). Consequently it
is important to understand the different values of these two competing tenses as far as
this usage is concerned.
Usage of the past historic has tended to become restricted to certain situations.
Written French - it is the past tense most often used in fairly formal and formal
written French - especially the French of novels, and in some but not all journalism.
Spoken French - its use in spoken (as opposed to written) French is very much
confined to very formal situations - speeches, lectures, talks on the radio or television
dealing particularly with historical matters.
Using the past historic automatically evokes a formal situation - it is completely inap-
propriate in normal spoken French.
From a novel —
Marthe haussa les epaules, prit un chandelier et courut au salon. Elle en
revint, tenant un dictionnaire d'une main et se mit a lire une definition =
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Martha shrugged her shoulders, took a candlestick and ran to the lounge. She came back with a
dictionary in one hand and began to read out a definition
From a news magazine
Per sonne nejugea bon d 3 approfondir la question — un comite international
Jut cree^ preside par Nicolas Nabokov qui usa de sajormidable energie . . .
= no one thought it wise to go further into the matter - an international committee was formed, with
Nicolas Nabokov as chairman who used his extraordinary energy . . .
Nee a Tunis en 1948^ elle abandonna ses etudes de droit pour entrer a FR3
Marseille comme presentatrice = born in Tunis in 1948, she gave up her law studies to
enter FR3 Marseille [a radio station] as a presenter
Perfect tense
131 Uses-1: past affecting present; 2: past divorced
from present
J'ai mange is equivalent to English I have eaten (my lunch already), I ate (my lunch early
today).
1 The perfect tense is used to rejer to a point of time in the past
which has a link with or repercussion upon the present —
Qui apris plus de 340 Jois le Concorde? C'est un certain Pascal Leborgne =
who has flown Concorde more than 340 times? -A certain Pascal Leborgne
Le dejenseur de Nantes a ete le symbole Jrancais. Tres bon avant la
mi-temps, il a completement plonge par la suite = the Nantes defender was a symbol
of France's performance. He was very good in the first half but faded completely subsequently
Les ministres des Affaires sociales allemand, japonais et italien Vont
interroge sur sa methode = the German, Japanese and Italian Social Affairs ministers have
questioned him on his method
2 To rejer to a point of time in the past with no link with or
repercussion upon the present
It is in this usage that the perfect competes with the past historic (see 130). Note that in
spoken French, the perfect tense is the normal tense for conveying past time. It is also
used in written French, particularly in journalism but also in novels, especially in those
written in an informal register. Compare the situation with the past historic, described
above.
A 76 ans, Fidel Castro ressort [historic present, see 127] son legendaire
treillis. II a defile en tete d'une manifestation contre les sanctions adoptees
par VUnion europeenne. Au cours d'un discours muscle, il a menace
les diplomates en poste de mesures de retorsion = at 76 Fidel Castro
got out his legendary comb at fatigues and marched at the head of a demonstration against the
sanctions adopted by the EU. In a vigorous speech, he threatened the diplomats in post with retaliatory
60
133 Past anterior: uses
Pluperfect tense
132 Uses
Equivalent to English I had eaten my lunch when my friend joined me
I To refer to a point of time in the past that has taken place before
another event in the past
(in other words which occurs two stages back in the past from the standpoint of the
present)
Elle m'a dit qu'il Vavait suivie pendant deux semaines = she told me that he had
followed her for two weeks
Le directeur avait decide de punir les etudiants qui avaient interrompu les
cours quand on Vavait appele pour repondre aux questions d'un
journaliste = the head had decided to punish the students who had interrupted the classes when he
was called to answer some questions from a reporter
II avait cree de nombreuses emissions de television = he had produced a large
number of television broadcasts
Alessandra Mussolini avait affiche son sens de lafamille en se mariant a
Predappio, la ville ou son pere est enter re = AM had signalled her sense of the family
by getting married at P, the town where her father was buried
Les supporters du president ivoirien ont repris leur harcelement des
troupes franc aises qui avaient empeche les forces gouvernementales
d'effectuer une percee vers le nord = supporters of the President of the Ivory Coast have
resumed their harassment of French troops, who had prevented the government forces from making a
breakthrough towards the north
2 To refer to a period of time in the past that has taken place before
another event in the past
Les Romains avaient occupe la Gaule pendant quelques siecles avant
^invasion des Francs au 5eme siecle = the Romans had occupied Gaul for several
centuries before the invasion of the Franks in the 5th century
II est certain qu 3 avant d'ecrire le livre, il avait passe beaucoup de temps a
faire les recherches necessaires = it's certain that before writing the book he had spent a lot
of time in research for it
Apres un bref passage sur TF1, elle etait revenue dans le service public
pour animer de nombreuses emissions = after a short time on TF1 [a TV station], she
returned to the public service and presented a large number of programmes
Past anterior tense
133 Uses
Equivalent to English She called me after I had finished eating
i 61
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
The past anterior is used only in a very limited set of circumstances. Firstly, it is
exclusively a written tense, and secondly it only occurs in subordinate clauses of time,
when the tense of the verb of the main clause in the sentence is the past historic. (In other
words, it is never found in combination with the perfect tense.)
The most common conjunctions with which it occurs are apres que = after, aussitot
que = as soon as, avant que = before, des que = as soon as, lorsque = when, quand =
when (see 465) -
Des qu'il eut signe le contrat, tout le tnonde lefelicita = as soon as he had signed
the contract, everyone congratulated him
Apres qu'il eut cree sa compagnie en 2002 \ il commenca ses experiences
sur les livres electroniques = after setting up his company in 2002, he began experimenting
with electronic books
Double compound past tense
134 Uses
This tense complements the past anterior - in other words it may be used when the
circumstances that dictate the use of the past anterior occur in spoken rather than written
French. However, the pluperfect may also be used in these circumstances -
Elle est sortie des qu'elle a eu recu (or avait recu) le message de son atnie =
she went out as soon as she had got the message from her friend
Quand son ami a eufini (or avait fini) son coke. Us ont quitte le bar
ensemble = when her boyfriend had finished his Coke, they left the bar together
Future tense
135 Uses-1: future; 2: attenuation of imperative
1 To refer to events that will take place in the future
A partir du 29 Janvier nous embaucherons une douzaine de nouveaux
employes = on 29 January we will take on a dozen new employees
Si tu manges moins defrites, tu ne prendras pas tant depoids = if you eat
fewer chips, you won't put on so much weight
II ne fait pas de doute que les reformes des retraites finiront par etre
votees = there's no doubt that the pension reforms will eventually be approved
Les medailles leur seront remises par le ministre des affaires etrangeres =
the medals will be presented to them by the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Le Noel du personnel de Matignon n' aura pas lieu comme d'habitude a
VOpera mais au Musee des Artsforains = Christmas for the PM's staff will not take
place as usual at the Opera but at the Musee des Artsforains
2 As a means of attenuating the imperative — see 122
Vous ouvrirez lafenetre, s'il vous plait = will you open the window, please?
62
138 Conditional: uses 1-3
Je prendrai un kilo de bananes = I'll have a kilo of bananas
136 Other ways of referring to the future
1 By using the present tense - see 127
It should be noted that using the present tense instead of the future implies a less motivated
intention —
Je passerai te voir ce soir suggests more determination than je passe te voir ce
soir
2 By using aller + the infinitive
The use of aller + infinitive suggests a stronger likelihood that something will happen
Pour me maintenir en bonne sante^je vais aller a la piscine chaque
samedi = to keep healthy I'm going to go to the pool every Saturday
Pour expliquer le systeme, il va utiliser les mots du prqfesseur = in order to
explain the system, he's going to use the words of the professor
Future perfect tense
137 Use
Equivalent to English will have (eaten), the future perfect tense describes a future event
from the standpoint of its completion -
J'espere que dans deux ans nous aurons acheve la renovation de notre
appartement = / hope that in two years' time we will have completed the refurbishment of our
flat
II est astucieux — son nouveau tube aura paru juste avant sa prochaine
tour nee = he's a cunning so-and-so - his new hit will have been released just before his next
tour
Conditional tense
138 Uses-1: conveying future in reported speech; 2: as
corollary of conditional clause; 3: conjecture
/ In reported speech to represent a future tense in direct speech —
Version in direct speech
Elle a dit: « Jamais personne ne viendra me voir maintenant » = she said, c JVo
one will ever come and see me now'
Version in indirect speech
Elle a dit que jamais personne ne viendrait la voir des ce moment-la = she
said that no one would come and see her from that moment on
Often there is no verb of speech introducing the reported item -
63
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Ce ne s er ait point f aire oeuvre de justice que de preferer les tenebres a la
lumiere = it wouldn't be acting justly if we preferred darkness to light
2 In the main clause of a sentence containing a conditional clause
(ie one introduced by si - see 458)
Si tu mangeais moins, tu perdrais facilement un kilo = if you ate less you'd easily
lose a couple of pounds
Leur legitimite serait bien plus forte s'ils s 3 appliquaient a eux-memes les
reformes demandees aux autres = their legitimacy would be much stronger if they applied
to themselves the reforms they demand of others
3 As a means of expressing uncertainty, an hypothesis or conjecture
- a use that does not have an equivalent in English; here a present or past tense is used
with a suggestion that the event may not be entirely true -
Chez Vhomme le desir serait avant tout visuel = it is suggested that for men desire is
above all visual
Les trois principaux dirigeants reclameraient deux millions d' euros de
dommages = it's reported that / apparently the three principal directors have put in a claim for two
million euros damages
Cette machine neutraliserait les menaces qui pourraient nous nuire = this
machine, apparently, neutralises threats which might be harmful to us
Le begaiement serait trois fois plus frequent chez les hommes que chez les
femmes = stammering is allegedly three times more common in men than in women
Suivant certains experts de 7 a 30% des cancers seraient imputables a des
facteurs environnementaux = according to certain experts, from 7 to 30% of cancers are
attributable to environmental factors
Selon un recent rapport, la moitie des fruits, legumes et cereales
consommes en France contiendrait des residus de pesticides = according
to a recent report, half the fruit, vegetables and cereals consumed in France contain pesticide
residues
Conditional perfect tense
139 Uses-1: conveying future perfect in reported speech;
2: hypothesis; 3: conjecture
1 In reported speech to represent a future perfect tense
in direct speech:
Version in direct speech
On le lit dans la presse — la compagnie aerienne aura vendu 150
exemplaires de VAir Bus par 2006 = it's in the papers - the aviation company will have
sold 150 models of the Air Bus by 2006
Version in indirect speech
64 I
141 Differences in sequence of tenses
On a lu dans la presse que la compagnie aerienne aurait vendu 150
exemplaires de VAir Bus par 2006 = we read in the papers that the aviation company
would have sold 150 models of the Air Bus by 2006
2 To refer to events that would have taken place if certain
circumstances had been fulfilled
Les performances de V athlete auraient ete beaucoup mieux, s'il avait
employe un autre entraineur experiments = the athlete's performance would have been
much better if he had used an experienced trainer
L' association n' aurait pas pu echapper a la saisie de ses biens sans les
subventions des services du Premier ministre = the organisation would not have been
able to avoid having its assets seized if it had not been for the grants made by the Prime Minister's office
Le porte-avions « Clemenceau » aurait du sefaire demembrer dans un
pays eloigne = the aircraft carrier 'Clemenceau' should have been dismantled in a far-away country
3 As a means of expressing uncertainty, an hypothesis or conjecture
(see 138) -
Selon notre correspondant, la bombe aurait tue une vingtaine de
personnes = according to our correspondent, the bomb killed about twenty people
Le maire aurait lache une verite qui tournait mal = apparently the mayor blurted
out a truth which caused problems
En 2003, de 8 a 9% des Francais auraient regu au moins unefois dans
Vannee une eau dont la teneur en pesticides depassait la norme = in 2003,
from 8 to 9% of the French population had reportedly been supplied at least once during the year with
water that exceeded the norm in pesticide content
140 Differences in tense usage in French and English
Tense usage is very much the same in the two languages. However, there are a few
important differences, in addition to those outlined under the tenses discussed above.
They involve
1 Sequence of tenses -
that is to say, in sentences consisting of more than one clause. Although generally, the
French pattern is very much the same as in English, there is one notable exception -
concerning the future and conditional tenses in time clauses.
2 The use of tenses with depuis, ily a, voici, voila.
3 The use of tenses with venir de =just.
141 Differences between French and English use of tenses -1:
sequence of tenses
/ Sequence of tenses involving the future and conditional tenses
The problem centres on usage with subordinate clauses of time to refer to future events.
In English, the tense of the verb in the subordinate clause in such situations is either
present or past, whereas in French a future or conditional tense is used
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Future tense in subordinate clause in French where English has present tense -
Quand tu visiteras la galerie, tu seras sans aucun doute impressionne par
les sculptures contemporaines = when you come to the gallery, you will undoubtedly be
impressed by the contemporary sculptures
Vous seconderez le chef de projet aussitot que vous serez embauche =you
will help the project leader as soon as you are taken on
Future perfect in subordinate clause in French where English has past tense -
Lorsqu'il aura fait ses preuves comme president ^ on s'attendra a ce que la
compagnie ameliore ses performances boursieres = when he has proved himself as
managing director, it is to be expected that the company's performance on the Stock Exchange will
improve
Vous serez en relation avec les differents etablis servients de soin de la
region^ des que Vequipe aura eteformee =you will be in contact with the various care
providers in the area as soon as the team has been set up
Conditional tense in subordinate clause in French where English has past tense -
// m'a demande de trouver un traducteur de son roman, des que les revues
seraient positifs = he asked me to find someone to translate his novel as soon as the reviews were
positive
Elle m'avaitprie de lui donner un coup de telephone , quand f aurais fini
ma memoire = she asked me to give her a ring when Fd finished my essay
Conditional perfect tense in subordinate clause in French where English has pluperfect
tense -
Elle lui a declare qu'elle leferait quand il Vaur ait payee = she stated that she
would do it as soon as he had paid her
Aussitot que la democratic aurait ete etablie dans les pays de VEurope de
VEst) on pourrait proceder a Velar gissement de VUnion europeenne = as
soon as democracy was established in the countries of eastern Europe, the enlargement of the EU could
proceed
142 Differences between French and English use of tenses -2:
depuis, il y a
2 The use of tenses with depuis, il y a, voici, voila
When the present tense of a verb is used in French with depuis , it is equivalent to an
English past tense. Depuis may be translated by for, when the emphasis is upon the
duration of the time, and by since when the emphasis is upon the starting point of the
time (see 348) -
duration
Elle est comme ca depuis un an = she's been like that for a year
66
143 Differences: venir de
starting point
Elle est comme ca depuis la tnort de son chien = she's been like that since her dog died
duration
II est en prison depuis trois ans = he's been in prison for three years
starting point
II est en prison depuis 2002 = he's been in prison since 2002
Other expressions can be used in the same way to achieve the same value -
II y a / voila / void trois ans qu'il est en prison = he's been in prison for three years
When the imperfect tense of a verb is used with depuis, it is equivalent to the English
pluperfect tense -
Je Vepiais depuis quelques minutes quand son petit ami est arrive = / had
been spying on her for some minutes when her boyfriend turned up
II etait en prison depuis trois ans = he had been in prison for three years
II etait en prison depuis 2002 = he had been in prison since 2002
The same expressions as mentioned above can again be used to achieve the same
value -
II y a / voila / void trois ans qu'il etait en prison = he had been in prison for three
years
143 Differences between French and English use of
tenses-3: venir de
3 The case of Venir de
Venir de is used to correspond to the English adverb just in such expressions as she has
just arrived, he had just begun.
Where English uses a perfect tense, French uses the present tense of venir de -
Une note confidentielle vient d'etre saisie par la justice = a confidential note has
just been seized by the police
II vient d'etre nomme capitaine de Vequipe nationale = he has just been appointed
captain of the national team
Where English uses a pluperfect tense, French uses the imperfect tense of venir de -
Elle venait de recevoir le prix de la meilleure actrice romantique, quand
elle s'est evanouie = she had just received the prize for best romantic actress when she
Debut septembre, on a eu un peu de pluie, on venait de se dire que Vannee
ne serait pas merveilleuse —puis le soldi est apparu et tout a muri = it
rained a little at the beginning of September, we had just said to ourselves that the year wasn't going to
be that special - then the sun came out and everything rip
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Subjunctive mood
144 When to use the subjunctive
The subjunctive mood of a verb is used only in certain grammatico-semantic situations.
By 'grammatico-semantic' is meant
1 that a particular grammatical situation is required (the subjunctive is only used in
subordinate clauses)
2 that certain types of meanings are expressed by the verb or expression governing the
subordinate clause (eg joy, anger, doubt).
There are also some situations where a choice of indicative or subjunctive mood exists.
These two types of situations will be reviewed and illustrated below.
145 Use of tenses in the subjunctive
In practice only two of the four tenses of the subjunctive are commonly used, the present
and the perfect. The other two tenses, the imperfect and pluperfect, are restricted to very
formal usage and almost exclusively in the written medium. This has implications for the
sequence of tenses.
146 Sequence of tenses in the subjunctive
Because only two tenses are available for use in normal circumstances, the sequence
of tenses involving the subjunctive mood is different from that involving the
indicative.
Present tense - this may be used in a subordinate clause governed by any tense in the
main clause.
Perfect tense - this is used to correspond to the perfect, pluperfect, future perfect and
conditional perfect tenses of the indicative mood.
147 Illustration of the sequence of tenses in the subjunctive
Present tense
Ilfaut qu'elle parte lundi matin = she must leave Monday morning
Ilfallait qu'elle parte lundi matin = she had to leave Monday morning
Ilfaudra qu'elle parte lundi matin = she'll have to leave Monday morning
Ilfaudrait qu'elle parte lundi matin = she ought to leave Monday morning
II afallu qu'elle parte lundi matin = she had to leave Monday morning
Ilfallut qu'elle parte lundi matin = she had to leave Monday morning
II avaitfallu qu'elle parte lundi matin = she had had to leave Monday morning
II aurafallu qu'elle parte lundi matin = she 3 11 have had to leave Monday morning
II auraitfallu qu'elle parte lundi mtin = she would have had to leave Monday morning
Perfect tense
Je ne crois pas qu'elle soit partie = I don't believe she left
148 Clauses introduced by conjunctive
Je ne croyais pas qu'elle soit partie = I didn't believe she had left
II est arrive avant qu'elle soit partie = he arrived before she left
II etait arrive avant qu'elle soit partie = he had arrived before she left
A moins qu'elle ne soit partie , il ne serait pas venu = unless she had left, he would
not have come
Grammatical circumstances requiring the subjunctive
148 In clauses introduced by a conjunctive expression
The expressions may be grouped in the following way according to their meanings -
although (see 457) -
bien que
Bien quej'aie 40 ans,je viens de rencontrer Vhomme de tries reves =
although I'm forty, I've just met the man of my dreams
encore que
Encore que vous soyez mal a Vaise dans la compagnie des hommes, vous
allez souvent vers eux = although you're uncomfortable in men's company, you
often seek them out
malgre que
Malgre qu'elle sache que la nourriture est trop grasse, elle cede aux desirs
de ses enfants de manger le fast-food = although she knows that the food is too fatty, she
gives in to her children's wish to eat fast-food
Malgre que tu sois naturelle, vous gardez encore quelques mauvais
reflexes = despite the fact you're natural, you hang on to a few bad reactions
quoique
Quoique nous preferions rester au lit le matin, ilfaut s avoir que c'est vers
6 ou 7 heures que le taux de testosterone, quifavorise le developpement
des muscles, est le plus eleve = although we prefer staying in bed in the morning, we need to
realise that it's around 6 or 7 o'clock that the level of testosterone, which promotes muscle development, is
at its highest
When this group of conjunctive expressions refer to future time, the future tense is
used-
Quoique Vagence beneflciera de ce statut dans deux ans, pour le moment
elle doit se contenter de la situation actuelle = although the agency will benefit
from this status in a couple of years' time, for the moment it will have to put up with the present
situation
before (see 465)
avant que
Retrempez-les une heure, avant que la sauce soit preparee = soak them for
another hour before the sauce is prepared
69
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Avant que Paul soit sorti de ma vie^je n'avais jamais V occasion de
rencontrer de nouvelles personnes = before Paul walked out of my life, I never had the
chance to meet new people
The verb in the subjunctive may optionally be preceded by an 'expletive' ne, which adds
nothing to the meaning - the presence of the ne suggests a higher register of language -
Quatre jours avant que ^invasion n'ait eu lieu, les pilot es prep araient
leurs helicopteres pour une guerre acharnee =four days before the invasion took
place, the pilots were preparing their helicopters for a bitter war
for fear that
de crainte que
Again the verb in the subjunctive may optionally be preceded by an 'expletive' ne,
which adds nothing to the meaning - the presence of the ne suggests a higher register of
language (see 417) —
Ceux qui sont hostiles a une telle loi 9 le sont de crainte qu'il n'y ait une
eclosion d'ecoles que VEtat ne pourra pas controler = those who are opposed to
such a law are so for fear that there may be a proliferation of schools the State will not be able to
control
Vous regardez le plat de pres 9 de crainte qu'il ne soit pas du tout a votre
gout =you look at the dish closely, for fear that it isn't to your taste
de peur que
The same remarks apply here as to de crainte que
De peur que le regime artistique soit supprime^je r ester ai directeur =for
fear that the artistic regime may be discontinued, I shall stay on as director
however little
pour autant que
Pour autant qu'il vous ait trompee^ vous avez raison de rompre avec lui =
however little he may have cheated on you, you're right to finish with him
pourpeu que
Pourpeu que nous regardions la television^ nous ne pouvons pas eviter son
influence = however little we watch television, we cannot escape its influence
in order that, so that (see 460)
afin que
Afin que vous soyez epargne le stress , respirez profondement et . . . riez =
in order to be spared stress, breathe deeply and . . . laugh
defacon que / defacon a ce que
Je crois qu 3 a ce moment-la j 3 avais besoin de me deculpabiliser, defacon
queje me puisse me convaincre queje lefaisais pour le bien-etre de notre
couple = I think that at that moment I needed to set aside any guilt so that I could convince myself
that I was doing it for the benefit of the two of us
70 I
148 Clauses introduced by conjunctive
Defagon que Vinteret qu'il porte a ce sujet soit manifeste clairement, il a
decide defaire un discours televise = so that his interest in this subject may be clearly
shown, he decided to make a speech on television
de maniere que / de maniere a ce que
Portez les lunettes a verves fumes ', de maniere qu'elles vous f assent un
look d'enfer = wear tinted glasses so that they give you a fabulous look
de sorte que
De sorte que vous puissiez avoir une soiree entre amis dans une ambiance
chaude, iln'y a qu'une seule adresse = so that you can have an evening amongfriends in
a warm atmosphere, there's just one address
pour que
La Ministre de la Recherche redouble d' efforts pour que le site de
Cadarache soit pref ere a celui propose par lesjaponais = the Minister of Research
is redoubling her efforts so that the Cadarache site is preferred to the one proposed by the Japanese
Bruxelles attendait ses rajustements pour qu'il se mette en conformite
avec les prescriptions de la Commission = Brussels waited for him to make some
readjustments so that he would be in conformity with the Commission's prescriptions
In the case of defagon que, de maniere que and de sorte que, the subjunctive is
used to express intention, not result. For examples of these expressions conveying result,
when the indicative, not the subjunctive, is used, see 459.
Defagon a ce que and de maniere a ce que are replacing the shorter forms.
not that
non que / non pas que
Elle prefere rester chez elle^ non qu'elle aitpeur de sortir = she prefers to stay at
home, not that she's afraid of going out
On dit que la femme frangaise consomme 8, 2 paires de collants chaque
annee et Vhomme 4, 1 slips — non queje sache si c'est vrai ou non! = they say
that a French woman gets through 8.2 pairs of tights a year and a man 4.1 pairs of underpants - not
that I know fit's right or not!
provided that
a condition que
Le syndicalisme fait par tie du pay sage social^ a condition que VEtat se
fasse respecter = trade unionism is part of the social fabric, provided that the State succeeds in
making itself respected
pourvu que
Pourvu que tu sois la a dix-neuf heures, je peux te conduire a la gar e =
provided you're there at 7 o'clock, F 11 give you a lift to the station
sous reserve que
II acceptait de le reconnaitre sous reserve qu'il n'y ait pas de consequences
desagreables = he was prepared to admit it provided there were no unpleasant consequences
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
supposing that (see 458)
a suppose que
A suppose que vous vouliez consulter des bandes-annonces, des critiques
cine-dvd 9 faites un petit tour sur M6.fr = supposing you want to consult banner
announcements, film and dvd crits, take a stroll through M6.fr
supposant que
Deux ex-fumeurs sur trois rechutent — supposant que vous vouliez tenir,
suivez ce conseil = two out of three ex-smokers relapse - supposingyou want to persevere, take
this advice
suppose que
Suppose que tu aies raison^je n'ose lui ecrire = supposing you're right, I daren't write
to her
unless (see 458)
a moins que
In formal circumstances, ne is inserted before the verb; this ne has no real semantic
value, but underlines the uncertain nature of the assertion (see 417).
E lies par lent d'une peau plus lisse, plus raffermie, a moins qu'elles ne
soient victimes d'une campagne de publicite irresistible = they speak of a
smoother, firmer skin - unless they're victims of an irresistible advertising campaign
II doit trouver un nouveau partenaire^ a moins que les Americains ne
raflent la mise = he's got to find a new partner, unless the Americans snap up the bait
until (see 465)
jusqu'a ce que
Jusqu'a ce qu'ily ait des tests antidop age plus prob ants , les athletes
continueront d' abuser du systeme = until there are more conclusive antidrugs tests,
athletes will continue to abuse the system
Respirez doucement jusqu'a ce que votre respiration devienne plus
reguliere = breathe gently until your breathing becomes more regular
Sometimes ne . . . que is used as an equivalent to English until (see 425) -
lis ne prendront la ville d'assaut que lorsqu'ils seront certains que les
civils Vont quittee = they won't attack the town until they're sure the civilians have left
whether . . . or (see 458)
soit que . . . ou / soit que or que . . . ou - see que below
Soit que tu viennes chez moi ou queje vienne te chercher chez toi, nous
aurons assez de temps = whether you come to my house or I come to yours, we'll have enough
time
Soit que vous perciez votre nombril vous-meme 9 soit que vous demandiez a
une amie de lefaire^ c'est toujours dangereux = whether you pierce your navel yourself
or ask a friend to do it, it's still dangerous
Que ce soit vrai ou non,je vais continuer = whether it's true or not, I'm going to carry on
72
149 Clauses depending on emotion
Qu'ils'agisse de votre vie amour euse ou de vos liens amicaux, des tensions
sont a craindre = whether it's a matter of your love life or your friendships, tensions are
inevitable
Qu'il soit blanc ou noir n'a aucune importance = whether he's white or black has no
importance whatsoever
while waiting for
en attendant que
En attendant que le docteur nous dise s'ily avait un probleme, mon oncle
a quitte son cabinet = while waiting for the doctor to tell us if there was a problem, my uncle
walked out of the surgery
Vous devenez impatiente en attendant qu'il vous appelle = you're becoming
impatient waiting for him to give you a ring
without
sans que
II a continue de se droguer sans qu'on s'en soit remarque — he continued taking
drugs without anyone noticing
Les tics pompent beaucoup d'energie, sans que Von s'en rende compte =
tics demand a lot of energy, without us realising it
La compagnie a pose des conditions dementes — une publication en
aveugle, sans meme que V editeur francais puisse voir les photos = the
company set some crazy conditions - a blind publication, without the French publisher even being able to
see the pictures
149 In clauses depending upon a verb or expression
conveying an emotion
Agreement / permission
after consentir = to consent, permettre = to allow, refuser = to refuse
L'arbitre a per mis que lejeu soit differ e a cause de la neige = the referee allowed
the game to be postponed because of the snow
Elle a refuse qu'on vende ses peintures = she refused to let anyone sell her paintings
Anxiety / anticipation
after attendre = to wait, s'attendre (a ce que) = to expect, veiller (a ce que) = to
make sure
On s' attend a ce que ce PDG hors norme devienne symbole d'une region
industrielle qui reussit dans le secteur des technologies de pointe = it is to be
expected that this exceptional managing director will become the symbol of an industrial region
successful in the advanced technology sector
Veillez a ce que les enfants ne rentrent pas trop tard = make sure the children don't
come back too late
i 73
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Command / request
after commander = to order, demander = to ask, to demand, exiger = to demand, insister
(pour que) = to insist, ordonner = to order
Ayant exige que les recommandations soient votees, le president a passe
au prochain point de Vordre dujour = having required that the recommendations be voted
upon, the chairman passed on to the next item on the agenda
II a insiste pour que le transport alternatifne soit utilise qu'a titre
exceptionnel = he insisted that alternative transport should only be used in exceptional
circumstances
J'ai ete si surprise queje ne demandais meme pas qu'il lefasse encore une
fois = I was so surprised that I didn't even ask him to do it again
Desire
after aimer = to like, avoir envie = to want, desirer = to desire, preferer = to prefer,
souhaiter = to wish, tenir (a ce que) = to want, vouloir = to want
II aprefere que le club renonce a cette rupture avec la tradition = he preferred
the club to abandon this break with tradition
Je souhaite qu'elle lance une campagne enfaveur des parents pauvres qui
elevent seuls leurs enfants = my wish is that she will launch a campaign in favour of poor
parents who bring up their children alone
II veut que ce soit elle quifasse le premier pas = he wants her to be the one who
makes the first move
Fear / anger
after avoir peur = to be afraid, craindre = to fear, de crainte ■= for fear, depeur = for fear,
etre embetant = to be annoying, etre fache = to be angry, etre honteux = to be
disgraceful, etre mecontent = to be unhappy, s'indigner = to become indignant, redouter
= to fear
In the case of those verbs expressing fear, like the linked conjunctive expressions de
crainte que, depeur que, the verb in the subjunctive may optionally be preceded by
an 'expletive' ne, which adds nothing to the meaning - the presence of the ne suggests
a higher register of language (see 417).
// avait peur que son equipe ne soit eliminee de la competition = he was afraid
that his team would be eliminated from the competition
II est embetant que les technologies avancees aient de temps en temps
mene a une perte d' elegance = ifs annoying that advances in technology have from time to
time led to a loss in elegance
J'avais un peu peur qu'ellefasse des comparaisons et qu'elle nous mette
des notes = I was afraid that she would make comparisons and give us marks
Pleasure
after etre content = to be happy, etre heureux = to be happy, etre ravi = to be delighted,
etre satisfait = to be satisfied, se feliciter = to congratulate yourself , se rejouir = to be
delighted
74 I
150 Clauses conveying avoiding, etc.
Je suis contente que cet appareil te convienne = Fm pleased that this camera suits you
Elle s'est rejouie que les gendarmes Vaient arrete sur presomption de
viol = she was delighted that the police had arrested him on suspicion of rape
Nous sotntnes ravis qu'il ait passe son per mis poids lourd afin d'emmener
ses chevaux aux concours d 'equitation = we're delighted he's taken his heavy vehicle
licence test so as to be able to drive his horses to the horse trials
Sadness
after etre desole = to be sorry, etre triste = to be sad, se plaindre = to complain,
regretter = to be sorry
Je suis desole que tu ne puis ses pas venir ce soir = Fm sorry that you can't come this
evening
Elle s'est plainte qu'une minorite de spectateurs ait toujours exige plus de
violence = she complained that a minority of viewers always demanded more violence
Je regrette profondement qu'elle ait refuse de me donner son adresse = /
deeply regret that she refused to give me her address
Surprise
after s'etonner = to be astonished, etre choque = to be shocked, etre surpris = to be
surprised
Je m'etonne que tu n'aies pas reus si a ce test = Fm astonished you failed that test
Cela ne me surprend pas que ces innovations aient eu Veffet d'une bombe
dans ce secteur conservateur = Fm not surprised that these innovations have had the effect
of a bomb in that conservative area
J'etais choque qu'elle ait mis son pied nu sur mon entrejambe = I was shocked
that she put her barefoot on my inner thigh
150 In clauses depending upon a verb or expression
conveying avoiding, chance, denial, evaluation, forbidding,
(im)possibility, improbability, necessity, uncertainty
Avoiding
after empecher = to prevent, eviter = to avoid
Beaucoup de choses vous interessent, mais vous devez empecher qu'elles
veuillent vous maitriser = lots of things interest you, but you have to avoid them wanting to
dominateyou
Pour eviter que la discussion devienne trop houleuse, il est parti furieux =
in order to prevent the discussion from becoming too agitated, he stormed out
Chance
after il arrive = it happens, iln'y a aucune chance = there's no chance, ily a degrandes
chances = there's every chance, ily a le danger = there's the danger, risquer = to take the
risk
i 75
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
// arrive de temps en temps queje me sente enfaveur de Veuthanasie = there
are times when I feel in favour of euthanasia
II arrive parfois que ma copine soit de bonne humeur le matin —je suis
euphorique pour toute lajournee = it sometimes happens that my girlfriend is in a good
mood in the morning — I feel over the moon all day long
II y a de grandes chances que le rhinoceros disparaisse dans quelques
decennies = the chances are high that rhinoceroses will disappear in a few decades
Denial
after nier = to deny
La police a nie que la victime n'ait porte qu'un pied de table et non un fusil
= the police denied that the victim was just carrying a table leg and not a rifle
Elle a surpris tout le monde en niant qu'elle veuille rester vierge jusqu'au
mariage = she surprised everybody by denying that she wanted to remain a virgin till she was
married
Evaluation
after a large number of impersonal expressions - ily a interet (a ce que) = it's a good
idea, il/c'est dommage = it's a shame, peu importe = it scarcely matters, ce n' est pas
la peine = it's not worth the effort, il est bon = it's worthwhile, il est curieux = it's strange,
il est important = it's important, il est juste = it's fair, il est normal — it's normal, il
est paradoxal = it's paradoxical, il est preferable = it's preferable, il est rare = it's rare,
il semble = it seems
Peu importe que le spectacle ait ete annule — cela ne m 3 inter ess ait pas du
tout = it didn't matter that the show was cancelled -I wasn't interested anyway
II est important que la compagnie trouve un second souffle = it's important for
the company to get a second wind
II est rare que quelqu'un puisse dire que personne ne V a jamais aime = it's
rare for anyone to be able to say that no one has ever loved them
Note that when an indirect object is involved with il semble (= it seems to . . .), the
indicative mood is used -
II semble qu'on ait propose trop d'activites extras colaires aux enfants = it
seems that children have had too many extracurricular activities suggested to them
II me semble que certains sports sont susceptibles de mieux correspondre
a son temperament que d'autres = it seems to me that certain sports are likely to
correspond better to her temperament than others
Forbidding
after defendre = to forbid, interdire = to ban
II avait defendu que safdle aille aux boites de nuit = he had banned his daughter
from going to nightclubs
76
150 Clauses conveying avoiding, etc.
(Impossibility and improbability
after a large number of impersonal expressions - il y a opportunity = the opportunity
exists, il est (im)possible = it's (im)possible, il est improbable = it's unlikely, il est
inadmissible = it's unacceptable, il est invraisemblable = it's unlikely, il se peut =
it's possible, il est peu probable = it's unlikely
Des qu'il a bu un coup de trop, il se peut qu'il soit meconnaissable,
incontrolable = after he's drunk a bit too much, it's possible that he's unrecognisable, uncontrollable
II n' est pas impossible qu'il ait passe discretement et ait echappe a notre
surveillance = it's not impossible that he passed by discreetly and avoided our surveillance
II est peu probable que nous gagnions le match samedi = it's unlikely that we'll
win the match on Saturday
Although il est peu probable is followed by the subjunctive, il est probable = it's
probable / probably is not -
// est probable qu'on trouvera un medicament qui permettra de prolonger
la duree de vie de patients atteints d'un cancer de la prostate = they will
probably find a cure which will allow patients suffering from prostate cancer to prolong their lives
Necessity
after a large number of impersonal expressions - il est essentiel = it's essential, il est
imperatif= it's imperative, il est inevitable = it's inevitable, il est naturel = it's natural,
il est necessaire = it's necessary, il est temps = it's time, ilfaut = it's necessary, il s'en
faut de peu = within a little
II est essentiel que la coque du bateau soit modifiee apres son retour de
VAustralie = it's essential for the boat's hull to be modified after its return from Australia
Ilfaut que vous vous interrogiez sur les raisons de votre dependance =you
must question yourself about the reasons for your dependency
II est temps que vous consideriez la possibility de vous remarier = it's time
you considered the possibility of remarriage
Uncertainty
after a large number of impersonal expressions - il n' est pas certain = it's not certain,
il est douteux = it's doubtful, il semble = it seems (but see Evaluation above), il
n' est pas sur = it's not sure, il n' est pas vrai = it's not true, douter = to doubt- and
the following verbs when used negatively and/ or interrogatively - affirmer = to affirm,
croire = to believe, dire = to say, penser = to think, trouver = to find
II n 'avait jamais pense qu'il aillefalloir voter une loi contre le
vagabondage = he had never thought that it would be necessary to pass a law against vagrancy
Quoique la federation defoot ait poursuivi le depistage sanguin, il n'est
pas vrai qu'elle ait aussi realise des tests urinaires = although the football
federation undertook blood tests, it is not true that it undertook urine tests as well
Je ne crois pas que ces rumeurs soient vraies = I don't believe the rumours are true
11
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
With expressions like il n y y a pas de doute que = there's no doubt that, which imply
certainty, the indicative mood is used -
Iln'y a pas de doute que vous encouragerez son initiative en repondant a
son sourire = there's no doubt that you 7 11 encourage her initiative if you respond to her smile
151 In relative clauses depending upon a superlative formed
with plus or moins
C'est le projet le plus ambitieux que Vuniversite ait entrepris = it's the most
ambitious project the university has undertaken
Les lettres qu'elle m'a ecrites sont les plus tendres que j'aie jamais
recues — the letters she wrote me are the most loving ones I've ever received
C'est le moins qu'on puisse dire = it's the least you can say
The situation is less clear-cut with other types of superlative - see 155.
1 52 In noun clauses introduced by le fait que or que alone
Lefait que le President ait dit non aux Americains donne a penser = the fact
that the President said no to the Americans gives food for thought
Lefait qu'il n y y aitpeu ou pas d'impot sur les fortunes attire beaucoup de
Francais en Suisse = the fact that there is little or no wealth tax attracts a good many French to
Switzerland
Que les celebrites veuillent rester anonymes autant que possible est bien
connu = it's well known that celebs want to stay anonymous as much as possible
Que vous ayez gagne etait une grande surprise pour tout le monde = that you
won was a great surprise for everyone
153 In clauses depending upon a range of indefinite
expressions, equivalent to English words ending in -ever-
pronouns whoever, whatever, adjective whatever, adverbs
however, wherever
(See 457.)
qui que = whoever, anyone
qui que is normally used in conjunction with etre\ if a verb other than etre is required,
the expression qui que ce soit is used as subject or object or after a preposition,
followed by qui + the required verb in the subjunctive mood, as appropriate -
Qui que vous soyez — whoever you are
II defie qui que ce soit de descendre cette piste = he challenges anyone to go down that
piste
Qui que ce soit qui telephone , dis-lui queje suis sortie = whoever phones, tell them
I've gone out
78 I
153 Clauses with indefinite expressions
J'ai envoy e cette photo pour qui que ce soit qui Vapprecie = Pve sent this photo
for whoever will appreciate it
An alternative to qui que is quiconque which is used with the indicative and not the
subjunctive mood -
Quiconque a dit cela estfou = whoever said that is stupid
Dis a quiconque veut ecouter que les tarifs seront reduits ce soir = tell anyone
who wants to listen that prices are going to be reduced this evening
II sait cela mieux que quiconque = he knows that better than anyone
quoi qui / quoi que = whatever, pronoun
As with qui que, quoi qui / quoi que is normally used in conjunction with etre; if a
verb other than etre is required, the expression quoi que ce soit is used as subject -
but not object, when other verbs may be combined with it -
Quoi qu'il en soit = be that as it may
Quoi que ce soit qui vous enerve^ essay ez de rester caltne = whatever gets on your
nerves, try to stay calm
Quoi que tufasses, prenez des vitamines = whatever you do, take vitamins
Quoi que tu dises, il n y en demeure pas moins que . . . = whatever you say, the fact
remains that . . .
Sur quoi que ce soit que tu t'appuies = whatever you rely on
The following expressions are very common -
Quoi qu'il arrive / quoi qui se passe = whatever happens
If it occurs in a negative expression, quoi que ce soit = anything
Tu ne peux pas lui dire quoi que ce soit =you can't tell her anything
quelque que = whatever, adjective
There are two possible constructions -
Quelques vetements que tu portes,
Quels que soient les vetements que tu portes,
tu me sembles toujours tres
sexy =
whatever clothes you wear, you always look sexy to me
In the first instance quelque is written as a single word, precedes the noun and agrees
with it in number (it is invariable for gender).
In the second instance, it is combined with etre (as happens with qui que and
quoi que), is written as two words, quel + que, and quel agrees in number and
gender -
Quelles que soient les pieces que tu
preferes,
Quelques pieces que tu prefer es,
tu en trouveras dans notre
theatre =
whatever plays you prefer, you' 11 find some in our theatre
i 79
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Les militaires doivent toujour s etre disponibles quelle s que soient les
circonstances = soldiers must always be available whatever the circumstances
quelque = however
quelque occurs as a single word before an adjective which it qualifies and, because it is
an adverb, it is invariable in number and gender -
Quelque dur qu'il travaille, il ne semble jamais apprendre quoi que ce soit
= however hard he works, he never seems to learn anything
Quelque riches qu'ils soient , Us ne veulent jamais donner de V argent aux
oeuvres caritatives = however rich they are, they never want to make a donation to a charity
There are a number of alternatives to this adverbial usage of quelque -
si, pour, aussi, tout
Si / pour / aussi seduisant que cela puisse paraitre, il vaut mieux
Veviter = however attractive it may appear, it's better to avoid it
La passion, toute amoureuse qu'elle se pretende, ne naitpas de Vidylle pas
plus qu'elle n'y conduit pas = passion, however loving it may be, does not develop from an
idyll any more than it leads to one
It is worthwhile comparing the following examples which show the varying forms and
usages of quelque / quel que —
nous avons V intention de
per severer =
Quelque difficulte que nous rencontrions
Quelle que soit la difficulte
Quelles que soient les difficultes
Quelque difficile que ce soit
however difficult it is, we intend persevering
ou que = wherever, anywhere
Ou que tu ailles 9 je te suivrai dans mon coeur = wherever you go F 11 follow you in my
heart
Ou que tu caches ce magazine, je le trouverai = wherever you hide that magazine, Fll
find it
Instead of using ou que in this way, partout ou + indicative mood may be used -
Partout ou tu vas 9 je te suivrai dans mon coeur = any where you go, Fll follow you in
my heart
For usage with n'importe qui / quoi / quel / ou - see 246, 457.
Grammatical circumstances where the subjunctive may
be used
154 Optional subjunctive
In the previous sets of cases, the use of the subjunctive mood was obligatory However,
there are also a number of other sets of circumstances where its use is optional. Whether
to use the subjunctive or not in these circumstances is largely a matter of style - the more
80
156 Situations where subjunctive is optional
formal the style adopted by the speaker, the more likely it is that the subjunctive mood
will be used; the more informal the style adopted, the more likely it is that the indicative
mood rather than the subjunctive will be used.
155 In clauses depending upon a superlative not formed
with plus or moins and upon such expressions as dernier,
premier, seul
informal
C'est le meilleur / le pire magazine pourjeunes queje connais = it's the best /
worst young persons 7 magazine I know
C'est la derniere fois queje te le dis = it's the last time I tell you
C'est le premier certificat qu'elle a regu = it's the first certificate she's received
J'ai V intention de vivre au maximum la seule vie quej'ai = I intend living the
only life I have to the full
formal
C'est la meilleure piece de theatre que f aie jamais vue = it's the best play I've
ever seen
La reunion a ete presidee par la derniere personne quej'eusse revee d'y
trouver — the meeting was chaired by the last person I imagined finding there
C'est la seule chose qu'elle ait entendue parmi tous les bruits qui etaient
cries autour d'elle = it's the only thing she heard amongst all the noises shouted around her
156 Other situations where the subjunctive is optional
There are a few verbs with which the use of the subjunctive is optional. This especially
involves verbs that are used negatively or interrogatively (see 149, 150). The deciding
factor is whether the proposition in the subordinate clause is seen as hypothetical or
depending upon a subjective interpretation of the proposition, or whether it is seen as
real or actual. In the former case, the subjunctive mood is used; in the latter, the indicative.
Verbs coming under this heading are -
accepter = to accept, admettre = to admits comprendre = to understand, concevoir =
to conceive, envisager = to envisage, expliquer = to explain, voir = to see
f'admets quHl est beaucoup plus intelligent que moi = I admit he's a lot more
intelligent than me
Admettons qu'elle aitfini son travail, cela n' excuse pas son manque
d' attention = admitting she's finished her work, that's no excuse for not paying attention
Elle comprenait que la possibility de poursuivre sa carriere choisie
dependait de son application au travail = she understood that the possibility of pursuing
her chosen career depended on her application to work
Je ne compr ends pas que tu puisses parler a ta mere comme ca = I don't
understand how you can talk to your mother like that
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
On voit que le decor politique ne s'eclaircit guere = we can see that the political
scene scarcely gets any clearer
Ou voyez-vous la-dedans que la Republique tienne son rang? = where do you see
in that action that the Republic preserves its reputation?
The subjunctive mood is not usually used in a relative clause following the indefinite arti-
cle. When, however, the sense of the proposition is less than fully certain, the subjunctive
mood may be used to underline this -
// a besoin d'un medecin qui comprend les allergies = he needs a doctor who
understands allergies (and there is such a doctor)
// a besoin d'un medecin qui comprenne les allergies = he needs a doctor who
understands allergies (and such a doctor may not exist)
Coucher pour coucher - nonlje n'aipas rencontre d'homme qui en vaille
la peine! Je patiente = to sleep with someone for the sake of it - no. I've not met a man who's
worth the trouble. Pm waiting
Elle m'a dit qu'elle a besoin d'un homme qui puisse satisfaire ses reves —
et ce ne sera pas tnoi = she told me that she needs a man who can satisfy her dreams - and it's
not me
1 57 Use with apres que
Apres que is normally followed by a verb in the indicative mood in the subordinate
clause. However, the subjunctive mood is also found (see 465) -
Apres que le patient a ete traite pour la depression^ il nefaut pas perdre de
vue ses besoins a long terme = after the patient has been treated for depression, it's
important not to lose sight of his long-term needs
Trois tnois apres qu'elle ait accouche de son premier bebe^ son part enaire
Va quittee = three months after she had given birth to her first child, her partner left her
Je change la litiere du chat immediatement apres qu'ily ait passe = I change
the cat's litter tray immediately after it's used it
158 Pluperfect subjunctive equivalent to conditional perfect
Sometimes in formal circumstances, sometimes ironically, sometimes in semi-fixed con-
structions, the pluperfect subjunctive is used as an alternative to the conditional perfect
- this occurs most frequently in the third person singular, only rarely elsewhere -
On a promene le vieux porte-avions d'un bout a V autre de la Mediterranee
comme on eutfait d'un petrolier pourri = they've dragged the old aircraft carrier from
one end of the Med. to another as they would have done with a rusty tanker
Qui Veut dit 9 qui Veut cru 9 que la question du voile nous bassinerait
jusqu'afaire sortir quelques fantomes des placards de VHistoire? = who
would have said, who would have thought that the issue of the [Islamic] veil would come to raise ghosts
from the cupboards of History?
82
160 devoir
Qui eut cru que le modeste the est Vune des meilleures boissons pour la
sante? = who would have thought that unassuming tea is one of the best drinks from the health point
of view?
lodal verbs
159 Definition of a modal verb
Modal verbs constitute a set of verbs that express a variety of attitudes concerning events
and the participants in those events - obligation, permission, possibility, probability. In
English such verbs as can, may, must, should, ought belong to this set of verbs.
In French, the verbs involved are - devoir = to have to, pouvoir = to be able to, savoir
= to know how to, vouloir = to want to.
A major problem for English speakers is discovering the correlation between English
modal verbs and their French equivalents. The principal reason for this is that English
modal verbs are frequently anomalous in the formation of their tenses.
1 60 devoir
Equivalent to English must, have to, ought, should, devoir expresses moral certainty, prob-
ability, intention, obligation -
il doit = he must, he has to
Ilpeut arriver qu'apres une fausse couche, les fetntnes aient plus de trial a
concevoir car le corps cotntne le mental doivent etre prets = it can happen that,
after a miscarriage, women find it harder to conceive, because their body as well as their mental state has
to be ready = obligation
Yous devez penser qu'il est alle trop loin =you must think he's gone too far =
probability
Je dois etre en retard = / must be late = probability
// doit etre parti a dix-huit heures = he must have / probably left at 6 o'clock =
obligation
// doit par tir a dix-huit heures = he must / has to / has got to leave at 6 o'clock =
intention
// doit etre parti a dix-huit heures = he must begone by 6 o'clock = obligation
il devait = he used to, he had to, he was to, he must have
II devait partir a dix-huit heures chaque soir pour arriver chez lui a vingt
heures — he had to / used to leave at 6 o'clock every evening to get home by 8
II devait partir a dix-huit heures , tnais hier il a change de routine = he was to
leave [or = was in the habit of leaving at 6 o'clock, but yesterday he changed his routine
II devait etre fatigue quand il a eu V accident = he must have been tired when he had
the accident
83
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
il a du = he must have, he had to
II a du partir a dix-huit heures, tnais il n' est pas ventre = he must have left at
6 o'clock, but he didn't come home
II a dufinir sa redaction avant de partir = he had to finish his essay before t
II n'apas du comprendre = he must not have understood (= he probably did not understand)
il devra = he will have to
II devra finir sa redaction avant de partir = he'll have to finish his essay before leaving
il devrait = he should, he ought to
II devrait finir sa redaction avant de partir = he ought to / should finish his essay
before leaving
il avait du = he must have, he had had to
II avait dufinir sa redaction avant de partir = he had had / must have to finish his
essay before leaving
il aura du = he will have had to
II aura dufinir sa redaction avant de partir = he will have had to finish his essay
before leaving
il aurait du = he ought to have, he should have
II aurait dufinir sa redaction avant de partir = he should have / ought to have
finished his essay before leaving (see 1 39 for the use of the conditional perfect implying it is
alleged that)
Note - the impersonal verb falloir = to be necessary may be used as an alternative to
devoir in certain circumstances -
Ilfaut venir ce soir =you [or other appropriate subject] must come this evening
II avait fallu demander conseil au pharmacien = it had been necessary / we [or
other appropriate subject] had had to ask the chemist for advice
Pour gagner le prix, ilfallait ecrire unpoeme = to win the prize, you had to write a
poem
Ilfaudrait une semaine d' hospitalisation pour se retablir = a week's
hospitalisation would be necessary for recuperation
II aurait fallu choisir une couleur differente pour ses cheveux = she [or other
appropriate subject] should have / ought to have chosen a different colour for her hair
Remember that as a transitive verb devoir = to owe
II me doit cinq euros = he owes me five euros
161 pouvoir
Equivalent to English to be able to (physically)^ can, could, may, might, pouvoir expresses
possibility, granting permission, capability, politeness
84
161 pouvoir
elle peut
= possibility
Elle peut arriver a tout moment = she may arrive at any moment
Elle peut lefaire elle-meme = she can do it herself
Note the expression il se peut que + subjunctive (see 150) -
// se peut que nous oublions le nom du profess eur = it's possible that we'll / we
may forget the teacher's name
= granting permission
Elle peut sortir si elle afini sa repetition = she can go out if she's finished practising
Tu ne peux pas sortir ce soir =you can't go out this evening
Puis-je ouvrir lafenetre? = may I open the window?
Note that this special form of the first person singular of the present tense of pouvoir is
used only in inverted questions (see 472).
= capability
Je peux nager sous Veau = I can swim underwater (but see later)
= politeness
Puis- je vous aider? I
T . » i r = ma y 1 hetp your
Je peux vous aider r J
elle pouvait = she could, she was able to
Elle pouvait se souvenir de son nom = she could / was able to remember his name
Elle ne pouvait pas se souvenir de son nom = she couldn't / wasn't able to remember
his name
The imperfect tense is used here because a mental state is being referred to (see 129).
elle a pu = she could, she was able to, she managed to
Elle a pu accomplir tout cela en deux heures = she was able to / managed to finish all
that in two hours
Elle apu courir plus vite que d 3 habitude par ce qu'elle avait peur = she could /
was able to run faster than usual because she was afraid
The perfect tense is used here because single events accomplished in a short space of
time are being referred to.
elle pourra = she can, she will be able to
Elle pourra sortir quand elle aurafini sa repetition = she can / will be able to go
out when she's finished practising
elle pourrait = she could, she might (be able to)
Elle pourrait accomplir beaucoup plus si elle le voulait = she could do a lot more
if she wanted
II se pourrait que nous ne le fassions pas = we might not be able to do it
i 85
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
fa pourrait etre le cas = that might be the case
On lui a dit qu'elle ne pourrait pas entrer enfac sans diplotnes = they told her
she couldn't / wouldn't be able to go to university without qualifications
elle avaitpu = she had been able to
Elle avait pu y alter parce que safamille avait finance le projet = she had been
able to go, because her family had financed the project
elle aura pu = she will have been able
Avec de telles ressources, elle aurapu s'en occuper = with such resources, she will
have been able to deal with it
elle auraitpu = she would have been able to, she might have, she could have
Elle aur ait pu preparer un clafoutis extraordinaire si elle avait eu des
framboises = she could have made a fantastic clafoutis if she had had some raspberries
II auraitpu le perdre = he might have lost it
Est-ce que tu aurais pu lefaire sans moi? = could you have done it without me?
Note 1 -
whereas pouvoir = to be able, to have the physical capability, savoir = to be able, to have
the intellectual capability (see 162) -
Elle sait parler franc ais = she can speak French
Elle peut monter a cheval en depit de son handicap physique = she can ride a
horse in spite of her physical handicap
Note 2 -
there are alternatives to using pouvoir - peut-etre = perhaps, il est possible que =
if s possible that —
Elle viendra peut-etre detnain
Peut-etre qu'elle viendra detnain
II est possible qu'elle vienne detnain
■ she may come tomorrow
Note 3 -
usage with peut-etre - peut-etre can occupy three positions in a clause, depending
upon the amount of prominence the user wishes to give it -
1 peut-etre in initial position followed by que and normal word order;
2 peut-etre in initial position with inversion of the subject and verb if the subject is a
pronoun;
or, if it is a noun, with the noun subject in initial position followed by peut-etre,
followed by inversion of the verb and a subject pronoun echoing the noun
3 peut-etre following the verb -
Peut-etre que votre perseverance portera ses fruits
Votre perseverance, peut-etre portera-t-elle ses fruits
Votre perseverance portera peut-etre ses fruits
= perhaps your
perseverance will
bear fruit
86
163 vouloir
Note 4 -
with verbs of perception, such as voir, entendre, sentir, can, could etc, are not translated
at all -
Je ne vois rien = I can't see a thing
Elle n 3 entendait pas ce que disait leprqf= she couldn't hear what the teacher said
162 savoir
Equivalent to English to know, to know how, to be able (intellectually)
je sais
Je sais qu'elle est arrivee = I know she's arrived
Je sais jouer a la petanque = I can / know how to play bowls
Je sais comment elle m'a trompe = I know how she deceived me
163 vouloir
Equivalent to English to want to, to wish to, to like to
il veut = he wants to, he's willing to
II veut entreprendre une enquete sur le bruit = he wants to undertake an investigation
into noise
il voulait = he wanted to, he was willing to
II voulait devenir membre d'une association d 'information pour les
diabetiques = he wanted to become a member of a support group for diabetics
The imperfect tense is used here because a mental state is being referred to (see 129).
il a voulu = he wanted to, he tried to
II a voulu trouver unposte, mais il n'y en avaitpas = he tried to find a job, but there
weren't any
The perfect tense is used here because a single event curtailed by lack of time is being
referred to.
il voudra = he'll want to, he'll be willing to
Apres avoir fait deux ou trois tractations en haut, on voudra passer a des
exercices plus difficiles = after doing two or three pull-ups, you' 11 want to move on to more
difficult exercises
il voudrait = he'd like to, he'd want to
II voudrait voir le directeur = he would like / wanted to see the principal
Est-ce que tu viendras ce soir? —Je voudrais bien, mais je ne me sens pas
bien = are you coming this evening? - I'd like to, but I'm not feeling very well
87
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
il avait voulu = he had wanted to, he had been willing to, he had tried to
II avait voulu croire que Vhomme est brave et juste, mais V experience Va
vite desillusionne = he had wanted to believe that man is brave and just, but experience soon
disillusioned him
il aurait voulu = he would have liked to, he would have wanted to
II aurait voulu etre persuade qu'elle avait plus de talent, mais helas, ce
n'etait pas vrai = he would have liked to believe that she had more talent, but, alas, that wasn't
the case
Note 1 -
English would referring to a future event that may or may not take place is normally
conveyed by the conditional tense of the verb (see 1 38) —
Elle viendrait si elle avait le temps = she would come if she had the time
Note 2 -
English would may also be used to indicate a habitual action in the past and is then
conveyed by the imperfect tense in French (see 129) -
Elle venait tous les vendredis = she would come every Friday
Note 3 -
the imperative oivouloir may be used to express a polite command (see 122) —
Veuille venir a 20 heures = please come at 8 o'clock
Veuillez fermer lafenetre = would you mind closing the window?
Veuillez vous asseoir = please sit down
Note 4 -
the conditional and conditional perfect of aimer are sometimes used as alternatives to
the conditional and conditional perfect of vouloir -
J'aimerais tout recommencer = Td like to start all over again
J'aurais aime tout recommencer = Fd have liked to start all over again
Impersonal verbs
164 Impersonal verbs
Certain verbs are only used with the third person singular form il, which in such circum-
stances is equivalent to English it. Although the pronoun is invariable, the verb changes
for tense. The verbs fall into the following categories -
I Verbs relating to the weather
Ilgele = it's freezing
II fait jour = it's daylight
II neige = it's snowing
Ilpleut = it's raining
165 Defective verbs
II tonne = it's thundering
Quel temps fait-il? = what's the weather like?
II fait beau/mauvais/chaud/froid = the weather is fine /awful /hot /cold
II fait un temps gris = it's overcast
II fait du soleil/vent = it's sunny /windy
2 Impersonal expressions
ily a = there is
ilfaut que (+ subjunctive) = it's necessary (see 150)
il s'agit de = it's a matter / question of
il semble / parait que (+ subjunctive) = it seems that (see 150)
il arrive = it happens (see 150)
// m' arrive de temps en temps d'en dire trop = it sometimes happens that I say too
much
3 Expressions involving etre
Quelle heure est-il? — II est dix-huit heures = what's the time? - It's 6 o'clock (see 440)
// est temps de/que (+ subjunctive) = it's time to /that (see 150)
// est question de/que (+ subjunctive) = it's a matter of/ that (see 150)
// etait unefois = once upon a time
II est possible / impossible /probable / peu probable / vrai /faux, etc =
it's possible/ impossible /likely /unlikely /true /wrong (see 150)
jfective verbs
165 Defective verbs
Certain verbs do not have a complete conjugation for each tense. These are known as
defective verbs. They tend to be rather archaic, rare verbs.
absoudre = to absolve, bruire = to rustle, choir / dechoir = to fall, clore = to close,
dissoudre = to dissolve, frire = to fry, ouir = to hear (past participle only, out), traire
= to milk
Most of these verbs mainly occur as infinitives and past participles, often acting as
adjectives; their conjugated forms have by and large disappeared from common use.
Tous sont d' accord que ce dossier n' est jamais clos = everyone agrees that this file
is never closed
Quand votre partenaire vous quitte pour une autre^ on se sent dechu dans
un univers terne et vide = when your partner leaves you for someone else, you feel abandoned
in an empty, drab world
La fusion avec V autre , c'est V experience inouie = to become united with your partner
is an incredible experience
However, one or two have lost only a few tenses - absoudre and dissoudre have
retained all tenses except the past historic and imperfect subjunctive , frire no longer has
the imperfect or past historic tenses or the simple subjunctive tenses. Even so, the tenses
that are retained are very rarely used.
i 89
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Exercises
1 Les imperatifs - reecrivez les passages suivants en donnant les formes
de l'imperatif qui conviennent.
a DON'T FORGET de fermer le recipient avant de mouliner son contenu.
b Le look gothique est a la page. BE AWARE toutefois qu'ilfaut en user
avec moderation.
c Avec un blouson en cuir, DARE les grosses ceintures cloutees ou a
boucle en argent.
d Vous avez des problemes de pellicules et pas de shampooing adequat?
TAKE deux aspirines effervescentes, DISSOLVE THEM dans un verre
d'eau et RUB le cuir chevelu avec la preparation obtenue.
e Allonge sur le dos 9 la main droite derriere la tete, STRETCH votre
jambe droite a la verticale et BEND celle de gauche^ le pied au sol. En
expiranty BRING votre main gauche TOWARDS de votre cheville droite.
DO cinq series de 15 repetitions.
f AVOID de poser la question brutalement.
g CONCENTRATE, CALM votre coeur: le stress se calme a son tour et
disparait.
h SEASON de sel, poivre et quatre-epices. MIX. INCORPORATE les
morceaux defoie gras. COVER. COOK lh 30 au bain-marie dans lefour.
ALLOW TO refroidir. KEEP 48 h au refrigerateur.
2 Reecrivez le texte suivant en style indirect, en changeant les temps du
verbe, les pronoms, etc
Commencez ainsi - Planete Foot a demande a Thierry quels sentiments . . .
Planete Foot: Thierry , quels sentiments t'ont traverse Vesprit lorsque Varbitre
a donne le coup de sifflet final de la derniere journee du championnat anglais?
Thierry Henry: Terminer un championnat invaincu, c'est vraiment
formidable. Mais, sur le coup,je ne m'en rends pas compte. Tu sais que Varbitre
a siffle, mats deja, on etait champions depuis presque un mots et, cinq jours
apres, on sait que Vonjoue le Bresil au Stade de France. On n'apas reellement le
temps d'en profiter. Tu ne V apprecies pas vraiment. II faut passer a autre chose.
3 Subjonctif ou indicatif? Reecrivez les phrases suivantes en donnant la
forme du verbe qui convient -
a II faut bien que votre cheri SE DETENDRE de temps en temps.
b Je veux Vembrasser avant que on ETRE de retour a Calais.
c La premiere fois queje le VOIR, c f etait en classe de seconde.
d Je veux qu'elle S'EN SORTIR vite.
e C'est le cinquieme de ce type qu'elle CONNAITRE.
f Pour que le sommeil ETRE reellement reparateur, mettez votre esprit
et votre corps en veille.
g Utilisez plusieurs cotons en vous demaquillant jusqu'a ce que vous
LEVER toute trace de votre maquillage.
h Dans certaines series lesfdles n'hesitent pas a se bagarrer, que ce
ETRE les forces du mal ou les vampires.
i II faut ponderer deux criteres majeurs: la proportion de blessures
enregistrees par sport enfonction du nombre des pratiquants et la
gravite de celles-ci 9 quel que ETRE le niveau de pratique.
90
Exercises
j En cas de surchauffe, un dispositif de coupure thermique evite que le
robot (ne) PARTIR enfumee.
k Dommage que tu ne ETRE pas la.
1 Si votre chapeau est vert clair avec des details graphiques, lafille que
vous draguez pens era que vous AVOIR de Vhumour.
m ha seule chose qu'il S AVOIR de sonpere c'est qu'il a probablement
etudie id.
n Garcons etfdles ont des relations homos exuelles a cet age sans que ce
ETRE definitif.
4 Reecrivez les phrases suivantes en donnant la forme du verbe modal
qui convient -
a lis comprennent vite que pour reussir Us HAVE TOfabriquer leurs
propres produits.
b La compagnie WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO reussir ses campagnes
de publicite, sans ses produits p hares.
c Quel MIGHT etre Vobjet d'une nouvelle loi?
d // HAD TO eviter d'insulter ses collegues.
e Paris et Berlin DID NOT WANT TO edulcorer un projet qui donne a
chaque Etat tnetnbre un notnbre de voix plus en rapport avec son
poids demographique.
f Le handball francais CANbien compter 220 000 licencies dans tous les
coins du territoire.
g Si ce traitement ne suffit pas, le dermatologue WILL BE ABLE TO vous
prescrire des medicaments adaptes.
h Pour un soutien de poitrine optimal, deux mesures HAVE TO etre prises
en compte, celle du tour de buste (le chiffre) et celle des bonnets (la
lettre).
i Des en-cas aux desserts les plus fins, le robot de cuisine CAN tout f aire.
j Si Vinsolation est grave, elle MAT necessiter une hospitalisation, et la
victime WILL HAVE TO etre ajeun.
k // est seul a TO BE ABLE TO atteindre sa cible defacon selective.
1 Sije Vavais rencontree,je WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO V aimer, mais
pas m' entendre avec elle.
m On se rassure comme on CAN.
n En Coupe d'Europe on ne MUST pas ceder Vavantage a Vadversaire.
o On ne SHOULD pas accepter cet elogefunebre de lapresse — Vavenir
appartient a la television digitale: la presse ecrite estfinie.
91
Chapter 3 Tabular treatment of verbs
166 Order of presentation
The verbs are presented by major group, as set out in 1-1 14, indicative mood tenses first
and then subjunctive mood tenses.
In the tables references are made to those sections where special mention is made of
the particular tense of the verb.
175-176 provides an alphabetical list of verbs. The list does not include regular
Group 1 —er verbs, but contains -
1 those verbs treated in the discursive section
2 those treated in the tabular section
3 other common verbs not mentioned in either of those sections. In this case an
indication is given of which verb, dealt with in the two main sections, the verb is
related to or conjugated like.
One or two verbs require separate treatment, as they do not relate to any other verbs.
For verbs conjugated with etre in compound tenses, in order to economise on space
and density of information, not every permutation of past participle endings has been
indicated - third person singular and plural and second person plural have been shown
as permitting variation in the form of the participle. However, it should be remembered
that depending upon the gender of the subject of the other persons, an —e may have to be
added (tgje suis allee, tu es allie, nous sotntnes allies, vous etes allie, vous
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Exercises
Reecrivez les passage suivants en donnant les formes du verbe qui
conviennent -
a Naissance de la haine dans le couple
«Je DEPERIR en son absence. Je me VIDER de tnon sens. II SUPPORTER trial.
En fait, je VOULOIR ETRE lui. Mais il CHANGER les regies dujeu;
Vintranquillite me RENDRE haineuse. »
« Elle me ENTRAINER dans cette intensite et se LASSER.Je AVOIR la
haine » RECONNAITRE Franck, «Je SE SENTIR MANIPULER et PERDRE. »
« Sije AVOIR 20 ans,je le QUITTER avec un plan de reconquete; mais a mon
age,je SAVOIR que le temps PASSER ETRE PERDRE pour son desir.Je POUVOIR
SE FLINGUER parce que tout ETREJOUER et queje ETRE lasse. »
b Mon patron et moi
Ce lundi-la,je CAUSER a Penelope pres de la machine a cafe. Mon
patron PASSER devant nous et me LANCER, sans meme nous REGARDER: «Je
POUVOIR te VOIR, s'il te PLAIRE? », le « s'il te PLAIRE » qui FINIR un ton
au-dessus du «Je POUVOIR te VOIR . . .», un « s'il te PLAIRE » qui VOULOIR
DIRE: « Si ca te PLAIRE pas, ce ETRE pareil. »Je JETER mongobelet etje OBEIR
docile comme un chien.Je SENTIR dans mon dos le regard de Penelope
PLANTER devant le distributeur d'expressos. Ce ETRE en SUIVRE le patron
dans le couloir queje SAVOIR ce queje AVOIR afaire.Je DIRE: « Herve! », avec
le « ve » de Herve un ton au-dessus. II SE RETOURNER etje lui SAUTER a la
gorge en PLANTER mes incisives dans son cou trop gras. II MOURIR en
GIGOTER comme un ver, dans le sang quHl AVOIR toujour s tiede.
c Le Land Rover
Si par essence toutes les automobiles C ONCE VOIR pour le voyage, certaines en
DEVENIR des icones. Ce ETRE le cas du Land Rover dont la simple apparition
EVOQUER la jungle la plus prof onde, les sables du desert. Le « land » ETRE une
legende vivante. 11 CREER en 1947 et a Vorigine CONSTRU1RE avec une
carrosserie aluminium qui RECUPERER sur les carlingues des avions de
chasse. Depuis ce temps-la, il POURS UIVRE sa carriere sans que rien ne
SEMBLER POUVOIR le ARRETER. Quoi qu'en DIRE certains, cette automobile
RESTER un extraordinaire moyen de transport.
d J'aime le mec qu'il ne faut pas
Tu ne CONVOITER point. « Lesfdles ETRE jalouses et envieuses meme entre
elles » PLAISANTER Victor Gerard. Elles VOULOIR toujours ce que AVOIR leurs
copines. Meme leur mec. Alors quand Anne, votre meilleure amie, vous
ANNONCER toutefiere qu'enjin elle METTRE ses mains sur Matthieu . . . Hier
encore, vous ne le REMARQUER meme pas, mais aujourd'hui il AVOIR tout de
suite beaucoup plus dHnteret. Avec le temps, les regards SE FAIRE de plus en
plus APPUYER entre vous et lui. II FALLOIR SE RENDRE a V evidence: vous
CRAQUER pour ce beau brunt
e J'ai gueri de mon hepatite C
Le virus DISPARAITRE, mais il FALLOIR toutefois CONTINUER les injections
hebdomadaires d* interferon. J e SE RENSE1GNER via Internet. Je SAVOIR que
^interferon ETRE une substance naturelle PROD UIRE par les cellules
CHARGER de DEFENDRE Vorganisme. Cela me RASSURER lors des injections,
queje FAIRE moi-meme. Je SE SENTIR de plus en plus FATIGUER maisje
117
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
S'ACCROCHER. L'enthousiasme de mon hepatologue me PORTER. Maisje
DECIDER de CHERCHER de Vaide ailleurs etje SE FAIRE PRESCRIRE des
seances de kinesitherapie, qui me RECONFORTER. Je aussi FAIRE appel a un
acupuncteur dans Videe de mieux FAIRE CIRCULER les energies — cela me
AIDER a SOULAGER tries douleurs musculaires.
in
Chapter 4 Verb list
f 5 Using the list
This list contains the most frequently used French verbs. However, it does not include
verbs conjugated like porter, ie those hundreds of verbs belonging to Group 1 —er verbs.
Each verb occurs in the first column with its meaning, and in the second column has a
reference to another verb with which its conjugation is identical or very closely linked,
when the verb itself occurs in the tabular section. By referring to the verb mentioned in
the second column, it will be possible to deduce the forms of the paradigm of the verb
that is being looked up.
For example, to discover the paradigm of abattre, it is simply a matter of consulting
the battre entry in the Tables above, and making the appropriate adjustments to abattre
in the light of the information contained there (169, 173), where reference is also made
to the discursive section (33, 56).
176 The list
verb
conjugated like
abattre = to knock down
abolir = to abolish
aboutir = to finish up
aboyer = to bark
abreger = to abridge
absoudre = to absolve
s'abstenir = to abstain
acceder = to reach
accelerer = to speed up
accotnplir = to accomplish
accourir = to run up
accueillir = to welcome
acheter = to buy
achever = to complete
acquerir = to acquire
adherer = to stick
adtnettre = to admit
battre
finir
finir
essayer
esperer + manger
present absous/ absous/ absout/ absolvons/ absolvez/
absolvent, but no past historic tense or imperfect subjunctive;
past participle absous
venir
esperer
esperer
finir
courir
cueillir
acheter
mener
present acquiers / acquiers / acquiert /
acquerons / acquerez / acquierent; future and conditional -
acquerrai, etc; acquerrais, etc; past historic acquis/
acquis/ acquit / acquimes / acquites / acquirent; past
participle acquis
esperer
mettre
119
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
verb
conjugated like
adoucir = to soften
finir
affaiblir = to weaken
finir
affermir = to strengthen
finir
affliger = to afflict
manger
affranchir = to liberate
finir
agacer = to annoy
commencer
agir = to act
finir
agrandir = to enlarge
finir
oiler = to go
aller
allonger = to lengthen
manger
alourdir = to weigh down
finir
alterer = to affect
esperer
amaigrir = to slim
finir
atnener = to bring
mener
annoncer = to announce
commencer
apercevoir = to notice
apparaitre = to appear
appartenir = to belong
appeler = to call
applaudir = to applaud
apprendre = to learn
appuyer = to support
assaillir = to attack
(s')asseoir = to sit (down)
atteindre = to reach
attendre = to wait
avancer = to advance
avertir = to warn
avoir = to have
balancer = to sway
bannir = to banish
battre = to beat
begayer = to stammer
benir = to bless
blanchir = to whiten
blasphemer = to blaspheme
boire = to drink
bondir = to leap
bouger = to move
broyer = to crush
brunir = to burnish
cacheter = to seal
ceder = to yield
celebrer = to celebrate
chanceler = to totter
changer = to change
charger = to load
recevoir
paraitre
venir
appeler
finir
prendre
essayer
cueillir
(s')asseoir
present atteins / atteins / atteint / atteignons / atteignez /
atteignent; past historic atteignis / atteignis / atteignit /
atteignimes / atteignites / atteignirent ; past participle
atteint
vendre
commencer
finir
avoir
commencer
finir
battre
essayer
finir
finir
esperer
boire
finir
manger
essayer
finir
jeter
esperer
esperer
appeler
manger
manger
120
176 The list
verb
conjugated like
cherir = to cherish
finir
choisir = to choose
finir
combattre = to fight
battre
commencer = to begin
commencer
commercer = to trade
commencer
commettre = to commit
mettre
completer = to complete
esperer
comprendre = to
prendre
understand
compromettre = to
mettre
compromise
conceder = to concede
esperer
concevoir = to conceive
recevoir
conclure = to conclude
conclure
conduire = to drive
conduire
confondre = to confound
repondre
connaitre = to know
paraitre
conquerir = to conquer
venir + acquerir
consentir = to consent
courir
considerer = to consider
esperer
construire = to construct
conduire
contraindre = to constrain
craindre
contredire = to contradict
dire but 2nd pers pi present -
contredisez
contrefaire = to counterfeit
faire
convaincre = to convince
vaincre
convenir = to admit, to agree
venir
convertir = to convert
finir
corrompre = to corrupt
rompre
coudoyer = to mix with
essayer
courir = to run
courir
couvrir = to cover
ouvrir
craindre = to fear
craindre
crever = to burst
mener
croire = to believe
croire
cueillir = to gather
cueillir
cuire = to cook
conduire
debattre = to discuss
battre
decevoir = to deceive
recevoir
decharger = to unload
manger
decourager = discourage
manger
decouvrir = to discover
ouvrir
decrire = to describe
ecrire
dedicacer = dedicate
commencer
deduire = to deduce
conduire
defaillir = to faint
faillir
defaire = to undo
faire
defendre = to defend
vendre
definir = to define
finir
degager = to free
manger
121
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
verb
conjugated like
degeler = to defrost
acheter
deliberer = to discuss
esperer
demenager = to move
manger
demolir = to demolish
finir
denoncer = to denounce
commencer
depeindre = to depict
atteindre
dependre = to depend
prendre
deplacer = to dislodge
commencer
deplaire = to displease
plaire
deranger = to disturb
manger
descendre = to descend
vendre
desesperer = to despair
esperer
desobeir = to disobey
finir
dessecher = to dry out
esperer
detendre = to release
vendre
detruire = to destroy
conduire
devancer = to outstrip
commencer
devenir = to become
venir
devoir = to owe
devoir
digerer = to digest
esperer
dire = to speak
dire
diriger = to direct
manger
disparaitre = to disappear
paraitre
dissoudre = to dissolve
absoudre; but no past historic or imperfect subjunctive
divertir = to entertain
finir
dortnir = to sleep
dormir
eblouir = to dazzle
finir
echanger = to exchange
manger
eclaircir = to clarify
finir
ecrire = to write
ecrire
egayer = to enliven
essayer
elargir = to broaden
finir
elever — to raise
mener
elire — to elect
lire
embellir = to embellish
finir
emettre = to emit
mettre
emmener = to lead
mener
employer = to employ
essayer
encourager = to encourage
manger
endommager = to damage
manger
enf oncer = to push in
commencer
engager = to hire
manger
enlacer = to embrace
commencer
enlaidir = to make ugly
finir
enlever = to take off
mener
ennuyer = to bore
essayer
enoncer = to pronounce
commencer
enrichir = to enrich
finir
entendre = to hear
vendre
122
176 The list
verb
conjugated like
entrelacer = to intertwine
commencer
entreprendre = to
prendre
undertake
entretenir = to maintain
venir
entrevoir = to glimpse
voir
enumerer = to enumerate
esperer
envahir = to invade
finir
envisager = to envisage
manger
envoyer = to send
envoyer
epeler = to spell
appeler
Sponger = to mop
manger
eriger = to erect
manger
esperer = to hope
esperer
essayer = to try
y > i in sg + 3rd pers pi present tense; in future and conditional
-i— is used throughout essaierai, etc; essaierais, etc
essuyer = to wipe
essayer
etablir = to establish
finir
eteindre = to extinguish
atteindre
etendre = to stretch
vendre
etinceler = to sparkle
appeler
etre = to be
etre
etreindre = to embrace
atteindre
exagerer = to exaggerate
esperer
exceder = to exceed
esperer
exclure = to exclude
conclure
faiblir = to weaken
finir
faillir = to almost
present —faux /faux / faut / faillons /faillez /faillent
faire = to do
faire
falloir = to be necessary
falloir
feindre = to feign
atteindre
fendre = to split
vendre
feuilleter = to leaf through
jeter
finir = to finish
finir
flechir = to bend
finir
foncer = to tear along
commencer
fondre = to melt
repondre
forcer = to force
commencer
franchir = to cross
finir
fretnir = to shudder
finir
froncer = to frown
commencer
fuir = to flee
courir + y instead off for 1st and 2nd pi in present
garantir = to guarantee
finir
garnir = to garnish
finir
geindre = to whine
atteindre
geler = to freeze
acheter
gemir = to groan
finir
grandir = to get bigger
finir
grimacer = to grimace
commencer
grincer = to creak
commencer
123
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
verb
conjugated like
finir
finir
finir + keeps diaeresis in pi, not sg, of present tense; retains
diaeresis throughout past historic
acheter
acheter
manger
esperer
conclure
esperer
manger
esperer
ecrire
conduire
esperer
dire but 2nd pers pi present interdisez
esperer
esperer
rompre
venir
conduire
finir
finir
jeter
present joins /joins / joint / joignons /joignez /joignent;
atteindre
finir
manger
commencer
commencer
esperer
esperer
lire
manger
conduire but past historic luis / luis / luit / luimes / luites /
luirent
finir
venir
mener
manger
dire but pi present maudissez / maudis sons / maudis sent
paraitre
dire but 2nd pers pi present medisez
manger
commencer
manger
mener
courir - 1st pers present mens
mettre
grossir = to
guerir = to cure
hair = to hate
haleter = to pant
harceler = to harass
immerger = to immerse
incinerer = to cremate
inclure = to include
inferer = to infer
infliger = to inflict
inquieter = to worry
inscrire = to enrol
instruire = to teach
inter ceder = to intercede
interdire = to forbid
interferer = to interfere
interpreter = to interpret
interrompre = to interrupt
intervenir = to intervene
introduire = to introduce
jaillir = to spurt
jaunir = to turn yellow
jeter = to throw
joindre = to join
jouir = to enjoy
juger = to judge
lacer = to lace up
lancer = to throw
lecher = to lick
liberer = to liberate
lire = to read
loger = to lodge
luire = to glow
maigrir = to slim
maintenir = to maintain
malmener = to manhandle
manger = to eat
maudire = to curse
meconnaitre = to
misunderstand
medire = to malign
melanger = to mix
menacer = to threaten
menager = to handle
mener = to lead
mentir = to lie
mettre = to put
124
176 The list
verb
conjugated like
tnordre = to bite
perdre
mourir = to die
mourir
munir = to equip
finir
nager = to swim
manger
naitre = to be born
paraitre; but past historic naquis / naquis / naquit /
naquimes /naquites /naquirent
negliger = to neglect
manger
neiger = to snow
manger
nettoyer = to clean
essayer
noircir = to blacken
finir
noyer = to drown
essayer
nuire = to harm
conduire
obeir = to obey
finir
obtenir = to obtain
venir
offrir = to offer
ouvrir
omettre = to omit
mettre
operer = to operate
outrager = to outrage
ouvrir = to open
palir = to turn pale
parachever = to com-,
paraitre = to appear
parcourir = to peruse
partager = to share
partir = to leave
parvenir = to reach
payer = to pay
plaire = to please
pleuvoir = to rain
plonger = to dive
ployer = to fold
esperer
manger
ouvrir
finir
mener
present parais /parais / p ar ait /parais sons /paraissez /
paraissent; past historic parus / parus / parut /
parumes /parutes /parurent; past participle paru
courir
manger
partir
venir
essayer; has either -i— or -y— in future and conditional
paierai/payerai, etc; paierais / payer ais, etc
pecher = to sin
esperer
peindre = to paint
atteindre
pendre = to hang
vendre
penetrer = to penetrate
esperer
percer = to pierce
commencer
percevoir = to notice
recevoir
perdre = to lose
perdre
perir = to perish
finir
permettre = to allow
mettre
perpetrer = to perpetrate
esperer
peser = to weigh
mener
pincer = to pinch
commencer
placer = to place
commencer
plaindre = to pity
craindre
present plais/plais /plait /plaisons /plaisez, plaisent;
past historic plus / plus / plut / plumes / plutes / plurent
pleuvoir
manger
essayer
125
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
verb
conjugated like
polir = to polish
poursuivre = to pursue
pourvoir = to provide
pouvoir = to be able
predire = to predict
preferer = to prefer
prendre = to take
prescrire = to prescribe
pretendre = to claim
prevenir = to warn
prevoir = to foresee
produire = to produce
projeter = to project
prolonger = to prolong
promener = to walk
protnettre = to promise
prononcer = to pronounce
proscrire = to forbid
proteger = to protect
punir = to punish
racheter = to redeem
rafraichir = to refresh
rager = to rage
rajeunir = to rejuvenate
rallonger = to extend
ramener = to bring back
ranger = to put away
rappeler = to recall
ravir = to delight
rayer = to delete
recevoir = to receive
reconnaitre = to recognise
recouvrir = to recover
recueillir = to collect
rediger = to edit
reduire = to reduce
referer = to refer
reflechir = to reflect
refleter = to reflect
reiterer = to reiterate
rejeter = to reject
se rejouir = to rejoice
reluire = to glisten
remplacer = to replace
remplir = to fill
renoncer = to renounce
finir
suivre
voir] but future and conditional different pourvoirai, etc;
pourvoirais, etc
pouvoir
dire but 2nd pers pi present predisez
esperer
prendre
ecrire
vendre
venir
voir; but future and conditional different prevoirai, etc;
prevoirais, etc
conduire
jeter
manger
tnener
mettre
commencer
ecrire
esperer + manger
finir
acheter
finir
manger
finir
manger
mener
manger
appeler
finir
essayer
recevoir
paraitre
ouvrir
cueillir
manger
conduire
esperer
finir
esperer
esperer
jeter
finir
conduire but past historic reluis / reluis / reluit / reluimes /
reluites /reluirent
commencer
finir
commencer
126
176 The list
verb
conjugated like
renouveler = to renew
appeler
renvoyer = to send away
essayer
repandre = to spread
vendre
repartir = to distribute
finir (nb not partir)
se repentir = to repent
courir - present repens
repeter = to repeat
esperer
repondre = to reply
repondre
reprendre = to take back
prendre
reproduire = to reproduce
conduire
requerir = to require
venir + acquerir
resoudre = to resolve
absoudre; but past historic resolus / resolus / resolut /
resolumes / resolutes / resolurent
ressentir = to feel
courir - present ressens
retenir = to retain
venir
reunir = to assemble
finir
reussir = to succeed
finir
reveler = to reveal
esperer
revenir = to come back
venir
rire = to laugh
rire
rotnpre = to break
rotnpre
rougir = to blush
finir
saillir = to jut out
cueillir
saisir = to seize
finir
salir = to soil
finir
satisfaire = to satisfy
faire
s avoir = to know
savoir
secher = to dry
esperer
secourir = to help
courir
seduire = to seduce
conduire
s enter = to sow
mener
sentir = to feel
courir - present sens
servir = to serve
courir - present sers
songer = to daydream
manger
sortir = to go out
courir - present sors
souffrir = to suffer
ouvrir
soulager = to relieve
manger
soulever = to lift
mener
soumettre = to submit
mettre
soupeser = to weigh up
mener
sourire = to smile
rire
souscrire = to subscribe
ecrire
soutenir = to sustain
venir
se souvenir = to remember
venir
subir = to undergo
finir
subvenir = to meet
venir
succeder = to succeed
esperer
suffire = to suffice
lire
suggerer = to suggest
esperer
suivre = to follow
present suis / suis / suit otherwise vendre
127
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
verb
conjugated like
surgir = to appear suddenly
surprendre = to surprise
suspendre = to suspend
taire = to be quiet
finir
prendre
vendre
present tais / tais / tait / taisons / taisez / taisent\ past
historic tus / tus / tut / tiimes / tiites / turent
tendre = to hold out
vendre
tenir = to hold
venir
tordre = to twist
perdre
tracer = to draw
commencer
traduire = to translate
conduire
trahir = to betray
finir
transcrire = to transcribe
ecrire
transferer = to transfer
esperer
tressaillir = to tremble
cueillir
tut oyer = to use e tu 3
essayer
unir = to unite
finir
vaincre = to vanquish
present vam
present vaincs / vaincs / vainc / vainquons / vainquez /
vainquent; past historic vainquis / vainquis / vainquit /
vainquimes / vainquites / vainquirent\ past participle
vaincu
valoir — to be worth
valoir
vendre = to sell
vendre
venger = to avenge
manger
venir = to come
venir
vetir = to clothe
partir; p
vieillir = to grow old
finir
vivre = to live
vivre
voir = to see
voir
vomir = to vomit
finir
vouloir = to want to
vouloir
vouvoyer = to use c vous'
essayer
voyager = to travel
manger
128
Chapter 5 Nouns and adjectives
177 Nouns
As has been seen, the verb is the pivotal element of the sentence (see 2) - indeed a sentence
may consist entirely of a verb (viens! = come on!, ecoute! = listen!) or a verb and subject
pronoun (je viens = Fm coming, j' } ecoute = Fm listening); see 453. But very often the verb
is accompanied by one or more nouns, or a noun and an adjective or two, and this adds
more information and detail to the sentence.
Nouns in French have very much the same characteristics as nouns in English and
may be used in very much the same ways. What follows is a brief resume of their major
general characteristics and uses.
Nouns are words which are preceded by a determiner- such as the definite or indefinite
article, demonstrative or possessive adjective - and/or an adjective, and may be followed
by an adjective and/or an adjectival phrase or clause (see 1 78, 247-272) -
definite article - le succes = success, le secret de la coloration = the secret of colouring
indefinite article - unefois = once, un geste simple = a simple gesture
demonstrative adjective - ce cocktail queje viens de preparer = this cocktail that
Fve just prepared
possessive adjective - votre proprietaire =your landlord, ses reactions = her reactions
The noun may refer to concrete and abstract items - to people, objects, places, ideas.
As far as its function is concerned, it may be -
subject of the verb -
Des dents blanches sont un atout esthetique majeur = white teeth are a major
aesthetic asset
complement of the subject or object -
// est devenu unfootballeur celebre = he became a famous football star
Jacques Chirac Va nomme president d'une commission de reflexion =
Jacques Chirac appointed him chairman of a think tank
direct or indirect object -
Avant de prendre le volant = before taking hold of the steering wheel
Ce complement convient a tous les jeunes qui veulent controler leur
poids = this supplement is suitable for all those young people who want to control their weight
in a prepositional expression -
N'oubliez pas de boire avant, pendant et apres les efforts = don't forget to drink
before, during and after exertion
I 129
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Le temps des disillusions = disillusionment time
L'evenement a ete annonce dans la revue interne de la compagnie = the event
was announced in the company's in-house journal
178 Gender
Gender in English is based upon sexual characteristics -girl, woman, actress, filly, cow, hen
are all female by virtue of their physical attributes, and man, boy, lad, guy, bull, stallion are
all male by virtue of their physical attributes. Nouns that do not have sexual attributes,
real or supposed (as a result of personification a boat may be called her), have no gender,
are neutral.
In French the situation is different. French has a dual system for gender assignment.
1 Gender is dependent upon sexual identity in the same way as English - but this is
only for a limited number of animate nouns.
2 For most nouns gender assignment is a grammatical matter, the result of syntactic
tradition.
Consequently as a result of the operation of system 1, male persons are indicated by the
masculine gender, and female persons by the feminine gender. However, occasionally
system 2, the grammatical principle, takes priority over sexual gender, and produces
anomalies -
personne and victime are always feminine in gender even if they refer to male
persons
and docteur and professeur are always masculine whether they refer to women or
men.
The matter of sexual gender is discussed in 186.
Gender pervades a very large proportion of the French grammatical system. The gen-
der of nouns affects the form of the determiners that modify them. The determiners
involved are the definite, indefinite and partitive articles, possessive, demonstrative, rela-
tive and interrogative adjectives, and negative and indefinite adjectives. These are dealt
with in 247-272. The gender of nouns also affects agreement of adjectives, pronouns,
past participles. These are dealt with in 105, 108, 194, 207, 208, 225.
179 Assigning gender
Because grammatical gender permeates the French syntactic system, involving every
noun and pronoun, together with the knock-on effect of agreement of adjectives and
past participles with the nouns and pronouns, knowledge of the correct gender of a noun
is of vital importance.
Fortunately, there are some patterns that help with assigning the correct gender to a
noun, some connected with the meaning of the noun, others with its form. Unfortunately,
there are exceptions to most patterns, and many nouns do not fall within these patterns.
In such cases, the gender of the noun has to be learnt individually.
130
180 Patterns for masculine gender
In the following lists, normally, two examples will be given for each case, plus all
the most common exceptions. Although the exceptions may seem numerous, the nouns
which 'observe the rule' are much more numerous - it's just that space does not allow
them all to be mentioned.
180 Patterns for masculine gender
1 Patterns based on meaning
names of days of the week - le dimanche = Sunday, le merer edi = Wednesday
names of months - le Janvier = January, le mars = March
names of seasons - le printemps = spring, Vete(m) = summer
names of languages - lefrangais = French, le roumain = Romanian
names of trees and shrubs - le chene = oak tree, le poirier = pear tree
exceptions - une aubepine = hawthorn, la ronce = bramble, la vigne = vine
names of cheeses and wines - le brie, le camembert, le champagne, le bordeaux
names of metals and minerals - le cuivre = copper, le mercure = mercury
exceptions - une emeraude = emerald, la perle = pearl, la roche = rock
names of colours - lejaune = yellow, le rose = pink
names of weights and measures, cardinal numbers - le litre = litre, le quart — quarter,
le six = (number) six
exception - la moitie = half, and numerals ending in —aine {la soixantaine =
about sixty)
names of human agents, ending in —eur- le directeur = the head teacher, le docteur =
doctor
names of human agents, ending in -4en - le Parisien = Parisian, le pharmacien =
pharmacist
names of boats - le ( France\ le 'Reine Elizabeth'
names of aeroplanes - le Concorde, le Boeing
exception - la Caravelle
2 Patterns based on form
nouns formed from infinitives - le coucher = bedtime, le devoir = duty, le rire =
laughter
nouns formed from adjectives - le possible = what is possible, le serieux — seriousness
nouns ending in —acle - un obstacle = obstacle, le spectacle = spectacle
nouns with two or more syllables ending in age - le clonage = cloning, le
maquillage = make-up
exception - une image = image
nouns ending in -ai — le balai = broom, un essai = try (in rugby)
nouns ending in —ail — le detail = detail, le travail = work
nouns ending in —at — le certificat = certificate, le resultat = result
131
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
nouns ending in —e - le cafe = coffee, le peche = sin
exceptions - une acne = acne, la cle (also spelt clef) = key
nouns ending in —eau - le carreau = square, le plateau = tray
exceptions - une eau = water, la peau = skin
nouns ending in —ede - un intermede = interlude, le remede =
nouns ending in —ege - le college = college, le manege = roundabout
nouns ending in —eil - le soleil = sun, le sommeil = sleep
nouns ending in —erne - le probleme = problem, le systeme = system
exception - la creme = cream
nouns ending in —er when —er is sounded [e] - le clocher = belfry, le petit dejeuner
= breakfast- and when —er is pronounced [er] - le cancer = cancer, le starter = choke
(of car)
exceptions - la cuiller = spoon, la mer = sea
nouns ending in —es - le progres = progress, le succes = success
nouns ending in —et - le projet = project, le secret = secret
nouns ending in —euil - le deuil = mourning, le seuil = threshold
nouns ending in -i when sounded [i] - un abri = shelter, le parti (political) party
exception - lafourmi = ant
nouns ending in -ier - le calendrier = calendar, le papier = paper
nouns ending in -ing - le camping = campsite, le parking = car park
nouns ending in -4sme - un organisme = organism, le scepticisme = scepticism
nouns ending in -orient - le divertissement = entertainment, le paiement = payment
exception - lajument = mare
nouns ending in —o - le numero = number, le zero = zero
exception - la dynamo = dynamo
nouns ending in —oi - un emploi =job, le tournoi = tournament
exceptions - lafoi = faith, la loi = law
nouns ending in —oir- le miroir = mirror, le peignoir = dressing gown
nouns ending in —ou - le chou = cabbage, le genou = knee
nouns ending in —our - le carrefour = crossroads, le retour = return
exceptions - la cour =yard, la tour = tower (not = trick, turn which is le tour)
nouns ending in -^ueil - un accueil = welcome, un orgueil = pride
plus a few small sets of nouns, ending for example in —gramme {le kilogramme =
kilogramme), -metre [le centimetre = centimetre), —scope (le magnetos cope = tape
plus nouns ending in the following consonants
—c — le lac = lake, le sac = bag
—d - le bord = edge, le pied =foot
and —g, —I, -r, —t as illustrated above.
132
181 Patterns for feminine gender
181 Patterns for feminine gender
1 Patterns based on meaning
names of fruit and vegetables ending in —e - la carotte = carrot, lafraise = strawberry
exceptions - le concombre = cucumber, le pamplemousse = grapefruit
names of academic subjects - la linguistique = linguistics, la physique = physics
exception - le droit = law
names of cars - une Renault, une deux-chevaux^ une BMW
names designating females ending in —esse - une hotesse = hostess,
la princesse = princess
names of human agents ending in —euse - la chanteuse = singer,
la masseuse = masseuse
names of human agents ending in -4enne - la pharmacienne = female pharmacist,
la vegetarienne = vegetarian
names of human agents ending in -iere - la meurtriere = female murderer,
une hotelliere = hotelier
names of human agents ending in —trice - une actrice = actress, la directrice =
head teacher
2 Patterns based on form
nouns ending in —ace - la race = (ethnic) race, la surface = surface
exception - un espace = space
nouns ending in —ade - une orangeade = orangeade, la promenade = walk
exceptions - le grade = rank, le stade = stadium
nouns ending in —aie - la monnaie = currency, la plaie = wound
nouns ending in —aille - la bataille = battle, les fiangailles = engagement
nouns ending in —aine - la haine = hatred, la quinzaine = fortnight
nouns ending in —aison - la combinaison = combination, la raison = reason
nouns ending in —ance - une alliance = wedding ring, alliance, la distance = distance
nouns ending in —ee - une entree = entry, la soiree = evening
exceptions - le lycee = secondary school, le musee = museum, le trophee = trophy
nouns ending in —eine - la baleine = whale, la peine = punishment
nouns ending in —ence - la difference = difference, une influence = influence
exception - le silence = silence
nouns ending in —euse - la perceuse = drill, la tondeuse = lawnmower
nouns ending in -ie - la partie = part, la vie = life
exceptions - le genie = genius, engineering, un incendie =fire, le parapluie =
umbrella
nouns ending in -4ere - la biere = beer, la lumiere = light
exceptions - le cimetiere = cemetery, le derriere = behind, bottom
133
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
nouns ending in -ine - la colline = hill, la piscine = swimming pool
exception - le magazine = magazine
nouns ending in -ise - la chemise = shirt, la marchandise = goods
exception - le pare-brise = windscreen (see 187, 3)
nouns ending in —sion or —tion - la television = television, la traduction = translation
nouns ending in —te - la bonte = goodness, la dijficulte = difficulty
exceptions - un arrete = decree, le comite = committee, Vete = summer
nouns ending in —tude - une attitude = attitude, la solitude = loneliness
nouns ending in -^ure - la ceinture = belt, la figure =face
nouns ending in a double consonant -\ — e- une etoffe = material, la dentelle = lace,
la poubelle = wastebin, la bouteille = bottle, la taille = waist, size, une antenne =
aerial, la grippe =flu, la caisse = cashtill, la cuisse = thigh, la chaussette = sock, la
serviette = towel, briefcase
exceptions - un intervalle = interval, le squelette = skeleton, le gorille = gorilla,
le portefeuille = wallet
plus a few small sets of nouns ending in —eche {la breche = breach), —eque {la
discotheque = discotheque), —ese {une hypothese = hypothesis), -eve {la greve =
strike)
182 Awkward cases of gender identity
Although in many, many cases it is possible to deduce the gender of a noun from its
ending, we have seen that occasionally there are exceptions to the patterns outlined
above. In addition to those examples that muddy the gender-assignment waters, there
are other cases where it is difficult to guess the gender of a noun from its form, and there
is no other recourse but to commit specific forms and genders to memory What follows
is a list of reasonably common nouns whose gender may not be immediately obvious.
1 These nouns are of masculine gender -
Vage = age, V antidote = antidote, Vatome = atom, Vautoradio = car radio, le cadavre
= corpse, le calme = calmness, le caractere = character, le charme = charm, le choix =
choice, le crime = crime, le culte = worship, le dialecte = dialect, le dilemme = dilemma,
Vechange = exchange, Vedifice = building, Velastique = rubber band, Vembleme =
emblem, V episode = episode, Vespace = space, Vexemple = example, lefleuve = river,
leformulaire =form (to fill in), le generique = credits, V hemisphere = hemisphere,
Vincendie =fire, Vinsecte = insect, Vintermede = interlude, Vintervalle = interval,
le legume = vegetable, le liquide = liquid, le luxe = luxury, le manque = lack, le
mascara = mascara, le masque = mask, les medias = media, le merite = merit, le
micro-ondes = microwave {oven), le mime = mime, le minuit = midnight, le molecule
= molecule, le monopole = monopoly, le moustique = mosquito, le mythe = myth,
Vongle = nail, Vorchestre = orchestra, Vorgane = organ, le panorama = panorama,
le parachute = parachute, le parapluie = umbrella, le petale = petal, quelque chose
= something, le quota = quota, le reproche = reproach, le reste = remainder, le reve =
dream, le rire = laughter, le saxophone = saxophone, le service = service, le silence =
silence, le sourire = smile, le squelette = skeleton, le suicide = suicide, le symptome
134 I
183 Names of countries, towns, rivers
= symptom, le tonnerre = thunder, le trombone = trombone, paper clip, le trophee =
trophy, Vuniforme = uniform, Vustensile = utensil, le vice = vice
quelque chose —
Celebrer le nouvel an enfamille, c'est creer un petit quelque chose
d'inoubliable = celebrating the New Tear as a family is to create a little unforgettable something
2 These nouns are of feminine gender -
Vancre = anchor, Vannexe = annex, Vartere = artery, ^atmosphere = atmo-
sphere, la caracteristique = characteristic, la cendre = ash, la cible = target,
la cime = summit, la circulaire = circular, la croix = cross, la dent = tooth,
la dynamo = dynamo, Venigme = enigma, Vespece = species, sort, Vextase =
ecstasy, la foret = forest, la fourmi = ant, Vhorreur — horror, Vidole = idol, la
liqueur = liqueur, la noix = nut, Voasis = oasis, Vombre = shade, Vorbite =
orbit, la pantomime = pantomime, la pedale = pedal, la penicilline =
penicillin, la recrue = recruit, la sentinelle = sentry, la sphere = sphere, la surface =
surface, la toux = cough, la victime = victim, la video = video, la vis = screw
183 Names of countries, towns and rivers
The principle is that if the name of the country, town or river ends in — e, it is feminine;
otherwise it is masculine. There are a few exceptions.
/ Countries
Feminine names
la Bolivie, la Chine, la France, la Grande-Bretagne, lajamaique, la Libye,
la Russie, la Somalie, la Tanzanie
exceptions - le Cambodge, le Mexique, le Mozambique, le Zimbabwe
Masculine names
le Bresil, le Canada, le Danemark, les Etats-Unis, le Kenya, le Niger, le
Pakistan, le Perou, le Portugal, le Vietnam
Usage of prepositions with names of countries is discussed in 466.
2 Towns
L'ete Paris s'est debarrasse d'une bonne partie de sa population = in summer
Paris divested itself of a large proportion of its population
Besancon est entoure de montagnes = Besangon is surrounded by mountains
Marseille est situee a Vest de la bouche du Rhone = Marseilles is situated to the east
of the mouth of the Rhone
Valenciennes a ete partiellement detruite pendant la deuxieme guerre
mondiale = Valenciennes was partly destroyed during the Second World War
3 Rivers
Feminine names
la Loire, la Marne, la Seine
exception - le Rhone
I 135
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Masculine names
le Lot, le Rhin, le Tarn
4 French regions
le Languedoc, le Limousin^ le Roussillon
VAuvergne^ la Bretagne, la Normandie
5 French departments
le Cantal, le Doubs, le Morbihan
la Correze, la Haute-Savoie, la Vaucluse
exception - le Finistere
6 American states
Sometimes there are distinctive French names for certain American States; these tend to
be feminine.
la Californie, la Caroline du Nord, la Caroline du Sud, la Floride, la
Georgie, la Louisiane, la Pennsylvanie, la Virginie
exception - le Nouveau-Mexique - see 1 83
Those names which do not have a distinctive French form are masculine —
le Dakota du Nord, le Montana, le Texas
7 British counties
These are nearly always masculine.
le Nottinghamshire , le Suffolk, le Wiltshire
exception - les Cornouailles (fpl) = Cornwall
184 Homonyms
Nouns that are pronounced the same and/or are identical in form but have different
meanings are known as homonyms.
The first list consists of orthographic homonyms - identical in spelling and pronunci-
ation. In many cases, one of the meanings is more common than the other.
un aide = assistant le champagne = champagne
Vaide (F) = help >, female assistant la Champagne = Champagne
le chose = thingummybob le crepe = crepe (material)
la chose = thing une crepe = pancake
le critique = critic le finale = finale (in music)
la critique = criticism la finale = final (in sport)
le garde = guard, warden le greffe = record office
la garde = protection, nurse la greffe = graft, transplant
136 I
184 Homonyms
le livre = book
la livre = pound (weight, money)
le manoeuvre = labourer
la manoeuvre = manoeuvre
le merci = thank-you
la merci = mercy
le mort = dead person
la mort = death
le pendule = pendulum
la pendule = clock
le poele = stove
la poele = frying pan
leposte =job, station, set (radio, TV)
la poste = postal services
le manche = handle
la manche = sleeve, leg (in sport);
la Manche = the English Channel
le memoire = dissertation
la memoire = memory
le mode = method
la mode = fashion
le page = page-boy
la page = page
le physique = physique
la physique = physics
le politique = politician
la politique = politics
le solde = balance, sale, bargain
la solde = pay
le somme = snooze
le tour — tour, trick
la somme = sum, amount
la tour = tower
le vague = vagueness
le vapeur = steamer
la vague = wave
la vapeur = steam
le vase = vase
le voile = veil
la vase = mud, slime
la voile = sail
The second list is a small selection of homonyms that are pronounced the same but spelt
differently and with different genders. Such homonyms are extremely common in French
and underline the importance of correct spelling in written French.
Vair (M) = air
Vere (F) = era
le bar = bar (in restaurant)
la barre = bar (of wood, metal)
le chene = oak tree
la chaine = chain
le cours = course, waterway
le court = court (in tennis)
la cour = courtyard
lefoie = liver
lafoi = faith
lafois = time, occasion
le pere = father
la paire = pair, couple
le bal = ball (dance)
la balle = bullet, ball (spherical)
le capital = capital, assets
la capitale = capital city, letter
le col = collar, pass (in mountains)
la colle = glue, detention
lefait =fact
la fete = festival
le maire = mayor
la mer = sea
la mere = mother
le parti = (political) party
la partie = part
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
le poids — weight le pot = pot
le pois = pea la peau = skin
la poix = pitch
le sel = salt le taon =
la selle = saddle le ton = tone
185 Nouns requiring special attention
A very small number of nouns display unusual behaviour in terms of their gender assign-
ment. Here are two of them.
les gens = people - adjectives preceding the noun are feminine in form but retain their
masculine form when they follow it, either immediately or after a verb -
Certaines gens le disent = certain people say that
Les bonnes gens de Paris sont tres gentils = the good people of Paris are very kind
J'ai horreur des gens bavards = I can't bear people who talk too much
II y a des gens malheureux partout = there are unhappy people everywhere
un/une oeuvre = work (of literature, art) is feminine when it refers to an individual
piece of work or a number of individual pieces of work, but masculine when the works
are considered as a single entity -
Simenon acheva son dernier roman en 1972, encore une oeuvre fas cinante
= Simenon completed his last novel in 197 2, yet another fascinating work
L' oeuvre complet de Chopin = Chopin's complete works
186 Nouns designating people and animals
As mentioned above, usually grammatical gender and sexual gender coincide, so that a
female person or animal is designated by feminine gender and a male person or animal
by masculine gender -
un hotntne = man, lefils = son, le gar con = boy, le neveu = nephew, un oncle
= uncle, le pere = father, le belier = ram, le coq = cockerel, un etalon = stallion, le
taureau = bull
lafemme = woman, lafille = girl, daughter, la mere = mother, la niece — niece, la
tante = aunt, la brebis = ewe, la poule = hen, lajument = mare, la vache = cow
In the case of animals, a generic term covering both sexes sometimes exists and is
normally masculine - le cheval = horse, le tnouton = sheep.
Sometimes the names for the two sexes of animals are closely connected, often the
feminine being derived from the masculine - le chat, la chatte, le chien, la chienne,
le lion, la lionne - and in such cases as these, it is the masculine form that serves as
the generic. In the case of le canard, la cane, it is the masculine form that is derived
from the feminine, but the masculine form remains the generic.
One form, tzvo genders
Nouns such as the following may be masculine or feminine according to the sex of
the person designated - adulte = adult, camarade = friend, collegue = colleague,
138
187 Gender of compound nouns
eleve = pupil, enfant = child, esclave = slave, gosse = kid, ministre = minister,
photographe = photographer, rebelle = rebel, and nouns ending in —aire and
-4ste: adversaire = enemy, bibliothecaire = librarian, fonctionnaire = civil
servant, secretaire = secretary, dentiste = dentist, jour naliste = journalist, touriste =
tourist.
Related forms, two genders
Very often, an —e is added to the masculine form of a noun designating a person, to
indicate the corresponding female -
un avocat, une avocate = lawyer, un candidate une candidate = candidate, un
depute, une deputee = deputy, member of parliament, un employe, une employee =
employee, un magistrate une magistrate = magistrate.
On other occasions, a masculine suffix is replaced by the corresponding feminine
suffix to supply the feminine counterpart - le berger, la bergere = shepherd, shepherdess,
un hote, une hotesse = host, hostess, le prince, la princesse = prince, princess, un
ambassadeur, une ambassadrice = ambassador, le directeur, la directrice =
headteacher, le chanteur, la chanteuse = singer, le voleur, la voleuse = thief, le
caissier, la caissiere = checkout operator, lefermier, lafermiere = farmer.
Use o/femme + masculine noun
On yet other occasions, in order to indicate a woman exercising a certain profession, the
word femme is used with the masculine noun - unefemme auteur = female writer,
unefemme ingenieur = female engineer, unefemme medecin = female doctor. The
consequence of this is that sometimes, when it is not appropriate or necessary to include
the word femme, the masculine noun is used to refer to the female author, engineer,
etc -
Sophie est devenue ingenieur = Sophie became an engineer
Use of feminine noun to designate male
The reverse situation also occurs, whereby a feminine noun is used to designate a male
person - as stated above, personne = person and victime = victim are always feminine,
whether they refer to a female or male, and the same applies to the following nouns -
la recrue = recruit, la sentinelle = sentry, la star = star, celebrity, la vedette = star,
celebrity.
187 Gender of compound nouns
Nouns that are formed by linking two or more words together by a hyphen or hyphens
are known as compound nouns. On other occasions, no hyphen is used (use of the hyphen
seems to depend upon historical acceptance and validation of the term), and the close
relationship of the combined words justifies their also being considered compounds -
eg une bande dessinee = comic strip - bande and dessinee cannot be separated by
another adjective; une bande dessinee amusante = a funny comic strip (not une
bande amusante dessinee).
A number of different types of compound nouns exist. The gender of the compound
noun depends upon the structure of the compound.
i 139
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
1 Noun + noun
The gender of this type of compound noun is assigned according to the gender of the
head-word, usually the first noun -
un bateau-usine = factory ship
un chou-fleur = cauliflower
un roman-BD = strip-cartoon novel
un spectateur-auditeur = viewer
une cites atellite = satellite town
une idee-choc = startling idea
une porte-fenetre = French window
une ville-fantome = ghost town
2 Adjective + noun or noun + adjective
The gender is assigned according to the gender of the noun.
le bas-ventre = lower stomach
un coffre-fort = safe
un grand-pere = grandfather
les Pays-Bas = Netherlands
un rond-point = roundabout
une bande dessinee = comic strip
une chauve-souris = bat
une chaise roulante = wheelchair
une grand-mere = grandmother
la haute-fidelite = hi-fi
exception - le rouge-gorge = robin
3 Verb + noun or verb + verb
All such compounds are masculine in gender.
un chauffe-eau = water-heater
le laisser-aller = sloppiness
le pare-brise = windscreen
un porte-avions = aircraft carrier
le savoir-faire = know-how
un seche-cheveux = hair-drier
4 Adverb or preposition + noun
The gender is assigned according to the gender of the noun, except when a plural is
concerned, when masculine gender operates.
un demi-centre = half-back
un entre-deux-vols = stopover
les hors-travail (mpl) = unemployed
un sans-papier = illegal immigrant
une arriere-pensee = ulterior motive
Vavant-garde (f) = avant-garde
une contre-r evolution = counter-revolution
140
188 Count and mass nouns
la demi-finale = semi-final
une mini-jupe = mini-skirt
un deux-roues = two-wheeler
un mille-pattes = centipede
un quatre-heures = afternoon snack
5 Noun + prepositional phrase
The gender of the first noun determines the gender of the compound.
un arc-en-ciel = rainbow
un nid de poule = pothole
un pot-de-vin = bribe
une epingle a nourrice = safety pin
une lune de tniel = honeymoon
la mise sous cloche = putting on the back-burner
6 Phrase
Such compounds are always masculine.
unje ne sais quoi = certain something
un pas-de-chance = no-hoper
le plus-que-parfait = pluperfect tense
le pret-a-porter = ready-to-wear clothes
le va-et-vient = coming and going
le va-t' en-guerre = warmonger
188 Count and mass nouns
Concrete nouns may be divided into two types according to whether they have a plural
form or not.
Count nouns, as their name implies, are countable, that is to say they denote single
items which can be counted; they therefore have both a singular and a plural form -
une boisson — des boissons = drink - drinks, un guide — des guides = guide -
guides, un pantalon — des pantalons = a pair of trousers -pairs of trousers, une
voiture — des voitures = car - cars
Mass nouns, on the other hand, are not countable; they denote nouns which refer
to items not as individual entities but as a single unit, and they do not have a plural
form -
le ble = corn, lafarine = flour, le lait = milk, le sable = sand, le sucre = sugar
Some nouns cross the border between the two types and can be both count and mass
nouns (see 192) -
lefromage = cheese (in general), unfromage = type of cheese, les frontages de
France = the cheeses of France, le pain = bread (in general)^ un pain = loaf of bread, un
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
etalage de pains = a display of loaves of breads le vin = wine (in general), un vin = type
of wine, les vins de France = French wines
Abstract nouns tend not to be used in the plural -
V amour — love, la beaute = beauty, la haine = hatred, Vorgueil = pride
189 Markers for forming the plural of nouns
1 By far the most common way of indicating a plural is to add an —s to the singular form
of the noun.
This is perfectly clear in written French. However, in the majority of cases in spoken
French, it is not possible to distinguish the plural form of a noun from the singular form in
this way, since the -s is not sounded. Other markers are called upon to confirm whether
a singular or plural form is intended, by the use, for example, of determiners, forms of
the verb and so on -
un livre — des livres = book - books, le tnodele — des modeles = model - models, le
visage — les visages =face -faces
Les deputes Vont vote = the MPs have voted for it
Of course, if the singular form of the noun already ends in —s, the plural form is exactly
the same -
unefois — desfois = once - times, un Francais — des Francais = a Frenchman -
Frenchmen, le mois — les mois = month - months, la souris — les souris = mouse - mice
Similarly nouns ending in —x, —z do not have a separate form for the plural -
le choix — les choix = choice - choices, unprix — des prix = prize -prizes, la toux —
les toux = cough - coughs
le gaz — des gaz = gas -gases, le nez — les nez = nose - noses
2 For words ending in -a/, —au, —eu, -eau, —oeu, —x is added to form the plural -
-al
le carnaval — les carnavaux = carnival - carnivals, le cheval — les chevaux = horse
- horses, le festival — les festivaux = festival -festivals, le journal — les journaux =
newspaper - newspapers, le signal — les signaux = signal - signals
Les journaux sont d' accord que le ministre a fait un faux pas = the papers are
in agreement that the minister has put his foot in it
exceptions - le bal — les bals = ball - balls
Videal = ideal has two plurals, les ideals , les ideaux
—au
le noyau — les noyaux = stone (of fruit) - stones, le tuyau — les tuyaux = tube - tubes
Le chirurgien a decide qu'ilfaut debrancher tous les tuyaux = the surgeon has
decided that all the tubes should be switched off
142 I
189 Markers for forming plural of nouns
—eu
le cheveu — les cheveux = hair, lejeu — lesjeux = game -games, le neveu — les
neveux = nephew - nephews
N'oubliez pas de bien rincer les cheveux = don't forget to rinse your hair thoroughly
exceptions - le bleu — les bleus — bruise - bruises, le pneu — les pneus = tyre - tyres
—eau
le chapeau — les chapeaux = hat - hats, Veau - les eaux = water - waters, le
tnanteau — les manteaux = coat - coats, le trousseau — les trousseaux =
bunch-bunches
Stupidement) j 3 avais laisse tous les trousseaux de clefs dans le bureau =
stupidly, I had left all the bunches of keys in the office
—oeu
le voeu — les voeux = wish - wishes
Meilleurs voeux pour ton anniversaire = best wishes for your birthday
3 For nouns ending in —ail, -ou, —s is added to form the plural except in the following
cases, when —x is used -
—ail
le bail — les baux = lease - leases, le corail - les coraux = coral - corals, le travail —
les travaux = work - works
Les travaux vont commencer ce weekend = work is due to begin this weekend
-ou
le bijou — les bijoux = jewel -jewels, le caillou — les cailloux = pebble -pebbles, le
chou — les choux = cabbage - cabbages, le genou — les genoux = knee - knees, le
hibou — les hiboux = owl- owls, lejoujou — les joujoux = toy - toys, le pou — les
poux = louse - lice, le ripou — les ripoux = conman - conmen
Le tnusee a une bonne collection de bijoux datant de Vere egyptienne = the
museum's got a good collection of jewels from Egyptian times
4 Nouns with irregular plurals -
le del — les cieux = sky - skies, Voeil — lesyeux — eye- eyes
Some words, which were originally compound words, form their plurals in unorthodox
ways -
monsieur — messieurs = mister -gentlemen, madame — mesdames — Mrs - ladies,
mademoiselle - mesdemoiselles — Miss - Misses
In one or two cases, although the plural is formed normally, pronunciation of the plural
form is affected -
le boeuf— les boeufs = bullock - bullocks, Voeuf— les oeufs = egg — eggs, —f— not
pronounced in plural; Vos — les os = bone - bones, —s sounded in singular but not in
plural.
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
5 Plural of foreign words. This is a variable matter, usage depending upon the
speaker's/writer's knowledge of the foreign language involved.
Treatment of English words — sometimes the plural is formed as if the word were an
ordinary French word, sometimes it is given its authentic English form —
les sandzvichs — les sandwiches, les matches — les matchs
However, words ending in -maw, known as false anglicisms, because, although they
resemble English words, they are in fact French creations, usually form their plural in
-mew
les rugbymen = rugby players ; les tennismen = tennis players
On the other hand, the genuine English word barman has as its plural in French the form
bar mans.
Treatment of other foreign words - some words remain invariable, especially those of
Latin origin —
les amen = omens, les forum = forums, les veto = vetos
Others tend to become aligned with French usage, especially those of Italian origin,
although forms without -s are also found -
les confettis, les macaronis, les pizzas, les spaghettis
190 Plural of compound words
1 Noun + noun
If the nouns are both countable, they both take a plural form -
un bateau-citerne — des bateaux-citernes = tanker (s), un chou-fteur — des
choux-fteurs = cauliflower (s), un oiseau-mouche — des oiseaux-mouches =
hummingbird (s)
exception - une auto-ecole — des auto-ecoles = driving schools
If only one noun is countable, then that noun only assumes a plural form -
une pause-cafe — des pauses-cafe = coffee break(s), un timbre-poste — des
timbres-poste = stamp (s)
2 Adjective + noun or noun + adjective
Plurals are formed in the normal way —
un beau-pere — des beaux-peres = father (s) -in- law, un rond-point — des
ronds-points = roundabout(s) , un rouge-gorge — des rouges-gorges = robin (s)
un cerf-volant — des cerfs-volants = kite(s), un coffre-fort — des coffres-forts =
strong boxe(s)
exceptions - those feminine nouns with a masculine adjective preceding the noun:
une grand-mere — des grand-meres, une grand-route — des grand-routes =
main road(s), une grand-tante — des grand-tantes = great- aunt (s); but with the
names of family members, a form with grands also occurs: grands-meres, grands-
t antes.
144 I
191 Different usages of number
3 Verb + noun
If the noun is countable, it takes a plural form; the verb, of course, remains invariable -
une garde-robe — des garde-robes = wardrobe(s), un ouvre-boite — des
ouvre-boites = tin-opener (s), un tire-bouchon — des tire-bouchons = corkscrew (s)
In some cases the singular form of the countable noun already involves the plural form -
un porte-avions — des porte-avions = aircraft carrier '(s), un pese-papiers —
des pese-papiers = paperweight(s) , un seche-cheveux — des seche-cheveux =
hair-drier(s)
exception - un soutien-gorge — des soutiens-gorge = bra(s)
If the noun is uncountable, it remains invariable in the plural -
un gratte-ciel — des gratte-ciel = sky scraper (s), un pare-brise — des pare-brise =
windscreen(s) , un porte-monnaie — des porte-monnaie = purse (s)
4 Adverb or preposition + noun
The form of the noun changes normally -
une arriere-pensee — des arriere-pensees = ulterior motive(s), un haut-parleur —
des haut-parleurs = loudspeaker (s), une mini-jupe — des mini-jupes =
mini- skirt (s) , un sous-marin — des sous-marins = submarine (s)
In some cases the singular form of the countable noun already involves the plural form -
des deux-roues = two -wheeler (s), des mille-pattes = centipedefs), des
quatre-heures = afternoon snack(s)
5 Noun + prepositional phrase
In most cases the noun changes as appropriate -
un arc-en-ciel — des arcs-en-ciel = rainbow (s), un coup d'oeil — des coups
d'oeil = glance(s), une gueule de bois — des gueules de bois = hangover(s), une
pomme de terre — des pommes de terre = potato (es)
Occasionally, the noun remains invariable -
un pied-a-terre — des pied-a-terre = pied-d-terre(s), une tete-a-tete — des
tete-a-tete = private chat(s)
6 Verb phrases
These remain invariable -
un laissez-passer — des laissez-passer = passe (s), un va-et-vient — des
va-et-vient = coming(s) andgoing(s)
191 Different usages of number in French and English
Sometimes a singular in French is conveyed by a plural in English -
un collant = tights, un escalier = stairs, un generique = (film) credits, unjean =
jeans, un pantalon = trousers, un pyjama = pyjamas, un short = shorts, un slip =
underpants
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
The converse also occurs - plural French for English singular -
les applaudis servients = applause, les bagages = luggage, les funerailles = funeral,
faire des progres = to make progress, J aire des recherches = to do research, avoir des
remords = to have remorse, les tenebres = darkness
Convert is a special case - un convert = place setting; les converts = cutlery.
There are also a number of cases where a French singular is conveyed by an 'apparent'
plural in English (ie they are usually followed by a singular verb) -
le diabete = diabetes, Veconomie = economics, la linguistique = linguistics, la
physique = physics, la politique = politics
However, it is the plural form les mathematiques = mathematics that is the norm; les
maths is the more informal form.
192 Contrast between singular and plural usages in French
Certain French words have a singular-plural duality which the corresponding English
words do not possess (see 191) —
un fruit = (a piece of) fruit, des fruits = fruit
un pain = a loaf of bread, des pains = loaves, du pain = bread
un raisin = (a type of) grape, des raisins = (different types of) grapes, du raisin =
bes, un grain de raisin = (single) grape
la recherche = (the practice of) research, les recherches = detailed research
une statistique = (single set of) statistics, la statistique = statistics, des statistiques
= (series of) statistics
In the case of devoir, in the singular it usually = duty, whereas in the plural it usually =
homework.
Jjectives
193 Adjectives
Adjectives constitute a class of words that are used to qualify a noun - they may precede
the noun (une belle jupe), or follow it (un pantalon gris), or occur at some distance
from it (cette voiture semble la meilleure).
The adjective agrees in gender and number with the noun that it qualifies.
194 Adjectives and gender
1 The masculine and feminine forms are identical
This applies to adjectives which in the masculine form already end in —e -
difficile = difficult, impossible = impossible, jaune = yellow, sage = wise, unique =
unique
146
194 Adjectives and gender
See 6 below as well.
2 Feminine formed by adding -e to masculine
Normally, the feminine form of an adjective is created by adding an —e to the masculine
form.
Sometimes this affects the pronunciation of the adjective -
exquis — exquise = exquisite, f as cinant —fascinante = fascinating, francais —
francaise = French, grand —grande = big, petit —petite = small
But sometimes it does not -
age — agee = aged, bleu — bleue = blue,ferme —fermee = closed, trapu — trapue
= stocky
In the following cases, a dieresis is also added in writing, but the pronunciation is not
affected -
aigu — aigue = high-pitched, ambigu — ambigue = ambiguous
3 Feminine formed as a result of more radical adjustment
—c to —che
blanc — blanche = white, franc —franche = frank, sec — seche = dry
—c to —(c)que
grec — grecque = Greek, public —publique = public, turc — turque = Turkish
—eau to —elle
beau — belle = beautiful, nouveau — nouvelle = new
—eil to —eille
pareil —pareille = similar, vermeil — vermeille = bright red
—el to —elle
cruel — cruelle = cruel, eventuel — eventuelle = possible, personnel —
personnelle = personal
—er to —ere
cher — chere = dear, etr anger — etrangere = foreign, fier —fiere = proud
—f to -^ve
bref— breve = brief, naif— naive = naive, neuf— neuve = new, vif— vive = lively
—g to —gue
long — longue = long
-ou to —olle
fou —folle = foolish, tnou — tnolle = soft
vowel H — n to vowel -\ — nne
pays an — paysanne = rural, ancien — ancienne = old, europeen — europeenne =
European, bon — bonne = good, breton — bretonne = Breton
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
4 Cases where there is variation in the formation of the
feminine adjective
—et becomes either —ete or —ette -
complet — complete = complete, inquiet — inquiete = worried, secret — secrete =
secret
muet — muette = dumb, net — nette = clean
—eur becomes either —eure or —euse\ forms in —teur become —trice -
majeur — majeure = major, meilleur — meilleure = best, superieur — superieure
= superior
flatteur —flatteuse = flattering, trompeur — trompeuse = deceitful
accusateur — accusatrice = incriminating, destructeur — destructrice =
destructive
-s becomes either —se or —sse -
anglais — anglaise = English, courtois — courtoise = polite, gris —grise = grey
bas — basse = low, epais — epaisse = thick, gros — gross e =fat
There are a number of possibilities for adjectives ending in —x -
doux — douce = soft
heureux — heureuse = happy, jaloux —jalouse = jealous
faux —fausse = false
vieux — vieille = old
5 One-off cases
favori —favorite = favourite, frais —fraiche = fresh, gentil —gentille = gentle, nul —
nulle = useless
6 Adjectives without specific feminine form
These adjectives are also usually invariable in the plural.
Certain names of colours (originally nouns that have been converted to adjectival
use) -
une chemise lilas = a lilac -coloured shirt, une chaussure marron = a brown shoe,
unejupe saumon = a salmon-coloured skirt
Names of colours when the colour is qualified -
des robes vert sombre = dark green dresses, des briques gris clair = light grey bricks,
des levres rouge fonce = dark red lips
Certain adjectives of foreign origin -
une langue standard = a standard language, de la musique pop = pop music, une
jupe sexy = a sexy skirt, unefemme snob = a snobbish woman, une livre sterling =
one pound sterling
chic — unefdle chic = a smart- looking girl - varies in the plural only
148 I
1 96 Adjectives and number
7 Usage with demr, nu and mi
When demi = half 'occurs before a noun, it remains invariable and is linked to the noun
by a hyphen -
une demi-heure = half an hour, une demi-bouteille de rouge = half a bottle of red
If it follows the noun it agrees in gender -
un kilo et demi = a kilo and a half onze heures et demie = half past eleven, midi et
demi = half past twelve
When nu = bare precedes the noun, it is invariable -
nu-jambes = with bare legs, nu-tete = bare-headed
II ne faut pas sortir nu-tete quand le soleil brille =you shouldn't go out bare-headed
when the sun shines
However, if mm follows the noun, it agrees with it -
il ne faut pas sortir tete nue quand le soleil brille =you shouldn't go out bare-headed
when the sun shines
As for mi, it always precedes the noun and is consequently invariable. Expressions created
in this way are usually adverbial in function, but if they are nominal the expression
becomes feminine whatever the gender of the noun —
a mi-chemin = half-way
la premiere mi-temps = the first half (pi a match)
La boue nous arrivait a mi-corps = the mud came half-way up our bodies
Les informations de la mi-journee = the lunchtime news
195 Adjectives with a variable masculine form
A small set of adjectives have a distinctive masculine form when the adjective occurs
before a noun beginning with a vowel or a 'silent' h —
beau — un bel homme = a good-looking man
fou — unfol enfant = a wild child
mou — un mol effort = a feeble effort
nouveau — un nouvel etudiant = a new student
vieux — un vieil ami = an old friend
196 Adjectives and number
The rules for forming the plural of adjectives are the same as those for forming the plural
of nouns.
1 Normally an —s is added to the singular form, whether masculine or feminine, to
indicate the plural of the adjective -
un personnage interessant — des personnages interessants = interesting people
une actrice celebre — des actrices celebres = famous actresses
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
2 —x is added to adjectives in —eau -
beau — beaux = beautiful, nouveau — nouveaux = new
3 Adjectives in —al sometimes form their plural by adding —s, or —al becomes —aux -
banal — banals = ordinary, fatal —fatals = fatal, glacial —glacials = icy -cold,
natal — natals = native, naval — navals = naval
general — generaux = general, marginal - marginaux = marginal, normal -
normaux = normal, principal — principaux = principal
ideal = ideal has as its plural both ideals and ideaux
4 Compound adjectives form their plurals in the usual way -
un sourd-muet — des sourds-muets = deaf and dumb people
un parti social-democrate — des partis sociaux-democrates = social democrat
parties
197 Adjectives and agreement
1 The overarching rule is that adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun that
they qualify -
des difficultes matrimoniales = marriage problems
une belle histoire ancienne = a fine old tale
2 When an adjective is qualifying a number of nouns in the singular, the adjective takes
the plural form -
un mascara et un blush assortis = matching mascara and blusher
3 If one of the nouns in a group is masculine and the other(s) feminine, the adjective
takes the masculine plural form -
une ombre a paupieres et un mascara assortis = matching mascara and eye shadow
In such cases, it is better (in order to avoid what would otherwise look like an incorrect
agreement) to place the masculine noun closest to the plural adjective.
4 If a plural noun is a collection of different individual items, the adjectives occur in the
singular too -
les cultures franc aise et britannique = French and British cultures
5 With a collective noun, the adjective agrees with the noun or the dependent nouns,
depending upon the sense -
un tas de vetements sales = a pile of dirty clothes
un tas de vetements tres haut = a very high pile of clothes
In the latter case, it is better (stylistically and logically) to place the adjective after the
complete expression rather than after the noun it actually qualifies (tas).
6 In certain circumstances French can be more precise than English (at least in the
written form), when it is a matter of knowing whether all the nouns in a group
150 I
198 Agreement: prepositional I adverbial expressions
of nouns are being qualified by an adjective or simply one (or more, as the case
may be)
unejupe et unpull bleu = a skirt and a blue jumper, unejupe et unpull bleus = a
blue skirt and jumper (both blue), unejupe bleue et unpull = a blue skirt and jumper (only
skirt blue).
7 When a group of nouns are linked by ow, the adjective usually takes the plural form
Je ne sais pas sije vais tnettre tnajupe ou tnon pantalon bleus = I don't know
whether to wear my blue skirt or trousers
8 Usage with on - as will be seen in 224, although on is usually treated as masculine
singular (= one), it may also be considered as an equivalent of any personal pronoun.
Consequently adjectives qualifying on adopt the gender and number which are thought
to be appropriate -
On est content de la voir = it's great to see her (singular reference)
On est contents que ces deux-la se sont trouves = we're pleased that those two have
met (masculine plural reference)
On est heureuses d'etre ensemble encore unefois = we're happy to be together again
(feminine plural reference)
La question qu'on se pose toutes , c'est — est-ce que ca cache quelque chose?
= the question we all ask ourselves is - is it hiding something? (feminine plural reference)
On est tristes que ce soit ainsi = we're sad it's come to that (masculine or feminine
plural reference)
198 Agreement of certain prepositional and adverbial
expressions involving past participles
A small number of prepositional and adverbial expressions containing a past participle
in their formation may occur either before or after the noun they qualify. When the
expression precedes the noun it qualifies, the past participle remains invariable, but,
when it follows, it agrees with it.
Expressions involved are -
excepte = except (see 366)^ y compris = including (see 331)_, ci-joint = herewith
Onpeut Vutiliser pour traiter toutes les conditions de
peauy compris la dermatite =
Onpeut Vutiliser pour traiter toutes les conditions de
peau, la dermatite y comprise —
Veuillez trouver ci-joint les documents suivants —
Veuillez trouver les documents suivants ci-joints =
you can use it to treat
all skin conditions
including dermatitis
please find the following
documents enclosed
However, usage with etant donne is slightly more flexible - it remains invariable when
it precedes the noun, but may or may not agree when it follows it -
Etant donne la situation actuelle = ,
_.. . „ r _ r . _ r \ given the present situation
La situation actuelle etant donne / donnee J
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
199 Comparison of adjectives - comparative and superlative
forms- 1: Comparative and superlative of inequality;
2: Comparative of equality
1 Comparative and superlative of inequality
The French equivalents of the English 'comparative and superlative of inequality'- bigger,
biggest, more / less, most / least - involve the use of plus / moins ^ le plus / le moins ,
la plus / la moins , les plus / les moins.
The comparative and superlative adjectives are placed before or after the noun accord-
ing to the position of the adjective when it occurs by itself, although, if an expression that
would normally precede the noun is felt to be too awkward there, it may be placed after
it.
The article of the superlative form agrees with the gender of the noun qualified.
Unejupe plus courte serait trop osee = a shorter skirt would be too daring
C'est lajupe la plus courte que f aie jamais vue = it's the shortest skirt I've ever seen
Cette jupe est plus courte que celle-la = this skirt is shorter than that one
Le plus beau garcon de lafac = the best-looking guy in the uni.
La plus jeune enfant donnera le bouquet au maire = the youngest child will present
the bouquet to the mayor
Le devoir le moins difficile c'est lefrancais = the least difficult homework is French
Ce devoir est moins difficile que celui que nous devionsfaire hier soir = this
homework is less difficult than the one we had to do last night
Le devoir queje trouve le moins difficile c'est lefrancais = the homework I find
the least difficult is French
There are special comparative and superlative forms for bon and mauvais—
meilleur / meilleure^ le meilleur / la meilleure^ les meilleurs / meilleures
pire, le / la pire, les pires
and a special superlative form for petit -
le moindre, la moindre, les moindres
La meilleure nourriture pour la sante, ce sont les legumes et les fruits frais
= the best food for your health is fresh fruit and vegetables
C'est le meilleur / le pire prof que je connaisse = he's the best / worst teacher I know
Je n'en avais pas la moindre idee = I hadn't got the least idea
C'est le moindre de mes soucis = it's the least of my worries
However, plus mauvais for pire and plus petit for moindre are also used. Plus
mauvais and, especially, plus petit tend to be used with concrete nouns and in more
mundane situations -
Void le plus petit portable sur le marche = here's the smallest mobile on the market
Cette plage est plus mauvaise que les autres = this beach is worse than the others
~2 I
202 The position of adjectives
For comparison of adverbs, see 409.
2 Comparative of equality
'Comparison of equality' is expressed by aussi and, usually after a negative, si -
Ce devoir est aussi difficile que celui que nous devious faire hier soir = this
homework is as hard as the one we had to do last night
Lefilm est aussi bon que le livre = the film is as good as the book
Ce devoir n 3 est pas si difficile que ga = this homework is not as difficult as that
Lefilm n' est pas aussi / si bon que le livre = the film isn't as good as the book
200 Use of ne I le in clauses following a comparative
In written French, ne and/or le may be placed before the verb in clauses following a
comparative. Consequently, sometimes neither ne nor le will occur, at others one or the
other, or both, will be used!
// est plus facile de trouver une solution qu'on lepense = it is easier to find a
solution thanyou might think
Est-ce que tu as jamais ete plus surprise que tu Ves maintenant? = have you
ever been more surprised thanyou are now?
Elle a trouve qu'il est plus difficile de prouver son innocence qu'elle ne le
croyait = she found that it was more difficult to prove her innocence than she had thought
lis en savent plus qu'ils n'avouent = they know more about it than they're prepared to
admit
201 The more the merrier
Whereas English uses a definite article in expressions of the above type, French does not.
Plus on est defous, plus on rit = the more the merrier
Plus on fume, plus on risque d'endommager sa sante = the more you smoke, the
more you risk endangering your health
Plusje passe de temps en France, moinsje regrette VAngleterre = the more
time I spend in France, the less I miss England
Plus on pense a V autre, plus on neglige ses propres sensations, moins on a
de plaisir, moins V autre a duplaisir = the more you think about your partner, the more
you neglect your own feelings, the less pleasure you have, the less your partner has too
202 The position of adjectives
As far as the position of adjectives in relation to nouns is concerned, adjectives fall into
three main groups -
those, few in number, that always precede the noun
those, most, that always follow the noun
those that may either precede or follow.
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
But it should be noted that the first two principles are not absolutely hard-and-fast, and
adjectives occasionally occur in uncharacteristic positions. Generally speaking, however,
it is wise to respect the traditional situation.
1 Adjectives that precede the noun —
These tend to be short, very common adjectives -
autre = other ; beau = beautiful, handsome, bon = good, grand = big, great, gros = big,
fat, haut = high,jeune = young, joli = pretty, mauvais = bad, meilleur = better, best,
moindre = less, least, nouveau = new, petit = small, sot = foolish, vaste = enormous,
vieux = old, vilain = ugly, nasty
or ordinal numbers and possessive, demonstrative, interrogative adjectives (see 265-27 1,
439, 478) -
C'est son premier roman = it's her first novel
Cette belle robe = that beautful dress
When modified by a short adverb, such adjectives are still placed before the noun, but
if the adverb or adverbial expression is relatively long, the adjective is placed after the
noun -
Un tres gros mec = a very fat guy
Un mec demesurement gros = a disproportionately fat guy
See the next section for other adjectives that precede the noun.
2 Adjectives that follow the noun —
An impossibly long list -
the vast majority of adjectives -
L'eau gazeuse = sparkling mineral water
L'ail rape = grated garlic
Une influence artistique = an artistic influence
Une equipe neerlandaise a reconnu recemment un autre gene = a Dutch team
has recently identified another gene
La source marine de votre nouvelle jeunesse = the marine source of your new
youthfulness
3 Adjectives whose position may vary —
This may be for a number of reasons.
Certain adjectives, like court = short, long = long, precede the noun in normal
circumstances, but follow it when there is a contrast or an implied contrast with their
opposite -
une longue soiree = a long evening, une longue rangee de chenes = a long row of oak
trees
je prefere les cheveux courts = I prefer short hair, une robe longue = a long skirt
154 I
203 Adjectives which change their meaning
Dernier and prochain normally precede the noun -
Je descends au prochain arret = Fm getting off at the next stop
Cest tnon dernier chewing-gum = that's my last piece of chewing gum
However, when they are used with expressions of time, their position may vary - when
they precede the noun, they are the equivalent of English the last, the next, and when they
follow, they are the equivalent of last, next -
C'est la dernierefois que tuferas ca = that's the last time you 7 11 do that
£a sera pour une prochaine fois = that'll be for the next time
A samedi prochain = till next Saturday
Vendredi dernier je ne pouvais pas venir = last Friday I couldn't make it
4 Adjectives whose meaning changes according to their position —
See next section.
5 Stylistic variation of position
For stylistic reasons an adjective that normally follows the noun may be used in front of
it. This is particularly common in the media - in newspapers and magazines. Changing
the position of an adjective from its traditional position after a noun to before it focuses
attention on it and foregrounds the adjective. This is a subtle matter which space does
not permit detailed discussion of here.
203 Adjectives which change their meaning according
to their position
What follows is a list of common adjectives that change their meaning according to their
position vis-a-vis the noun they qualify.
adjective meaning before noun
meaning after noun
ancien former
une ancienne epouse = a former
wife
bon good, nice
une bonne amie = a good friend
brave obliging, honest
de braves gens = decent people
certain certain, indefinite
un certain fait = some fact or other
cher dear, beloved
mon cher ami = my dear friend
different various
differentes robes = a variety of
dresses
old
une epouse ancienne = an old
wife
thoughtful, kind
une amie bonne = a thoughtful
friend
courageous
des gens braves = brave people
certain, unquestionable
unfait certain = an indubitable fact
expensive
un tailleur cher = an expensive suit
different
des robes differentes = different
sorts of dresses
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
various
diverses opinions = a variety of
opinions
great
un grand pre cheur = a great preacher
high, open (of sea)
la haute tner = the open sea
young
unjeune honme = a young man
slight (figurative usage)
une legere reprise economique
= a slight economic upturn
divers
grand
haut
jeune
leger
mechant
etre de mechante humeur = to be
in afoul mood
meme same
le meme shampooing = the same
shampoo
pauvre poor, pitful
un pauvre effort = a pathetic attempt
present the one in question
la presente emission = the
programme on at the moment
propre own, very
mon propre travail = my own work
pur total, sheer
c'est une pure perte de temps =
it's an utter waste of time
sale nasty
un sale tour = a dirty trick
seul only, single, sole
une seule objection = a single
objection
simple ordinary, only
pour la simple raison =for the
simple reason
triste dull, inauspicious
c'est mon triste devoir = it's my
unfortunate duty
vrai real, genuine
ce ne sont pas ses vraies dents
= they're not his own teeth
diverse, distinct
des opinions diverses =
distinctly different opinions
tall
un precheur grand = a tall
preacher
high (of tide)
la mer haute = high tide
youthful
un homme jeune = a
young-looking man
light (of weight)
une couche legere = a light
covering
naughty, spiteful
des propos mechants = spiteful
talk
very, even
j'arriverai ce soir meme = Fll
arrive this very evening
impecunious
le quartier pauvre de la ville
= the poor district of the town
present
les etudiants presents n'ont
pas compris = the students present
did not understand
clean
des draps propres = clean sheets
unadulterated
V air pur = pure air
dirty
ton pantalon est tres sale =
your trousers are very dirty
lonely, alone
un enfant seul = a lonely child
simple, straightforward
des gouts tres simples = very
simple tastes
sad
elle a lesyeux tristes = she's got
sad eyes
true
c'est une histoire vraie = it's a
true story
156
205 Multiple adjectives
Another small group of adjectives also vary their position - an adjective that normally
follows the noun may be placed before it, this time to achieve a figurative effect -
un del noir = a black sky - de noirs desseins = dark intentions
un lit mou = a soft bed - une tnolle resistance = feeble resistance
204 Adjectives that may occur before or after the noun
without change of meaning
A small number of adjectives seem to be in free variation as far as position is concerned- in
other words, their meaning remains constant whether they precede or follow the
noun.
bas = low, bref= brief charmant = charming, court = short, double = double,
enorme = enormous, excellent = excellent, fort = strong, futur = future, innombrable
= innumerable, long = long, magnifique = magnificent, modeste = modest, principal =
main, rapide =fast, terrible = terrible
Un magnifique terrain de foot = ._ r . „ .
WT . _ n ,z \ a magnificent football ground
Un terrain dejoot magnifique =
fe prends mon principal repas a 19 heures = 1 _ , . _
_ _ • • * ^ m i r J- have my main meal at 7 pm
Je prends mon repas principal a ly heures =
205 Multiple adjectives
1 Preceding the noun
Except when a cardinal number is involved, the order of groups of adjectives before the
noun is the same in French as in English -
Une jolie petite fille = a pretty little girl
Un bon vieil ami = a good old friend
Un autre gros hamburger = another big hamburger
With cardinal numbers, the order in French is different from that in English — the cardinal
number precedes the other adjective -
Les trois autres membres du groupe = the other three members of the group
II a gagne les deux premieres manches = he won the first two sets
2 Following the noun
The order of adjectives in French after the noun tends to be the mirror image of the English
order - in both cases the adjective nearest the noun has the closer/ closest relationship
with it -
La guerre civile espagnole = the Spanish Civil War
Une creme anti-rides enrichissante = an enriching anti-wrinkle cream
Son conseiller fiscal personnel = her personal tax consultant
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Exercises
1 Reecrivez les passages suivants en remplissant les blancs avec Particle
qui convient.
a Nous offrons . . . opportunity unique de contribuer a . . . croissance
de . . . societe de renommee international active dans . . . monde
artistique. . . . ambiance de travail jeune et informelle dans . . . petite
equipe soudee.
b ... avenement . . . programmes d'e change interuniversitaires de
type Erasmus ou . . . extension . . . stages professionnels a . . .
etr anger ont egalement motive . . . secteur jusqu'ici assez traditionnel
et relativement couteux, . . . echanges internationaux . . . jeunes.
c ... billet d 3 avion de derniere minute a . . . prix defiant toute
concurrence? Voila qui est tentant, mais peut-etre dangereux si . . .
precipitation nous fait oublier . . . precautions a prendre. Chaque
annee . . . milliers de gens s'envolent pour . . . pays ou sevit . . .
paludisme, mais plus de . . . tiers entre eux ne sont pas correctement
proteges contre cette maladie.
d Compositeur phare de . . . musique vocale italienne baroque ,
Alessandro Scarlatti s'est illustre aussi bien dans . . . opera que
dans . . . genre religieux de . . . oratorio. . . . musique y explose a tout
moment de . . . joie lumineuse, toujours originate, melant
magnifiquement . . . voix a . . . ecriture instrumentale scintillante.
e . . . vigne rouge et . . . algue marine ameliorent . . . fermete
et . . . elasticity de . . . peau, tandis que . . . huile essentielle de
lavande accelere . . . penetration . . . composants et active . . .
micro-circulation. On a garde . . . meilleur pour . . .fin: . . . texture
est . . . regal. Parfaitement invisible, elle est moelleuse, fondante et
onctueuse. Elle disparait en . . . clin d'oeil dans . . . epiderme sans
laisser de trace etfde . . . coeur de . . . cellules.
f Si quelqu'un, vous, moi ou n'importe qui, veut tester . . . surete de . . .
aeroports, il lefera sans angoisse s'il sait qu'a tout moment ilpeut
dire: « Stop, ceci est . . . jeu! » En revanche, . . . attitude de vrais
terroristes reellement desireux de commettre . . . attentat les trahira
et permettra a . . . personnels de surete de les identifier.
g Pour f aire parler . . . cadavre d'abeille dont . . . mort brutale, en
compagnie de 22 millions de ses congeneres, vient de plonger . . .
c amp agnes franc aises dans . . . polemique violente sur . . . utilisation
de deux pesticides, il sujfit de pratiquer . . . autopsie.
h . . . bac enpoche ou . . . examens defac reussis, . . . nouvelle epreuve
attend . . . etudiants: . . . chasse a . . . logement. C'est . . . marche qui
fixe . . . regies et surtout . . . prix. Or, . . . petites surfaces, cibles
naturelles de . . . etudiants, sont celles dont . . . rencherissement
est . . . plus important.
i Tout . . . monde peut avoir . . . maison, quatre murs, . . . toit.
Mais . . . propriete, . . . demeure. — Bien entendu, . . . propriete, a . . .
base, n'est rien d f autre que . . . maison. Mais c'est, dans . . .
158
Exercises
imaginaire immobilier, bien autre chose: . . . ancien, . . . grand, . . .
noble, . . . beau, . . . prestige. «Je vous invite a ma propriete » ca a
tout de meme . . . toute autre allure que « on sefait . . . barbecue a . . .
tnaison ».
j Je trouve que . . . maquillage me rev ele plus qu'il ne me cache. C'est
done . . .facon de m'exhiber. Je me suis beaucoup inspire de . . .
maitre de ceremonies de . . . film Cabaret. C'est a . . . fois . . .
transformiste et . . . vampire, . . . monsieur Loyal ', mais quelqu 3 . . .
de festif. J'aime bien ce balancement entre . . . bien, e'est-a-dire . . .
fete, et . . . mal. J'aime bien . . . ambiguite, y compris sexuelle.
k Votre point faible: . . . manque de perseverance. Vous ne prenez pas de
decision, ou alors pas de facon durable: vous etes incapable d' effort,
pas plus motivee par . . . succes que par . . . echec. Iln'y a que . . .
nouveaute, Videe de . . . plaisir pour vous stimuler.
1 ... beau jour ) devant . . . miroir, on se prend a relever . . . coin de ses
yeux, a tirer sur ses pommettes, et Von se dit qu'on aurait . . . air
moins fatiguee, plus gaie comme ca. On oublie, et puis on apprend
que . . . telle a eu . . . lifting mais que « ca se voit », alors que pour
telle autre « on ne voit rien ». On lit . . . magazines, on examine . . .
« avant / apres », on note . . . noms. On ne sait jamais.
Reecrivez les passages suivants en donnant les formes des adjectifs et
participes passes qui conviennent.
a // a beaujouer le super ministre, ANIME par de GENIAL et NOUVEAU
idees, ce sont les VIEUX recettes LIBERAL qu'il nous assene.
b Ce printemps aussi INCERTAIN que VENTEUX n'aura pas facilite la
tache des jardiniers. Mais ilfaut maintenant sortir CERTAIN plantes
de la ou elles ont ete REMISE pendant la MAUVAIS saison. Si ces
plantes ont ete LAISSE INTACT, juste DEBARRASSE de leurs feuilles
GACHE, elles pous sent deja, elles aussi VILAIN comme TOUT,
BLANC comme des endives ou VERT PALE, plus PRO CHE du tilleul
que de Vepinard.
c Une DERNIER condition, a PREMIER vue SURPRENANT, est
NECESSAIRE a la reussite d'une e-formation: V accompagnement
d'un formateur bien REEL. Avec des taux d' abandon assez ELEVE
cette presence peut s'averer ESSENTIEL. Meme a Vheure de la
formation a distance, rien ne remplacera une presence HUMAIN.
d On trouve dans la collection des sweaters REHAUSSE d'une lettre ou
d'un chiffre, des pantalons MILITAIRE AMPLE ou desjoggings
COMBINE a des tops ATHLETIQUE et des maillots de corps ou des
vestes ZIPPE, MARIE a une minijupe.
e Les designers BELGE commencent a se tailler une SOLIDE reputation
sur la scene INTERNATIONAL. ORIGINAL, bien PENSE, voire
carrement VISIONNAIRE, leurs creations seduisent un public de plus
en plus LARGE.
f lis sont trois sur leur tie PARISIEN. La mere qui se bat contre un
cancer. Cette lutte est la raison de vivre de safille. Puis ily a un
JEUNE homme AFFABLE, qui a su se rendre INDISPENSABLE en
rendant LEGER les moments INSUPPORTABLE de la maladie.
i 159
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
g Les cassis UTILISE pour cette creme de cassis sont les noirs de
Bourgogne, CUEILLI dans la Cote-d'Or. Cette creme est d'une RARE
authenticity. Ses parfums FRAIS, sonfruite ONCTUEUX, sa bouche
AMPLE et GENEREUX et ses aromes PLEIN en font une liqueur
d' exception.
h Vous souffrez des symptomes d'un etat PROCHE de Veffondrement: la
HORRIBLE sensation d'etre LOURD et FLASQUE, ENGOURDI et
TENDU a lafois, CONTRACTE au niveau des vertebres, de la nuque
jusqu'aux reins. II est temps de remettre unpeu d'huile dans les
rouages! (description d'unefemme)
i A Voccasion du NOUVEAU an, un de mes potes avait organise une
GROS fiesta chez lui. II y avait de Valcool a gogo, dufoie GRAS a en
veux-tu en voila, et desfilles SPLENDIDE aux quatre coins de la
maison. Brefi tout etait PARFAIT. Le SEUL probleme: c'etait moil A
minuit moins cinq 9 j'ai eu une crise d'angoisse etje suis alle
m'enfermer dans les chiottes. Je ne voulais pas me plier a ce rituel
RIDICULE d'embrassades.
j «Je suis DE£U 9 dit Sandrine Casar, carje me sentais bien enjambes,
maisj'etais trop IS OLE face aux Brioches 9 qui avaient un
comportement BIZARRE. Je n'aipas compris leurfacon de courir,
leurs choix TACTIQUE, etje ne suis pas la SEUL. Elles-memes
donnaient parfois Vimpression de ne pas comprendre ce qu'elles
faisaient. Dans de TEL circonstances, elles ont du etre tres SATISFAIT
du resultat. »
k On trouvera une GRAND baie, tres BEAU, BORDE par une reserve
NATUREL, BAPTISE le pare NATIONAL de Los Halises, que Von visite
en bateau, decouvrant oiseaux MULTICOLORE, perroquets et tortues
dans une vegetation de mangroves TROPICAL.
160
Chapter 6 Pronouns
206 Pronouns
The role of a pronoun is to help avoid repeating a noun phrase in its entirety and to act
as a stand-in for it or abbreviation of it. The pronoun thus enhances the cohesion of what
is said or written by providing a short-hand form for a longer expression and binding the
text of what is said or written more tightly together.
There are a number of series of pronouns -
Personal pronouns -
Les profs reconnaissent qu'ILS ne peuvent rien sans les parents = the
teachers admit that they can't do anything without parents' support
avoiding repetition of les profs.
Impersonal and neutral pronouns -
Comment peut-ON defendre le systeme des retraites en torpillant les
reformes? = how can you defend the pensions system by torpedoing reforms?
avoiding specifying who is being criticised.
Pour profiter pleinement de cet excellent petit instrument, IL est
conseille d'agir vite = in order to benefit fully from this marvellous little instrument, it's
advisable to act quickly
avoiding explaining who is doing the advising.
Demonstrative pronouns -
Faire greve et manifester sont des droits. Mais il ne faut pas que
CEUX-CI empechent la circulation sur la voie publique = going on strike and
demonstrating are rights. But these must not prevent traffic from circulating on the public highway
avoiding saying ces droits.
Possessive pronouns -
Elle admire Vart de ses contemporains, mais LE SIEN est plus puissant,
plus expressif= she admires her contemporaries' art, but hers is more powerful and more
expressive
avoiding saying son art.
For relative pronouns, see 464.
jrsonal pronoun
207 Personal pronouns
These may be organised according to the role they play in a sentence - whether
they are the subject, direct object or indirect object of the verb, whether they are
161
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
used emphatically, whether they follow a preposition, whether they are singular or
plural.
The neuter pronoun il = it only occurs as subject singular, and the reflexive/reciprocal
pronoun se = him /her /it /oneself, themselves does not occur as subject.
208 The forms
It will be seen from the following table that there is much anomaly among the forms that
the personal pronouns adopt in French. Although five different syntactic roles have been
identified (singular and plural), there are never five distinct forms corresponding to them
- a maximum of four and a minimum of one (in English there are never more than two
different forms for the personal pronouns). Consequently some forms have more than
one function (eg me, te), some are confined to a particular person (eg nous, vous),
others apply to more than one person (eg lui 9 leur).
The following table lists the five syntactic roles for each person and the forms that
correspond to them.
person
syntactic role
singular
plural
First person
subject
5 e
I
nous
we
direct object
me
me
nous
us
indirect object
me
to me
nous
to us
after preposition
moi
me
nous
us
stressed
mot
I / me
nous
we /us
Second person
subject
tu
you
vous
you
direct object
te
you
vous
you
indirect object
te
toyou
vous
toyou
after preposition
toi
you
vous
you
stressed
toi
you
vous
you
Third person
subject
il
he
Us
they
masculine
direct object
le
him
les
them
indirect object
lui
to him
leur
to them
after preposition
lui
him
eux
them
stressed
lui
he / him
eux
they /them
Third person
subject
elle
she
elles
they
feminine
direct object
la
her
les
them
indirect object
lui
to her
leur
to them
after preposition
elle
her
elles
them
stressed
elle
she /her
elles
they /them
Third person
only occurs as
il
it
neuter
subject
ce
it
Third person
direct object
se
him / her / it/
se
themselves
reflexive /
oneself
reciprocal
indirect object
se
to him / her /
it/ oneself
se
to themselves
after preposition
soi
him / her / it/
eux-memes
themselves
oneself
elles-memes
themselves
162
210 Position of pronouns
person
syntactic role
singular
plural
stressed
soi
him / her / it/
oneself
eux-memes themselves
elles-memes themselves
Third person
subject
on
oneself
no plural forms
indefinite
direct object
se
oneself
indirect object
se
to oneself
after preposition
soi /nous/
vous
oneself
stressed
soi /nous/
vous
oneself
209 Elision of certain pronouns
Those pronouns consisting of a single consonant + e (je, me, te, se, ce, le) and
/a, lose their vowel before a verb beginning with a vowel or mute h or before en
andjy.
Je suis super complexee et cela m'empeche d'avancer = Frnfull of complexes and
that stops me making any progress
Ilprefere s'acheter des jouets = he prefers buying himself toys
Tu t'egares en pensant cela = you're mistaken if that's what you think
Decrivez simplement votre mission, lafacon dont vous Vavez menee et les
resultats obtenus = all you have to do is describe your aims, how you set about achieving them
and the results obtained
Son boulot consiste justement a s'en defaire = his job is precisely to get rid of it
210 Position of pronouns- 1: subject pronouns; 2: object
pronouns
/ Subject pronouns
Normally the subject pronoun precedes the verb.
// est champion de France = he's the champion of France
lis affronteront la Grece en demi-finale jeudi = they'll play Greece in the semi-final on
Thursday
On s'attendait a ce qu'ils s'expriment sur le cas hier = we were expecting them to
pronounce on the case yesterday
However, in certain circumstances it may follow it:
in questions (see 472) -
L' enfant, quandfaut-il Vemmener aux urgences? = when should you take your
child to casualty?
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
after certain adverbial expressions (see 403) -
Lesjaponais passent pour avoir des pratiques cruelles — le decoupage
d'un poisson vivant. Du tnoins demandent-ils pardon au pauvre animal
= the Japanese have the reputation of having some cruel practices - cutting up live fish. At least they
ask the poor animal's forgiveness
Toujours est-il qu'elle s' est presentee avec deux heures d'avance = the fact
remains that she turned up two hours early
2 Object pronouns
Except when an imperative is involved (see 2 1 2), the pronouns are placed immediately
before the verb. This applies to simple tenses and to infinitives and present participles;
in the case of compound tenses the pronoun precedes the auxiliary verb -
Des le xvie siecle, le muguet etait un parfum apprecie notamment des
hommes. Aujourd'hui on Vutilise dans les parfums feminins =from the
sixteenth century onwards, lily of the valley was a much appreciated perfume, especially by men.
Nowadays it's used in perfumes for women
Le mal de dos est remonte a la surface quandj'etais stressee, maisje Vai
evite en modifiant mon comportement = my backache returned when I was stressed out,
but I avoided it by modifying my behaviour
Collez les bandes sur les lanieres des tongs en les croisant sur Venvers =
stick the strips on the straps of the flip-flops, crossing them at the back
Cinq legumes et fruits par jour — telles sont les recommandations de la
sante publique. L 3 important est de les suivre serieusement = five portions of
fruit and vegper day - those are the recommendations of the public health authority. The important
thing is to follow them seriously
Onparle contraception , sida, problemes de coeur — elles ont sipeu
d'interlocuteurS) les tabous sont si lourds;j'ai vraiment Vimpression de
les aider = we speak about contraception, AIDS, relationships - they have so few people to speak to;
taboos weigh heavy; I really feel Fm helping them
If the verb is negative, the ne immediately precedes the pronoun -
On ne m'apas inter dit de chanter = I wasn't banned from singing
Certaines taches menageres me sont impossibles —je ne les supporte pas =
I find certain domestic tasks impossible - 1 can't stand them
L 3 hepatite C, une maladie quipeut abimer serieusement lefoie si on ne
la soigne pas = hepatitis C, an illness that can seriously damage your liver if you don't treat
it
21 1 Order of object pronouns
When two or more object pronouns occur before the verb, finite or infinitive, they have
to be used in a fixed order.
164
212 Order of pronouns with the imperative
me
te
le
se
la
lui
y
en
nous
les
leur
vous
Faut-il le lui dire? = should I tell him?
Je me le dis souvent — ilfaut essay er d'y voir plus clair = I often tell myself -
you've got to try and see the situation more clearly
On me Va prescrite pour des problemes d'acne etje n'aiplus aucun desir
sexuel = it's [the pill] been prescribed to me because of my acne and I don't feel any sexual desire any
more
Elle ne me le permet plus = she doesn't let me do it any more
Qu'on se le tienne pour dit. Qu'on se le tienne bien jalousement
d'ailleurs = let's keep it between ourselves. Let's guard it very jealously into the bargain
SHI fait vraiment tres chaud, on le brosse avec de Veaufraiche avant de s 3 y
allonger = if it's really hot, brush it [a mattress] with fresh water before lying down on it
La seule chose a se f aire percer par quelqu'un d * autre , ce serait
eventuellement Voreille —je me la suis moi-meme fait poinconner par une
amie = the only thing you should have pierced by someone else is possibly your ear - I've had it done
myself by a friend
Oui, nous nous en souvenons =yes, we remember
Marcel est amoureux de Stephanie , et pour le lui montrer, il est pret a
toutes les depenses = Marcel is in love with Stephanie, and to prove it to her he's prepared to
pay what it costs
On savait que Contrex etait Veau desfemmes et de la minceur. Elle nous le
prouve unefois encore avec une tresjolie surprise — une collection de
bijoux = we knew that Contrex was the water for women and slimness. It proves it to us once again
with a very pretty surprise - a collection of jewellery
212 Order of pronouns with the imperative
The situation is different in the imperative mood.
1 With an affirmative imperative, the pronouns follow the verb in the same order
as above. However, me, te become moi, toi, except when they are combined with
en 9 y, in which case they remain as me, te. They are linked to the verb and each
other by a hyphen, except when me 9 te are combined with y 9 en.
Prenez soin de votre peau^ satinez-la de creme parfumee^ pailletez-la =
take care of your skin; make it really smooth with perfumed cream, put glitter on it
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Faites tremper les haricots rouges une nuit. Puis mettez-les dans une
casserole = soak the red beans overnight. Then put them in a pan
Les calories sont vos pires ennemies du tnois et de votre ligne —
reduisez-les = calories are your worst enemies of the month and your waistline - cut them
down
Fous-toi done de ce que les autres peuvent en pens er = don't give a damn about
what others might think about it
Maintenant remontez vos manches et prouvez-leur ce dont vous etes
capable = now roll up your sleeves and show them what you're capable of
Venus vous fait lesyeux doux. A vous d'aborder ce garcon et dites-le-lui
= Venus is smiling on you. It's up to you to approach that boy and tell him
J 'adore les pierres polies — achetez-m 3 en pour tnon anniversaire s'il vous
plait = I adore polished stones -get me some for my birthday please
Contente-toi done de tajoliesse = be content with your own good looks
Un affreux bouton a camoufler? — retenez-vous de presser le coupable = a
horrid pimple to cover up? - be careful not to squeeze the offending object
2 With a negative imperative, the pronouns precede the verb and occur in the
order outlined in 2 1 1 —
Pour les petit es retouches en cours de jour nee , tamponnez legerement
votre visage avec un kleenex - tnais ne le faites pas trop souvent =for those
minor touch-ups during the day, dab your face with a tissue - but don't do it too often
Ne me posez pas de questions de ce type = don't ask me that sort of question
Si tupenses que capeut etre embetant pour Vamitie^ ne lefais pas = if you
think that might put a strain on your friendship, then don't do it
Ne te laisse pas abattre = don't allow yourself to be depressed
213 Position of pronouns with an infinitive and the
presentatives void and voila
Position of pronouns with an infinitive
When an infinitive is governed by a modal verb or verb with a similar function, the
pronoun precedes the infinitive and not the modal verb -
L'ete s'annonce chaud — si vous voulez le terminer bronzee et pas brulee,
prenez de bonnes resolutions = it's going to be a hot summer - if you want to finish it
tanned and not burnt, make some wise resolutions
Mieux vaut ne pas y aller avec un homme = better not to go with a man
Personne ne semble pouvoir nous eclairer sur le rapport entre la coupe de
cheveux et le nom d y un poisson (la morue) = nobody seems able to enlighten us on the
connection between the hairstyle and the name of a fish (mullet)
166
215 First person personal pronouns
Position of pronouns zvith voici, voila
The unstressed pronoun forms are used before voici and voila -
Me voici, prete a sortir = here I am, ready to go out
La voila, dans le bar - there she is, in the bar
Nouns are placed after the presentatives -
Voici ma nouvelle veste en velours = here's my new velvet jacket
Voila le type dontje te parlais hier = there's the guy I was talking to you about
yesterday
214 Agreement of past participles with a preceding
direct object
The agreement of past participles with the pronouns of pronominal verbs is discussed in
105-108.
Another scenario involves a preceding direct object and the agreement of a past
participle. The gender and number of the preceding direct object are reflected in the
form of the past participle.
If the preceding direct object is a noun, it will be repeated before the verb by an object
pronoun -
Cette chemise, je Vai achetee a Clermont = I bought this shirt in Clermont
Lesfilles, il les a draguees depuis Vage de 15 ans = he's chatted up girls since he
was 15
Les concombres,je ne les ai jamais aimes = I've never liked cucumbers
The preceding direct object may also be a relative pronoun, referring back to a noun
in a previous clause -
J'aime bien cette chemise quej'ai achetee a Clermont = I like this shirt that I
bought in Clermont very much
Cette histoire qu'il n f a jamais partagee avec qui que ce soit est digne d'etre
mieux connue = this story which he's never shared with anyone is worthy of being better known
Les sports qu'il a pratiques sont tous traumatis ants pour le corps = the
sports he's indulged in all take it out of the body big time
215 First person personal pronouns
If the person using the first person pronoun is female, then any adjectives or past parti-
ciples relating to it must be in the feminine form —
First person singular
J'ai toujour s ete prete a toutes les aventures = I've always been up for any
adventure
Pauvre idiote quej'etais! = What a fool I was!
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Le mec a voulu m'embrasser etje Vai repousse , choquee qu'il ait eu cette
penseel = the guy tried to kiss me and I pushed him away, shocked that he could think like that
J 'ai perdu la trace de tries parents. Ou peut-etre devrais-je dire que ce sont
eux qui m^ont perdue = I lost track of my parents. Or perhaps I should say they lost track
of me
First person plural
Nous etions vraiment d'une inconscience atroce etje ne sais pas comment
nous nous en sommes sorties vivantesl = We were unbelievably unaware of what we
were doing and I don't know how we managed to get out of it in one piece!
Nous sommes alles au meilleur restaurant de la ville = we went to the best
restaurant in town
216 Second person personal pronouns
Whereas English uses you to address any interlocutor, whether known or unknown to the
speaker, whether one or more than one person is involved and whatever the circumstances,
French has a choice between tu and vous in the singular. Consequently, vous resembles
you in that it is used as both a singular and plural pronoun, but is different in that it is not
used in certain circumstances in the singular.
The general principle is that tu is used among friends and work colleagues of the same
or similar status, within the family and when an older person talks to a younger one, ie a
child - in other words in informal, relaxed, domestic situations. Otherwise vous is used.
Because deciding when to switch from vous to tu as one gets to know someone better
is a difficult decision for a non-native French speaker, it is advisable to be led by the person
you are talking to - don't switch until they do. To use tu too soon may be interpreted as
being presumptuous and possibly offensive; to use it too late may make you seem priggish
and distant!
The following examples are taken from a girls' magazine. Comments are made at the
end of the section.
1 Gar con de 13 ans qui se revolte contre la mere poule - « Tu m'empeches
d 3 exister,j 3 suis pas une gonzesse » = 13 -year-old boy rebelling against his
over-protective mother - You're suffocating me, I'm not a girl 3
2 Vous etes convaincue? Reste a trouver le rouge qui convient a vos
babines = you're convinced? The next thing is to find a lipstick that suits your mouth
3 Ont-ils le droit de vous mettre a laporte? — Si vous etes mariee, Vodieux
nepeut decemment pas vous mettre a laporte = have they the right to ban you
from the house? - If you're married the blighter can't decently do that
4 Chez des copains, vous vous sentez moins seule; pour les remercier de
leur hospitalite vous vous sentez obligee de coucher avec le celibataire du
lot = staying with mates, you feel less lonely; to thank them for their hospitality, you feel obliged to
sleep with the one in the group who hasn't got a partner
5 Deux ou trois choses queje sais d'elle et qui m'enervent — Sophie s'est
encore trouve un beau mec, c'est louche, tu trouves pas? = two or three things
168 I
217 Third person personal pronouns
that I know about her which drive me mad - Sophie's found another good-looking guy, it's the pits,
don't you think?
6 Pas la meme notion du temps, ni celle de V argent — quand on la voit
revenir des magasins, les bras charges de douze paires de potnpes
tellement pas cheres, regarde celles-ci, tu devineras jamais leprix =you
haven't got the same notion of time or money - when you see her coming back from the shops with her
arms laden with a dozen pairs of shoes, so cheap, look at these, you'll never guess the price
7 Je t'appelle carj'ai unprobleme et il est stipule que tu repondes quand
on t'appelle = I'm callingyou because I've got a problem and it's stipulated that you reply when
you're called
8 Je suis formelle, tu n'as aucune raison de culpabiliser ou de trouver ca
honteux de tapart = I am absolutely definite -you haven't got any reason to feel guilty or to
find that shameful on your part
9 Que tu aies des gouts bizarres 9 je ne vois pas tellement le probleme = that
you've got some weird tastes, I can't see the difficulty
In example 1 a young boy is talking (crossly) to his mother and uses tu. In examples
2, 3 and 4, the reader is addressed as vous feminine singular - the writer does not know
her audience personally but writes for a female reader. The alternation between vous
and tu in these examples and examples 5 and 6 illustrates well the difference in tone
and value of the two pronouns - vous is used by the writer to address the young female
readership, whom she doesn't know and who are probably younger than her, whereas
tu is used in those circumstances where two girls are imagined talking to or reacting to
each other. In example 7, the reader is using tu to address the 'agony aunt', which is
presumably done to achieve a sense of complicity, but seems impertinent. In examples 8
and 9, the 'agony aunt' uses the tu form to create a feeling of trust and intimacy between
her and her correspondents. The contrast between examples 2, 3, 4 and examples 8 and
9 highlights well the delicacy and subtlety of the decision.
217 Third person personal pronouns
Not only do il = he and elle = she, both the pronouns also = it when they refer to or
take the place of a masculine or feminine noun respectively. The same point applies to
the plural forms too; Us, elles = they (the plural of it).
Le troisieme type de vieillissement c'est le vieillissement hormonal — il
demarre vers 35 ans par une baisse de taux d'oestrogene = the third type of
ageing is hormonal ageing - it's triggered at about 35 by a reduction in oestrogen levels
Apres une semaine, la transformation est radicale; visiblement fortifiee,
la peau recouvre fraicheur et luminosite; elle revit = after a week, the
transformation is radical; your skin, which is visibly strengthened, recovers its freshness and luminosity;
it comes back to life.
Les propositions de V opposition feraient davantage avancer le pays. Mais
elles ne different pas fondamentalement des projets gouvernementaux =
the opposition's proposals would benefit the country more. But they don't differ fundamentally from the
government's projects
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Les projets europeens les plus strategiques, les entreprises frangaises et
europeennes les plus sensibles ont un point commun — Us font appel aux
cranes d'oeuf d' Ativan = the most strategic European projects and the most sensitive French
and European businesses have a point in common - they appeal to Altran's eggheads
In the last example, it should be noted that when a masculine noun (projets) and a
feminine noun (entreprises) form a compound subject, the pronoun used to refer back
to them is always masculine.
218 Different usages in French and English
Collective nouns referring to groups of people in British English - team, government, political
party, committee - tend to be treated as plurals.
The government have decided to support a federalist stance
In French, the rule of grammar, rather than (perhaps) logic, prevails, and such nouns
are treated as third person singulars and are followed by a singular verb -
En demi-finales, Vequipe a elimine le Celtic Glasgow >, finaliste la saison
pas see = in the semi-final the team eliminated Glasgow Celtic, who were finalists last season
L' opposition a vivement conteste le rapport de la mission d 3 evaluation sur
les 35 heures = the opposition have sharply contested the report of the committee which scrutinised
the 35-hour week
Mais si nous en sommes la, c'est parce que le gouvernement Jospin a fait
voter en 2001 une loi prevoyant le transfert des itnpots = but if that's the
predicament we're in, it's because the Jospin government put through a vote in 2001 on the transfer of
taxes
219 Ce and #7 with reference to persons
Although in the table of pronouns above, ce is classified as a neuter subject pronoun, there
is one set of circumstances where it is used as the equivalent of the personal pronouns
subject il / elle / Us / elles to mean he / she / they. This is with names of professions,
nationality and social status.
The rule is
1 il / elle / Us / elles are used when the name is used without a determiner [un /
une / des, le / la / les) -
Elle estfrancaise = she's French
II est profess eur = he's a teacher
Elle est actrice = she's an actress
II est devenu president en 2004 = he became president in 2004
Elles sont couturieres = they're dress designers
2 ce is used when a determiner is involved and when the noun is modified in some
way —
C'est lafille d'une architecte = she's the daughter of an architect
170 I
221 Ceoril?
Que pensez-vous des mannequins dans les magazines! — Ce sont des sacs
d'os = what do you think of the models in magazines? They're bags of bones
Les stars se remettent a manger. Leur point commun: ce sont des
femmes d'affaires bourrees d 3 ambition et de talent = the stars are beginning to
eat again. They have one point in common - they're business women full of ambition and talent
Vous refusez obstinement de frequenter nos bandes de potes, alors que ce
sont des mecs sensibles 9 je tejure =you stubbornly refuse to have anything to do with
our mates, whereas, I assure you, they're a sensitive bunch
Dominique? — c'est un gar con = Dominique? - he's a boy
220 Neuter subject pronouns
Apart from the situation described in the previous section, there are others where ce and
il function as neuter subject pronouns in French. In practically all the situations where
the two pronouns 'compete', it is the verb etre that is involved.
In terms of agreement, ce is treated in exactly the same way as il; it is neuter - therefore,
any adjective or past participle referring to it always occurs in the masculine, never the
feminine. Unlike il, it is followed by a plural verb (for example sont) when it refers to a
plural noun (in standard French - in informal French, the singular also appears) -
Ce sont mes CDs prefer es = they're my favourite CDs
Ce sont les journalistes francais qui ont ete les premiers a devoiler le
scandale = it was French journalists who were the first to uncover the scandal
221 Ce or ill 1-1: when followed by an adjective; 2: followed
by adjective + infinitive; 3: followed by adjective + clause
It is a perennial problem knowing when to use which pronoun. In general, ce has a
wider application than il. However, since in English there is only one pronoun to fit
all cases, it is important to know in French when to use one pronoun rather than the
other. The situation in French is even more complicated because il = he and personal
it (with reference to masculine items), as well as neuter it. Generally speaking, ce has a
very vague, general value, referring to a context, an effect, an impression, rather than to
a specific referent.
What follows is a series of categories that require one pronoun rather than the other
or, in some cases, that admit both.
/ When it is / was is followed by an adjective alone
It is always ce that is used to = it, when the expression with the adjective forms a complete
statement. If il is used, it = he. In translating ce different strategies may be used, as the
examples below illustrate.
Ce sera dur, mais nous avons remporte des matches aussi durs = it'll be
tough, but we've already won equally tough matches (= playing the game)
Si vous n 3 avez jamais goute le chocolat a la tomate, tentez le coup - c'est
delicieux = if you've never tasted tomato-flavoured chocolate, give it a try - it's delicious
Cela a donne des resultats. C'est clair = that's produced results - that's for sure
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Des melanges d'imprimes — c'est tres british = mixtures of print patterns - very
British (= these patterns evoke an impression associated with the UK)
La neige, le soleil, Vaventure^ la culture — c'est incroyable = snow, sun, adventure
and culture - unbelievable
Misez sur une minijupe. Avec vos jambes de gazelle, ce sera parfait = go for a
miniskirt. With gazelle-like legs like yours, it'll be perfect
Sophie s'est encore trouve un beau mec, c'est louche, tu trouves pas? =
Sophie's found another good-looking guy, ifs the pits, don't you think?
II est dur / delicieux / clair / incroyable / parfait / louche would = he is
tough / delicious / clear / unbelievable / perfect / seedy
2 When it is / was is followed by an adjective + infinitive
In this case, il is the required pronoun in standard French if the infinitive is followed by
a complement, direct object or any further information.
// est important de passer du temps ensemble = ifs important to spend time together
Si vos vergetures sont rosacees, il est encore temps de demander a un
dermatologue de vous prescrire une creme = If your stretch marks are rosy -coloured,
there's still time to ask a dermatologist to prescribe you a cream
II est difficile d'aller a la bataille electorale avec un tel resultat dans les
sondages = ifs difficult to go into the elections with such a result in the polls
II etait logique defaire appel aux proprietes de ce bijou des mers chaudes
= it was logical to appeal to the properties of this jewel from the warm seas
Est-il utile de le repeter? = is it useful to do it again?
However, in less formal French, ce may also be used -
Ce serait dur d'aller vivre ailleurs = ifd be hard to go and live somewhere else
The following example shows how even this distinction of formality/ informality is not
always respected and the two constructions may occur even in the same sentence -
Maintenant il est impossible de doubler auxjeux, mais c'est agreable
d' avoir une alternative avec le marathon et le 10 000 m = now ifs not possible
to enter for two events in the Games, but ifs nice to have an alternative with the marathon and the
10 000 metres
If the infinitive is not followed by a complement, direct object or any other information,
ce is used, and the preposition before the infinitive is a rather than de -
En matiere de drague, il s'agit avant tout de sefaire remarquer Ce n'est
pas toujours facile a f aire = when you're on the pull, ifs essential to get yourself noticed. Ifs
not always easy to do
On devraitfaire confiance a ses amis. Malheureusement, c'est difficile a
faire =you should trust your friends. Unfortunately ifs difficult to do
172
222 Distinguishing il and ce: 2
3 When it is / was is followed by an adjective + clause
Again, it is il that is used in standard French, ce in less formal French -
// est universe llement reconnu qu'en cent ans le thermometre mondial a
deja gagne 0, 6 degre C = it's widely accepted that in a hundred years the earth's thermometer
has already risen by 0.6 degrees C
Toujour s est-il queje ne peux effectivement m'endormir sans passer par la
salle de bains = the fact remains that in effect I can't go to sleep without paying a visit to the
bathroom
II est conseille que si vous voulez vous exposez au soldi, vous lefaites
toujours avec moderation = it's advisable that, if you want to sunbathe, you always do it
with moderation
Ce n^est pas juste que tu aies eu la meme note que moi —j'ai travaille
beaucoup plus dur que toi = it's not fair that you got the same mark as me -I worked a lot
harder than you
The following example shows a change of construction —
C'est vrai que vous, il ne suffitpas d'appuyer sur un bouton pour vous
faire reagir = it's true that you, it isn't enough to press a button to make you react
It should be noted that in a number of situations in informal French ce is encroaching
upon the ground previously occupied by il. This is presumably due to the numerical
supremacy of ce preceding etre in these constructions and probably also due to the
influence of ca - see 239.
222 Distinguishing il and ce; 2
When it is / was isfollovoed by another part of speech
Here it is always ce that is used, and again the value of ce is difficult to define - it usually
refers to a following scenario -
Ma mere me tape de plus en plus sur le systeme. Resultat — c'est disputes
sur disputes = my mother is getting on my nerves more and more. The result, argument after
argument
Sa strategic, c'etait de prendre a chaque coup une decision claire = his
strategy was to make a clear decision at each stroke (in golf)
Vous etes pourvue des qualites indispensables a qui veut se lancer a
Vassaut des planches? Foncez, c' est pour vous! = you've got the indispensable
qualities for someone who is keen to tread the boards? Go for it - it's there for you
C'est une attitude plutot saine de vouloir s'isoler de temps en temps = it's a
fairly healthy attitude to want to spend time alone once in a while
Cest bien simple: Julot sans sa troupe de copains, c'est comme un banana
split sans la banane = it's very simple - Fred without his troop of mates is like a banana split
minus the banana
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
223 The use of c'est to highlight a section of an utterance
The normal word order in French is Subject - Verb - Complement (adjective, object,
etc). However, quite regularly in writing and even more so in speech, the speaker / writer
wishes to emphasise a particular section of what he or she is sayng or writing. This can
be done by taking the section in question and preceding it by c'est. II est is never used
in this way. The following examples illustrate the ways in which various sections can be
highlighted. Note that c'est is almost invariable - and is used with reference to events
in the past as well as in the present.
C'est a leur hotel que V equip e a fete sa qualification pour les demi-finales
= it was in their hotel that the team celebrated qualifying/or the semi-final
Normal order - I'equipe a fete sa qualification pour les demi-finales a leur
hotel
Mais a la maison, c'est de I'ordre que vous exigez = but in the house, it's tidiness
thatyou demand
Normal order - vous exigez de I'ordre a la tnaison
Ce n'est qu'apres avoir sirote une bonne douzaine de verres qu'il se decide
enfin a vous suivre = it's only after downing a good dozen glasses that he at last makes up his
mind to follow you
Normal order - il se decide enfin a vous suivre apres avoir sirote une bonne
douzaine de verres
C'etait qui au bout dufil? = who was it on the phone?
Normal order - qui etait au bout dufil?
Sur les tapis rouges de Hollywood^ c'est a celle qui pesera le tnoins lourd =
on the red carpets of Hollywood it's the one who'll weigh the least who wins
C'est a I'acteur de relever ce defi = it's up to the actor to meet the challenge
C'est pas une petite nana cotntne vous qui allez luifaire perdre la face
devant ses durs a cuire depotes = it's not going to be a little tart like you who'll make him
lose face in front of his hard mates
See 463 for more discussion of highlighting.
224 Use of on
On is a widely used third person pronoun and covers a range of usages that would
be served by a number of pronouns in English. Translating on into English, therefore,
presents problems and choosing the most appropriate corresponding pronoun requires
careful thought. A number of points will emerge from an examination of the following
examples -
1 that on can be equivalent of almost any other pronoun,
2 that, just because it is used on a number of occasions in a single passage, that does
not necessarily mean that it retains the same value throughout the passage; it is quite
likely to change values from one occurrence to the next.
174 I
222 Distinguishing il and ce: 2
Aurions-nous oublie ces serpents sifflant sur la tete de Pompidou dans
V affaire Marcovic? Doit-on rappeler les fantasmagories sexuelles et
delirantes dont les tricoteuses de la Revolution assaisonnaient Marie-
Antoinette. On aura vu 9 convoques sans vergogne et sur ecran^ des temoins
douteux — tnais retribues — afin qu'ils debitent des insanites sans preuves
= could we possibly have forgotten those serpents hissing on Pompidou's head in the Marcovic affair?
Must we remind ourselves of the sexual and outrageous fantasies with which the tricoteuses of the
Revolution [a group of staunchly revolutionary women] spiced up Marie-Antoinette's
reputation. We have undoubtedly seen dubious witnesses shamelessly assembled on television - but
rewarded - to dish up loads of nonsense without any proof
In this example, the alternation between nous and on shows how they can be used
interchangeably in a context where the referent of the pronouns is not defined.
On me sollicite parfois pour queje donne un coup de main a V occasion
d'une affectation = Fm sometimes asked to give a hand when an appointment is being made
Here the best way to translate the on is by a passive construction - it is not at all clear
who is asking for help.
On dit « c'est du Murat » comme on dit « c'est du Miossec / du Dominique
A ». Des auteurs-compositeurs avec une vraie estampille, on n'en a pas
tant que ca. On tombe sous le char me de sesyeux bleus d'amoureux.
Ensuite, on remarque le mec, pas mal du tout = they say 'that's pure Murat fust as
they say 'that's pure Miossec or Dominique A' '. We haven't got that many singer-songwriters with a
genuine trademark. We fall under the charm of his blue love-smitten eyes. Then we notice the guy, not
bad at all
In this example, on seems to have a number of values - very vague in the first two
instances; the third could refer to the French nation as a whole; the fourth and fifth, those
attending his concerts.
Ce type etait completement dingue et s'est mis a me poser des questions
d'un ton tres pervers: « Alors on va a Vecole? »; «Et on a des bonnes notes
a Vecole) on est une bonne fifille a sa maman? » Et dans ce genre de
situation, Vemploi de la troisieme personne du singulier augure quelque
chose de terrifiant = this guy was completely off his rocker and began to ask me questions in a
very perverted way: 'So she goes to school?'; 'Does she get good marks at school, is she a good little girl
for mummy?' In this type of situation, using the third person singular pronoun suggested something
terrifying
Here, as the girl indicates, on is being used in a disturbing way - an indefinite pronoun
used in a highly personal situation, depersonalising the girl.
On veut que les gens nous aimentje suppose. Mais ca ne peut etre la raison
pour laquelle on ecrit. On ecrit un livre car on ressent Vabsolue necessite
de lefaire. Et non pas parce qu'on veut dufric, ou trouver une petite amie
= we / 1 want people to like us /me I suppose. But that can't be the reason for writing. We /I write a
book because we /I feel absolutely constrained to do it - and not because we /I want some money, or to
find a girlfriend
In this example, as the translation implies, on becomes very close to being a substitute
for je - it teeters between a personal reference and a more general one.
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
225 Agreement of adjectives and past participles with on
Because on bears so many values, this is brought out in the matter of agreement with
adjectives and past participles (however, the verb never takes anything but the third
person singular form) - see 197. Of course, this is more obvious in written French than
in spoken French, where agreements are often not noticeable.
fa devait etre un plan d'une nuit, tnais on est restes ensemble six tnois = it
was meant to be a one-night stand, but we stayed together for six months
Tu nous imagines comme ca — couches, debout, assis? On est aussi
vulgaires? = can you see us like that - in bed, standing up, sitting down? Are we as common as that?
Dans toutes les Caraibes, les Cubains ont toujours ete les plus bosseurs.
Ma mere etait institutrice, on n'etait pas des privilegies = in all the Caribbean,
the Cubans have always been the hardest working My mother was an infant-school teacher; we didn't
have any privileges
Cest lafemme qui a envie d'un enfant la premiere, surtout quand elle
approche la quarantaine. La, on devient meme insistante = it's the woman
who's the first to want a baby, especially when she's getting close to forty. Then she even insists.
Certains se lavent le nez sous la douche. Quand on est enrhumee, c'est
different = some people wash their nose under the shower. When you've got a cold, that's different
Quand on se croit seul(e) ou a Vabri des represailles, il arrive qu'on se
lache unpeu ou carrement - when you think you're alone or out of danger of reprisals, it
happens that you let yourself go - a little bit or a lot
In the first two examples, because on refers to a couple, the past participle and adjective
have a masculine plural ending - but the verb remains in the third person singular. In
the next example, on covers the whole family and not just the mother. In the fourth
example, the person referred to is a woman, consequently insistante. In the second-
last example, the use of the feminine past participle seems odd after the masculine
pronoun certains, but is probably to be explained by reference to the fact that the
example is taken from a women's magazine. In the last example, the author covers the
possibility that the pronoun may refer to a girl or a guy by presenting the adjective in both
genders.
226 on and its other forms
When it is necessary to refer to the subject pronoun on as a direct or indirect object or
after a preposition, the reflexive forms are used -
Si on n'aime pas le cadeau, onpeut le revendre et s'offrir un autre = if you
don't like the present, you can sell it and buy yourself another one
Tu crois que c'est dangereux de sepercer le nombril soi-meme? = do you think
it's dangerous to pierce your navel yourself?
On prend trois comprimes qui vont arreter la grossesse en
court-circuitant les secretions de progesterone. C'est indolore et on repart
tranquillement chez soi —you take three pills which will stop the pregnancy by short-circuiting
the secretion of progesterone. It doesn't hurt and you can go home without a problem
176 I
227 Personal pronouns - object
227 Personal pronouns - object
The following examples illustrate the use of the personal pronouns as direct and indirect
objects -
First person singular
Je n'ai personne a qui me confier, j'espere que tu sauras m'ecouter et
peut-etre m' aider = I haven't got anyone to confide in. I hope you'll be able to listen to me and
perhaps help me
Je ne sais plus comment me coiffer — mes cheveux m 'abandonnent peu a
peu.Je ne peux plus rienfaire des quelques cheveux me restant. Je devrai
porter une perruque, ce qui ne m'enchante guere = I don't know how to do my hair
any more - my hair is gradually dropping out. I can't do anything with my few remaining hairs. I'll
have to wear a wig, and that doesn't appeal to me at all
Second person singular
Je t'ai reconnue, autant te dire qu'au milieu de mes lettres pas super-super
tordantes du mois 9 la tienne m'a fait grand bien = I picked you out - that's to say
that in the middle of my not-so-very funny letters this month, yours has done me a lot of good
Si tu veux tefaire percer, va dans un lieu specialise = if you want to have a
piercing, go to a place that specialises in it
J'ai hesite longtemps avant de t'ecrire = I kept hesitating before writing to you
Je t'appelle carj'ai un probleme = I'm callingyou because I've got a problem
Third person singular
Jepense que c'est bien de le prendre dans les mains au debut = I think it's fine
to take hold of it in your hands at the beginning
II me reproche de ne pas lui parler = he accuses me of not talking to him
Comment s avoir si ca lui fait plaisir? = how can I know if it gives her pleasure?
J'ai un probleme qui me tient enormement au coeur etje n' arrive pas a le
resoudre = I've got a problem that is very close to my heart and I can't sort it out
II n' arrive pas a le comprendre = he can't manage to understand it / him
Third person reflexive / reciprocal
Ilfaut sefaire pousser les poils = you'll need to grow hair
Cest la deuxiemefois qu'on se separe = it's the second time we've split up
Entre etres humains sentimentalement lies, ilfaut beaucoup se parler, se
dire des choses = Between human beings with a sentimental attachment, you have to talk a lot,
tell each other things
First person plural
Y a-t-il des risques que nous nous fassions arreter par la police? = is there a
risk that we'll get ourselves arrested by the police?
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Fairefondre quelques rondeurs superflues sans nous priver = How to get rid of
a few excess bulges without depriving ourselves
Second person plural
Oui 9 ily a des risques que vous vous fassiez arreter par la police 9 tnais ce
n' est pas le pire qui puisse vous arriver =yes, there is the risk that you'll get yourselves
arrested by the police, but that's not the worst that might happen to you
Pour tranformer vos petits kilos mous en muscles 9 nul besoin de vous
imposer des kilometres de footing ou des heures dans les salles de gym. II
vous suffit simplement d'opter pour la marche = in order to transform your wee soft
kilos into muscle, no need to impose kilometres of jogging on yourself or hours in the gym. All you need is
simply to opt for walking
Third person plural
fa va bien les deboussoler, les autres, qa va bien lesfaire ruminer,
medire, mais qa va leurfaire clouer le bee = that'll confuse them very nicely, it'll give
them food for thought, make them curse, but it'll make them shut their gobs
Je suis unefdle bizarre^ il ne m 3 arrive que des choses nulles 9 je les
collectionne = I'm a weird girl, only boring things happen to me, I collect them
Le mieux serait de leur dire que pour moi c' est juste histoire de voir ce
qu'ils valent au disco = the best thing to do would be to tell them that for me it's just a matter
of finding out how good they are at discoing
A Vheure ou tu liras ces lignes —grosso modo trois ou quatre semaines
apres queje les ai ecrites = when you read these lines - about three or four weeks after I've
written them
228 The various values of the reflexive pronouns me, te, se,
nous, vous
1 to refer back to the subject
Belle et mince meme sans se ruiner = beautiful and slim even without ruining
yourself
Pas la peine de vous punir avec une diete complete de trois jours apres
une crise de chocolat = not worth punishing yourself by not eating anything for three full
days after a chocolate crisis
2 to mark a reciprocal relationship
Nous nous aimons mais nos parents sont completement contre = we love
each other but our parents are completely against it
Soyez tres clair avec votre petite amie — ilfaut surveiller vos paroles 9 vos
actes pour vous proteger contre V incomprehension = be very honest with your
girlfriend -you need to watch what you say and do to protect yourself from misunderstanding
3 idiomatic usage with no corresponding value in English
230 Anticipatory it of English
Vous avez pris quelques kilos sans vous en rendre compte? = you've put on a
few kilos without realising it
Sans me vanterje suis Vhomme qui supporte le tnoins au tnonde « La
Guerre des etoiles » = without boasting I'm the bloke who likes 'Star Wars' the least of
anybody
229 le referring to a previously expressed concept
Quite often le is used to refer not to a previously expressed or understood noun but to
a concept expressed in a preceding (or subsequent) statement or question. English tends
not to pick up the concept in this way.
J'ai decide de vous proposer quelques sujets de redac queje corrigerai
dans ces pages , si le temps le per met = I've decided to suggest a few essay questions
which I'll mark in these pages, if time allows
Personne ne vous reprochera d 3 avoir tente medecine avant de vous
orienter sur la gestion. Le tout est de lejustifier sans fausse honte = no one
will criticise you for having attempted medicine before having a go at business. What counts is to justify
it without false modesty
II evoque V affaire comme « V accident qui a mis fin » a sa carriere au
journal « de la meme maniere imprevisible que Vauraitfait une attaque
cardiaque ou un accident d 3 avion » = he describes the affair as 'the accident which put an
end' to his career in the paper c in the same unforeseeable way as a heart attack or plane accident would
have done'
Le message est clair: comme le montre Vhistoire europeenne^
V antisemitisme ne touche pas que lesjuifs, mais concerne les libertes de
tous = the message is clear: as the history of Europe demonstrates, anti-Semitism doesn't affect just
the Jews, but concerns everyone's liberties
In the first three examples, the le refers back to a previous concept - in the first example
= to mark the essays; in the second = the change of career ambitions] in the third = the end to his
career. In the last example, it anticipates the idea that follows. Note that only in example
2 does the English translation use an it.
230 Dealing with the anticipatory it of English
Whereas English uses an anticipatory it to introduce a following idea, French does not:
therefore, it should not be rendered into French.
Les medecins considerent essentiel de suivre un programme d'exercices =
doctors consider it essential to follow a programme of exercises
Je trouve difficile de ne pas etre paresseux = I find it difficult not to be lazy
Elle estime important que les parents ne voient pas dans la garde alternee
des enfants une f agon de regler leur comptes entre eux = she thinks it important
for parents not to see in alternating looking after their children a way of settling scores between them
Je trouve choquant qu'il s'est servi de propos tellement obscenes = I find it
shocking that he used such obscene language
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
231 Stressed personal pronouns: 1
The stressed forms may occur alone or combined with meme. They are used for empha-
sis, when the pronoun is separated from the verb or follows a preposition, and in sentences
without a verb.
First person singular
Moi qui suis unefille et qui aimer ais etre un gar con = me a girl who'd love to be a
boy
Je suis un traitement^ mais il reste inefficace sur moi = I've been following a
course of treatment but it hasn't had any effect on me
Je comprends bien evidemment ton desarroi, ay ant ete fascine moi-meme
par lajoliesse de Sinead O'Connor = I can certainly understand your confusion, because I
myself have been fascinated by Sinead O'Connor's good looks
Qui c'est? — Moi = who is it? -Me
II ne s ait pas comment lefaire — Ni moi non plus = he doesn't know how to do it -
Nor do I
Second person singular
Quoi que tu puisses repondre 9 je pense a toi = whatever you may say in reply, I keep
thinking of you
Dans la serie « toi aussijoue avec Kylie », void la poupee Kylie Minogue =
in the series you too can play with Kylie', here's the KM doll
De qui est-ce qu'il parlait? — Toi = who was he talking about? - Tou
Third person singular
II ne cesse defaire parler de lui = he's always making himself talked about
J'avais un perroquet, mais mon premier mari m'a dit: « Cest lui ou moi »
= I had a parrot, but my first husband said to me: It's either him or me'
Cet animal m'evoque mon pere. Je ne s ais pas tr op pour quoi , mais c'est
tout a fait lui = this animal makes me think of my dad. I don't know why, but it's him to a tee.
Merci a Dido, qui, elle, nous a offert un vrai spectacle = thanks to Dido who gave
us a real show
Elle explique qu'elle n 3 avait jamais dit du mal d'elle = she explains that she had
never spoken ill of her
Cette periode houleuse s ' arrange generalement d'elle-meme vers 18—20
ans = this stormy period normally sorts itself out when you're between 18 and 20 years old
Third person reflexive
Soi is used with reference to an indefinite or unexpressed antecedent and in the expression
estime de soi = self-esteem.
Ilfaut se sentir tres a Vaise avec soi-meme et son partenaire =you have to feel
completely relaxed with yourself and your partner
180 I
232 Stressed personal pronouns: 2
J 'aide les femmes a se sentir belles , a entretenir leur estime de soi = I help
women to feel beautiful, to maintain their self esteem
First person plural
II y a un risque qu'entre nous ce ne soit plus pareil = there's the danger that between
ourselves it may not work out like that
Aujourd'hui, nous, on a la guerre d'Irak, la mondialisation et
V alimentation bio = today we've got the war in Iraq, globalisation and bio foods
Second person plural
Apprenez a vous imposer. Ne comptez que sur vous = learn to impose yourself
Don't rely on anyone except yourself
II y en aura pour tous les gouts et toutes les formes pres de chez vous =
there'll be one for all tastes and shapes near you
Third person plural
Tous mes amis me disent de garder le moral, mais c' est facile pour eux =
all my mates tell me to keep a stiff upper lip, but that's easy for them
Je sais que pour eux c' est juste histoire de se def outer = I know that for them it's
just a matter of letting off steam
J'aipeur d'eprouver quelque chose pour Vun d'eux = I'm afraid of having a feeling
for one of them
Aufil des mois, ces fines rayures vont blanchir et done s'estomper
d 3 elles-memes = as the months go by, these fine lines will turn pale and therefore blend in by
themselves
Un marathon du baiser a eu lieu a Manille aux Philippines. II etait reserve
aux amoureux maries ou fiances, mais selon les participants, beaucoup
d'entre eux ne Vetaientpas = a kissing marathon was held in Manila in the Philippines. It
was restricted to lovers who were married or engaged, but according to the participants not everyone was
232 Stressed personal pronouns: 2
The third person pronoun, singular and plural, can be used as the direct subject of the
verb, whereas for the other persons the unstressed pronouns need to be used as well -
// voudrait faire V amour deux ou troisfois par jour. Sije le repousse, il est
abattu. Lui pretend queje ne suis pas normale, done e'est Vimpasse = he'd
like to make love two or three times a day. If I reject him, he gets depressed. He claims I'm not normal,
so we've reached an impasse
Mon copain critique mon anatomie et cela me blesse. Lui dit que mes
seins sont trop petits, mais moi,j 3 en suis contente = my boyfriend keeps criticising
my body. He says that my breasts are too small, but I'm happy with them
Un homme age, lui, trouve au contraire valorisant de conquerir une
partenaire moins agee que lui = a older man on the other hand finds it enhances his prestige
if he conquers a partner younger than himself
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
// arrive a monpere de m'accompagnerjusqu'aux cabinets d' ess ay age.
Est-ce choquant? Moi,j'y suis habituee et ca ne me gene pas = it happens that
my dad goes with me to the fitting rooms. Is that shocking? Fm used to it and it doesn't worry me
La question est de savoir si toi tu as les qualites pour reveiller ce groupe =
the question is to know if you've got the qualities needed to shake this group up
Devenue redactrice en chef, le Guide, c'etait elle, les billets pleins
d'humour et de rosserie parfois, elle encore = having become editor in chief, she was
the guide, notes full of humour, sometimes ofnastiness too, that was her again
La mauvaise humeur du matin, le match dufoot, vous, vous y echappez =
the bad mood in the morning, the football match, you can escape all that
It is also possible for the third person pronoun to be repeated as with the other persons
Ilfaut dire qu'elle, elle ne pose pas de questions = it has to be said that she doesn't
ask questions
233 Stressed personal pronouns: 3
With certain verbs stressed pronouns are used to express to me, you, him, her, etc, rather
than the regular pronouns (me, lui, en, etc):
With J aire attention a = to pay attention to, s'habituer a = to get used to, penser a
= to think of avoir recours a = to have recourse to, rever a = to dream of songer a = to
think of tenir a = to be fond of
Je suisfolle amour euse d'un mec,je reve a lui tout le temps = Fm madly in love
with a guy; I dream about him all the time
Menager sa colonne vertebrale contribue a prevenir les maux —pense a elle
avant defaire des mouvements trop brusques = managingyour spinal column will
help avoid problems - think about it before making too sudden movements
With verbs of movement
Elle a couru a moi les larmes auxyeux = she ran to me with tears in her eyes
Mon petit ami m'a quittee —je ne sais pas comment m'y prendre pour
qu'il revienne a moi = my boyfriend has left me - 1 don't what to do to make him come back
However, if the 'movement' is intellectual, the unstressed pronouns are used -
// me vient a V esprit que ^important n' est pas le commentaire mais Vacte
= it occurs to me that the important thing is not so much talk as action
234 en andy
En and y are like the personal pronouns dealt with earlier in that -
1 they are placed between the subject and the verb when there is a subject,
and 2 they are used in exactly the same way with the imperative.
235 en
En is a pronoun which
182 I
235 en
1 is the equivalent of de + a noun or the idea contained in a phrase and = of about,
from + it / they; very often it is a matter of a verb with a prepositional object, eg
se servir de, se tnoquer de, se debarrasser de
2 is used in partitive constructions = some / any of it / them;
3 is the equivalent of the possessive determiner in English in certain circumstances;
4 is part of certain verbal expressions.
/ the equivalent ofde + noun
J 'adore ce t-shirt avec ces longues manches f endues aux coudes. Qu'est-ce
que tu en penses? = / adore this t-shirt with its long sleeves, split at the elbows. What do you
think of it?
Les lentilles les plus connues sont vertes ou rouges , mais il en existe
d'autres varietes = the best known lentils are green or red, but other varieties exist
Son epouse reprochait a V entourage du president d 3 avoir accapare les
voitures de son mari et au president d'en avoir eu connaissance = his wife
accused the president's entourage of having seized her husband's cars and the president of being aware of it
Si la rose est la reine desfleurs^ le jasmin en est le roi = if the rose is the queen of
the flowers, jasmine is the king
J'avais Vair d'un nain travesti entoure de gazelles. Tout le tnonde s'en
marrait = / looked like a dressed-up gnome surrounded by gazelles. Everybody took the mickey
Le diagnostic d y un medecin reste indispensable. N'hesitez pas a vous en
servir = a doctor's diagnosis is indispensable. Don't hesitate to use it
Ces photos 5 per sonne n'en conteste V authenticity = no one disputes the authenticity
of these photos
Quand ily a des informations sur la torture des prisonniers, des sanctions
doivent etre prises tres vite; cela responsabilise les personnes qui en ont la
charge = when there's information about the torture of prisoners, sanctions must be taken very
quickly; that makes the people who are in charge of them responsible
2 = some / any of it / them
Vous etes exigeantes avec vous-meme — voila pourquoi vous conseillez a
celles qui n' ont pas de tenue ASICS d'en avoir une = you're demanding with
yourself that's why you advise those who haven't got an ASICS outfit to get one
Je lis des textes sur Veconomie d'Afrique. J 3 en ai un tas = / read texts on the
economy of Africa. I've got stacks of them
Pour ne garder que Vessentiel du cafe, la compagnie retire le marc au
moment de V elaboration. Mais si vous y tenez^ onpeut vous en envoy er =
in order to preserve nothing but the essentials of the coffee, the company removes the grounds when it is
being produced. But if you want, they can send you some
Coupez les oranges en lamelles; sucrez-en la moitie = slice the oranges thinly;
sprinkle sugar on half of them
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Le succes des legumes sees s'explique en partie par leur richesse en
proteines. Cms, Us en contiennent jusqu'a 25%, et environ 10% apres
cuisson = the success of dried vegetables may in part be explained by their richness in proteins.
Uncooked they contain up to 25%, and about 10% after cooking
3 = English possessive determiner
Seulun interrogatoire detaille de V enfant et de ses parents per mettr a d'en
depister la cause [de sa maladie] = only a detailed interrogation of the child and its
parents will allow its cause to be traced
« Les photos sont choquantes mais nos rapports sont pires » dit Mme
Notari mais qui refuse d'en preciser le contenu = 'the photos are shocking but our
reports are worse', said Mme Notari, who, however, refused to give details of their contents
4 There are also a number of verbal expressions involving eir, where
the en seems to have little particular value —
II en va de meme avec les soutiens-gorges en matiere elastique = it's the same
with elasticated bras
Je lui en veux de m 3 avoir legue son nez enpatate = I hold it against him for having
bequeathed me his nose like a potato
J'ai vu Fabien, plie en deux, se tenant le ventre^ mort de rire — il n'en
pouvait plus = I saw Fabien, doubled up, holding his stomach, laughing as if he was about to give
up the ghost - he couldn't help it
Le clown revient. Mais il n'en peut plus, le clown = the clown has come back. But
he can't help it, the clown
Je suis seule.Jefais rire tout le monde, etje suis seule.J'en ai marre = I'm
all alone. I make everybody laugh, and I'm all alone. I'm fed up with it
J'en ai assez qu'on me telephone pour m'inviter a les f aire rigoler = it gets on
my nerves when they ring me up to invite me to make them laugh
Per sonne n'en veut de mes soucis = no one wants to hear about my problems
236 y
Y is a pronoun which
1 is the equivalent of a + a noun or the idea contained in a phrase and = at, about +
it / they', very often it is a matter of a verb with a prepositional object
egfaire attention a, penser a, renoncer a
2 = there
1 Equivalent ofk + noun
Que Von ait arrete defumer au debut d'annee ou depuis quelques annees,
le spectre de la rechute rode. On n'osepas ne pas y fair e attention = whether
you stopped smoking at the beginning of the year or some years ago, the spectre of starting again is ever
present. You dare not not pay attention to it
184
237 Demonstrative pronouns
J'y ai renonce ily a trois mois = I gave up three months ago
Si vous n'y tenez pas 9 vous pouvez les supprimer = if you don't like them, you can
get rid of them
Unefois que vous y aurez pris gout = once you've got a taste for them
2 = there
J'y ai rencontre celui qui allait devenir tnon tnari = / met the man there who was to
become my husband
Sous un chapiteau bleu magique on rit de bon coeur — clowns,
contortionnistes, trapezistes, acrobates — touty est = in a magic blue big top
everyone has a good laugh - clowns, contortionists, trapeze artists, acrobats - everything is there
Nous n'avons pas besoin de photos pour s avoir ce qui s'y est passe et c'est
inacceptable = we don't need photos to know what happened there - it's unacceptable
>emonstrative pronouns
237 Demonstrative pronouns
These are equivalent to English the one, this one, that one, those.
The forms
masculine singular
celui
the one
masculine plural
ceux
the ones
feminine singular
celle
the one
feminine plural
celles
the ones
The pronouns are very often combined with a relative pronoun.
On many other occasions the pronouns are combined with —ci 9 —la to indicate prox-
imity or remoteness.
masculine singular
celui-ci
this one, the latter
celui-la
that one, the former
masculine plural
ceux-ci
these ones, the latter
ceux-la
those ones, the former
feminine singular
celle-ci
this one, the latter
celle-la
that one, the former
feminine plural
celles-ci
these ones, the latter
celles-la
those ones, the former
The former, the latter sound rather pompous and formal in English - note the way forms
with -ci /-la are translated in the following examples.
For demonstrative adjectives, see 265-266.
185
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
238 Examples of demonstrative pronouns
+ relative pronoun
Void celui qui a gagne le jackpot = here's the one who's won the jackpot
Ceux qui la connaissaient savaient qu'elle etait aussi pleine de lav tries =
those who knew her knew that she was also full of tears
Quand on commence a conduire on n' est jamais tres a Vaise et la vitesse a
laquelle roulent certains peut effrayer Celles qui ont deja conduit
comprennent ce queje veux dire = when you begin to drive, you are never completely
comfortable and the speed at which some drivers drive can be frightening. Those (women) who already
know how to drive understand what I mean
Vous ne voulez causer probleme a ceux qui vous ont invitee =you don't want to
be a nuisance to those who have invited you
Surtout tous ceux qui murmurent que « la vie^ c'est bien complique », il
les deteste = he especially detests those who murmur that 'life's jolly complicated'
Comment etre celle que Von raccompagne . . . et pas celle qui
raccompagne = how to be the one taken home . . . and not the one who takes home
II y a celles et ceux qui en parlent beaucoup mais qui ne font pas
grand-chose^ et ceux qui restent plus discrets sur le sujet = there are those of
both sexes who talk a lot about it but don't do anything, and those who remain more discreet on the
subject
In the following case the relative clause is reduced to a past participle -
Des distributeurs automatiques de pommes verront bientot lejour. Ce
systeme est deja en place en Belgique — mais le sien differe de celui prevu
pour la France = automatic apple dispensers will soon be on the market. This system is already in
operation in Belgium, but it differs from the one envisaged for France
+ de + infinitive / noun
L'incapacite a dire non renvoie a une peur infantile. Celle de ne pas etre
aime si Von dit non a ses parents = the inability to say no evokes a childhood fear - that of
not being loved if you say no to your parents
C'est le meme message — celui de vous diriger vers le but de Vharmonie
du couple = it's the same message - that of aiming towards achieving harmony for your
twosome
+ -ci / -la
Le role parental, c'est de proteger les enfants contre les trop grandes
souffrances et les trop grands exces. Celui-ci s'exerce naturellement = a
parent's role is to protect their children against too much suffering and too much excess. It [the latter]
comes into play naturally
Kylie aurait presente son fiance Olivier Martinez a ses parents lors des
vacances de Noel. Ceux-ci seraient tombes sous le charme du beaufrenchy
186 I
239 ceci, cela, qa
= it's reported that Kylie introduced her fiance M to her parents during the Christmas vacation. The
latter are said to have fallen under the charm of the good-looking Frenchman
Ce spectacle de confusion ne va pas precipiter V adhesion de Londres a
Veuro. Celle-ci est remise a des calendes grecques = this confused spectacle isn't
going to precipitate London joining the euro. This has been postponed indefinitely
Mais la gross e actualite du moment, c'est la margarine anticholesterol,
commercialisee par Johnson & Johnson. Celle-ci fait un veritable tabac en
Finlande = but the hot news of the moment is anticholesterol margarine, put on the market byJ&J.
This [the latter] is making a big hit in Finland
Les regards qui se detournent, Toulouse qui ne parle « que de ca >>, les
couloirs ou Von chuchote. Ceux-la, tous ceux-la le mettent en rage = the looks
that don't meet your eye, Toulouse which speaks about nothing but 'that', the corridors where everyone is
whispering. These people, all such people, infuriate him
II y a des parents qui n'ontpas su nous proteger. Ceux-ci n'ont pas su nous
aimer nonplus = there are some parents who didn't know how to protect us. They [the latter]
didn't know how to love us either
Ilfaut apprendre a V enfant a se mefier du « trop », des gens trop mechants
tout comme des gens trop gentils. Ilfaut savoir comment mettre ceux-ci
comme ceux-la a Vecart =you must teach your child to be on their guard against 'too much',
people who are too nasty as well as people who are too nice. They need to know how to avoid both types
[the former as well as the latter]
239 The neuter demonstrative pronouns ceci, cela, qa
The function of these pronouns is to refer to the general content of a statement - ceci
to what has yet to be stated, and cela to what has already been stated - or to some
unspecified object. Ceci normally = this, cela normally = that, fa takes the place of
both ceci and cela in informal French and is very common indeed.
Prenez / ecoutez ceci = take / listen to this [something about to be explained]
Ces regies automatiques prevoient ceci — que si Von anticipe sa succession,
cela permet d 3 aider de son vivant ses enfants = these automatic rules foresee this -
that if you anticipate your succession, that allows you to help your children duringyour lifetime
Ne fais pas cela = don't do that [something already mentioned]
L' association europhile souligne que le referendum sur la monnaie
unique est une belle victoire. Cela ne trompe personne = the europhile
association keeps stressing that the referendum on the single currency is a splendid victory. That
deceives no one
Quand ca empoisonne la vie a chaque cycle, il ne faut pas hesiter a en
parler a un gynecologue = when that messes up your life every month, you mustn't hesitate to
speak about it to a gynaecologist
En amour, ca ne bouge pas assez, et vous aimeriez secouez votre coeur = in
love things are not moving enough and you'd like to give your heart a good shake
Comme qa, au moins, c'est equitable = at least, like that it's fair
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Possessive pronouns
240 Possessive pronouns
These are the equivalent of English mine ', yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs.
The forms
first person
masculine singular
le mien
mine
le notre
ours
masculine plural
les miens
mine
les notres
ours
feminine singular
la mienne
mine
la notre
ours
feminine plural
les miennes
mine
les notres
ours
second person
masculine singular
le tien
yours
le votre
yours
masculine plural
les tiens
yours
les votres
yours
feminine singular
la tienne
yours
la votre
yours
feminine plural
les tiennes
yours
les votres
yours
third person
masculine singular
le sien
his, hers,
le leur
theirs
masculine plural
les siens
his, hers,
its
les leurs
theirs
feminine singular
la sienne
his, hers,
la leur
theirs
feminine plural
les siennes
his, hers,
les leurs
theirs
A reminder that, as with the personal pronouns, the gender of the possessive pronoun
depends upon the gender of the noun it refers to, not the gender/sex of the person who
'possesses' it. See 267-271 for possessive adjectives.
241 Examples of possessive pronouns
Safatnille habite en Italie, la mienne en Roumanie = his family lives in Italy, mine
in Romania
fe t'ai reconnue^ autant te dire qu'au milieu de tries lettres pas super-super
tordantes du mois 9 la tienne m'a fait grand bien = I picked you out - that's to say
that in the middle of my not- so-very funny letters this month, yours has done me a lot of good
Ma mere est institutrice — la sienne Vetait aussi = my mum's a primary school
teacher, hers was too
Des distributeurs automatiques de pommes verront bientot lejour. Ce
systeme est deja en place en Belgique — mais le sien differe de celuiprevu
pour la France = automatic apple dispensers will soon be on the market. This system is already in
operation in Belgium, but it differs from the one envisaged for France
Changez vos habitudes et les siennes par la meme occasion car les
concessions reciproques seront le ciment de votre couple = change your habits
and his on the same occasion because concessions you make to each other will cement your twosome
II est possible qu'il ne comprenne pas votre malaise — le sien est beaucoup
moins aigu = it's possible that he won't understand your misgivings - his are a lot less serious
Un groupe d'etudiants americains est envoy e au Moyen-Age en France et
n y a que six heures pour trouver le moyen de revenir a leur epoque (qui est
aussi la notre) = a group of American students has been sent back to the Middle Ages in France
and has only got six hours to find a way of getting back to their time (which is also ours)
188
243 Examples of quantifying pronouns
Les vergetures vont de pair avec la puberte. Si les votres sont rosacees, il
est encore temps de demander a un dermatologue de vous prescrire une
creme = stretch marks go hand in hand with puberty. If yours are rosy -coloured, there's still time to
ask a dermatologist to prescribe you a cream
Nous etions tres ambitieux et les equipes quej'ai vues n'etaient pas
forcement meilleures que la notre = we were very ambitious and the teams I saw weren't
necessarily better than ours
J'aime les vetements crees par lesjaponais - les leurs ont un look tres
exotique = I like clothes designed by the Japanese - theirs have a very exotic look
Je dois avouer que nous avons tous les deux des secrets — le mien^je
n'oserai jamais le lui dire^ le sienje le connais, mais Une le s ait pas = I must
confess that we've both got secrets - I'll never dare tell him mine; I know his, but he doesn't know I know
Quantifying and indefinite pronouns
242 Quantifying pronouns
The main quantifying pronouns are - beaucoup de = many, certains = a certain number,
la plupart de = most, un (grand / petit) nombre de = a (large / small) number of,
quantite de = lots of, la majorite de = the majority of, la minorite de = the minority
of, plus de = more than, moins de = less /fewer than, peu de =few. In these cases the
linking de remains de, unless it is combined with the definite article - as in the examples
below.
However, in the case of bien des = many, des links the pronoun to its complement -
see below
Closely connected to quantifying pronouns are the numeral nouns, une douzaine =
dozen, une vingtaine = score, une centaine = about a hundred- see 437.
The issue at stake with quantifying pronouns is whether, when the pronoun is subject
of a verb, the verb should agree with the pronoun (which is usually singular in form) or
the complement (which is usually plural).
Practice is to make the verb agree with the complement - a plural complement attracts
a plural verb, a singular complement a singular verb.
This sometimes leads to seeming anomalies, when the complement is not specified or
is understood, since, in such cases, a singular pronoun will be accompanied by a plural
verb.
243 Examples of quantifying pronouns
Pronouns with plural complements
Beaucoup des photos contenues dans cette collection sont etonnantes =
many of the photos in this collection are stunning
Plus de la moitie des femmes ont moins de peche en automne—hiver = more
than 50% of women feel low in autumn-winter
Un grand nombre dejeunes veulentfaire des prouesses = a large number of
youngsters want to do something outstanding
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
La majorite de nos solutions sont adapt ees pour proteger vos proches en
cas d' accidents = the majority of our solutions are designed to protect those close to you in case of
an accident
J'ai vu quantite de gens feuilleter les livres de grammaire dans les
librairies = Fve seen lots of people leafing through grammar books in the bookshops
Peu de gens ont voulu croire que le danger est ecarte = very few people accepted
that the danger was over
La tete d'une petite fille decapitee dans un accident route sur la chaussee —
certains vomissent^ d'autres detournent leur regard = the head of a little girl,
decapitated in an accident, rolls onto the road - some throw up, others look away
Moins de femmes sourdes que defemmes entendantes sont mariees = fewer
deaf women than those with hearing are married
Si un proche tneurt d'une crise cardiaque enfaisant V amour , on oublie
facilement de preciser qu'il n'etait pas avec sa legitime — c'est le cas de la
moitie de Allemands trespasses dans ces conditions = if a relative dies from a heart
attack while making love, specifying that he wasn't with his legitimate partner is easily overlooked -
such is the case with half the Germans who pass away in such circumstances
On apris plus de la moitie de leurs ballons = we picked up more than half their balls
Pronouns with singular complements
Beaucoup du maquillage qu'on achete id estfabrique en Espagne = a lot of
the make-up you buy here is made in Spain
La majeure partie de la population est contre une nouvelle expansion de
VUE = most of the population is against a further expansion of the EU
II voulait remettre unpeu d'ordre a son appartement = he wanted to tidy up his flat
244 La plupart
La plupart is only used with plural nouns - except in the combination la plupart du
temps = most of the time
La plupart du temps je prefere etre seul = most of the time I prefer to be alone
La plupart desjournaux ont reproduit cette histoire = most of the papers printed
that story
La plupart pens ent qu'ils tiennent le destin entre leurs mains = most believe
that they hold their destiny in their hands
La plupart fdes billets] ont ete loues quinze jours auparavant = most were sold
a fortnight ago
La plus grande / majeure partie de replaces la plupart de before a singular
complement - see 243.
245 Indefinite pronouns and related expressions
The majority of these involve the phrase n'importe followed by a relative pronoun or
adjective.
190 I
Exercises
chacun / chacune = everyone ', n'importe qui = anyone, n'importe ou = anywhere,
n'importe comment = anyhow, n'importe lequel = any one
These expressions cannot be followed by a relative clause. For example, if it is necessary
to translate English anyone who thinks that into French, n'importe qui cannot be used;
instead qui que ce soit qui pense ca has to be used - see 153.
Neither can quiconque = whoever, anyone be followed by a relative pronoun or adjec-
tive, but it can be used to translate anyone who thinks that - quiconque pense ca
For chaque, see 272.
246 Examples of indefinite expressions
Chacun pour soi = everyone for himself
Chacun devrait savoir que la baisse des fumeurs en France est moins
importante chez les hommes que chez les femmes = everyone should know that the
decrease in smokers in France is less for men than for women
Je lui dis de ne pas me lire. II y a le choix, n'importe qui — n'importe qui
saufsonfils = / told her not to read me. There's a choice, anyone - anyone but her son
II y a un moment de la vie quand on se sent vraiment seul — n'importe quel
premier jour d'annee scolaire = there are times in your life when you feel really lonely -for
example, the first day back in any new school year
Apartir du moment ou ca n'apas marche^ elle a fait unpeu n'importe
quoi, comme une junior sans experience =from the moment that didn't work, she
behaved a bit anyhow, like a junior without experience
Tupeux venir me chercher a n'importe quelle heure du soir =you can come and
fetch me at any time this evening
Mettez-les n'importe ou = put them anywhere
Tout est calculi enfonction de Vintage qu'elles veulent donner a on ne sait
qui = everything is calculated in terms of the inage they want to present to goodness knows who
II a demande aje ne sais qui de V aider = he asked somebody or other to help him
he vol a ete reporte aje ne sais quand = the flight's been postponed till goodness knows
when
1 Reecrivez les passages suivants en changeant tout ce qui a rapport aux
pronoms personnels comme il vous est indique -
tu > vous
a Ce qui s' est passe pour ton amie auraitpu arriver n'importe quand.
Tu n 3 as pas contraint ton amie^ tu Vas simplement encouragee. Tu
peux etrefiere d'etre a ses cotes et de la soutenir.
b Cette annee^ tu organises le reveillon dujour de Van chez toi et tu as
envie de prqfiter de la fete sans passer ton temps a f aire des
i 191
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
aller-retours entre la table et la cuisine. Alors, adopte laformule
buffet. Tu pourras ainsi preparer tes plats a Vavance et la soiree sera
detendue pour toi.
vous > tu
c Vous void a present dans un climat de grande sensibilite, et votre vie
relationnelle et intime sera la plus touchee. Votre rythtne de vie risque
d'etre bouleverse apres une rencontre, et certains contacts pourraient
jouer un role important dans V aboutissement de vos projets.
D'heureuses perspectives s'offrent a vous.
d Vous allez vous depenser sans compter ; en relevant de nombreux defis.
Vos demarches sont menees avec une determination qu'on ne vous
connait pas, et vous prenez des decisions importantes en ce qui
concerne vos parents ou vos amis. Vous orientez ainsi votre vie sociale
et affective conformement a vos aspirations.
je > elle et puis je > il
e J 'ai Vimpression que mon identite a ete remise en question. Je
n' arrive plus a f aire de projets, ma vie est comme suspendue. C'est
terrible carje ne suis pas de nature depressive, j 'aime la vie,j y ai un
compagnon formidable, je suis tres attachee a mes animaux.Je me
sens terriblement seule face a ce probleme.
vous > elle
f Vous avez eu la main un peu lourde sur la pince a epiler. Resultat, vos
sourcils sont beaucoup tropfins, votre regard n' est plus aussi
envoutant et votre visage a perdu en caractere. En attendant que les
poils repoussent, vous devez vous mettre a vos pince aux. Pour
redessiner et etoffer tout ca, utilisez un crayon. Choisissez toujours
une teinte proche de la couleur de vos cheveux, pas trop sombre, pour
ne pas durcir votre regard.
je > il
g Je gagne tres bien ma vie, alors c'est normal que je paye des impots et
que ca profite aux autres. Et plus tard a mes enfants. J'aurais pu
partir a Vetranger comme beaucoup de sportifs, maisj'ai toujours dit
que sij'avais decide de payer des impots en France, c'estparce que ma
famille et moi avons une qualite de vie queje ne trouverais pas
ailleurs.
elles > nous
h // ne voulait pas savoir ce qu' elles ontfait, ou elles etaient ni de quoi
elles ontparle.
2 Reecrivez les passages suivants en remplacant on par d' autres
pronoms ou en utilisant d' autres strategies de remplacement -
a Un teint qui atteint la perfection? On en reve toutes.
b Pourquoi ne pas f aire les corvees avec une copine: on se sent moins
seule et on s'en amuse. Tout de suite on est moins tendue.
192 I
Exercises
c A peine est-on de retour des vacances que Von a deja Vimpression
d' avoir perdu le benefice qu'elles avaient apporte oupire de n'etre
jamais parties.
d Pour cet examen, on voit apparaitre Vimage du squelette sur Vecran.
Sur le tableau de Vecran on repere differentes courbes de couleur.
Ainsi on peut analyser differentes parties du squelette que Von sait
plusfragiles que d'autres.
e Se sentir belle et seduisante lorsque Von est ronde, c'est la mission de
Taillisime qui vous propose des modeles jusqu'au 58. Adieu la lingerie
tristoune et vieillotte quand on a la chance d 3 avoir un decollete
genereux!
Reecrivez les passages suivants en remplissant les blancs du pronom
qui convient - pronom demonstratif, possessif, personnel ou relatif.
Notez que quelquefois il y a plus d'un blanc a remplir -
a Ilfaut connaitre ses emotions, pour mieux . . . tenir compte.
b he bon cadeau est un autre langage que Vinconscient percoit comme
positif et . . . peut amener recoit a tomber amoureuse.
c Elle porte un gros carton sur . . . est collee une longue plume rose.
d Dans lefilm, il s'agit de deux jeunes fdles, comme le titre . . .
indique.
e Quelquefois se trompent sur nos gouts . . . trouvent un interet.
f ha fatigue est la manifestation d'un blocage qui empeche Venergie de
circuler. Bonne nouvelle, . . . ne demande qu'a etre debloquee.
g histez une dizaine de petites joies. Chaque jour piochez dans la liste
pour offrir trois.
h Mes desirs evoluent avec le temps ^je . . . laisse venir.Je . . . crois a
fond etj'imagine des plans pour . . . realiser.
i Tu connais Amelie — quand on a des f esses comme , on evite le
cuir rouge!
j On attendait avec une infinie curiosite le livre . . . il allait raconter
une autre de ses passions: VAfrique.
k Meme sans les muscles, tu peux . . . arriver.
1 Rien ne vous empeche de prendre une vraie collation quelques
heures apres le reveil: . . . vous evitera le coup de barre defin de
matinee.
m II . . . dit « Inutile de . . . faire un cadeau, . . . avoir a mes cotes est
deja le plus beau des presents imaginables. »Je ne sais jamais
quoi . . . offrir.
n hes gentils font par tie de cette categorie-la, n'utilis era jamais
vos faiblesses pour . . . tirer profit, ne . . . enviera jamais
votre magnifique petit copain ou vos succes.
o Ilfaut choisir une tonalite qui se superpose le plus exactement
possible a
p // est issu d'une famille de petits entrepreneurs de batiments. . . . a
exerce toutes sortes de petits boulots.
q J 3 ai commence a travailler sur des eglises et des discotheques
gonflables, . . . on m'a demandes de creer.
193
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
r 2,92 milliards d y euros, c'est la somme depensee en un an par les
Britanniques pour V achat de cocaine, . . . la consommation a
augmente de plus de 200% ces trois dernieres annees.
s Le president a ete consulte sur la reforme du Senat . . . souhaitent
bon notnbre des senateurs.
t La victoire de lajeune Beige n'a rien a voir avec le style des
Americaines. La ou . . . affichent des parents envahissants etpeu
sympathiques, Justine evoque la figure emouvante d'une mere
disparue alors qu'elle avait 13 ans.
u C'est un accessoire que les femmes achetent pour le plaisir
— mais aussi . . . de leur partenaire.
v Pensez a . . . lancer dans un programme d'activites physiques.
Preferez . . . de plein air.
w On va . . . qffrir des cadeaux. £a 9 je . . . avais deja pense, mais c'est
bon de repeter.
x Ce sont des personnes avec . . . j 'avais sympathisees dans mon
ancien travail ont signale un poste a prendre.
y Toute perte est irreparable. Et le monde dans . . . V enfant aurait du
vivre n y est plus le meme monde.
z J'ai vu Beatrice au « Bon Marche »: une vendeuse ... a dit qu'elle . . .
a vendu un string.
aa Sonpere se heurte a aurait pu etre^ a aurait du etre^
a n' est pas et ne sera jamais.
bb Cette situation peut temoigner d'un probleme au niveau des relations
personnelles. . . . peuvent etre difficiles ou inexistantes.
cc Elle a du demonter la douche en bois construite sur son toit, . . . la
presence genait le voisinage.
dd Quant aux cadeaux, —je donnerai plus tard, quand on
sera en tete a tete.
ee 25 raisons d' aimer Noel . . . vous n'auriez pas pens e.
194
Chapter 7 Determiners
247 Determiners
Determiners are those syntactic items which precede and qualify a noun.
They comprise the definite (le, la, les), indefinite (mm, une, des) and partitive (du,
de la, des) articles, the demonstrative adjectives (ce, cet, cette, ces), the possessive
adjectives (mon, ma, tries , ton, son, notre, voire, leur, etc).
248 The three articles
The definite article corresponds, mostly, to English the and basically refers to something
or somebody that has already been or is implicitly identified and specified.
Elle donne a LA tournee electorate un air de psychotherapie = she brings an
atmosphere of psychotherapy to the electoral trail
Tunisie — LE reve mediterraneen = Tunisia - the Mediterranean dream
Longtemps proposes comme une panacee AUX troubles de LA menopause,
LES traitements hormonaux sont mis sous surveillance =for a long time seen as
a panacea for the problems of the menopause, hormonal treatment is being investigated
Cent ans en bleu — tous LES matches, tous LES joueurs, LES stars, LES
epopees, LES capitaines, LES selectionneurs DLJ foot francais = a hundred years
in blue - all the matches, all the players, the stars, the legends, the captains, the selectors of French football
The indefinite article corresponds, mostly, to English a, an, some, and basically refers
to something or someone that has not yet been identified or specified; it introduces a
new, countable noun into a conversation or piece of writing -
UN corps sans vie a ete trouve = a lifeless body has been discovered
UNE vaste enquete a ete entamee sur le dopage = a wide-ranging investigation has
been undertaken into drug taking
Cefut UNE parodie de justice, UNE mascarade de proces = it was a parody of
justice, a masquerade of a trial
Definition d'UN oiseau — UN animal au corps reconvert de plumes, dont
les membres anterieurs sont des ailes, dont la tete est munie d'UN bee = the
definition of a bird - an animal with a body covered with feathers, the front limbs of which are wings,
the head of which is supplied with a beak
UNE omelette estfaite d'oeufs battus et cuits a la poele = an omelette is made
from beaten eggs cooked on a stove
i 195
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
In the plural, it refers to an unspecified number of countable items -
DES soldats americains ont ete envoy es au point chaud = American soldiers have
been sent to the hot spot
II vend DESfrotnages de toutes les regions de France = he sells cheeses from all
over France
La tele accomplit parfois DES miracles . . . cinematographiques =from time
to time the telly performs miracles . . . cinematographic miracles
The partitive article also corresponds to English some and is used with mass nouns;
basically it refers to objects or people envisaged as part of a whole; quite often no article
is used in English in such cases.
Votrejournee type est — on boit DES verres, on fait DU shopping - a typical day
for you - having a few drinks, shopping
Pour eviter les soucis de la constipation, il suffit, la veille au soir, de mettre
DES prune aux dans DE L'eau et de la boire le lendemain = to avoid constipation
problems, all you have to do is to put some prunes into some water overnight and drink it the next day
N'oubliez pas de manger DU fruit chaquejour = don't forget to eat some fruit every
Comment peut-onf aire un dessert aussi delicieux et aus si pratique avec
juste DU laity DES oeufs frais, DU sucre, DU caramel et unpen DE vanille!
= how can you make such a delicious and practical dessert with just milk, fresh eggs, sugar, caramel
and a little vanilla!
Later we discuss instances where no article is used - in such cases the term zero article
seems appropriate; see 258.
The similarities and differences between the French and English systems will be dealt
with in 251-257.
249 Forms of the three articles
The articles vary in form for gender and number (singular and plural). The gender
distinction applies only in the singular; in the plural, the forms may be masculine or
feminine. The plural of the indefinite article and the partitive article are the same - des.
msg fsg plural
definite article le la les
indefinite article un une des
partitive article du de la des
When the forms le, la would occur before a word beginning with a vowel or mute h,
the vowel in the article is deleted. If du would occur in a similar situation, it becomes
deV-
le garcon but V adolescent, Vhomme
lafille but Vadolescente, Vheroine
196
250 Position of the articles
du lait but de Valcool^ de Vhumour
de la biere but de Veau^ de Vhuile
When an aspirate h is involved, the forms do not change -
le hibou, la haie, du houx
When the preposition a precedes the definite article, it merges with it to form au in
the masculine singular and aux in the plural -
le lit — ► au lit
les lits — ► aux lits
les chaises — ► aux chaises
The same applies when the preposition de precedes the definite article - the same
forms are produced as for the partitive article -
le lit — ► du lit
les lits — ► des lits
les chaises — ► des chaises
250 Position of the articles
The article is usually the first element in the expression of which it is part -
Pelez LE poireau et LA carotte = peel the leek and the carrot
UN produit qui donne UNE sensation de legerete = a product that gives a feeling of
Vous pouvez aussi constituer DES petites haies raviss antes =you can also plant
charming little hedges
Jeferai DU potage pour le dejeuner = Fll make some soup for lunch
En lachant DU lest sur le deuxieme point = by making concessions on the second point
LA chair a saucisse, coupee AU couteau, avec de L'huile d'olive de Sidle —
sausage meat, cut with a knife, with olive oil from Sicily
However, if in an expression involving the definite or, less commonly, the indefinite
article, the adjective tout / tous / toute / toutes = all, every is also included, this
precedes the article -
Peut-on se laver les cheveux tous LES jours = is it all right to wash your hair every
day?
Tout LE tnonde est d' accord = everyone is in agreement
Tous LES murs sont converts de peintures = all the walls are covered in paintings
C'est toute UNE histoire = it's quite a story
But if the tout qualifies an adjective, it follows the article and precedes the
adjective -
C'est UNE toute autre histoire = it's quite another story
For tout, see 272.
i 197
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
251 Differences between French and English usages of the
articles - article in French where none is used in English: 1
As stated above, in the majority of cases, English and French use the articles in the same
circumstances.
However, there are a few differences that need to be noted - however (again!), it is all
too clear that usage fluctuates, as will be illustrated in the following sections.
Consequently 'No article' means normally no article, and 'Article' means normally an
article!
Article in French
where none is used in English 1 -
with nouns denoting classes of items —
LE tabac est mauvais pour la sante = tobacco /smoking is bad for your health
LE vin peut ameliorer votre bien-etre = wine can improve your sense of well-being
LES legumes sont bons pour vous = vegetables are good for you
LES passagers sont pries de se presenter a laporte numero 4 = passengers are
requested to proceed to gate number 4
La Chypre, la ou LES mirages ont une autre consistence = Cyprus, where mirages
assume a very different texture
Pour LES pores, ily a tres peu de subventions = for pigs, there are very few grants
with abstract nouns -
Elle cherche LA beaute, LE bonheur, LE succes = she's searching for beauty,
happiness, success
II aime LA linguistique, LA musique, LE jardinage = he likes linguistics, music,
gardening
Elle cherche LE bonheur qu'apporte LE succes = she's searching for the happiness
that success brings
However, an indefinite article is used when reference is made to a particular, but un-
defined, instance of the concept denoted by the abstract noun -
UN silence lourd est tombe sur lafoule = a heavy silence fell on the crowd
Je prefere UNE beaute formee par la maturite = I prefer beauty formed by maturity
and a definite article when the reference is to a specific, defined instance -
Pour supprimer les rides , ilfaut provoquer LA decontraction de la peau =
in order to eliminate wrinkles, it is necessary to make your skin decontract [cause the decontraction
of your skin]
Jadis dispensateurs du sesame republicain de L' ascension sociale = in days
gone by dispensers of the French Republic's 'open sesame' to social advancement
and the partitive article when abstract qualities are attributed to people or things -
Ilfaut montrer DE LA tolerance envers ceux de religions differentes —you
have to demonstrate tolerance towards people with a different religion
198 I
253 Article in French, none in English: 3
Avoir DU courage quand le danger menace est tres difficile = having courage
when danger threatens is very difficult
252 Article in French where none is used in English: 2
With names of countries and regions
Most names of continents, countries, islands, regions and rivers are accompanied by the
definite article -
continents (all feminine)
VAfrique = Africa, VAmerique du Nord = North America, VAsie = Asia, VEurope
= Europe
countries
masculine
le Bresil = Brazil, le Canada = Canada, le Chili = Chile, le Danemark = Denmark,
lefapon = Japan, le Niger = Niger, le Portugal = Portugal, le Zimbabwe =
Zimbabwe
feminine
VAfrique du Sud = South Africa, VAngleterre = England, la Chine = China, la
France = France, la Grande-Bretagne = Great Britain, la Libye = Libya, la
Russie = Russia, la Tunisie = Tunisia
A V extreme partie orientale de LA Siberie, cette peninsule de la taille de LA
France = at the eastern extremity of Siberia, that peninsula the size of France
L'Islande a bondi du Moyen Age au 21 e siecle = Iceland has leapt from the Middle
Ages to the twenty-first century
Note - no article is used with Israel = Israel -
II a ete accuse par Israel de negationnisme = he has been accused by Israel of negative
thinking
islands
Usage varies with the names of islands.
with article
la Barbade = Barbados, la Corse = Corsica, la Guadeloupe = Guadeloupe, le
Haiti = Haiti, lajamaique = Jamaica, la Sardaigne = Sardinia, la Sidle = Sicily
without article
Chypre — Cyprus, Corfou = Corfu, Cuba, Ibiza^Java^ Madagascar,
Majorque = Majorca, Malte = Malta, Taiwan
For a more detailed discussion of the usage of the definite article and prepositions with
regions, rivers, French departments, American states and British counties, see 393.
253 Article in French where none is used in English: 3
With names of languages —
Nous apprenons LE roumain = we're learning Romanian
i 199
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
LEfrancais, L'espagnol, LE portugais et L'italien sont tous des langues
romanes = French, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian are all Romance languages
Le Canada a deux langues officielles — L' anglais et LEfrancais = Canada has
two official languages - English and French
Note - with parler the article is normally not used -
On parle anglais ici = English is spoken here
However, as soon as there is some qualification of the noun, an article is usually used
Elle parle bien LE maltais = she speaks Maltese well
II parle UNfrancais impeccable = he speaks an impeccable French
With various sets of nouns —
names of seasons —
Je prefere LE printemps a L'automne = I prefer spring to autumn
L'ete tout le tnonde se precipite a la cote = in summer everyone rushes to the coast
names of substances, products -
L' heroine est une drogue tres dangereuse = heroin is a very dangerous drug
LEjus de pamplemousse prend particulierement soin de votre corps et
tnetne de votre esprit = grapefruit juice takes special care of your body and even your mind
names of illnesses -
Mon traitement contre LA migraine m 3 a fait grossir - the treatment Fve had for
migraine has made me put on weight
LE psoriasis peut se confondre avec LA dermatite = psoriasis may be confused with
dermatitis
Special cases
to translate last^ next in expressions of time —
L'annee dernier e = last year {LA dernier e annee = the last year)
LA semaine prochaine = next week (LA prochaine semaine = the next week)
with names of the days of the week to indicate a habitual action; the name of the day is
retained in the singular —
Les permanents de nos agences recoivent une formation LE mercredi = the
permanent members of staff from our agencies are given training every Wednesday
LEjeudi on visite le restaurant Tivoli avec sa belle terrasse = every Thursday
we go to the Tivoli with its beautiful outside seating
See also 438 for usage with fractions.
254 Differences between French and English usages of the
articles - no article in French where there is one in English
No article in French — zero article — where there is one in English
in appositions
where one noun is used to supply more information about a preceding one -
200 I
255 Different article in French from English
Alain, fits cadet de Jean-Luc = Alain, the younger son of Jean-Luc
Alphonse Daudet, auteur d'un notnbre de livres remarquables = Alphonse
Daudet, the author of a number of remarkable books
LeclerC) supermarche nutnero un de France = Leclerc, the number one supermarket in
France
Le dernier miracle en date vient de Vltalie^ pays fertile en apparitions = the
latest miracle comes from Italy, a country much given to apparitions
But, it should be noted that the article may also be used in these situations.
Thierry Defforey^ actionnaire de Carrefour, Francois Dalle, L'ancien
patron de VOreal 9 Roger Zannier, LE roi du vetement pour enfants = Thierry
Defforey, a share-holder in Carrefour, Francois Dalle, (the) ex-boss ofVOreal, Roger pannier, the king
of kids' clothes
Summary - usage is mixed, with the article being more commonly used when a more
specific reference is being made.
To indicate a person's profession or status with such verbs as etre ?
devenir, rester, nommer -
Elle est restee celibataire toute sa vie = she remained a spinster all her life
II est devenu journaliste = he became a journalist
Note - if the noun is qualified in any way, the article is used, ie when the noun ceases
being general and becomes particular -
// est devenu UN journaliste celebre = he became a famous journalist
Elle est LA meilleure mere du monde - she's the best mother in the world
With the exclatnative quel, etc = what a
Quelle surprise! = what a surprise!
Quel dommagel = what a shame!
Quel debut pour lajeune actrice! = what a start for the young actress!
With par = per
lis lefont deuxfois par semaine = they do it twice a week
(^ a fait dix euros par personne = that comes to ten euros a person / per person
255 Differences between French and English usages of the
articles - a different article in French from English
Definite article in French vs indefinite in English
to indicate quantities, prices, ratios -
Les oranges sont a 6 euros LE kilo = oranges are 6 euros a kilo
Combien? — 7 euros LE tube = how much? - 7 euros a tube
Auprix de 0,34 euros LA minute = at a cost of 0.34 euros a minute
I 201
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Definite article in French vs possessive adjective in English
with parts of the body -
Debouty LES bras le long DU corps, tnontez LAjambe vers LE buste, en
plaquant LE genou sur LA poitrine = standing upright, with your arms by your side, bring
your leg up towards your chest, pullingyour knee into your torso
Ces maillots de bain soutiennent LES seins, gomment LES rondeurs, font
LE ventre plat et LA cuisse longue = these swimsuits support your breasts, smooth out your
bulges, flatten your stomach and make your legs look longer
Allongez-vous sur LE dos, LES bras en croix, LES pautnes au sol, LES
jatnbes a 90 degres = lie on your back, with your arms crossed, your palms facing downwards,
your legs at a right angle
Note - when an action is performed upon your own or someone else's body, an indication
of whose body it is is provided by using an indirect object pronoun -
Elle s' est fait tnasser LE dos tout doucement = she had her back massaged very
gently
Quandfaut-il sefaire op erer AU genou? = when should you have a knee operation / an
operation on your knee?
Petits cons eils pour bien se laver de LA tete AU pied = advice on washing yourself
thoroughly from head to toe /your head to your toe
However, the possessive adjective may also be used in these situations -
Croisez vos bras = fold your arms
Si votre genou est arthrosique = if your knee is arthritic
Derouiller ses articulations 9 tonifier ses muscles —pour avoir la forme 9
rien ne vaut une bonne seance de gymnastique douce = loosen up your joints, tone
up your muscles — to keep in good shape, there's nothing like a good session of gentle exercise
The possessive adjective is normally used when the body part is subject of the verb -
En trente ans nous avons grandi — nos jambes se sont allongees = in thirty
years we've got bigger - our legs have grown longer
Mes cheveux ne sont plus aussi bruns qu'ily a cinq ans = my hair is no longer as
brown as it was five years ago
A la fin d'un ete passe sous le soldi, vos cheveux ont besoin de se
ressourcer = after a summer spent in the sun, your hair needs to be restored
When reference to a body part is general rather than specific, the definite article is
used-
Les cheveux blancs ne sont pas uniquement V apanage de Vage = white hair is
not just the prerogative of age
Summary of usage - when the reference is to a body part in general, the definite article
is normally used; when the reference is more individual, the possessive adjective is more
commonly used, especially when the body part is subject of the verb.
"202 I
257 Differences in articles with lists of nouns
256 Differences between French and English usages of the
articles - usage with titles
Monsieur and Madame plus a title or 'job description' are frequently used in French
as a form of address. In such cases the definite article is inserted after Monsieur or
Madame. There is no equivalent in English.
Monsieur le Maire = Mr Mayor
Madame la directrice = the principal / the head
Monsieur le directeur des finances = the finance director
Madame la ministre de Vinterieur = the Home Office minister
With names of kings, queens and popes, French and English usages differ, English using
an article whereas French does not -
Elizabeth II (Elizabeth deux) = Elizabeth II (Elizabeth the second)
Benoit XVI (Benoit seize) = Benedict XVI (Benedict the sixteenth)
Titles followed by a proper name require an article in French -
Le President Chirac = President Chirac
Le professeur Collard = Professor Collard
Le docteur Decaux = Dr Decaux
But not for the names of saints or barristers -
Saint Paul, Sainte Agnes
Maitre Verges
257 Differences between French and English usages of the
articles - lists of nouns
In English, in lists of nouns, the definite article is usually used before the first noun, but is
not repeated thereafter, unless the noun is qualified or is specific in denotation. In French,
the article is regularly repeated before each noun - although in journalism quite often
no articles are used at all.
Articles
II suit le surgissement des nouvelles heresies: LE Flozver Pozver du
mouvement hippie, LAfievre anti-societe de consommation des jeunes
Francais, LE print emps de Prague et LA brutale replique sovietique = he
traces the emergence of the new heresies — the Flower Power of the hippy movement, the
anti-consumer-society fever of the Frenchyouth, the Prague spring and the brutal response of the Soviet
government
Cela n' aider a pas ces pays pauvres a hitter contre L 3 empoisonnement des
gros carnivores, LE braconnage et LE paturage sauvage = this won't help these
poor countries to fight against the poisoning of large carnivores, poaching and illegal grazing
I 203
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
No articles
Absence defiches de paie, contrat de travail bidon et recours a des
interimaires non declares sont les principales infractions enregistrees =
lack of pay slips, bogus contracts and use of undeclared temporary staff are the main offences recorded
Les fetntnes ont ce merite de « cibler » des pratiques connues qui
repugnent a nos moeurs et nos lois: mariages forces 9 contraintes et
devoiements de V « honneur » machiste des peres et des freres = the women
have the merit of targeting those known practices which offend our traditions and laws -forced
marriages, constraint and corruption of the macho honour of fathers and brothers
258 Zero article
In many cases, nouns are not preceded by a determiner. We have already seen this with
nouns in apposition, names of profession following etre, etc; see 254. This state of affairs
may be described as involving the zero article. Apart from those already mentioned, the
most common circumstances are the following -
noun + preposition + noun
The prepositions most frequently used in this way are -
a
une carte a memoire = memory card
une cuillere a cafe = tea spoon
une imprimante a jet d'encre = ink-jet printer
une planche a voile = wind-surfer
une robe a volants = flounced dress
de
la gestion de patrimoine = personal por folio management
un placement d'attente = short-term investment
une robe d'ete = summer dress
une salle de bains = bathroom
une tasse de cafe = cup of coffee
en
une chemise en coton = a cotton shirt
un escalier en colimacon = spiral staircase
un mouchoir en papier = paper handkerchief
une occasion en or = golden opportunity
un toit en ardoise = slate roof
sous
la mise sous cloche = putting on the back-burner
204
258 Zero article
past participle + noun
Une table decoree defleurs = a table decorated with flowers
Une action depourvue de sens = an action without any meaning
Un champ entoure de barbeles = afield surrounded with barbed wire
Habille de jeans = wearing jeans
Une cave remplie de bons vins = a cellar full of good wine
adverbial expressions consisting of preposition + noun
a gauche / a droite = on the left / on the right
a p or tee de main = within reach
avec difficulte = with difficulty
avec plaisir = with pleasure
en ete = in summer
en route = on the way
par insouciance = out of carelessness
par minute = per minute
sans effort = effortlessly
sans hesitation = without hesitation
sans pitie = without pity
When the noun is qualified in some way, the indefinite article is used -
par une insouciance incroyable = with unbelievable carelessness
avec un plaisir considerable = with considerable pleasure
However, with grand, the zero article is often retained -
avec grande difficulte = with great difficulty
set phrases
avoir besoin = to need
avoir f aim = to be hungry
avoir honte = to be ashamed
avoir sommeil = to be tired
demander pardon = to ask for forgiveness
faire defaut = to be lacking
faire plaisir = to give pleasure
205
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
rendre service = to help
tenir tete = to defy
259 When des becomes de
1 When a plural adjective precedes the noun
DE belles opportunites peuventfaire naitre DE beaux projets ■
opportunities can produce good projects
II y a DE simples regies pour eviter ces malaises = there are some simple rules to
avoid such discomfort
DEjolis pulls en coton = pretty cotton jumpers
Les Beiges fabriquent D'excellents chocolats = the Belgians make excellent
chocolates
Les bacteries benefiques que contient leyaourt chassent D 3 eventuelles
bacteries nefastes = the beneficial bacteria in yoghurt eliminate possible harmful bacteria
However, when the adjective and noun are regularly used together and form a sort of
unit in themselves, this rule does not apply -
II y avait DES jeunes filles qui attendaient que le groupe de rock quitte le
batiment = there were some girls waiting for the rock group to leave the building
Apporte-moi DES petits pois = get me some peas
II fait DES petits pains aux grains de pavot = he makes bread rolls with poppy seeds
But if an evaluative adjective precedes the noun as well, the rule is reapplied -
II fait DE magnifiques petits pains aux grains de pavot = he makes fantastic bread
rolls with poppy seeds
In ordinary speech the rule is less and less often observed.
2 Preposition de + indefinite or partitive article des
Quite often grammatical logic would require a combination of the preposition de and the
indefinite or partitive article des. In such circumstances, the article and the preposition
coalesce to form a single de -
Decorez DE framboises, DEfeuilles de menthe = decorate with strawberries and mint
leaves
La combinaison d'un regime alimentaire et DE soins hebdomadaires la
seduisent = she is delighted by the combination of a diet and weekly care
Cette repetition annuelle D'inondations desastreuses amene a s'interroger
sur leur origine = this annual event of disastrous floods prompts us to think about what causes
them
Pour avoir autant DE benefices que dans unyaourt nature, ilfaudrait que
vous consommiez deuxftacons DE lait = to have the same amount of calcium as in a
natural yogurt, you would have to consume two cartons of milk
206
259 When des becomes de
This only applies to the preposition de; with others, the indefinite article appears in its
full form -
L'utilisation de ce bonpour un autre achat que celui mentionne donnera
lieu a DES poursuites = the use of this coupon for a purchase other than that stated will lead to
legal proceedings being taken
Grace a DES proprietes remarquables, il agit la ou est le probleme = thanks
to remarkable properties, it acts where the problem lies
Je travaille sur DES nouvelles quefespere bien publier = I'm working on some
stories which Pm very hopeful of being able to publish
3 After quantifiers and similar expressions
Expressions of quantity involved are - assez = enough, autant = as much, as many,
beaucoup = many, much, a lot of, combien = how much, how many, moins = less, peu =
little, few, un peu = a little, plus = more, tant = as much, so much, as many, so many, trop
= too much, too many.
Other expressions denote the idea of grouping objects or people together, of describing
quantities of anything.
Beaucoup D'etudiants aimeraient leurpropre voiture = lots of students would like
their own car
Une trentaine DE potiers, D' artisans, D' artistes de renom et de talent =
about thirty well-known and talented potters, craftsmen and artists
J'aipris deux mois DE vacances = I took two months' holiday
Bon nombre DE soldats libyens seront formes par des instructeurs italiens
= a large number of Libyan soldiers will be trained by Italian instructors
Des tonnes DE dechets s'accumulent tous les jours = tons of rubbish pile up every
Vous pouvez emporter dejolies boites DE galettes bretonnes =you can take
away pretty boxes of Breton galettes
Certaines associations D'aveugles se focalisent sur un seul metier = certain
organisations for blind people concentrate on a single profession
Exceptions - bien des = many, encore des = still more
It should be pointed out that when any of the quantifiers mentioned above are
combined with the definite articles, the de contracts with the article to becomes
des -
Beaucoup DES investissements promis n'ont pas vu lejour = many of the
promised investments did not see the light of day
La four mi electrique est tellement agressive qu'elle menace beaucoup DES
ecosystemes fragiles du pays = the electric ant is so aggressive that it threatens many of the
country's fragile ecosystems
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
260 More de - use of indefinite and partitive articles with a
negative expression
In such cases, the article, whether singular or plural, becomes de (see 416, 427) -
Je n'aipas DE carottes, ni DE poireaux = I haven't got any carrots or leeks
lln'y a pas DE centre equivalent en Belgique = there isn't an equivalent centre in
Belgium
Ces minidoses sont calculees defacon de ne pas laisser DE traces d'EPO
synthetique dans les urines des athletes = these minidoses are calculated in such a way
that no trace of synthetic EPO is left in the athletes' urine
Le calecon — il n'aplus rien DE vulgaire et se retrouve sous une mini-jupe
= there's no longer anything vulgar about pants - wear them under a mini-skirt
Je renouvelle cette seance deux fois par an, quand le produit n' a plus
D'effet = I repeat this session twice a year when the product no longer has any effect
This does not apply when etre is used in a defining sense; in such cases the full form of
the indefinite or partitive article is preserved -
En revanche, ce ne sont pas DES concentres de lait cotntne les yaourts = on
the other hand, they're not milk concentrates like yoghurt
Ce ne sont pas DES endives tnais DES poireaux = they're not endives but leeks
261 Repetition of article
The articles are repeated before each noun in a series unless it is considered that the
nouns form a single unit.
Ajoutez LES poireaux, LA menthe, DU sel, DU poivre et UNpeu d'eau = add
the leeks, the mint, salt, pepper and a little water
Pour LES latnpes et veilleuses [= the lighting as a whole] , evitez les ampoules
a forts amperages qui risquent de provoquer DE graves brulures et DES
incendies [= separate dangers] =for lamps and nightlights, avoid those with a high ampage
which might cause serious burns and fires
D'autres saveurs ontpris le relais, comme LA lavande, LA rose ou
L'oeillet = other scents have taken over such as lavender, rose or carnation
In lists, even of only two items, which do not seem to form a single unit, this principle is
not always observed -
Jusqu'alors sous la forme de pates, crimes ou poudres exclusivement,
c'est en 1879 que le premier savon rond apparait dans Vhistoire = until then
only in the form of pastes, creams or powders, it was in 1879 that the first round soap made its
appearance in history
262 Which article?
Although the definite and indefinite articles in English and French have many similarities
in terms of their use, there are still many occasions when knowing which article to use
in French is a major difficulty The best way to overcome this difficulty is to observe
208 I
264 Key
the articles you hear and see in spoken and written French respectively and decide for
yourself whether you would have used them in the same way, and attempt to discern and
deduce the principles behind their use.
In the following example of written French, all cases where an article is used and also
those where no article precedes a noun are denoted by a number or asterisk. In the next
section the reasons for the use or non-use of the article are explained.
263 La 1 nouvelle Athenes
Du 2 > 5 13 an 35 29 aout, la* Grece accueille les 7 28e olympiades d ,10 ete. Pour
l' 7 evenement, la 7 capitale s'est embellie et remodelee
«Ce que les 1 Atheniens ont entrepris dans lew ville est digne des travaux d'Hercule », s'exclame Anna
Iliokratidou, 5 directrice de V 1 Office national du 2 tourisme hellenique. Depuis sa designation
officielle, le 5 5 septembre 1997, comme 5 cite note des 2 Jeux de l' 2 ete 2004 a , Athenes vit au 5
rythme des 2 pelleteuses, dans un 5 decor surrealiste d' 9 echafaudages, de 9 tranchees, de 9 gravats et
de 9 palissades. Mais le 7 resultat est la. Enfin, presque.
« II y a eu du 7 cafouillage au 3 debut des 2 travaux, mais, a quatre mots et demi de la 1 ceremonie d ,10 ouverture,
les 1 Atheniens mettent les 11 bouchees doubles. Tout ce qui est necessaire au 3 bon deroulement des 2 epreuves sera
vraisemblablement operationnel. Ce qui a etefait est colossal», souligne Xavier de Neuville, 5
president-directeur general d'Heliades, 5 voyagiste officiel des 2 Jeux^. Ce n'est pas rien.
Outre les 7 installations sportives (six nouveaux stades ont ete construits), Athenes a entrepris
une 5 restructuration radicale de son espace urbain: 12 creation d'un^ peripherique de 73 km/ 2
construction de 8 km de 9 lignes de 10 metro et de 24 km de 10 tramway, entre le 7 centre et
Glyfada, 72 construction d'un^ nouvel aeroport international a la 7 peripheric de la 7 ville et mise
en 77 place d'une^ voie ferree pour le raccorder au 5 centre ville, une^ autoroute, des 2 routes^, la 7
modernisation du 2 reseau telephonique, un 5 village olympique . . . Le 7 tout, pour un^ budget
total avoisinant 4,5 milliards d' 9 euros.
Ce qui est deja operationnel (l ,7 aeroport international Elefterios Venizelos ouvert en 2001,
l'un^ des 2 plus performants d' 70 Europe, alors que l' 7 ancien detenait le record des 2 retards, deux
nouvelles lignes de 10 metro, la 7 voie Attique qui, depuis six mois, contourne le 7 nord de la 7
ville . . .) ameliore deja notablement le 7 quotidien. Tant celui des 2 habitants que celui des 2
touristes.
Des 5 quartiers branches a la 7 maniere occidentale surgissent. Gazi, tout proche de V 1 agora,
ou la 7 municipalite vient de reconvertir un 6 hangar de l' 7 ancienne usine a 70 gaz en 10 centre
culturel (Metropolis) ou se succedent expositions d' 70 art contemporain, 72 conferences, 72
spectacles. 72
Technopolis, un ff pare culturel dedie a la 7 musique e (e'est ici qu'aura lieu le 7 traditionnel
Festival de 70 jazz en 10 mai) qui avait deja investi cette friche industrielle depuis trois ans, envisage
de doubler son espace. 72 Restaurants branches, 72 bars a la 7 mode, 72 discotheques, 72 terrasses de 10
cafe ont aussitot fleuri dans les 7 environs, ouvrant et fermant au 5 rythme des 2 tocades. Dans le 7
quartier de Psiri, a cote du 2 cimetiere du 2 Geramique (la 7 plus ancienne necropole de l' 7 Attique),
des 5 galeries d' 70 art investissent les 7 anciens entrepots de 10 grossistes. Des 5 restaurants et des 5
tavernes d'ou s'echappent des 5 odeurs de 10 brochettes s'installent dans des 5 maisons a moitie en 10
ruine, un 5 cinema de 10 plein air occupe une 5 friche. Le Figaro 13 mai 2004
264 Key
1 definite article with specified noun
2 de combined with Ze, les with specified noun
3 a combined with le 9 les with specified noun
4 definite article with name of country
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
5 definite article with date
indefinite article with previously unspecified noun
7 partitive article with unspecified amount of mass noun
8 noun in apposition
9 de + quantity
10 preposition + noun with adjectival value
11 idiom
12 noun in list
Cases requiring particular comment
a Jeux de Vete 2004 — the definite article is used here, in contrast to les 28e
olympiades d'ete earlier, because in the current case ete is qualified by 2004,
whereas in the earlier case it is not; it is used generically
h voyagiste officiel desjeux - although voyagiste is qualified by officiel, in which
case one might expect an article to be used (le voyagiste officiel), it seems as if the
whole expression voyagiste officiel is being considered as the name of a
profession.
c une autoroute, des routes - in this long sentence, there is ellipsis of construction
d 3 before these two nouns.
d Vun - the definite article has been inserted before un for reasons of euphony,
specifically, to separate the un of 2001 from the following indefinite article and thus
avoiding an awkward repetition of the same syllable.
e un pare culturel dedie a la musique - normally a noun in apposition is not
preceded by an article - see examples with 8 ; however, because pare is qualified by
dedie a la musique, an article becomes necessary.
strative determiners
265 Demonstrative determiners - demonstrative
adjectives - the forms
These are equivalent to English this, that, these, those.
The forms
masculine singular
ce, cet
this, that
masculine plural
ces
these, those
feminine singular
cette
this, that
feminine plural
ces
these, those
The form cet for masculine singular is used before a word, noun or adjective beginning
with a vowel (it is triggered into operation like the adjectives bel 9 fol 9 mol 9 vieil for
beau 9 fou 9 mou 9 vieux - see 195).
Occasionally, the adjectives are combined with -ci, -la to indicate and empha-
sise proximity or remoteness; the -ci, -la is added to the noun modified by the
adjective.
210
266 Examples: demonstrative adjectives
masculine singular
ce, cet
. . . -ci
this
ce, cet
. . .-la
that
masculine plural
ces . . .
-ci
these
ces . . .
-la
those
feminine singular
cette . .
. -ci
this
cette . .
.-la
that
feminine plural
ces . . .
-ci
these
ces . . .
-la
those
This does not occur so often as with the demonstrative pronouns. For demonstrative
pronouns, see 237-239.
266 Examples of demonstrative adjectives
ce
Pour soulager un peu votre peine, nous vous envoy ons 24 cannettes de ce
breuvage = in order to relieve your distress, we're sending you 24 cans of that brew
Un site consacre aux sandales portees avec des chaussettes. Ce site
dispose d'une collection photographique enorme = a website devoted to sandals
worn with socks. This website disposes of an enormous collection of photographs
Vous trouverez tous les renseignements dans ce numero ou sur notre site =
you 7 11 find all the details in this number or on our website
cet
Si vous voulezfaire un peu d' argent cet ete = if you want to make a bit of money this
summer
Toute boisson au cola contient E338 —pour les chimistes cet element a
plusieurs notns = any cola drink contains E338 - chemists know this element by several names
ces
Ces tacticiens hors pair ont des convictions solidement ancrees, et la
passion chevillee au corps = these master tacticians have solidly anchored convictions and
boundless passion
Je peux vous dire que ces jeunes gens, surdoues intellectuellement, sont
fragiles et completement desarmes face a des situations difficiles = / can tell
you that these youngsters, super-smart intellectually, are fragile and completely at sea when faced with
tricky situations
ce . . . ci
SHI reussit ce nouveau challenge-ci, ily gagnera une grande confiance en
lui = if he succeeds in this new challenge, he'll gain a great deal of self confidence
ce . . . la
Tout a commence un vendredi 13 — ce jour-la lafille de ses reves cede a ses
avances = everything began one Friday 13 th - that day the girl of his dreams yielded to his advances
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
ces . . . -la
Ces clients -la supportent si mal certains de leurs membres qu'ils sefont
amputer par pur mal-etre = those patients have so little tolerance of certain of their limbs that
they have themselves amputated by pure despair
cette
Grace a cette machine vous allez pouvoirfaire votre propre bar be a papa =
thanks to this machine you 7 11 be able to make your own candyfloss
Cette annee ca pent etre vous = this year it could be you
Cette tache originelle, le scrutin de 2004 n' aura pas reussi a Veffacer = that
original flaw will not have been removed by the 2004 election
Cette femme ne veutpas tant attraper que s y arranger (astucieusement)
pour sefaire attraper = that [such a] woman doesn't so much want to catch [a man] as
organise herself (cunningly) to have herself caught
cette . . . ci
Cette ligne-ci vous propose des solutions astucieuses = this line proposes some
amusing solutions
Cette photo-ci rappelle celles quej'avais vues dans V autre collection = this
photo reminds me of those I had seen in the other collection
cette . . . la
Un monde parfait, avec des gens jeunes et beaux eternellement^ cette
image-la je ne la reconnais pas - a perfect world full of the eternally young and beautiful, I
don't recognise that picture
Je ne peux pas supporter cette emission-la — c'est trop debile = I can't stomach
that programme - it's too pathetic
ces . . . ci
Les chercheurs emettent Vhypothese que ces personnes-ci depourvues de
toute oreille attentive reagissent au stress de maniere plus prononcee =
researchers propose the hypothesis that these people who do not have someone to listen to them react to
stress in a more obvious way
ces . . . la
Si vous trouvez que ce regime-ci vous convient, n'hesitez pas a abandonner
toutes ces methodes-la = if you find that this diet suits you, don't hesitate to abandon all those
other methods
ossessive determiners
267 Possessive determiners - possessive adjectives
These consist of the set of possessive adjectives. The adjectives are the equivalent of
English my ', your, his, her, its, our, their.
212
268 The son series
singular
plural
first person
masculine
feminine
mon
ma
my
my
notre
our
plural
tries
my
nos
our
second person
masculine
feminine
ton
ta
your
your
votre
your
plural
tes
your
vos
your
third person
masculine
son
his, her,
its
leur
their
feminine
sa
his, her, its
plural
ses
his, her,
its
leurs
their
The masculine singular form mon, ton, son is used before a feminine word beginning
with a vowel or mute h -
Ma reussite extraordinaire = my extraordinary success
Mon extraordinaire reussite = my extraordinary success
Mon atnie = my girlfriend
Ton odeur puissante = your strong smell
Son equipe de dieteticiens = his / her team of dieticians
It is vital to remember that the form of the possessive adjective is determined by the
gender of the noun it precedes, not the sex of the person involved - hence tnon, ton,
son are used before masculine nouns regardless of whether they refer to a male or female;
similarly ma, ta, sa are used before feminine nouns regardless of the sex of the person
involved.
The distinction between the two sets of forms for the second person singular, ton, ta,
tes and votre, vos corresponds to that between tu and vous discussed in 216.
The use of a possessive adjective and its 'rivalry' with the definite article with parts of
the body is discussed in 255.
For discussion of the possessive pronouns, see 240-241.
268 The son series
The matter of agreement is particularly acute with the son series of possessive adjectives
because each form has a number of potential meanings. For example, son does not
necessarily always = his; it may, but it also = her, its; likewise, sa does not necessarily
always = her; it may, but it also = his, its. Remember that the form used is determined
by the number and gender of the noun qualified not by the gender of the possessor.
The third person adjective is also used as the possessive adjective corresponding to the
indefinite pronoun on - see 224 for the values of on - this complicates the situation still
further. The following examples illustrate the different values that the son series may
have -
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
= her
Je suis consciente qu'une jeune femme musulmane n' est pas censee
concretiser toutes ses pulsions = I'm aware that a young Muslim girl is not supposed to
fulfil all her impulses
Quand on lui demande ou elle puise son imagination, elle evoque son
enfance et lepeu de plaisir que lui procurait le mobilier de sa chambre =
when she's asked where her imagination came from, she mentions her childhood and the small amount of
pleasure that she got from her bedroom furniture
Son nouvel album n'est peut-etre pas son meilleur = her latest album is perhaps not
her best
Elle pourra prqfiter de son talent exceptionnel = she'll be able to benefit from her
exceptional talent
Elle mene une vie d'enfer a ses parents = she leads her parents a terrible dance
= his
Un It alien a ete ass as sine d'une balle dans la nuque — ses ravisseurs
menacent de tuer trois de ses compatriots = an Italian has been put to death by a shot
in the neck - his kidnappers are threatening to kill three of his compatriots
Apres 48 jours de mer dans sa tentative de record du tour du monde a la
voile, Olivier Kersaus on et son equipage progress aient a un peu plus de 10
noeuds = after 48 days at sea in his attempt to break the round-the-world record, Olivier Kersauson
and his crew made progress at just over ten knots
= its
On aime aussi la version hyp er-puiss ante — son secret? = its hyper-powerful
version is also popular - its secret?
France Loisirs vousfait decouvrir des plumes originates - ses auteurs vous
transportent dans des univers decales = France Loisirs helps you discover some original
writers — its authors transport you to unfamiliar worlds
= one's /your / their
Deux mois pour sculpter son corps = two months to shape your (one's) body
pour ressusciter sa peau = to give new life to your (one's) skin
Freud appelle « transfert » le mouvement par lequel le patient revit, dans
sa relation avec son psychanalyste^ un fragment de son passe affectif=
Freud uses the term 'transfer' to describe the process whereby the patient relives, in his relationship with
his psychoanalyst, a fragment of his affective past history
269 Possible ambiguity of meaning of son series
Because, as mentioned above, the son series = his, her, its, one's, it sometimes happens
that it is not clear who the possessor referred to by the adjective actually is. In order to
disambiguate any problems, it is necessary to add a prepositional phrase to the noun -
a + personal pronoun -
214 I
271 Other persons of possessive adjectives
Je prefere les couleurs de sa chambre a elle que celles de sa chambre a lui
= I prefer the colours in her bedroom to those in his
Son parfutn a elle est delicieusement sophistique = her perfume is delightfully
sophisticated
Elle portait son pull a lui = she was wearing his jumper
270 votre/vos
Whereas the series ton, ta 9 tes always refers to a single person, the series votre, vos
can refer to either a single person or a group of people. The context is likely to be more
formal when it refers to a single person - for more details see discussion of vous / tu,
216.
singular
Je regrette de dire que votre progres n' est pas satisfaisant, jeune hotntne =
Pm sorry to say that your progress is not satisfactory, young man
Mademoiselle, voulez-vous laisser votre manteau dans le vestiaire? = do you
want to leave your coat in the cloakroom, Miss?
Votre nouvel album est plus rock et moinsfunk =your latest album is more rock and
less funk
singular or plural
Ecrivez votre nom en majuscules = write your name in capital letters
Mettez vos affaires dans la chambre a coucher = putyour things in the bedroom
Comment reagirez-vous quand un mec vient chercher votre fille pour une
soiree? = how will you react when a guy comes round to take your daughter out for the evening?
Vos cheveux sont desormais raides = now your hair is straight
Impossible de boutonner votre jean fetiche 9 alors que samedi dernier il
vous allait encore comme ungant? Si vous attendez vos regies , ca n'a rien
de surprenant = impossible to do up your lucky jeans, whereas last Saturday they still fitted you
like a glove? If your period's due, it's not at all surprising
plural
Vous avez ete nombreux a ecrire — n'oubliez pas de precis er vos
coordonnees = many of you have written - don't forget to supply your details
Tout le monde est arrive — il est temps defaire le point sur vos projets =
everyone's arrived - it's time to give an up-date on your plans
271 Examples of the other persons of the possessive adjectives
mon 9 ma, mes
J'aifait croire a mes proches quej'etais mort = I made my nearest and dearest believe
I was dead
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Quand la chambre de mafille vire a la porcherie, je suis aussi gonflant que
Vetaient mes parents = when my daughter's bedroom turns into a pigsty, Fm as annoying as
ever my parents were
Je voudrais changer mon nez 9 mes cheveux, tries ongles, tries epaules et
tries orteils = Fd like to change my nose, my hair, my nails, my shoulders and my toes
ton, ta, tes
Metne si tu connais ta taille, rien ne vaut un bon essayage en boutique =
even if you know your size, there's nothing better than trying it on in the shop
Tafetnmey voit probablement une forme de soumission =your wife probably
sees it as a form of submission
Je me serais fachee tout rouge a ta place = in your place I would have become absolutely
incandescent
notre, nos
Un true pour aider nos lecteurs a seduire un top tnodele = a wheeze to help our
readers seduce a top model
Au bout d'une semaine nos discussions se sont orientees vers le sexe = after
a week our discussions turned to sex
On ne doit pas brader ce que nos ancetres nous ont laisse = we must not
undervalue what our ancestors left us
Depuis toujour s leurs odeurs ont impregne nos corps = their perfumes have
always impregnated our bodies
leur, leurs
Leurs joueurs ont si souvent echoue lors des grands rendez-vous a cause de
leurs querelles intestines interminables = their players have so often collapsed during
major events because of their interminable internal feuds
De tres nombreux supporters anglais sont restes dans le pays en depit de
V elimination de leur equipe en quart de finale = a good many English supporters
have stayed on in the country despite the fact that their team was eliminated in the quarterfinals
Les lecteurs voteront pour leurs candidates preferees = readers will vote for their
favourite candidates
Leur objectif porte sur la defense d'interets corporatistes = their aim focuses on
the defence of corporatist interests
Les relations a distance , ca n'apas que des inconvenients — leur tnauvaise
humeur, leur match defoot, leurs copains qui sHncrustent^ vous, vous y
echappez = relationships at a distance don't only have disadvantages - their bad moods, their
football match, their mates always hanging around, you avoid all that
The following instances in French illustrate a difference between French and English
usage. In English the equivalent of maillot = trunks, peau = skin would be in the
plural - belonging to the group - but it is in the singular in French - belonging to each
individual -
216 I
272 Indefinite determiners - chaque, tout
Quoiqu'il ait essay e de nous f aire nous quitter notre maillot, nous avons
decide de le garder = although he tried to make us take our trunks off, we decided to keep
them on
Trois potes trial dans leur peau = three mates uneasy within themselves
Indefinite determiners
272 Indefinite determiners - chaque, tout
The most frequently encountered indefinite determiners are chaque, tout.
chaque = each, every
Chaque fille aime donner Vimpression qu'elle est reservee et que c'est a
vous de lui reveler safeminite = every girl likes to give the impression she's reserved and
that it's up to you to bring out her feminine side
Votre frustration va monter chaque jour d'un cran = every day your frustration goes
up a notch
Chaque lecteur per met de stocker de 20 a 100 heures de video = each reader
allows you to store between 20 ands 100 hours of videos
For chacun see 242-243.
tout
Tout acts as a determiner in two ways -
1 tout in the singular and directly preceding the noun it determines = any)
2 tout in singular or plural and preceding the definite article or another determiner =
all, every.
The forms of tout are -
masculine singular tout masculine plural tous
feminine singular toute feminine plural toutes
examples of 1
Toute personne qui prendrait cette hormone risque d y encourirun cancer =
any person taking this hormone risks getting cancer
Ou mettre le parfum? — toute zone qui n' est pas exposee a Vair = the best place
to put perfume? - any spot not exposed to the air
Tout homme devraitfaire aussi attention a leur odeur qu'a leur look = any
man should pay as much attention to their smell as to their appearance
examples of 2
Toutes lesfemmes aiment vous raconter ce qu'elles ont vecu^ comment
elles ont percu les autres = all women love to tell you how they've been, how they view others
Tous les Francais consomment plus de 20 kilos de frontage par an = all
French people consume more than 20 kilos of cheese a year
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Maintenant tous les salaries sentent qu'ils ont ete entendus = now all those on
the payroll feel that they've had a hearing
Toute Vequipe a bienjoue = the whole team played well
Ony a cru malgre tous ces petits signes du destin = we believed it in spite of all
those little signs of destiny
Tous tries amis ont echange un clin d'oeil = all my friends winked at each other
See 250.
1 Reecrivez les passages suivants en ajoutant les articles qui conviennent
- defini, indefini, partitif ou zero -
a Pour savoir si on a . . . jambes de . . . reve 9 reperez dans . . . glace . . .
creux entre . . . cuisses, . . . autre au-dessus de . . . genou et . . .
dernier a . . . niveau de . . . chevilles. SHI en manque un ou deux 9 il
faut declencher . . . plan Or seel (equivalent of AA/RAG)
b Chez . . . homme . . . cerveau est responsable de toutes . . . facultes
cognitives et de . . . controle de . . . emotions et de . . . instincts.
Toutes . . . informations provenant de . . . monde exterieur y sont
recues et traitees, . . . comportements organises, . . . raisonnements
elabores et . . . actions decidees. Safonction essentielle est de nous
permettre d'apporter . . . reponses originates a . . . problemes poses
par notre environnement. C'est avec lui que nous sommes capables
defaire . . . choix, bons ou mauvais.
c Apres . . . vetements jetables, maintenant . . . frasques
mangeables. . . . idee arrive de . . . royaume de . . . pommes chips. . . .
styliste anglaise a prepare . . . premiere robe a . . . frites, avec . . .
chapeau assorti. C'est de . . . gout exquisl
d ... mirabelles — elles doivent etre dorees avec . . . taches de rousseur,
et exhaler . . . parfum leger. Leur peau 9 souple sous . . . doigt, est
recouverte de . . . fine pellicule qui les protege de . . . dessechement.
e Lorsque . . . crise se produit ou . . . scandale est devoile, . . . premiere
reaction de nombreux personnages publics de nos jours est dejaillir
en . . . torrent . . . remords.
f . . . nouvelle Peugeot 407 integre . . . produits innovants qui respondent
a . . . exigences de . . . securite, . . . confort et . . . environnement. En
particulier . . . nouveau systeme de . . . essuie-glace qui permet
d'optimiser . . . surface et . . . qualite de . . . essuyage.
g Quatorze patients hospitalises a . . . CHU ont trouve . . . mort a . . .
terme de . . . pratiques de . . . euthanasie directe ou indirecte. Telle
est . . . conclusion de . . . expertise medicale citee dans . . . presse
regionale.
h ... gouvernement espagnol a decide de rapporter d'au moins un
an . . . entree en vigueur, prevue pour . . . 25 mai, de . . . loi visant a
2U
Exercises
ouvrir . . . transport ferroviaire a . . . concurrence. Cette loi avait ete
condamnee par plusieurs regions autonomes de . . . pays et par . . .
cheminots de . . . chemins de . . . fer espagnols.
i ... nuit 5 pendant que . . . bonne partie de . . . population ronfle
tranquillement, un demi-million de . . . auditeurs, de tous . . . ages e£
fows . . . milieux sociaux, restent colles a leur poste de . . . radio.
j ... rosiers sont de plus en plus souvent proposes en . . . po£. Tentant,
mais est-ce bien raisonnable? Non 9 sHl s'agit de . . . rosiers malingres
mis en . . . po£ a . . . dernier moment ou encore de . . . rosiers
produits industriellement dans . . . tourbe pure. Mais s'il s'agit de . . .
rosiers mis en . . . pof depuis . . . hiver, dans . . . conteneurs profonds
remplis de . . . terreau contenant . . . argile, pas . . . hesitation.
k Votre point faible: . . . manque de . . . perseverance. Vous ne prenez
pas . . . decision, ou alors pas de . . . facon durable; vous etes
incapable de . . . effort, pas plus motivee par . . . succes que par . . .
echec. II n'y a que . . . nouveaute, . . . idee de . . . plaisir pour vous
stimuler.
1 . . . bonne alimentation — . . . sucres lents ( . . . pates, . . . pommes
de . . . terre) qui apportent . . . energie tout a . . . long de . . . dure
journee, et non . . . sucres rapides — . . . patisseries, . . . bonbons — qui
donnent . . . coup de . . . fouet immediat, mais induisent . . . coup
de . . . pompe dans . . . heures qui suivent.
m Yacco propose . . . nouvelle gamme de 14 lubrifiants moteurs. . . .
conduite urbaine, . . . trajet autoroutier, . . . competition: tous . . .
besoins sont pris en compte par ces huiles qui respondent a . . .
nouvelles exigences — . . . reduction des emissions polluantes, . . .
reduction de . . . consommation de . . . carburant, . . . espacement
de . . . vidangesy . . . lutte contre . . . usure, etc.
n Si Von se refere a . . . langage de . . . couleurs, . . . jaune stimule . . .
memoir e et . . . attention, . . . bleu calme . . . esprits, . . . vert
apporte . . . equilibre et . . . rouge stimule . . . sens.
Reecrivez les passages suivants en ajoutant le determinant possessif ou
Particle qui convient -
a Pompe (= press-up) avec leve de . . .jambe. En position de pompe
classique, . . . mains sont dans Valignement de . . . epaules, mais un
peu plus espacees que la largeur de ces dernieres. Descendez . . . corps
enflechissant . . . bras et en levant . . . jambe aussi haut que possible
sans plier . . . genou. Quand . . . torse est pres du sol, gardez la pose
quelques secondes, puis tendez . . . bras pour revenir a la position de
depart. Changez de . . . jambe.
b ... corps est convert de taches blanches —j'ai des taches blanches
sur . . . corps, . . . visage, . . . cheveux, et . . . poils sont egalement
affectes. Je suis obsedee par . . . corps et surtout . . . visage.
c Pour utiliser le flexi-ball, ungros ballon en plastique souple,
posez . . . ventre sur le flexi-ball, . . . mains au sol, . . . bras
tendus. . . . jambes sontjointes et tendues. Enfaisant pression
avec . . . hanches, levez . . .jambes le plus haut possible. Gardez la
position 5 secondes.
I 219
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Reecrivez les passages suivants en ajoutant le determinant
demonstratif qui convient -
a . . . mois, on examine la machine a laver le linge.
b // s'agit de faire plaisir a toute lafamille. Celui-ci se nourrirait
exclusivement de pates et de riz, . . . autre rechigneface a une assiette
de courgettes, et . . . dernier ne tolere pas les legumes.
c Une circulaire ministerielle precisait que le poids d'un cartable
d'ecolierne devrait pas exceder de 10% celui de V enfant. . . . norme
n'est toujour s pas respectee.
d Disposez de Vherbe tondue en Veparpillant autour des legumes. En 15
jours, . . . paillis (= mulch) disparait.
e Sans Vaide de . . . creme,j'aurais certainement mis plus de temps a
me debarrasser de tous . . . kilos.
f Seul point commun entre . . . enfants psychiquement atteints: . . .
cocktails hormonaux pris par les meres! D'ou Videe d'un lien possible
entre . . . psychoses et Vempreinte hormonale au stade foetal.
Reecrivez les passages suivants en ajoutant le determinant possessif
qui convient -
a Les huiles different par . . . teneur en vitamine E, . . . resistance a la
chaleur et, bien sur, . . . gout.
b // est urgent que nous redonnions a . . . enfants le gout de Veau.
c Dire que Golovinjoua a . . . meilleur niveau serait exagere.
d Entre ces deux competitions, j^aurai le temps de changer . . . patins et
de corriger . . . programmes.
e Comment qualifieriez-vous . . . sexualite actuelle?
f L'apparence est fondamentale pour une femme qui veut reussir
dans . . . societe. Je suis done tres attentive a maintenir . . . image
sur . . . lieu de travail.
g On tient a tefeliciter de . . . bon sens et . . . reponses toujour s
percutantes.
h Ce quipeut etre interess ant pour nous, e'est qu'il apporte plus de
profondeur a . . . jeu.
220
Chapter 8 Prepositions
273 Prepositions
Small but highly significant, prepositions enable sentences to be expanded and more and
more complex ideas to be expressed.
Prepositions perform two major syntactic functions -
1 linking verbs to adjectives, nouns and other verbs
2 preceding nouns to form prepositional expressions
274 French prepositions
The following is a list of French prepositions. Some consist of a single word, others consist
of more than one word.
1 Single-zvord prepositions
a, apres, avant, avec, chez, compris, contre, dans, de, depuis, derriere, des,
devant, durante en, entre, envers, environ, excepte, tnalgre, par, partni,
pendant, pour, sans, sauf, selon, sous, suivant, sur, vers
2 Multi-zvord prepositions
a cause de, a condition de, a cote de, afin de, a force de, a moins de, a
partir de, a travers de, au bout de, au cours de, au-dela de, au-dessous de,
au-dessus de, au lieu de, aupres de, autour de, au travers de, d'apres, de
crainte / peur de, defacon / maniere a, de la part de, du cote de, du haut
de, en dehors de, en depit de, en face de,face a, grace a, hors de,jusqu'a, le
long de, lors de, par-dessous, par-dessus, par suite de, pres de, quant a
^positions which link
275 Prepositions which link
Prepositions are like hooks which link together elements of language, specifically adjec-
tives, nouns and verbs to verbs.
The number of linking prepositions is small. The prepositions in question are a, de,
par.
It should be noted that sometimes the French preposition is an exact equivalent of the
one used in English, sometimes it is different, and on yet other occasions no preposition
is used in French where one is used in English and vice versa.
This last possibility is known as a zero preposition and describes those cases where
a preposition might be used but is in fact not. We will deal with the zero preposition
first.
221
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
276 Zero preposition
The zero preposition is used to link certain verbs with a following infinitive. The most
common verbs involved are -
adorer = to adore, aimer = to like, to love, aimer mieux = to prefer, oiler = to go,
amener = to bring, arriver = to arrive, avoir beau = to do in vain, compter = to count
on, confirmer = to confirm, courir = to run, croire = to believe, to think, daigner = to
deign, declarer = to declare, descendre = to go down, desirer = to desire, devoir = to
have to, dire = to say, ecouter = to listen, emmener = to take away, entrer = to go in,
esperer = to hope, estimer = to reckon, faillir = to fail, falloir = to be necessary
(ilfaut = it is necessary), (s')imaginer = to imagine, manquer = to miss, mener =
to lead, monter = to go up, nier = to deny, oser = to dare, paraitre = to appear,
partir = to leave, penser = to think, pouvoir = to be able, preferer = to prefer,
pretendre = to claim, se rappeler = to remember, reconnaitre = to recognise, rentrer =
to return home, retourner = to return, se reveler = to turn out, revenir = to come back,
savoir = to know, sembler = to seem, sortir = to go out, souhaiter = to wish, valoir
mieux = to be better, vouloir = to wish, to want
It is perhaps worth pointing out that all the modal verbs act in this way; see 159-163.
277 Examples of verb + zero preposition
J' adorer ais creer des parfums en labo = Fd adore creating perfumes in a lab
J'aime entreprendre des choses etje sais ce queje veux = I love doing things and I
know what I want
II a su quej'allais etre lafemme de sa vie = he knew I was going to be the woman in
his life
Tout va bien se passer = everything's going to work out well
Vous avez la sensation d'etre mieux rase quand vous n'utilisez pas de
produit avant-rasage - c a ne devrait pas arriver I = you feel as f you've had a better
shave when you don't use a pre-shaving product - that shouldn't happen!
Ilfaut marcher au moins 3 a 5 km par jour — ca augmente de sept ans
Vesperance de vie =you should walk 3 to 5 km a day - that increases your life expectancy by
sevenyears
Pourquoi cours-tu? —A quel autre moment un homme peut-il porter du
lycra moulant rose? = why do you go running? - When else can a man wear pink, tight fitting
lycra?
De la a choisir unefemme depressive en croyant pouvoir lui redonner
le gout de vivre, ily a unpas que meme un psychologue ne s ait pas
franchir =from there to choosing a depressive woman believing that you can give her back a
taste for living, there's a step that not even a psychoanalyst knows how to take
En classe 9 je prefere porter des pantalons baggy et des baskets pour ne pas
me f aire remarquer = at school I prefer wearing baggy trousers and trainers so as not to make
myself noticed
Le document se revele etre d'un interet primordial = the document turns out to be
of the greatest interest
~222 I
278 faire, entendre, envoy er, laisser, etc.
Ne sac hunt pas cuisiner^je me demande si unefemme apprecierait une
pizza surgelee pour diner = since I don't know how to cook, I wonder if a woman would
appreciate a frozen pizza for dinner
Les itineraires des jeunes filles ont ete Studies par les enqueteurs, ce qui a
semble r assurer leur pere = the routes the young girls took have been studied by the
investigators, which seemed to reassure their father
Bon moment pour sortir s'entrainer a marcher ', grimper, sauter = ifs a good
moment to go outside to practise walking, climbing, jumping
Pour bien demurrer, mieux vaut prevoir un temps d'apprentissage = in order
to make a good start, it's better to allow time to learn the ropes
J'aurais voulu ressembler a Marilyn Monroe, mais c'est rate!= Pd have liked
to look like Marilyn Monroe, but no luck!
278 faire, entendre, envoyer, laisser, regarder, sentir, voir
These verbs are also linked to a following infinitive by a zero preposition -
faire
La drogue a fait naitre une narcoculture = drugs have produced a drug culture
Faites durer le plaisir = make the pleasure last
Le tabac fait chuter le taux de vitamine C = tobacco reduces the level of vitamin C
Faites monter la temperature en lui donnant des frissons = make her temperature
rise by giving her the shivers
Les risques de se faire attraper vont etre de plus en plus grands = the risks of
getting caught are going to get bigger and bigger
laisser
Opter pour un masque reparateur — laisse poser dix minutes puis rincer
ou faire penetrer en massant = opt for a rejuvenating face pack - leave it on for ten minutes,
then rinse it off or massage it in to make it penetrate
Laisser la peau se reposer en oubliant le maquillage pour unjour = allow
your skin to rest by not putting on any make-up for one day
voir
Rien ne destinait Elisabeth et Claire a voir leurs destins se croiser et encore
moins s'unir = nothing destined Elisabeth and Claire to see their destinies cross let alone unite
However, if two objects are involved, one of the finite verb and the other of the infinitive,
different constructions occur.
1 If the finite verb is faire, the former appears as an indirect object -
Cest ce qui lui faisait selectionner des symptomes sinon les inventer =
that's what made him select symptoms if not invent them
II a fait dessiner sa nouvelle maison a un architecte = he had his new house
designed by an architect
223
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Si ton mec n 'est pas trop grand, fais-lui porter une veste de la couleur de
son pantalon, afin d'allonger la silhouette = if your guy isn't very tall, make him
wear a jacket the colour of his trousers in order to lengthen his silhouette
2 If the finite verb is one of the others, a choice of constructions is available, if
pronouns are involved -
Elle les lui laisse raconter sans interruption
Elle la laisse les raconter sans interruption
she let her rabbit on without
interrupting her
If a noun or nouns is involved, the construction is as follows -
Restez au tnoins une heure dans Veau pour laisser aux muscles le temps
de se denouer = stay in the water for at least one hour to allow your muscles time to relax
Restez au moins une heure dans Veau pour les laisser le temps de se
denouer = stay in the water for at least one hour to allow them time to relax
Elle a entendu son amie dire des imbecillites = she heard her friend talk nonsense
Elle Va entendue dire des imbecillites = she heard her talk nonsense
219 a linking an adjective to a following infinitive
Amongst the most common adjectives are —
apte = capable, assis = sitting, bon = good, couche = lying, debout = standing,
decide = determined , determine = determined, dispose = disposed, du = due, enclin =
inclined, facile = easy,ferme = closed, fonde = justifiable, habile = skilful, good, lent =
slow, long = long, ouvert = open, prepare = prepared, pret = ready, prompt = prompt,
propre = appropriate, resolu = determined, sensible = sensitive, unanime = unanimous,
utile = useful
C'est ... a is dealt with in 22 1 .
280 Examples of a linking an adjective to a following infinitive
Vous allez toujours au bout de vos projets, determine a supporter ou
encaisser beaucoup =you always carry through your projects determined to put up with or take
on a lot
Ilfaut etre dispose a prendre le temps d y observer les courants et les
habitudes locales =you have to be willing to take time to observe the trends and local
habits
Le manque de tonus peut s'expliquer par des erreurs faciles a corriger =
lack of energy can be explained by mistakes that are easy to correct
Elle n' est pas tres ouverte a accepter les opinions des autres = she's not very
open to accepting other people's opinions
Les compagnies aeriennes sont pretes a tout f aire pour eviter d'encombrer
les tapis des aeroports = airlines are prepared to do anything to avoid clogging up the airport
departure lounges
Vous etes toujours prete a dramatiser les situations reelles ou a imaginer
"224 I
283 a linking verb to following infinitive
d'hypotheques pour ne rienfaire = you're always ready to dramatise real situations or
imagine hypothetical ones so as not to do anything
Je suis resolu a ouvrir une boite de nuit — que faut-il f aire pour reussir? =
Fm determined to open a night club - what must I do to succeed?
Dilue, cet element est utile afabriquer les engrais = in its dilute state, it's useful for
making fertilisers
281 a linking a noun to a following infinitive
Common nouns involved are -
acharnement (m) = tenacity, aisance (f) = ease, aptitude (f) = competence, ardeur
(f) = enthusiasm, avidite (f) = eagerness, determination (f) = determination, difficulte
(f ) = difficulty, facilite (f ) = ease, habilete (f ) = skill, hesitation (f ) = hesitation, impuis-
sance (f ) = powerlessness, insistance (f ) = insistence, interet (m) = interest, persistance
(f) = persistence, regret (m) = regret, repugnance (f) = repugnance, retard (m) = delay,
tendance (f ) = tendency
282 Examples of a linking a noun to a following infinitive
Elle a montre son acharnement a defendre les refugies = she showed her
determination to defend refugees
Ton aisance a Vaccommoder de la solitude te rendpeu vulnerable aux
evenements exterieurs = the ease with which you adapt yourself to solitude stops you being
vulnerable to outside events
II a montre sa determination a tenir ses promesses = he showed his determination
to keep his promises
Vous nefaites pas preuve d'hesitation a prendre des risques, parce que
vous ne savez pas etre prudente =you don't show any hesitation about taking risks,
because you don't know how to be cautious
Son insistance a disputer le match malgre ses blessures lui a valu un eloge
general = his insistence on playing the match in spite of his injuries won him universal praise
Le retard du club a le nommer comme membre permanent de Vequipe lui
a coute cher - il est parti pour Toulouse = the club's delay in appointing him as a
permanent team member cost it dear - he's left for Toulouse
Vous avez tendance a f aire un blocage quand vous devez improviser =you
tend to have a block when you should improvise
283 a linking a verb to a following infinitive
The following are the main verbs involved -
s'abaisser = to stoop, s'abetir = to act stupidly, s'abrutir = to become stupefied,
s'accoutumer = to get used, s'acharner = to be very keen, s'adonner = to devote one-
self, s'affoler = to panic, aider = to help, amener = to bring, s'amuser = to amuse
oneself, appeler = to call, s'appliquer = to apply oneself apprendre = to learn,
s'appreter = to get ready, arriver = to manage, aspirer = to aspire ', s'attacher — to attach
oneself s' attar der = to take one's time, s'attendre = to expect, autoriser = to authorise,
I 225"
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
avoir = to have, se borner = to limit oneself, chercher = to search, commencer = to begin,
condamner = to condemn, conduire = to lead, se consacrer = to devote oneself, con-
sentir = to consent, consister = to consist, conspirer = to conspire, se consumer = to
waste away, continuer = to continue, contraindre = to constrain, contribuer = to con-
tribute, convier= to invite, se decider = to decide, demander = to ask, depenser de
Vargent = to spend, (se) determiner = to determine, se devouer = to be devoted,
se disposer = to be disposed, se divertir = to amuse oneself, s' employer = to be
used, encourager = to encourage, s'enerver = to get worked up, (s 3 ) engager = to get
involved, s'enhardir = to become bold, s'ennuyer = to be bored, enseigner = to teach,
s'enteter = to be stubborn, (s')entrainer = to train (oneself), s'epuiser = to get exhausted,
equivaloir = to be equal, s y essay er = to try, s'essouffler = to run out of breath,
exhorter = to exhort, sefatiguer = to get tired, (s')habituer = to get used, se hasarder =
to risk, hesiter = to hesitate, inciter = to incite, incliner = to be inclined, insister = to
insist, (s')interesser = to be interested, inviter = to invite, s'irriter = to get angry, se
limiter = to limit oneself, (se) mettre = to put (oneself), s'obstiner = to be obstinate,
(s y )occuper = to be busy, s 'offrir = to offer oneself, s 'oublier = to forget oneself, parvenir =
to succeed, passer son temps = to spend time, perdre son temps = to waste time,
perseverer = to persevere, persister = to persist, se plaire = to please oneself, enjoy, se
plier = to submit, pousser = to push, (se) prendre = to set about, prendre plaisir = to
take pleasure, (se) preparer = to prepare {oneself), se refuser = to refuse, se rejouir = to
rejoice, renoncer = to renounce, repugner = to be reluctant, se resigner = to resign oneself,
se resoudre = to decide, reussir = to succeed, se risquer = to take a risk, servir = to
serve, songer — to dream, surprendre = to surprise, tarder = to delay, tendre = to tend,
tenir = to hold, s'en tenir = to keep, travailler = to work, s'user = to wear oneself out,
utiliser = to use, veiller = to take care, viser = to aim
284 Examples of a linking a verb to a following
infinitive
Le nouveau produit aide a stimuler la formation osseuse et a ralentir
Vosteoporose = the new product helps stimulate bone growth and slow down osteoporosis
Je m'apprete a lui donner des explications mais il refuse d'ecouter = Fm
prepared to explain things to him, but he refuses to listen
II y a desfilles qui savent jouer les sceptiques, pour qu'on cherche a les
convaincre, a les seduire = there are some girls who know how to play the sceptic to make you
try to persuade them and seduce them
On se lave trop, avec trop de produits trop souvent agressifs, n'hesite pas
a dire le Pr Lorette = we wash ourselves too much with too many products that are too harsh,
Professor Lorette does not hesitate to say [is quick to say]
Surmontant V aversion qu'il avait envers lui, il Va invite a diner a la
maison une semaine plus tard = overcoming the aversion he felt for him, he invited him
home to dinner a week later
Ilfaut se limiter a prendre une douche par jour, et de preference le matin =
you should limit yourself to having one shower a day, preferably in the morning
Je me suis mise afumer, a boire, mais je ne Vaipas trompe = I began to smoke
and drink, but I didn't cheat on him
226
286 a linking verb to noun
Sur certains matchs, sans etre bien, on parvenait a gagner ou du moins a
ne pas perdre =for certain matches, without being good, we managed to win or at least not lose
Si vous persistez a vous rendre en cours nu(e) ou a porter des access oires
susceptibles de heurter les sensibilites, vous avez peu de chances de
terminer Vannee = if you persist in coming to class naked or wearing accessories that might well
offend other people's sensitivities, there's little hope that you'll complete the year
On n'a qu'a s 3 en prendre a nous-memes pour ne pas s'etre montres
suffisamment tnalins = all we can do is blame ourselves for not having shown ourselves to be
sufficiently crafty
Monaco a reus si a atteindre les quarts de finale = Monaco succeeded in reaching the
quarterfinals
Ilfaut veiller a ne pas trop utiliser les soins degraissants =you need to be careful
not to use too many skin cleansing products
285 contraindre, forcer, obliger
For this group of verbs, practice varies according to whether the verb occurs in the active
or passive voice.
1 If the active voice is concerned, the preposition a is used -
Qu 3 est-ce qui nous contraint afumer une cigarette ou a boire un cafe? —
Le stress et Venvie de prolonger un moment de detente = what induces us to
smoke a cigarette or have a coffee? - Stress and the desire to prolong a relaxing moment
En vacances ilfaut forcer le corps a f aire quelques entorses au regime
habituel pour eviter les frustrations = on holiday you have to force your body to vary
your usual regime in order to avoid becoming frustrated
2 On the other hand, if the passive voice is concerned, it is the preposition de which is
used-
Pour certains^ en cas de forte chaleur, on se sent force de reduire son
alimentation = for some of us, when it's particularly hot, we feel forced to reduce our food intake
Mieux vaut etre oblige defaire V amour tous les jours plutot que de
trainer au lit a longueur de grasses matinees = it's better to be forced to make love
every day rather than laze in bed for hours on end
286 a linking a verb to a noun
The major verbs involved are -
assister = to attend, s'attaquer = to attack, s'attendre = to expect, se confier = to
confide, consentir = to consent, croire = to believe, deplaire = to displease, desobeir =
to disobey, echapper = to escape, faillir = to almost, se fier = to trust, manquer =
to fail, se meler = to mix, nuire = to harm, obeir = to obey, pardonner = to for-
give, parer = to ward off, participer = to participate, penser = to think, plaire =
to please, prendre part = to take part, remedier = to cure, renoncer = to renounce,
repondre = to reply, repugner = to be averse, resister = to resist, ressembler = to
resemble, reussir = to succeed, servir = to serve, songer = to think, subvenir = to meet,
I 227
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
succeder = to succeed (inheritance), suffire = to suffice, survivre = to survive, telephoner
= to telephone
287 Examples of a linking a verb to a noun
Unefois par semaine un musicien donne un concert — tousy assistent =
once a week a musician gives a concert - everyone attends
Les her os s'attaquent auxjeux video — les heros de BDfont le grand saut —
les voila desormais enjeux video = the heroes are attacking video games - comic strip
heroes are making a great leap - and here they are now in video games
Mon copain a desfuroncles — est-ce qu'ils sont dus a la crasse? = my mate's
got boils - are they due to the fact he's a dirty slob?
On n' est pas la pour leur faire plaisir —parfois on leur dit des choses qu'ils
n'ont pas envie d 3 entendre = we're not therefor their pleasure - sometimes we tell them
things they don't want to hear
Am travail, vous repondez favorablement a une offre, certaine de ne pas
commettre d'erreur = at work you reply favourably to an offer, convinced you're not making a
mistake
Pensez a toutes les astuces qui permettent de varier les gouters, surtout
s'ils sont pris a Vexterieur = think of all the tricks that allow you to vary their snacks,
especially if they're eaten outdoors
Lefromage blanc, doux etfrais, repond a toutes nos envies de simplicity et
se prete a des recettes varies = soft and fresh white cheese is the answer to all our desires for
simplicity and lends itself to a variety of recipes
Avec une protection anti-UVA et UVB, void le duo ideal pour resister aux
effets nocifs d'un soleil trop brutal = with its anti-UVA and UVB protection, here's the
ideal two-piece to resist the harmful effects of an over-cruel sun
Songez a votre partenaire pour qui vos demandes peuvent parfois sonner
cotntne des ordres = spare a thought for your partner for whom your requests may sometimes
sound like orders
La remuneration annuelle doit suffire a vos besoins de depenses
normales =your annual income must be sufficient for the needs of your normal expenditure
288 de linking an adjective to a following infinitive
The most common adjectives involved are -
avide = greedy, capable = capable, certain = certain, confus = embarrassed, content =
happy, curieux = curious, desireux = desirous, desole = sad, etonne = astonished, fier
= proud, heureux = happy, impatient = impatient, incapable = incapable, libre =free,
mecontent = discontent, ravi = delighted, reconnaissant = grateful, responsable =
responsible, satisfait = satisfied, sur = sure
Usage with impersonal il est is dealt with in 1 64.
228
291 Examples: de + noun + infinitive
289 Examples of de linking an adjective to
a following infinitive
Rien ne serf d'essoyer de se retenir d'eternuer, meme si cela vous parait
bruyant etpeu elegant — nous ne sommes pas capables d'y resister - there's no
point trying to stop yourself sneezing, even if it seems noisy and inelegant - we're incapable of resisting
Vous pouvez etre certaine d 'avoir des jambes impeccables - en une minute
sous la douche avec ce rasoir a tete pivotale =you can be sure of having perfect legs -
in a minute under the shower with this razor with a revolving head
Je suis sur que vous serez content de savoir que les reves erotiques sont un
signe de bonne sante psychique = you'll be pleased to know that erotic dreams are a sign of
good mental health
Si vous etes curieux de decouvrir plus sur les postes commerciaux que
nous qffronS) contactez-nous auplus vite = f you're curious to discover more about the
commercial posts we're offering, contact us as soon as possible
Si vous etes desireux de savoir vos droits de salarie et les bonnes attitudes
a adopter pour discuter efficacetnent avec votre patron, ce guide pratique
vous aider a = if you're keen to know your rights as a wage-earner and the right attitude to adopt to
have a useful discussion with your boss, this practical guide will help you
Je suis tresfiere d 3 avoir travaille avec Jane Birkin = I'm very proud to have worked
with Jane Birkin
Le printemps est la! je suis impatiente de decouvrir mon corps et de
prqfiter des beaux jours = spring has arrived/ I'm impatient to uncover my body and make the
most of the fine days
290 de linking a noun to a following infinitive
Some of the most common nouns involved are —
air (m) = air, appearance, autorisation (f) = authorisation, besoin (m) = need, capacite
(f) = ability, chance (f)= chance, desir (m) = desire, droit (m) = right, envie (f) =
desire, honte (f) = shame, impossibilite (f) = impossibility, incapacite (f) = inability, les
moyens (mpl) = the means, necessite (f) = necessity, obligation (f) = obligation, occa-
sion (f) = opportunity, permission (f) = permission, peur (f) =fear, plaisir (m) = pleasure,
rage (f) = anger, raison (f) = reason, right, risque (m) = risk, temps (m) = time, tort
(m) = wrong, volonte (f) = wish
291 Examples of de linking a noun to a following infinitive
Avoir un trou sur ses dates de stage en entreprise ou hesiter sur ses
qualifications fait plutot mauvais genre. Au mieux vous aurez Vair de
souffrir d'un Alzheimer precoce et aupire d' avoir bidonne votre CV= having
a gap in your dates for work experience or hesitating over your qualifications makes a rather bad
impression. At best it will look as if you're sufferingfrom the early onset of Alzheimer's, at worst as if
you've cheated with your cv
Tous mes patients eprouvent le besoin de se confier des queje commence a
manipuler leurs pieds = all my patients feel the need to confide in me as soon as I start
manipulating their feet
I 229"
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Des mauvaises langues rapportent que lesfilles adeptes du gonflage des
levres ont un desir, cons dent ou inconscient, d'eveiller des envies chez le
male = gossip-mongers say that girls who go for lip enhancement have the desire, conscious or
subconscious, to arouse the male of the species
J'ai tres envie de remonter sur scene, de refaire du cinema = Fm very keen to
return to the stage, to take up the cinema again
A ce moment-la, j'ai eu la sensation que le temps s 3 arretait,je n'avais pas
les moyens de reagir = at that moment, I had the feeling that time stood still, I didn't have the
means to react
Pour se defendre contre les predateurs, portez un grand sac plastique. Pour
Vhonnete garcon, c'est lafille qui fait les courses et n'a pas peur d'aller lui
chercher une biere quand il est fatigue = to protect yourself against predators, carry a
large plastic bag To the honest guy, it's the sign of a girl who does the shopping and isn't afraid to fetch
him a beer when he's tired
Si vous n'ouvrez pas laporte, il n'ira pas plus loin, ou alors ilferapreuve
de violence, avec le risque de rameuter les flics = ilyou don't open the door, he won't
go any further, or he may become violent, with the risk of alerting the cops
Ce rapport est menace a cause de la volonte de VEtat de voir les femmes se
tourner de preference vers un generaliste au lieu d'un specialiste = this report
is under threat because of the State's wish to see women preferably consult a GF rather than a specialist
292 de linking a verb to a following infinitive
The main verbs involved are -
s'abstenir = to abstain from, accepter = to accept, accuser = to accuse, achever = to
complete, s'affliger = to be distressed, (s')arreter = to stop, attendre = to wait, s'aviser =
to realise, blamer = to blame, bruler = to burn, cesser = to cease, charger = to make respon-
sible, choisir = to choose, comploter = to plot, consoler = to console, se contenter =
to be satisfied, continuer = to continue, convaincre = to convince, craindre = to fear,
decider = to decide, dedaigner = to disdain, demander = to ask, se depecher = to
hurry, desesperer = to despair, detester = to detest, dire = to say, dispenser = to dispense,
dissuader = to dissuade, douter = to doubt, s'efforcer = to exert oneself, s'empecher =
to prevent oneself, s'empresser = to hurry, enrager = to be enraged, entreprendre — to
undertake, envier = to envy, envisager = to envisage, essay er = to try, s'etonner = to
be astonished, eviter = to avoid, s'excuser = to apologise, bienfaire = to do well, f aire
semblant = to pretend, feindre = to feign, (se) f elicit er = to congratulate, finir = to finish,
se flatter = to flatter, se garder = to take care not, gronder = to scold, se hater = to
hurry, hurler = to howl, implorer = to beg, s'indigner = to be indignant, s'inquieter =
to worry, inter dire = to forbid, jurer — to swear, louer = to praise, manquer = to fail, en
avoir marre = to be fed up, mediter = to meditate, se meler = to mix, menacer = to
threaten, meriter = to deserve, negliger = to neglect, s'occuper = to be busy, offrir =
to offer, omettre = to omit, ordonner = to order, oublier = to forget, pardonner = to
forgive, parler = to speak, permettre = to allow, persuader = to persuade, se piquer =
to like to make out, plaindre = to pity, prendre garde = to take care, (se) presser = to
hurry, prier = to beg, projeter = to propose, promettre = to promise, (se) proposer =
to propose, recommander = to recommend, redouter = to fear, refuser = to refuse,
230 I
294 de linking a verb to a noun
regretter = to regret, se rejouir = to rejoice, remercier = to thank, se repentir =
to repent, resoudre = to resolve, se retenir = to restrain oneself, rever = to dream, risquer
= to risk, rougir = to blush, simuler = to simulate, se soucier = to worry, soupconner =
to suspect, se souvenir = to remember, suffire = to suffice, suggerer = to suggest, supplier =
to beg, supporter = to tolerate, tacher = to attempt, telephoner = to telephone, tenter =
to attempt, se vanter = to boast, venir =just - see 143.
293 Examples of de linking a verb to a following infinitive
La premiere chose a f aire, pour trouver son poids initial, est d'arreter de
boire des calories = the first thing to do to recover your original weight is to stop drinking calories
J'essayais de mettre tous les atouts de mon cote = / tried to keep all the tricks up my
sleeve
Ne jamais ressentir de la haine est suspect — cela veut dire que Von
s'interdit d'eprouver un sentiment tout a fait normal — never to feel hatred is
suspect - that means that you forbid yourself experiencing a perfectly normal feeling
Mon exemple peut permettre d' alerter des millions de gens = my example can
put millions of people on their guard
Je refuse toujour s dejuger individuellement = I refuse to judge individual cases
C'est comme a la Bourse —plus on investit, plus on risque deperdre gros =
it's like the Stock Exchange - the more you invest, the more you risk losing big time
A ce niveau il ne suffitpas de realiser un bon match = at this level it's not enough to
pull off a good match
Un de vos petits amis vous a deja suggere de changer quelque chose dans
votre tete — le nez, le maquillage, la coiffure = one of your boyfriends has already
suggested changing something on your face -your nose, your make-up, your hairstyle
294 de linking a verb to a noun
The major verbs involved are -
abuser = to abuse, s'accommoder = to make the best, s 3 accompagner = to be accom-
panied, accoucher = to give birth, s'agir = to be a question {il s'agit de = ifs a question of),
s 3 aider = to use, s'alimenter = to live on, s'alourdir = to increase, s'apercevoir = to
notice, (s')approcher = to approach, s'armer = to arm oneself, avoir besoin / envie /
honte / peur = to need / want / be ashamed / be afraid, changer = to change, se charger =
to take responsibility, convenir = to admit, to agree, se defter = to distrust, demissionner =
to resign, dependre = to depend, disposer = to have at one's disposal, se douter = to suspect,
s'echapper = to escape, s'embellir = to grow more attractive, s'emerveiller = to wonder,
s'emparer = to seize, s'ennuyer = to be bored, s'enrichir = to get rich, s'entourer = to
surround oneself, s'envelopper = to wrap oneself up, s' evader = to escape, s'excuser = to
apologise, s'indigner = to be indignant, s'inquieter = to worry, s'inspirer = to be inspired,
jouir = to enjoy, juger = to judge, manquer = to lack, se marrer = to have a good laugh,
medire = to malign, se mefier = to distrust, se moquer = to make fun, s'occuper = to
be dealing with, s'offenser = to take offence, s'orner = to adorn oneself, separer = to array
oneself, partir = to start, se passer = to do without, penser = to think, profiter = to benefit,
repondre = to be responsible, rire = to laugh, se saisir = to grab hold, se servir = to use,
I 231
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
sortir = to leave, se souvenir = to remember, temoigner = to bear witness, triompher =
to triumph, se tromper = to be mistaken, se vanter = to boast, vivre = to live
295 Examples of de linking a verb to a noun
Defait, ilne s'agit pas d'une evolution brutale mais d'une accumulation
de petites frustrations = in fact it's not a question of a painful evolution but of an
accumulation of minor frustrations
Encore faut-il disposer d'outils pedagogiques efficaces = but you have to have
effective pedagogical tools at your disposal
La vraie star intelligente epouse un industries elle sait que les acteurs sont
des idiots - ne vous en riez pas! = the really intelligent star marries an industrialist, she
knows that actors are idiots - don't laugh!
Beaucoup de scientifiques ont du se marrer de cet article sur Vexercice des
abdominaux = a lot of scientists must have had a good laugh at this article on exercising
abdominal muscles
Onpeutjouir de la vie et du jour present mais ilfaut aussi avoir de la
chance =you can enjoy life and the present time but you also need luck
Onpeutjuger de Vinteret de ce sujetpar la correspondance que nous avons
recue =you can judge the interest this subject has aroused by the mail we've received
En tant qu'ecrivain c'est du drame queje m'occupe, du drame ou les
personnages principaux sont desfemmes = as a writer, it's drama that interests me,
drama in which the main characters are women
Grace a ceci on peut profit er des indicateurs precoces de I 3 apparition de la
fatigue = thanks to this we can benefit from the early indicators of the on-set of fat
Que pensez-vous de Vimagerie ultraviolente du Gangsta Rap? = what do you
think of the ultraviolent imagery of Gangsta Rap?
II vit de ses livres et de ses films sur le crime, qui rapportent bien plus
d' argent aux honnetes gens que le crime aux malfrats = he lives from his books
and films on crime, which bring in much more money for honest guys than crime does for villains
296 Verbs with direct object and de with a second noun
The main verbs involved are -
absoudre = to absolve, accabler = to overwhelm, accuser = to accuse, approcher = to
draw near, arracher = to snatch, assurer = to assure, avertir = to warn, aviser = to
notify, charger = to entrust, complimenter = to compliment, debarrasser = to get rid
of, degouter = to disgust, delivrer — to deliver, detourner = to divert, dispenser =
to exempt, ecarter = to move aside, eloigner = to move away, enlever = to take away,
excuser = to excuse, exempter = to exempt, feliciter = to congratulate, frapper = to
strike, informer = to inform, liberer = to free, menacer = to threaten, oter = to remove,
persuader = to persuade, prevenir = to warn, remercier = to thank, traiter = to call
(somebody something)
232
298 Verbs with a with noun, de with infinitive
297 Examples of verbs with direct object and de with
a second noun
C'est une revolution dans ma vie etje n'excuserai jamais mes parents de
leur manque de comprehension = it's been a revolution in my life and Fll never forgive my
parents for their lack of understanding
J'ai la surprise de decouvrir queje ne connais personne dont le nom de
famille commence par F —je Vinforme de cette nouvelle parce que ca
devrait Vintriguer aussi = Fm surprised to discover that I don't know anyone whose surname
begins with F- Fm informingyou of this piece of news because it ought to intrigue you as well
Quand on croit en Dieu on a tendance a prier un Dieu male, ce qui est tres
bien, mais on ne doit pas oublier que Dieu est aussi une mere — quand on
reconnait ce concept, cela nous libere de beaucoup de complexes = when you
believe in God you tend to pray to a male God, which is good, but you mustn't forget that God is also a
mother - when we acknowledge this concept it frees us from a lot of complexes
Nous ne sommes pas f aits pour etre carnivores —j'essaie de persuader
tous ceux queje rencontre de cette verite fondamentale = we're not made to be
carnivores - 1 try to persuade all the people I meet of this fundamental truth
Une nouvelle science inutile au progres humain vient d'eclore — la
nanologie, soit tout ce qui concerne Vunivers du nain dujardin — ilfaut
feliciter les Britanniques de Sudbury de cette addition au pantheon des
-ologies = a new science useless for human progress has just burst on the scene - gnomology, in other
words everything relating to the universe of the garden gnome - we have to congratulate the inhabitants of
Sudbury in Britain for this addition to the pantheon of -ologies
Un mec gonflable a ete invent e aux Etats-Unis — il se prete a
Vinvestissement affectif mais ne vous accable pas d'exigences
personnelles en echange = an inflatable man has been invented in the USA - he is available
for emotional attachment, but doesn't overwhelm you with personal demands in return
Certaines pop stars entonnent une chanson lugubre, la voix se brise, la
star cesse de chanter, baisse la tete etpleure — dans la salle c'est Vhysterie,
mais ceci devient grotesque quand il se repete chaque soir — ilfaut
prevenir le public de cette surenchere du marketing = certain pop stars embark on
a lugubrious song, their voice cracks, the star stops singing, lowers his or her head and weeps - the place
goes mad, but this becomes grotesque when it's repeated every evening - the public should be warned
about this piece of marketing extravagance
298 Verbs involving a with a noun and de with an infinitive
For a sizeable group of verbs, it is important to remember that certain constructions in
which they are involved necessitate the use of both a and de -
appartenir (impersonal usage) il appartient = it is up to, arriver (impersonal usage)
il arrive = it happens, commander = to order, conseiller = to advise, deconseiller =
to advise against, defendre = to forbid, demander = to ask, dire = to say, imposer = to
impose, interdire = to forbid, ordonner = to order, pardonner = to forgive, permettre =
to allow, persuader = to persuade, preter = to credit, reprocher = to reproach, savoir
233
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
gre = to be grateful, suggerer = to suggest, tarder (impersonal usage) il me tarde = Fm
longing, en vouloir = to bear a grudge
299 Examples of verbs involving a with a noun and de
with an infinitive
Quand votre petit ami vient te chercher, est-ce qu'il arrive a tonpere de se
lancer dans un grand monologue sur la necessite du respect d'un
minimum de regies sociales pour que la vie soit plus supportable? = when
your boyfriend comes to take you out, does it happen that your dad launches into a great monologue on
the necessity of respecting a minimum of social rules so that life is more bearable?
On nous a conseille de ne pas utiliser le terme « nain » dans notre article —
mais de parler plutot de « personne de petite taille » = we were advised not to use
the term 'dwarf in our article, but rather to talk of 'people of small stature 7
La Carte 12—25 vous permet de bouger toujours plus loin = the Young People's
Card allows you to travel further and further
Classiquement, onprete aux garcons d 3 appartenir au « sexefort » et aux
filles d'appartenir au « sexefaible » = traditionally boys are credited with belonging to the
'stronger sex' and girls to the 'weaker sex'
Je saurais gre a vos lecteurs de mefournir des renseignements sur la
prevention de Ventorse du genou = Fd be grateful to your readers for supplying me with
information on how to prevent knee sprains
300 Verbs with variable prepositional usage
Certain verbs may be followed by different prepositions depending upon the syntac-
tic circumstances or register of the context or to indicate subtle nuances of meaning.
Occasionally there seems to be no difference in the use of the different prepositions
involved - in other words they are used in free variation.
301 Examples of verbs with variable prepositional usage
avoir droit / avoir le droit
avoir droit a = to be entitled to is linked to a noun by a
II a droit a des sorties avec ses enfants le weekend — he's entitled to weekend outings
with his children
avoir le droit de = to have the right to is linked to an infinitive by de
II a le droit de sortir avec ses enfants le weekend = he has the right to go out with his
children every weekend
commencer
Commencer is normally accompanied by a + infinitive, but de is used with a high
register or to avoid a succession of /a/ sounds
Elle commenca de rire = she began to laugh is preferred to Elle commenca a rire
234
301 Examples: verbs + variable prepositions
commencer , finir, terminer
Finir, terminer are used with de or par to convey different aspects of time -
finir, terminer + de = an action has just finished
finir, terminer + par = the action indicated by the infinitive occurs at the same time
as the 'ending'.
Vous n 'avez pas fini de vous disputer? = haven't you finished arguing?
Les grands etablissements n^ont pas fini defaire des economies = the big
establishments haven't finished making economies
Je voudrais finir / terminer par vous donner des chiffres = I should like to end /
conclude by givingyou some figures
En decembre dernier, les discussions a V Assemble nationale sur la loi de
bioethique ont fini par lever cette interdiction = last December, discussions in the
National Assembly on the bioethics law finished by lifting this ban
Tu avances dans la vie et a tr avers les experiences tu finis par te trouver =
you advance in life and through your experiences you finish up by finding yourself
The situation is the same with commencer except that a rather than de (see above)
tends to be involved to indicate that an action has just begun -
Je voudrais commencer par vous donner des chiffres = I should like to begin by
givingyou some figures
An alternative to the par + infinitive construction with all three verbs is en + present
participle -
Je voudrais commencer en vous donnant des chiffres = I should like to begin by
givingyou some figures
comparer
Comparer = to compare is normally followed by a + noun, but by avec in a low register
situation -
Comparez la situation actuelle a / avec celle de nos aieules qui avaient du
combattre pour defendre le droit de se colorer les levres sans etre
etiquetees fdles de mauvaise vie = compare the present situation with that of our
grandmothers who had to fight for the right to paint their lips without being labelled tarts
continuer
Continuer may be followed by a and de interchangeably -
Pour continuer a / de developper nos capacites genetiques, nous devons
recevoir V amour de V autre = in order to continue to develop our genetic capabilities, we have
to receive another's love
croire
Croire + en = to believe in, to have faith in
Je crois en Jesus-Christ, Jils de Dieu = I believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God
Croire + a implies intellectual trust
I 235
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Elle croit a la homeopathie = she believes in homeopathy
Croire + a direct object implies trust/ confidence
Je la croyais = / used to believe her
demander
Demander + a + infinitive = to ask, when no indirect object is involved
Avec lui,je me sens en securite,je ne demande qu 'a passer le reste de ma
vie avec lui = with him, I feel safe, all I ask is to spend the rest of my life with him
Demander + de + infinitive = to ask, when an indirect object is specified
Une voiture s'arrete a ma hauteur, le conducteur me demande de lui
indiquer le chemin d'un restaurant indien = a car drew up beside me, the driver asked
me to tell him the way to an Indian restaurant
dire
Dire + de + infinitive = to order
Elle m'a convoquee pour me dire de partir le lendemain = she summoned me to
tell me to leave the next day
Le bruit est devenu un veritable fleau citadin — on doit souvent dire a ses
voisins de moderer le volume de leurs televisions = noise has become a real scourge
in towns —you often have to tell your neighbours to turn down their televisions
Dire + zero preposition + infinitive occurs when the subject for dire is the same as for
the other infinitive —
Quoiqu'ils disent lefaire, la majorite ne suit pas les regies pre alables a
Vinstauration du traitement: un regime alimentaire controls et Varret du
tabac = although they say they do, the majority don't follow the rules which should precede the
beginning of treatment: a controlled diet and an end to smoking
echapper
Echapper + a = to avoid
II a reussi a echapper a la prison = he managed to avoid prison
Normalement je m'endors en deux minutes, mais laj y ai mis une
demi-heure —je n'aipas pu echapper aux pensees negatives qui
m 3 assaillaient = normally I go to sleep in a couple of minutes, but then it took me half an hour -
I couldn't avoid the negative thoughts that kept attacking me
s' echapper de = to escape from
II a reussi a s' echapper de ses kidnappeurs = he managed to escape from his kidnappers
Prqfessionnel depuis 1987, il a ete tout pres d 3 abandonner son metier onze
ans apres ses debuts, de s' echapper des annees d'angoisse et de stress = a
professional since 1987, he was very close to abandoning his job eleven years after beginning, to escape
from the years of anguish and stress
236 I
301 Examples: verbs + variable prepositions
s'ennuyer
S'ennuyer = to be bored, to get bored may be followed by a and de + infinitive interchange-
ably -
On passe un tiers de sa vie au lit — alors, quand on choisit un partenaire, il
nefautpas s'ennuyer a / de preter attention au comportement de celui-ci
au lit = we spend a third of our lives in bed - so, when you choose a partner, you mustn't get fed up
with paying attention to his behaviour in bed
S'ennuyer + de + noun = to miss
Elle commence a s'ennuyer de son petit ami = she's beginning to miss her boyfriend
Je change mes draps tous les trois ou quatre jours —je m'ennuie des draps
hyperpropres = / change my sheets every three or four days - 1 miss hyperclean sheets
faire
Faire = to do {with / to) may be followed by avec and de + noun interchangeably -
Qu 3 est-ce qu'elle a fait avec / de ses cheveux? = what has she done to / with her
hair?
Qu y est-ce que vous allez faire avec / de ce mec psychopathe? = what are you
going to do with this psychopath?
faire = to do (by) may be followed by de and par interchangeably -
// n'apas le droit de le faire de / par lui-meme = he hasn't got the right to do it by
himself
finir see commencer
insister = to insist may be followed by a and pour + infinitive
interchangeably -
Pour expliquer sa performance decevante, elle insiste a / pour dire que les
conditions etaient trop difficiles = to explain her disappointing performance, she insists on
saying that the conditions were too difficult
insister + pour que is used when a subordinate clause is involved -
// m'a telephone pour insister pour que son ami soit reintegre dans
Vequipe = he telephoned me to insist that his mate was taken back into the team
jouer
Jouer + de = to play used with musical instruments
Ellejoue de la guitare acoustique = she plays the acoustic guitar
Jouer + a = to play used with sports
Nous jouons au tennis le mercredi soir = we play tennis Wednesday evenings
manquer
Manquer - this verb is particularly complicated to handle -
manquer = to lack can be used in two ways -
I 237
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Si vous manquez de materiel pour realiser
les exercices de musculation
Si le materiel pour realiser les exercices
de musculation vous manque
Avec un tel comportement vous n'allez pas
manquer d y admiratrices
Avec un tel comportement les admiratrices
ne vontpas vous manquer
manquer = to miss is followed by a direct object -
J'ai manque un rendez-vous avec lui,je n'aipas V intention de manquer le
prochain = I missed one date with him, I don't intend missing the next one
manquer = almost - de and zero preposition + infinitive are used interchangeably
if you lack the equipment to carry out
muscle building exercises
with such behaviour you're not going
to lack admirers
Je t' observe a la derobee, j' attends
que nos regards se croisent.
Enfin. Puis, je manque me degonfler
Je t' observe a la derobee,
y attends que nos regards se croisent.
Enfin. Puis, je manque de me degonfler
ne pas manquer + de + infinitive = not to fail
I watch you out of the corner of my eye,
= / wait for our eyes to meet. At last. Then
I almost lose my nerve
Ne manque pas de te brosser les dents le matin et le soir = don't fail to brush
your teeth morning and evening
Si vous avalez de I 'essence, ne manquez pas de prendre du lait ou un verre
d'eau pour la diluer = if you swallow petrol, don't fail to drink some milk or a glass of water to
dilute it
se meler
Se meler + a = to mix (physically) -
Beaucoup de gens sont tres mal a Vaise quand ilfaut se meler aux autres —
c'est ce qui explique le boom des sites de rencontres sur Internet = lots of
people are very uncomfortable when they have to mix with others - that's what explains the popularity of
Internet dating sites
Se meler + de = to mix, to meddle (implying intellectual involvement or interference) -
Tu ne devrais pas te meler des affaires des autres =you shouldn't sticky our nose in
other people's business
s'occuper
S'occuper = to be busy, to deal with may be followed by a and de + infinitive interchange-
ably -
Trop souvent on s'occupe a / de masquer ses sentiments, parce qu'on veut
eviter les echecs douloureux = too often, we are busy hiding our feelings, because we want to
avoid painful failures
238
301 Examples: verbs + variable prepositions
Ilfaut les caresser subtiletnent en s' occupant a / de s'attarder sur les bras
ou les jambes= you have to caress them subtly, taking care to linger over their arms and legs
Etre occupe - in the passive a + infinitive only is used
Si tu me telephones quandje suis tout occupee a prendre un bain, tu peux
laisser un message sur mon repondeur = if you phone when Fm busy having a bath,
you can leave a message on my answerphone
J'etais occupe a boire une cannette de biere quandje Vai vue, elle etait si
sexy! = I was busy drinking a can of beer, when I saw her, she was so sexy!
S'occuper / etre occupe + noun - de only is used
Ilfaut s'occuper de la f agon dont on s'habille pour attirer lesfdles =you have
to pay attention to the way you dress to attract the girls
Je mangeais les hamburgers, les cheese-burgers, les frites, je n'etais pas du
tout occupe des consequences = I used to eat hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chips, I wasn't at
all concerned about the consequences
penser
Penser + zero preposition = to think, to intend
Cela nous rappelle le temps ou Von donnait de Vhuile defoie de morue aux
enfants pensant contrecarrer leur retard de croissance = that reminds me of the
time when we gave cod liver oil to children thinking that we could counteract the fact that they were slow
developers
Penser + a = to think of about
Apres une dispute, vous vous reconciliez tres facilement et vous n^y pensez
plus = after an argument, you make it up very easily and don't think about it any more
Jepense a lui tout le temps, je Vaimeparce que c'est lui qui descend la
poubelle = / think about him all the time, I love him because he's the one who puts the bin out
Plus le blouson est delave, plus vous devez lui accorder de V elegance —
pensez a le porter avec de belles chaussures = the more faded your jacket is, the more
you need to enhance its elegance - think about wearing it with a smart pair of shoes
Penser + de = to think about, to have an opinion on
Qu y est-ce que tupenses de sa robe? = what do you think of her dress?
Selon les pays, on repond differemment au probleme pose par
Vhyperactivite des enfants. Dans la culture anglo-saxonne, on prescrit des
medicaments. Dans les pays latin, onfavorise Vapproche
psychotherapeutique. Qu'est-ce que vous pensez de cette difference
d'approche d'ordre culturel? = According to country, people react differently to the problem
posed by hyperactivity amongst children. In Anglo-Saxon countries, medicines are prescribed. In
Mediterranean countries, a psychotherapeutic approach is preferred. What is your opinion of this
culture-based difference of approach?
239
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
prendre
Prendre + a = to take from used with people -
J'aipris la valise a la dame et Va hissee dans le porte-bagages = I took the case
from the lady and heaved it onto the luggage rack
Prendre + dans = to take from (= within)
Elle a pris sa chemise dans le tiroir = she took her blouse from the drawer
prendre + sur = to take from (= off)
// ne peut monter que si tu as pris la lessive sur ton lit = he can't come up till
you've taken the washing off your bed
repondre
Repondre + a = to answer
J'espere que tu pourras repondre a ma question = I hope you'll be able to answer
my question
Repondre + de = to be responsible
Tout le monde doit repondre de ce qu'il a fait dans la vie = everyone must be
responsible for what they do in life
J'ai une seule reflexion a J aire a ton probleme — tu seras condamnee a de
telles histoires chaotiques si tu ne commences pas a repondre de tes
actions = I've got one simple comment to make on your problem -you'll be doomed to such chaotic
episodes if you don't begin taking responsibility for your actions
servir
Servir + a = to be useful, to serve to
television documentaries are useful for
broadening the mind
Les documentaires televises servent
a Velargissement des esprits
Les documentaires televises servent
a elargir les esprits
Saformule aux micro-bulles et son agent anti-bacterien servent a
combattre vos problemes de peau = its micro-bubble formula and antibacterial agent
serve to combat your skin problems
Servir + de = to be used
Organisez d'autres tentations — le shopping orgiaque peut servir
d 3 alternative a la consommation de trop de sucreries = organise other
temptations - a shopping orgy can be used as an alternative to eating too many sweet things
Chez les Indiens de Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinee, lesfeuilles servent
d'assiettes = amongst the Papua New Guinea Indians, leaves are used as plates
Se servir is always used with de -
Servez-vous de ce kit de rouges a levres pour obtenir une couleur bien a
vous ou pourjouer la bouche bicolore, meme tricolore = use this lipstick kit to
obtain your very own colour or to produce a two-colour or even three-colour mouth
240
301 Examples: verbs + variable prepositions
Je me sers d' internet pour m'informer sur les vols bon marche = I use the
Internet to get information on cheap flights
tarder
Tarder + a = to delay
Ne tardez pas a denicher un petit morceau de tissu capable d' arranger vos
atouts = don't delay getting hold of a little piece of tissue capable of displaying your best points to
greatest effect
Je suisfolle amoureuse d'un tnec etj'aipeur de trop tarder a le lui dire —
tnais comment? = Fm madly in love with a guy and Fm afraid of leaving it too long before
telling him - but how can I do it?
Tarder + de = to miss, to be keen to - the impersonal form of the verb is used
Vous vouliez vivre en communaute, il vous tardait defaire la revolution,
mais rien de tout cela ne s^est passe =you wanted to live in a community, you were keen
to take part in the revolution, but nothing of all that has come to pass
II me tarde de manger mes petits pots de creme au chocolat — sij'ai un peu
de stress, c'est ma seule drogue = I miss my little pots of chocolate cream - if I feel a bit
stressed, it's the only drug I need
tenir
Tenir + a = to want to
Je tiens a souligner que les Verts sont en train de s'ameliorer = I want to stress
the fact that the Greens are in the process of improving
Les nutritionnistes tiennent a nous dire que la betterave est riche en
magnesium antistress et en vitamine B9 anti-anemique, deux
micronutriments dont les carences affectent particulierement les
femmes = nutritionists are keen to tell us that beetroot is rich in antistress magnesium and in
anti-anaemia vitamin B9, two micronutrients whose lack particularly affects women
Tenir + de = to take after
Monfils tient de sa mere = my son takes after his mother
venir
Venir + zero preposition = to come
Mefiez-vous des poux — Us peuvent venir vous contaminer la tete sans que
vous vous en rendiez compte = beware of lice - they can come and infect your head without
you realising it
Venir + de =just- see 143.
Vous venez d'accumuler quelques petits kilos supplement aires? — la
meilleure facon de s'en deb arras ser, c'est la marche = if you've just put on a few
extra kilos, the best way to get rid of them is walking
I 241
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Je venais de suivre un traitement contre la migraine quandje decouvrais
que cela m^avait fait prendre beaucoup de poids = I had just followed a course to
treat my migraines, when I discovered that it was making me put on weight
^positional expressions
302 Prepositional expressions
Sometimes there is a one-to-one correlation between French and English prepositions,
especially when those with fairly specific meanings are involved, but very often no such
correlation exists, especially with those prepositions with a vague meaning. By providing
a large number of examples for the most common prepositions and especially those with
the vaguest meanings, it is hoped that the various values will emerge. What follows cannot
be an exhaustive list of examples - the hope is that the flavour and typical uses of the
prepositions will become clear.
303 a
A is equivalent to English at, in, to, on and sometimes zero preposition; it is used in relation
to place, time, manner and measurement. It is extremely common.
304 a indicating place
A indicates position in and movement towards.
etre a Vecole = to be at / in school
aller a Vecole = to go to school
etre / aller a lafaculte / a Vuniversite = to be at university / to go to university
s'inscrire a lafac = to register at university
etre / aller a Veglise = to be in / at church / to go to church
etre / aller a Vhotel = to be in the hotel / to go to the hotel
etre / aller au restaurant = to be in the restaurant / to go to the restaurant
etre / aller au commissariat de police = to be in the police station / to go to the police
station
etre / aller au village = to be in the village / to go to the village
but en ville* = in town
etre / aller a Paris = to be in Paris / to go to Paris
au sud, au nord, a Vest^ a Vouest = in / to the south, the north, the east, the west
au nord de la France = in / to northern France
a la campagne = in / to the country
a la montagne = in / to the mountains
242
304 a indicating place
au jar din = in / to the garden
a la salle a manger = in / to the dining room
au pole sud, au pole nord = at / to the south pole, at / to the north pole
au plafond = on the ceiling
a laferme* = on / to the farm
ecrire au tableau blanc = to write on the white board
etre a bicyclette / a pied = to be on a bike / on foot
etre au telephone / au portable = to be on the telephone / on the mobile
a la television = on television
a la radio = on the radio
au journal = in the newspaper
a la page numero 2 = on page number 2
totnber aux genoux = to fall on / to your knees
frapper a la porte = to knock on / at the door
etre a bord d'une voiture = to be in a car
au soleil = in the sun
a V ombre = in the shade
tomber a Veau = to fall in the water
tenir quelque chose a la main = to hold something in your hand
etre blesse au bras / genou, etc = to be wounded in the arm / knee, etc
porter quelque chose aux pieds = to wear something on your feet
travailler a la mine / aux chemins defer" = to work in the mine / on the
railways
tomber a terre** = to fall to the ground (from a height)
a Vinterieur = inside, indoors
a Vexterieur = outside, outdoors
a Varriere = in / at the back
a Venvers = back to front
a la place de / au lieu de = in place of/ instead of
* see 333, 390 dans
** see 374, 390 par
For a with names of countries, see 393.
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
305 a indicating time
a dix heures = at ten o'clock
a minuit / a midi = at midnight / at midday
a Vheure actuelle = at the present time
au debut = at the beginning
a la fin = at the end
a la mi-temps = at half-time
au soir = in the evening
au printemps = in the spring
a Vautomne = in the autumn
a notre epoque = in our time
au 21e siecle = in the twenty-first century
a la mi-janvier = in mid-January
a la Saint-Sylvestre / a la Toussaint = (on) New Tear's Eve / on All Saints' Day
a notre arrivee / a notre retour = on our arrival / on our return
arriver a temps = to arrive on time
la date a laquelle elle est par tie = the date on which she left
a Uavance* = in advance
* see de and par 390.
306 a indicating manner
fabrique a la main = hand-made
un a un = one by one
mot a mot = word for word
pas a pas = step by step
a pas lents / a pas de loup = slowly / stealthily
a reculons = backwards
a ce quej'ai entendu =from what I've heard
reconnaitre quelqu'un a sa voix = to recognise someone from / by their voice
ecrire au stylo / a Vencre = to write in pen / in ink
lire a la lumiere d'une lampe = to read by the light of a lamp
etre abattu a coups de pied / poing / couteau = to be kicked / punched / knifed to the
244
309 a expressing compound phenomenon
etre au chomage = to be out of work
le gouvernement au pouvoir = the government in power
une collection aux tons de sable et de terre = a collection with tones of sand and earth
un album aux accents romantiques = an album with a romantic flavour
a mon avis = in my opinion
a leur maniere = in their way
a regret = regre fully
a la rigueur = if need be
au cas ou = in the case in which
Au cas ou les discussions seront bloquees = in case discussion is foreclosed
au secours! / au voleurl = help! / thief
manger a Vindienne = to eat squatting down
a lafrancaise = in the French style
307 a to mark responsibility
a vous d'etre positif = it's up to you to be positive
a vous de simplifier la tache = it's up to you to simplify the task
c'est a lui de trouver une justification = it's up to him to find a justification
a moi le tour = it's my turn
308 a expressing measurement
a 21 ans = at 21 (years old)
elle a au moins 18 ans = she's at least 18
un billet a 10 euros = a ten-euro note
a une vitesse de 90 km a Vheure = at 90 km per hour
rouler a 120 km a Vheure = to travel at 120 km an hour
Paris se trouve a 20 km d'ici = Paris is 20 km from here
il habite a au moins 5 km d'ici* = he lives at at least 5 km from here
ce produit est present a forte concentration = this product is present in a strong
concentration
* see du moins 390.
309 a expressing a compound phenomenon
Where English uses one noun adjectivally to qualify another, French often has recourse
to a construction with a.
un verre a biere / au vin* = a beer / wine glass
I 245
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
unpot afleurs = a flower pot
un tnoulin a vent = a windmill
de la soupe a Voignon = onion soup
une sauce au vin = wine sauce
une cuillere a soupe d'eau plate = a soupspoon of still water
unefemme aux cheveux blonds = a blonde
un hotntne au nez tordu = a man with a twisted nose
une machine a traitement de texte = a word-processor
taper a la machine = to type
* see de 337.
310 a + infinitive
A Vecouter, vous diriez qu'il aime se donner en spectacle = listening to him,
you'd say he liked making a spectacle of himself
A la voir, on n^aur ait jamais cru qu'elle etait riche = looking at her, you'd never
think she was well off
311a cause de = because of
A cause de la chaleur il a pris une douche froide = because of the heat he took a cold
shower
312 a condition de = subject to
A condition de is only used with infinitives -
A condition de comprendre les dangers, vous pouvez prqfiter desjoies du
sexe en toutes circonstances = subject to understanding the dangers, you can enjoy sex in
each and every situation
A condition d'afficher une endurance mentale a toute epreuve, il est
possible de surmonter les douleurs rencontrees lors des marathons = subject
to possessing high-resistance mental endurance, it's possible to overcome the pain encountered during
marathons
313 a cote de = next to, in comparison with
Sa maison se trouve a cote de la mienne = her house is next to mine
A cote des icones d'hier, celles d'aujourd'hui vendent plutot le vice, le niais
= in comparison with the icons of yesteryear, today's purvey vice and stupidity
314 a fin de = in order to
Afin de is used only with infinitives -
Afin d'eviter des ennuis judiciaires, agissez la nuit — le clair de la lune
assure la discretion et accentue la tension = in order to avoid problems with the law,
act at night time - moonlight ensures discretion and increases tension
246 I
318 apres / d'apres = after / according to, from
Afin de profiter au maximum des asperges, ilfaut les choisir cassantes et
de couleur franche = in order to get the most out of asparagus, you have to choose them when
they snap easily and are uniform in colour
315 a force de = by virtue of
Je sais que c'est a force de tous vos efforts que vous avez reussi ce test = I
know that it was by virtue of all your efforts that you passed that test
A force d'enchainer les flirts d 3 un soir, vous risquez de vous noyer dans des
aventures sans lendemain = by virtue of a series of one-night stands, you run the risk of
drowning yourself in a series of liaisons which lead nowhere
316 a moins de = unless
A moins de is used only with an infinitive -
Une voiture c'est comme unefemme, a moins de s'en servir, on se la fait
piquer = a car is like a woman, unless you use it someone will pinch it
A moins d'etre irreprochable, le brossage des dents manuel risque d'etre
trop superficiel = unless it's absolutely thorough, cleaningyour teeth by hand runs the danger of
being too superficial
317 a partir de = from
Je serai chez moi a partir de trois heures =Fll be at home from three o'clock
318 apres / d'apres = after / according to, from
Apres alone is usually equivalent to English after; d f apres = according to, from
apres
apres le debut de Remission = after the programme begins / began
J'arriverai apres 21 heures = Til arrive after 9 o'clock
Selectionne genetiquement apres fecondation in vitro = genetically selected after in
vitro fertilisation
Apres les etudes, le temps de Vemploi = after your studies, it's time to get a job
Note the difference between the French and English versions for the following
examples
Apres avoir fini mon yaourt nature = having finished / after finishing my natural yoghurt
Apres lui avoir offert un bracelet en fibres naturelles = having offered / after
offering her a bracelet made of natural fibres
Apres s'etre fait greffer un portable a Voreille = having had a mobile grafted onto his
d'apres
D'apres ce qu'il a dit =from what he said
D'apres moi, il nefaut jamais vous priver de dessert = in my opinion you must
never deprive yourself of a dessert
I 247
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
D'apres la television, ily aurait dix victimes = according to the telly there were ten
casualties
319 a travers = through
Elle m'a appele a travers ses larmes = she shouted to me through her tears
Je Vai vue quifutnait a travers laporte = I saw her smoking through the door
Voyager a travers VEurope / le temps = to travel through Europe / time
Sentir lefroid a travers ses vetements = to feel the cold throughyour clothes
320 au bout de = at the end of
Au bout de 6 km de marche, on commence a developper de nouvelles
capacites respiratoires = at the end of6kms walking, you begin to develop new respiratory
capabilities
Au bout de la cour tu trouveras des pots interessants = at the end of the yard you'll
find some interesting pots
au bout d 3 un an = a year later
II est arrive au bout de trente minutes = he arrived ha fan hour later
321 au cours de = during, in the course of
C'etait au cours d y un rendez-vous avec un copain = it was during a meeting with a
mate
Elle arrivera au cours de Vapres-midi = she'll arrive in the course of the afternoon
322 au-dela de = beyond, apart from
Au-dela de Voriginalite, Us n' off rent pas grand' chose = beyond / apart from their
originality, they don't have much to offer
323 au-dessous de = underneath, beneath, below
Ily avait une station de metro au-dessous de leur hotel = there was an
underground station beneath their hotel
La temperature est au-dessous de 4 degres = the temperature is below 4 degrees
Ce poste est au-dessous de ses capacites = this job is beneath her ability
au-dessous de la moyenne = below average
324 au-dessus de = over, above
Ce chateau feerique se trouve au-dessus d'une vallee pittoresque = this
fairy-tale castle stands above a picturesque valley
Un cheque au-dessus de 1000 euros = a cheque for over 1000 euros
Vous pensez que c'est au-dessus de vos competences de vous passer de
sucre? =you think it's beyond your ability to do without sugar?
au-dessus de la moyenne = above average
248 I
330 chez = at the home of, among
325 au lieu de = instead of
Ce soirj'espere que tu porter as unejupe au lieu de cejean affreux = I hope
you'll wear a skirt instead of those awful jeans this evening
II m'a apporte un Pepsi au lieu d'un Coke = he brought me a Pepsi instead of a Coke
326 aupres de = in relation to, in comparison with, among
Aupres des autres mascaras celui-ci est excellent = in comparison with the other
mascaras this one is outstanding
II s' est plaint aupres du directeur = he complained to the headteacher
Un sondage aupres de quatre tnille personnes = a survey among 4000 people
327 autour de = around, round, about
II a voyage autour du tnonde = he's travelled around the world
Elle a organise un colloque autour du theme du tatouage = she organised a
conference on the theme of tattooing
328 avant = before (of time)
Tu dois rentrer avant onze heures =you must be home before 11 o'clock
II se leve avant vous = he gets up before you
avant de + infinitive
Avant de vous engager 9 essayez defaire attention ou vous mettez les
pieds = before committing yourself try to be careful where you stickyourfeet
Avant d'ajouter les framboises, faites dorer a lapoele 75 grammes
d'amandes = before adding the raspberries, lightly brown 75 grammes of almonds in a pan
329 avec = with
II est arrive avec sa petite amie = he turned up with his gir friend
C'est un velo avec vingt vitesses = it's a bike with twenty gears
Un depistage compatible avec un enfant nouveau-ne = screening compatible with a
newly born infant
Nous avons pris le dessert avec des cerises = we went for the dessert with cherries
II est tres gentil avec votre nouvel assistant = he's very nice to your new assistant
Une methode qui ne marche qu'avec la complicite de tout le monde = a
method that only works with everyone's complicity / if everyone colludes
330 chez = at the home of, among
Je serai chez moi a partir de trois heures = I'll be at home from 3 o'clock
La plupart des chutes ont lieu chez soi = most falls occur in the home
II vous appelle chez vous le weekend pour regler quelques petits details = he
calls you at home at the weekend to sort out a few minor details
I 249
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Cela peut provoquer de graves troubles du systeme nerveux chez le
foetus = that can cause major problems in the nervous system for the foetus
331 compris / y compris = including
Y compris is used when the preposition precedes the noun, but compris alone when
it follows, in which case it agrees with the gender and number of the noun (see 198) -
service compris / service non compris = including service / excluding service
TVA comprise / non comprise = including VAT / excluding VAT
II y aura cinq epreuves sportives, y compris un saut a Velastique et une
demi-heure de kayak = there'll be five sporting challenges, including a bungeejump and half an
hour in a kayak
Un demi-verre de Vanish suffit pour effacer toutes les taches, y compris les
taches de vin et d'herbe - half a glass of Vanish is enough to get rid of all stains, including
wine and grass stains
332 contre = against
Je n'ai rien contre les Anglais = I haven't got anything against the English
II a change deux mille livres contre des euros = he changed two thousand pounds into
euros
Les tests contre placebo le prouvent = tests with a placebo prove it
Lutter contre la douleur = to fight against pain
333 dans = in, from, during
dans expressing position
dans Vespace = in space
dans Vair = in the air
dans la region parisienne = in the Paris area
dans la capitale = in the capital
dans Vaeroport = in the airport (buildings)
dans le parking = in the carpark
travailler dans la mine* = to work in a mine
etre dans la maison = to be in the house (not outside)
dans la campagne / le jar din = in the country / the garden
dans le train = in the train
dans Veau = in the water
J'aime les vacances dans les Alpes = / love holidays in the Alps
La Butte Montmartre, c'est mon coin pref ere dans Paris = the Butte Montmartre
is my favourite spot in Paris
250 I
335 de indicating possession
II y a eu beaucoup de bruit dans la rue = there was a lot of noise in the street
II est tombe dans Veau = he fell into the water
La preuve dans ce numero = the proof is in this issue
Dans Vintimite dufond de teint = in the intimacy offoundation cream
Du mercure dans le thon = mercury in tuna
Ma grand-mere prefere boire dans une tasse en porcelaine = my grandmother
prefers to drink out of a china cup
Elle a pris son pull dans le tiroir = she took her jumper out of the drawer
* see 391 for discussion of different prepositions translating English in
dans expressing time
dans les annees quatre-vingt-dix = in the 1990s
dans les prochains jours = in the next few days
J'arriverai dans vingt minutes* = Fll be there in 20 minutes
Je leferai dans la semaine = Fll do it during the week
Je leferai dans dix jours = Fll do it in ten days' time
* see 357 en below and also 391
334 de
De occurs with many different values and uses and, with a, is the most commonly
encountered preposition in French. It is most frequently used to indicate some association
or link of possession between two nouns. In many cases, the English version of a French
phrase with de does not require a preposition. The following examples illustrate typical
335 de indicating possession
L'equipe defoot de France = the French football team
Des cours de neerlandais et d' anglais = courses in Dutch and English
La ceremonie d'ouverture = the opening ceremony
Le meilleur athlete du pays = the best athlete in the country
Les meilleurs aliments de la gamme qfferte aux enfants = the best foods in the
range for children
Une place de parking vide = an empty parking space
La cause principale de mon anxiete = the main cause of my anxiety
Cest un style de vie qui me plait = it's a way of life that appeals to me
J'interprete la petite amie d'un des potes du heros = I play the gir friend of one of
the hero's mates
I 251
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Jacqueline Lens, responsable de la communication chez References =
Jacqueline Lens, in charge of communication for 'References'
Vous avez des souvenirs de votre temps de serveuse? = have you got some memories
of your time as a waitress?
Qu'est-ce qui vous degoute? — L'odeur et le gout du chou-fleur = what turns you
off? - The smell and taste of cauliflower
Vous beneficiez de nombreuses possibilites de promotion =you benefit from
numerous opportunities for promotion
Vous trouverez sur notre site internet une description detaillee des prqfils
que nous recherchons = you'll find on our internet site a detailed description of the types of
people we're looking for
336 de expressing place, origin
Le train de / a destination de Paris = the Paris train (for Paris)
Le train de / venant de Paris = the Paris train (from Paris)
DHci a Paris c'est cent kilometres =from here to Paris is 100 km
Elle vient de Paris = she comes from Paris
L' Europe de VOuest = Western Europe
L'Afrique du Sud = South Africa
L'Amerique du Nord = North America
Le nord de VAmerique = north / northern America
Je viens d'arriver de la Roumanie = Pve just got back from Romania
Elle vient de V autre cote de la ville = she comes from the other side of town
Un enfant de son mariage precedent = a child from his previous marriage
II est ne de parents immigres du Pakistan = he was born to parents who had
immigrated from Pakistan
Un disque qui passe de la plainte soul au murmure suggestif= a record that
goes from plaintive soul to suggestive murmurings
A Vissue de V operation = at the end of the operation
Au milieu de cetteforet de beton et d'acier = in the midst of this forest of concrete and
steel
Pour se deplacer de batiment en batiment = to move from building to building
S'inspirant de la mythologie grecque = taking his inspiration from Greek mythology
II convient de rester prudent si la proposition vient d'une societe peu ou
pas connue = it's appropriate to be prudent if the offer comes from a firm that is little known or
completely unknown
252
338 de with expressions of quantity
337 de expressing the idea of containing, measurement
un verve de vin* = a glass of wine (not a wine glass)
unpot defleurs = a pot of flowers (not a flower pot)
unpot de yaourt = a pot of yoghurt
une compote de pommes = stewed apple
une bouteille de biere = a bottle of beer
quatre blancs de poulet =four chicken breasts
un sachet de vanille sucre =a sachet of sweetened vanilla
une fusion de cedre, de santal, de bois de rose = a fusion of cedar, sandalwood and
rosewood
une cuilleree a cafe dejus de citron = a teaspoon of lemon juice
un sac de riz vaut mieux que les pommes de terre = a bag of rice is better for you
than potatoes
250 grammes de frontage de chevre = 250 g of goats' cheese
une maison de poupees = dolls' house
Vensemble de mes dessins = the entire collection of my drawings
un article de 200 mots = an article 200 words long
un quart d'heure = quarter of an hour
on a deux heures de retard = we're two hours late
avancer de deux jours = to bringforward by two days
reduire de cinq euros = reduce by five euros
battre quelqu'un de deux metres / d'un dixieme de seconde = to beat someone
by two metres / by a tenth of a second
* see 309 a
338 de with expressions of quantity
J'ai envie d 3 explorer des voies nouvelles, de prendre beaucoup de risques =
/ want to explore many new paths, to take lots of risks
Son imagination delirante ne se tarit pas — il continue de mettre en scene
un grand nombre de vedettes dans des decors kitsch = his wild imagination
doesn't dry up - he continues to present a large number of celebrities in kitsch surroundings
Ecrivez un journal intime ou vous vous inventerez plein d'histoires
extraordinaires = keep a diary in which you'll invent masses of amazing stories about yourself
30 ans d 3 experience —parce que la science des plantes ne s' improvise pas,
Klorane met a profit 30 annees d 3 experience et de recherche pour vous f aire
beneficier de leurs bienfaits = 30 years' experience - because plant science can't be
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
improvised, Klorane takes advantage of 30 years' experience and research to help you profit from their
beneficial effects
10% de la population francaise gagnent plus de 1600 euros nets par mois =
10% of the French population earns more than 1600 euros net a month
25% des femmes de plus de 35 declarent vivre dans la solitude sexuelle,
contre 15% des hommes = 25% of women over 35 declare that they live in sexual solitude,
against 15% of men
La majorite de ceux qui ont coche la bonne reponse ne savaient pas ce
qu'ils faisaient = the majority of those who ticked the right box didn't know what they were doing
La plupart d'entre les femmes qui ont repondu au questionnaire ne
s'imaginent pas avoir une relation sexuelle sans etre amoureuses = most of
the women who answered the questionnaire don't conceive of having a sexual relationship without being
in love
Ce n' est pas un scoop, la moitie d'entre nous trompe notre fiance = it's no
scoop - half of us deceive our fiances
La moitie de ceux qui ont desfantasmes n'osentpas enparler = half the people
with fantasies don't dare talk about them
Note the use of either a singular or a plural verb with moitie) with other expressions
of quantity, including la plupart, a plural verb is used; see 242-244.
339 de expressing function, material
un livre de grammaire = a grammar book
un cours de francais = a French course
une salle de reunion = a meeting room
des proteines de soja et de ble = proteins of soya and wheat
un petit sac de sport = a small sports bag
ses lentilles de contact vertes = her green contact lenses
un pantalon en toile de coton = cotton trousers
des boucles d'oreilles en forme de fuchsia = earrings in the shape of fuchsias
un specialiste d'informatique = a computer expert
340 de expressing time
d'heure en heure =from one hour to the next
de temps en temps =from time to time
du matin au soir =from morning to evening
de lundi a merer edi =from Monday to Wednesday
du temps des ancetres = at the time of our ancestors
Je serai la de dix-huit heures a vingt heures = I'll be therefrom six to eight
254 I
343 de with attribute of noun / pronoun
Je n'ai rienfait de lajournee = I haven't done a thing all day
Une boutique pour les enfants de trois tnois a douze ans = a shop for children
from three months to twelve years
Elle est enceinte de cinq tnois = she's five months pregnant
341 de indicating cause
Elle mourait d'envie de le voir = she was dying to see him
Ce disque eveillera des envies de protection et d' affection = this disc will arouse
a desire to be protective and tender
II est tnort de ses blessures / d'un cancer / d'une crise cardiaque = he died
from his wounds / cancer / a heart attack
Elle pleurait dejoie / de rage / de desespoir = she wept with joy / anger / despair
grelotter defroid = to shiver with cold
342 de expressing manner
d'une facon / maniere amusante = in an amusing way
C'est unfdm d'un gout un peu douteux = it's a film of dubious taste
Ilfaut tirer de toutes ses forces =you need to pull with ally our might
II a repondu d'un geste obscene = he replied with an obscene gesture
Elle vit de haricots et lentilles = she lives on beans and lentils
frapper du pied = to kick
battre des mains = to clap
cligner desyeux = to wink
II a pousse la porte de son pied = he kicked the door open
II Va cogne de sa tete = he gave him a headbutt
See 347.
de in passive voice
Etre aime de tout le monde = to be loved by everyone
Cefilm a ete suivi d'un autre beaucoup moins original = the film was followed by
a much less original one
See 114,376.
343 de introducing the attribute of a noun or pronoun
un bras de casse = a broken arm
un seul ticket de valable = only one valid ticket
un livre d'emprunt = a borrowed book
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
un CD d'exception = an exceptional CD
quelque chose d'impressionnant = something impressive
J'ai encore une heure de libre = I've still got one hour free
Quelqu'un de dynamique a reus si a la f aire sortir de soi = some dynamic person
succeeded in bringing her out of herself
Per sonne d'interessant n'etait la = no one interesting was there
rien de nouveau = nothing new
Rien de si aimable qu'un homme seduisant, mais rien de plus odieux
qu'un seducteur = there's nothing more agreeable than a seductive man, but nothing more hateful
than a seducer
Ce parfutn a quelque chose d'intemporel = there's something timeless about this perfume
Ce qu'ily a d'attirant chez elle^ c'est sa naivete = what's attractive about her is her
innocence
Vousfaites cotntne si de rien n'etait = you're acting as if nothing had happened
ce qu'ily a d'interessant = the interesting thing is
344 de introducing an infinitive
Elle se ditflattee d'etre consideree cotntne Vune des sportives les plus
sexy. Et d'ajouter: « Ma tnatnan tne repete telletnent queje suis la plus
jolie, queje vais finir par le croire » = she says she's flattered to be considered one of the
most sexy sporting stars. Then she adds, c My mum tells me so often that I'm the prettiest that I'll finish
up believing it'
Pas de panique — les debuts des peres celibataires sont souvent difficiles,
mais onprend vite le rythtne, c'est le papa experitnente qui le dit. Et
d'ajouter qu'on adore entrer dans lapeau d'un papa poule = don't panic - it's
often very difficult for a single dad to get started, but you get into the rhythm, it's an experienced dad
who's telling you. I should also add that you can't beat getting into the skin of a daddy hen
Tout est utile, assure le Dr Elisabeth Fresnel, directrice du Laboratoire de
la voix. Et de poursuivre: Les Anglo-Saxons apprennent tres tot a parler en
public = everything has its uses, Dr Elisabeth Fresnel, director of the Voice Lab, assures us, and she
continues: Anglo-Saxons learn to speak in public early on
345 de forming expressions
Indicating age
unjeune homme de 20 ans = a 20 -year-old young man
unefille agee de 13 ans = a 13 -year-old girl
Indicating a measurement
un mur haut de 2 metres = a wall two metres high
une riviere large d'un demi kilometre = a river ha fa kilometre wide
Elle a les jamb es longues de 80 cm = her legs are 80 cms long
256 I
348 depuis = since
Set expressions
d'un air triste = with a sad look
Vous riez Vair de rien = you're laughing as if nothing had happened
De Vavis de mon professeur = in my teacher's opinion
Remercie-la de ma part = thank her on my behalf
Je le connais de vue / de reputation = I know him by sight / by reputation
d'un cote / de V autre (cote) = on the one hand / on the other
de tout mon coeur = with all my heart
en cas de rebellion = in case of a rebellion
Au risque d'encaisser un refus = at the risk of getting a refusal
jamais de ma vie = never in my life
Tout au long de Vannee les jeunes diplomes peuvent placer leur CV en
ligne = all year round newly qualified young people can put their cv on line
Les resultats seront publies aufur et a mesure de leur arrivee = the results will
be published as and when they arrive
346 de crainte de / de peur de = for fear of
De crainte de / de peur de are only used with an infinitive -
De crainte de prendre des kilos, il a decide de renoncer aux hamburgers et
auxfrites = for fear of putting on weight, he decided to give up hamburgers and chips
De peur d'effrayer votre partenaire peu experimentee, vous devez dompter
vos elans erotiques = for fear of frightening your inexperienced partner, you must control your
erotic impulses
347 de faqon a /de maniere a = so as to
Defagon a and de maniere a are only used with an infinitive -
Je dois me forcer a etre devant le public, de maniere a apprendre le
courage, la patience = I have to force myself to appear before an audience, so as to learn
courage and patience
Une tunique kimono, tres souple en viscose noire et rouge de faqon ajouer
en toute simplicite la carte de V elegance = a very soft kimono in black and red viscose
so as to play very simply the elegance card
348 depuis = since
With a date or point of time
depuis 1994 = since 1994
depuis le debut = since the beginning
J'apprends lefrangais depuis Vage de onze ans = Fve been learning French since I
was eleven
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Je vivais avec elle depuis juillet dernier = I had been living with her since last July
Elle luttait pour reconquerir ses droits depuis la fin de 2001 = she had been
fighting to reclaim her rights since the end of 2001
Je ne Vaipas vue depuis 2004 - 1 haven't seen her since 2004
depuis = for with length of time
depuis toujour s =for ever
II travaille la depuis douze ans = he's been working therefor twelve years
Je vivais avec elle depuis longtemps = I had been living with her for a long time
II est directeur artistique depuis cinq ans = he's been artistic director for five years
Je n'aipas eu de leurs nouvelles depuis cinq ans = I haven't had any news about
them for five years
See 140, 142.
349 derriere = behind
Le meilleur endroit pour le parfum, c'est derriere vos oreilles = the best spot
for perfume is behind your ears
Serrez vos bras derriere votre dos tout en inspirant = squeeze your arms behind
your back while breathing in
Quelquefois nous rev e Ions ce que nous prefererions cacher derriere notre
sourire = sometimes we reveal what we would prefer to hide behind our smile
Derriere cette histoire ily a des verites qu'on ne peut pas eviter = behind this
story there are some truths you can't avoid
350 des = from
des le debut =from the beginning / the outset
des maintenant =from now on
Des le premier mouvement du foetus =from the first movement of the foetus
Des les premieres annees de la vie =from the earliest years of life
Des le moment ou il Va vue =from the moment he saw her
351 devant = in front of, before, faced with
mettre un pied devant V autre = to put one foot in front of the other
Quand il n' est pas devant la tele, il se bat avec sa soeur = when he's not in front of
the telly, he's fighting his sister
Je Vai trouve assis devant son ordinateur = I found him sitting in front of his
computer
Je Vai vue devant le bar a parler a mon rival = I saw her at the bar talking to my
rival
258 I
355 en
Tous les hommes sont egaux devant la loi = all men are equal before the law
Le role des pleurs — manifester V affliction eprouvee devant quelque
situation penible = the role of tears - to demonstrate the distress experienced in the face of some
painful situation
Devant une personne qui se plaint d'etre fatiguee le diagnostic de
depression est souvent evoque = faced with someone who complains about being tired, a
diagnosis of depression is often mentioned
Le bebefait des grimaces devant les saveurs salees = babies make faces when
confronted with salty flavours
Elle ne recule devant rien pour filer avec le mec = she doesn't flinch one bit about
making off with the guy
Elle avait mis son pull devant derriere = she had put her jumper on back to front
352 du cote de = as for
Du cote des pellicules, pour les eradiquer, faites deux shampooings
successifs = as for dandruff, in order to eradicate it, shampoo your hair twice in succession
Du cote des repas, il est important de retrouver le rythme des trois repas
par jour = as far as meals are concerned, it's important to get back to eating three meals a day
The expression is sometimes shortened to just cote —
Cote gastronomic . . . cote hygiene . . . =from a gastronomic point of view . . .from a
hygienic point of view . . .
353 du haut de = from the top of
II a calculi la possibility d'un saut a Velastique du haut de lafalaise = he
calculated the possibility of a bungee jump from the top of the cliff
Elle a recite le poeme du haut du balcon — she recited the poem from the balcony
354 durant = for, during
Durant is virtually restricted to written French.
Durant des heures =for hours
Durant cette periode de notre histoire = during that period of our history
En prendre deux le matin et a midi durant dix jours = take two, morning and
midday, for ten days
II m'a calomniee durant toute ma scolarite = he bad-mouthed me throughout my time
at school
355 en
En is being used more and more frequently in contemporary French - in situations
where in the past dans would have occurred. When its use contrasts with that of dans,
it tends at times to have a more general, less specific value - this is because dans is
I 259
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
usually accompanied by an article, whereas it is unusual for en so to be. As soon as some
qualification of the noun occurs, en is replaced by dans + definite or indefinite article.
En le never occurs, en la very rarely, but en V, as in the first example in the next
section, is quite common. En is widely used in many fixed expressions.
356 en expressing position
en Vair = in the air
en region parisienne = in the Paris area
en metropole = in the capital
en banlieue = in the suburbs
en province = in the provinces
en montagne = in the mountains
en car = in a coach, by coach
en voiture = in a car, by car
en train = in a train, by train
en avion = in a plane, by plane
en bateau = in a boat, by boat
en ambulance = in an ambulance, by ambulance
en ville = in town
aller en ville = to go to town
en tner — at sea
en prison = in prison
en centre sportif= in the sports centre
en ligue des champions = in the champions' league
aller en classe = to go to school
etre en sixieme = to be in year 5
etre en terminale = to be in year 1 1
etre enfaculte / enfac = to be at university
en librairie / en pharmacie = in a bookshop, in bookshops / in a chemist's, in chemists'
357 en expressing time
en hiver = in winter
en ete = in summer
en automne* = in autumn
en Janvier = in January
260 I
358 en with clothing, materials, containers
enjuin = in June
en novembre = in November
en 2003 = in 2003
en Van 2004 = in the year 2004, in 2004
mardi en quinze = a fortnight on Tuesday
detnain en huit = a week tomorrow
en debut de seance = at the beginning of the session
Je voudrais vivre autre chose en ce debut du troisieme millenaire = I should
like to live differently at the beginning of this third millennium
en fin de journee = at the end of the day
en meme temps = at the same time
en premiere / deuxieme mi-temps = in the first / second half (pi a match)
en retard = late
II est en troisieme annee de these sur la liposuccion = he's in the third year of his
thesis on liposuction
partir en weekend = to go away for the weekend
lance en decembre dernier — launched last December
Dis adieu a la fatigue en deux temps trois mouvements = say goodbye to tiredness
in double quick time
En trente ans nous avons grandi = in 30 years we've got bigger
En une semaine ce programme va vous reinvigorer** = this programme will
reinvigorate you in a week
Je Pat fait en trente minutes = / did it in half an hour
II Vavait lu en une heure = he'd read it in an hour
En ce moment je la vois beaucoup = I see her a lot at the moment
* but au printemps = in the spring
** For the difference between dans and en in this context, see 390.
358 en with clothing, materials, containers
With clothing
en maillot de bain / en bikini = in a bathing costume / in a bikini
en tenue de soiree = in evening dress
en uniforme = in uniform
en jean = in jeans
une robe en coton = a cotton dress
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une veste en cuir = a leather jacket
L'avocat plaide en robe noire = a lawyer appears in court in a black robe
Rien ne vaut un costume en lin = nothing equals a linen suit
en with materials and containers
une barriere enfer = an iron gate
un bol en bois = a wooden bowl
une statue en bronze = a bronze statue
un bracelet en or = a gold bracelet
des boucles d'oreille en argent = silver earrings
II se presente en plaquette de vingt-huit jours = it comes in a 28-day packet
Un medecin conseillera un antiviral en creme ou en comprimes = a doctor
will prescribe an anti-viral cream or tablets
Votre alimentation est trop riche en graisse et en sucre =your diet is over-rich in
fat and sugar
359 en with names of languages and countries
en with languages
enfrancais = in French
en espagnol = in Spanish
Traduis ca en roumain = translate that into Romanian
en with names of countries
See 393.
360 en in fixed expressions
etre en voyage = to be on a trip
en vacances = on holiday
en route = en route
en vente =for sale
en moyenne = on average
Nous avons gagne en moyenne 300 euros chacune = each of us earned on average
300 euros
en feu = on fire
rester en silence = to stay quiet
Votre pere est remarquable — il souffre en silence d'un probleme de
prostate = your father's incredible - he suffers in silence with a prostate problem
etre en deuil = to be in mourning
262
360 en in fixed expressions
dormir en paix = to sleep in peace
etre en danger = to be in danger
etre en dijficulte = to be in difficulty
tnettre en valeur = to highlight
se tnettre en marche = to set out
en matiere de = as far as . . . is concerned
Elle conseille sur leurs droits en matiere de contrats immobiliers = she's an
adviser on people's rights in the area of property contracts
en V occurrence = in this case, in this instance
en Vhonneur de = in honour of
en presence de = in the presence of
en direct = live (broadcast)
Eurqfoot 2004 — en direct de Lisbonne = Euro 2004, live from Lisbon
enjeu = at stake
en son nom = in her name, in his name
en revanche = on the other hand
en effet = in fact (supporting previous statement)
Rien ne sert de se retenir d'eternuer. En effet ce mecanisme de defense
naturelle per met d'expulser hors du nez un corps etr anger irritant = there's
no point holding back your sneezes. In fact this natural defence mechanism enables us to expel irritating
foreign bodies from our nose
en fait = in fact (contradicting previous statement)
en tant que = as
En tant qu 3 eleve-fonctionnaire vous gagnerez 6 000 euros par mois = as a
trainee civil servant you' 11 earn 6,000 euros a month
en promotion / en promo = on special offer
en solde = in a sale
Les articles achetes en solde doivent beneficier des memes droits que les
autres = goods bought in a sale benefit from the same rights as any others
gagner en mystere = to grow in mystery
avoir le vent en poupe = to have the wind in your sails
en cas de = in case of
en Vespece = in this instance
Se deguiser en policier, c'est marrant = disguising yourself as a policeman is a laugh
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
agir en specialiste = to act as a specialist
en plus = in addition
En plus des dix deja existants = in addition to the ten you've already got
se tnettre en colere = to get angry
en etat de guerre = in a state of war
partir en tour nee = to go on tour (eg of pop group)
en version originate / en VO = in the original (eg of film)
etre en chomage = to be out of work
etre en greve = to be on strike
enpartie = in part
Votre succes depend enpartie du statut de votre directeur de these =your
success depends in part upon your thesis supervisor's status
en realite = in reality ', really
En realite, le choix depend du resultat voulu = in reality, what you choose depends
upon the result you want
unfilm en noir et blanc = a black-and-white film
parler en connaissance de cause = to speak with full knowledge of the facts
avec des teintes brillantes en contraste = with brilliant contrasting tints
des silhouettes en 3D = silhouettes in 3D
361 en-dehors de = outside, apart from
Je voulais la rencontrer en-dehors de la ville = / wanted to meet her outside the town
Je ne vois personne en-dehors de deux potes = I don't see anyone apart from a couple
of mates
362 en depit de = in spite of
En depit de ce queje lui dis, mafemme reserve toujour s une place dans
notre lit pour son chien = in spite of what I say to her, my wife still reserves a place in our bed
for her dog
En depit de sa reticence, elle s 3 y habituera en douceur = in spite of her reluctance,
she'll gradually get used to it
363 entre = between, among, through
entre nous = between ourselves
entre parentheses / entre guillemets = in brackets / in inverted commas
entre le 25 et le 30 mai = between the 25th and 30th May
La route sefaufile entre les petits villages = the road winds its way through the tiny
villages
264 I
368 grace a = thanks to
Un decolage entre les problemes percus par les parents et leurs enfants = a
gap between the problems perceived by parents and their children
43% d 3 entre eux souhaitent etre tnieux informes sur le suicide = 43% of them
want to be better informed on suicide
L'enfance, une epoque benie entre toutes = childhood, a time blessed amongst all
others
364 en vers = towards
Je ne sens que de la reconnaissance envers elle = I feel nothing but gratitude towards
her
Son attitude envers son travail est decevante = her attitude towards her work is
disappointing
Si vous ressentez une attirance envers une de vos amies, c'est le moment
de choisir votre camp = if you feel yourself attracted towards one of your friends the same sex
as you, that's the moment when you have to decide which side you're on
365 environ = about
Un petit bijou de technologie qui coute environ 150 000 euros = a little peach of
technology which costs about 150,000 euros
A environ dix metres, je ne vois plus rien sans mes lunettes = at about ten
metres I can't see a thing without my glasses
366 excepte = except for, apart from
J'aime toutes les couleurs, excepte le bleu = / like all the colours, except for blue
Tout le monde sera la, excepte mon cousin = everyone will be there apart from my
cousin
See 198.
367 face a = opposite, facing
face a Vhopital = opposite the hospital
face aux cameras = facing the cameras
Face a ^augmentation des ventes de medicaments contre le cholesterol =
faced with the increasing sales of anti- cholesterol remedies
lis se disent desempares face aux reponses recues = they say they're confused when
confronted by the answers received
368 grace a = thanks to
Grace a Inaction de la vitamine C = thanks to the action of vitamin C
J'ai decroche mon bac grace a mes lectures = I got my A-levels thanks to all the
reading I'd done
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
369 hors de = out of
hors d'haleine = out of breath
J'etais hors de moi qu'il ait pu pense ainsi = I was beside myself that he could have
such thoughts
Tu seras hors de danger dans les toilettes = you'll be out of danger in the loos
370 jusqu'a = as far as, until
allerjusqu'd Biarritz = to go as far as Biarritz
jusqu'a present = up to the present moment
jusqu'au 14fevrier = until 14th February
Restez vigilante jusqu'en septembre = stay on your guard till September
Vous ne per cez jamais vos boutons, vous les laisser murir jusqu'a eclosion
spontanee = never squeeze spots - let them ripen until they form a head spontaneously
J 'irais jusqu'a dire qu'il ne faut pas reprimer vos eternuements sous peine
de provoquer une nouvelle crise = I'd go so far as to say that you shouldn't repress your
sneezes -you might induce another attack
Nous n'allons pas jusqu'a accepter cette decision ridicule = we're not going so
far as to accept that ridiculous decision
371 le long de = along
II trainait le long des couloirs avant d'entrer = he wandered along the corridors before
going in
Promenade a velo le long des quais de la Seine = a bike ride along the banks of the
Seine
372 lors de = during, at the time of
Lors des dernieres rencontres parlement aires = at the time of/ during the recent
meetings of Parliament
Lors d'un recent congres = at the time of/ during a recent conference
373 malgre = in spite of
Malgre les demandes croissantes des parents = in spite of increasing demands from
parents
Malgre tout, il vaut mieux continuer = in spite of everything, it's better to carry on
374 par = through, by, per, on, in
par expressing position
voyager par chemin defer /par le train = to travel by rail / by train
voyager par avion /par bateau = to travel by plane / by boat
266
375 par-dessous = underneath
par id / par la = this way / that way
par-ci par-la = hither and thither
Vous regardez par lafenetre les souris qui s'amusent = through the window you
watch the birds enjoying themselves
II dormait sur un matelas sans draps par terre = he slept on a mattress without
sheets on the floor
par expressing time
par un temps pluvieux = in rainy weather
par le temps qui court = as it [the weather] is
par une jour nee d'hiver = on a winter's day
+ 20% par an = + 20% per year / + 20% a year
En periode d' extreme chaleur ilfaut boire 2,5 a 3 litres d'eau par jour = in
times of extreme heat, you should drink between 2.5 and 3 litres of water a day
par expressing an agent, animate or inanimate - see 414 de and 390
Une efficacite prouvee par des dermatologues = an effectiveness proved by
dermatologists
Commencez par un echauffement suffisant = begin with sufficient warm-up exercises
Un entraineur a ete mordu par un chien errant = a trainer was bitten by a dog off
the lead
II s'exprime par gestes = he expresses himself through gestures
On remplace le sucre par le fructose = sugar may be replaced by fructose
par in fixed expressions
par courrier = by mail
par ecrit = in writing
par ordre alphabetique = in alphabetical order
par milliers = in thousands, in their thousands
par honte / par reconnaissance = out of shame / out of gratitude
par ignorance / par amour = out of ignorance / out of love
par exemple =for example
par contre = on the other hand
375 par-dessous = underneath
Poury arriver ilfallait passer par-dessous la haie = to get there we had to climb
under the hedge
267
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
376 par-dessus = over
II seplante derriere vous et regarde par-dessus votre epaule = he plonks himself
behind you and looks over your shoulder
par-dessus le marche = into the bargain
311 parmi = among
Le village se trouve parmi les plus belles montagnes du tnonde = the village is
set amongst the most beautiful mountains in the world
C'est une plainte exprimee surt out parmi les femmes = it's a complaint
commonly expressed among women
Parmi les hommes Videe de « mieux habille » a change = among /for men the
idea of c best dressed' has changed
378 par suite de = as a result of
Par suite de Vanxiete^ vous tremblez comme unefeuille a chaquefois que
vous prononcez un discours devant une assemblee = as a result of anxiety, you
tremble like a leaf every time you give a speech at a meeting
Par suite de sa delicatesse et generosite, vous jouissez de moments
inoubliables ensemble = because of her sensitivity and generosity you enjoy unforgettable
moments together
379 pendant = for, during
pendant lajournee = during the day
Je Vai attendue pendant une heure = / waited for her for an hour
On ne vous ditplus rien pendant des mois = no one says anything else to you for months
Pendant les annees 70 je portais un pull col V en mohair rouge = during the
70s I used to wear a V-neck pullover in red mohair
See 390.
380 pour = for
pour expressing time
Elle n'etait la que pour quelques jours = she was only therefor a few days
pour la troisieme annee consecutive =for the third consecutive year
Pour cet ete I' association recherche des etudiants en medecine =for this
summer the association is seeking medical students
Pour Vavenir immediat elle n'a aucun projet prqfessionnel =for the immediate
future she hasn't got any professional plans
See 390.
pour in other contexts
C'est le minimum a f aire pour ceux qu'on appelle les nouveaux pauvres =
it's the least that can be done for those we call the new poor
268 I
383 sans = without
Petits soins pour zones sensibles = delicate care for delicate areas
Une bonne nouvelle pour tous les parents concernes = good news for all concerned
parents
Avec symptome de desinteret pour son travail et sa vie = with the symptom of
lack of interest in his work and life
Pour son nouveaufilm il veut une jeune fille susceptible d'incarner un
ideal de purete =for his latest film he wants a girl who is capable of embodying an ideal of purity
Bouger pour une saine fatigue = keep moving for good, healthy tiredness
Eau de toilette pour homme = eau de toilette for men
Elle seprend / se passe pour une star = she considers herself / passes herself off as a star
Pour vous faciliter la vie, void notre selection d 3 articles sytnpas = in order to
simplify your life, here's our selection of great items
Les ados peuvent utiliser le service « Fil santejeunes » pour poser les
questions qui les tracassent = youngsters can use the Help Line to ask the questions that
worry them
381 pres de = close to, near
L'essentiel de tnon travail consistait a me tenir pres de lui = the essential part of
my work involved me staying close to him
J'aime garder mes choses pres de moi = I like keeping my things close to me
Pres du magasin ily a toujours des tnecs qui chahutent = near the shop there are
always some guys messing about
382 quant a = as for
quant a moi = as for me
Quant aux peres, meme si on n'en a pas, on a une image depere = as for
fathers, even if you haven't got one, you've got an image of them
383 sans = without
Je suis sans regrets = Pm without regret, I have no regrets
Je traine de salle en salle sans but precis = I mope from room to room without any
precise aim
Une moto sans silencieux = a motorbike without a silencer
De Venergie sans les kilos = energy without putting on weight
sans fin = endless, ad infinitum
les sans domicile fixe = the homeless
les sans-papiers = illegal immigrants
lis peuvent poser des questions personnelles sans reveler leur identite =
they can ask personal questions without revealing their identity
I 269
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Vous pouvez faire votre shopping sans quitter la maison —you can do your
shopping without leaving the house
384 sauf = except for, apart from
Toms les premiers jeudis du tnois a partir de 21 h sauf Janvier = all the first
Thursdays of the month from 9pm except for January
Si un mec vous plait, dites-lui tout — sauf la verite = if a guy appeals to you, tell him
everything - apart from the truth
385 selon = according to
Selon un sondage realise par ce magazine = according to a poll undertaken by this
magazine
Selon cette etude, un baton de rouge a levres exerce un pouvoir de
seduction incroyable sur les hommes = according to this study, a lipstick exerts an
unbelievable power of seduction on men
386 sous = underneath, beneath
Sous ma chemise j^aime porter un bustier en jean = underneath my blouse I like
wearing a denim bustier
Sous cette plainte courante = beneath this frequent complaint
Le couteau sous la gorge = with a knife under / at his throat
Voir la vie sous un angle convenable = to see If e from an appropriate angle
J'ai sous la main tout ce dontj'ai besoin pendant lajournee = I've got
everything I need during the day to hand
Son homos exualite, est-ce que on peut continuer de la passer sous
silence? = can we keep on keeping quiet about his homosexuality?
sous la pluie = in the rain
sous la presidence de = under the presidency of
sous peu = shortly
sous un jour favorable = in a favourable light
sous tous les rapports = in all respects
387 suivant = following
Suivant la discussion, j'ai dit quej'etais gay = following the discussion I said I was
gay
Suivant une enquete sur la nutrition des teenagers = following an investigation into
the eating habits of teenagers
388 sur = on, over, about
Passez lejet sur tout le corps = direct the jet all over your
Le pis to let sur la tempe = with a pistol to his temple
270 I
389 vers = to, towards, about
Le point sur ces interventions = the latest on these speeches
On vous dit tout sur la meilleure facon de marcher = we tell you everything about
the best way to walk
Un test clinique sur 28 femmes = a clinical test on 28 women
Un Francais sur quatre souffrira d'hemorroides, un sur dix s' en plaint
regulierement = one French person out of four will suffer from piles, one out often will complain
about it regularly
Pourquoi cette sensation de « chape de plotnb » sur nos epaules? = why do we
have this sensation of a 'leaden cloak' on our shoulders?
Un programme bati sur mesure = a programme made to measure
Sur des milliers de gensje n'ai eu que quelques tres grosses mauvaises
surprises = out of thousands of people I've only had a few unpleasant surprises
sur le parking = in the (open-air) carpark
sur la mer = at sea
sur le stade = in the stadium
sur le ring = in the boxing ring
marcher sur la route / le trottoir = to walk on the road / the pavement
donner sur la rue = to look onto the street (of a building)
sur scene / sur la scene = on stage
la clef est sur la porte = the key is in the door
grimper sur le toit = to climb onto the roof
etre sur un velo = to be on a bike
revenir sur ses pas = to retrace your steps
un livre sur la mode = a book on fashion
naviguer sur Internet = to surf the net
sur Internet = on the Internet
sur un ton satisfait / content = in a satisfied / content tone of voice
389 vers = to, towards, about
Poussez les bras et les jambes vers Varriere = pushyour arms and legs towards the
back
II s'est tourne vers les autres = he turned to the others
Nos discussions se sont orientees vers le sexe = our discussion turned towards sex
vers 15 heures = about three o'clock
vers le debut du mois = towards the beginning of the month
I 271
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
390 Slight shifts in meaning brought out by varying
the prepositions
Accurate handling of prepositions is a very delicate and complicated matter and one
that puts the seal on competent use of the language. There are one or two patterns of
alternation between prepositions that allow shades of meaning to be conveyed in a subtle
way There are also occasions, often fixed expressions, where a particular noun attracts
one preposition rather than another
a / dans
a cet endroit = in this place
dans ce lieu = in this place
a / dans / en
When translating English in, a distinction may be drawn between the physical and
the abstract values of the preposition: dans implies the former, ie a more specific,
more concrete or physical value and a the latter, ie a more vague, less well-defined
value -
Les parents sont entres dans Vecolepour voir leprofde leurfils = the parents
went into the school to see their son's teacher
II est entre a Vecole en 1998 = he began his school career in 1998
Dans monjardin ily a une grande variete de plantes = in my garden there's a wide
variety of plants
J'aime travailler au jar din pour profit er de Vairfrais = Hike working in the
garden to benefit from the fresh air
The same applies to the following examples -
etre a Paris / etre dans Paris = to be in Paris
J'ai toujour s aime etre a Paris = I've always liked being in Paris
Trouver une station d' essence dans Paris est de plus en plus difficile =
finding a petrol station in Paris is getting more and more difficult
etre a la campagne / dans la campagne = to be in the country
etre aux champs / dans les champs = to be in the fields
etre au salon / dans le salon = to be in the drawing room
etre a la cuisine / dans la cuisine = to be in the kitchen
etre a Vombre / dans Vombre = to be in the shade
tomber a Veau / dans Veau = to fall in the water
However, a laferme = on the farm, whereas dans laferme = in the farmhouse.
In in relation to names of countries, departments, etc, is dealt with in 393.
In / on in relation to streets is often represented by a zero preposition in French -
Visitez son studio rue Guenegaud = visit her studio in the rue Guenegaud
~ I
390 Meaning with different prepositions
Son nouveau restaurant se trouve place de VEglise = his new restaurant is situated
on the Place de VEglise
In / by with modes of transport may be translated by dans, en or par, with occasional
slight differences of interpretation —
voyager dans / par le bus, dans / par le train = to travel by bus, train
voyager en ambulance, en auto, en avion, en bateau, en helicoptere, en
velo, en tnoto, en voiture = to travel by ambulance, car, plane, boat, helicopter, bike,
motorbike, car
voyager par bateau = to travel by boat
voyager dans un taxi, dans une ambulance = to travel in a taxi, an ambulance
As with the a / dans contrast above, the use of dans underlines the physical position
of the traveller.
dans V avion = in the plane (stressing the position of who or what is doing the
travelling)
en avion = by air (stressing the method of transport)
par avion = by airmail
When it is desired to qualify the noun, dans or par, not en, must be used -
Je suis arrive dans la voiture de mon mec = / arrived in my boyfriend's car
Je suis arrive par le train de quinze heures = I arrived by the three o'clock train
a / de
With verbs denoting moving/ snatching, a is used to refer to people, de to things -
Elle Va arrache a son amie = she snatched it from her friend
II Va enleve / ote de la table = he took it from / off the table
When linking two nouns, a denotes that the nouns form a single unit and stresses the
function of the object, whereas de denotes a looser connection, stressing what is contained
in the object.
unpot a moutarde = a mustard pot
un verre a vin = a wine glass
unpot de moutarde = a pot of mustard
un verre de vin = a glass of wine
The first two items could be empty, whereas the second two must contain some mustard
or wine.
a sa maniere = in his / her way
d'une certaine maniere = in a certain way
au moins = at least (of numbers)
I 273
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
II y a au moins dix coffrets de portables parmi lesquels choisir = there are at
least ten mobile holders to choose from
du moins = at least, the bottom line
Les chanteuses a grosse voix prennent dix rides a chaque concert — du
moins c'est ce qu' on pretend = female singers with big voices develop ten wrinkles per
concert - at least that's what's claimed
(jouer +) a / de
With jouer, a is used with names of sports and de with musical instruments
jouer au tennis , aufoot, augolf= to play tennis, football, go If
jouer d'un instrument de musique, du piano, de la guitare, de la batterie =
to play a musical instrument, the piano, the guitar, the drums
See 301.
a / en
etre au village = to be in the village
etre en ville = to be in town
a la mi-temps = at half-time
en premiere / deuxieme mi-temps = during the first / second half
a /par
When translating English to (in to the ground), use of a implies from a height, and use of
par from a standing position -
// etait dans Varbre et est tombe a terre apres s'etre penche trop en avant =
he was up the tree and fell to the ground because he'd leant out too far
Ilfaut se jeter par terre pour eviter la fusillade de Vennemi =you have to throw
yourself to the ground to avoid the shots coming from the enemy
a / sur
With reference to radio and TV, the former is used generally, the second more specifically
(ie to a specific station or channel) -
II y a tres peu d' emissions interess antes a la tele = there aren't many interesting
programmes on the telly
Sur Canal Plus ily a un grand nombre de films americains = on Canal Plus
there are lots of American films
dans / en
When used with reference to time, dans is used to indicate that the action will be
accomplished after the period of time specified by dans has elapsed; en indicates the
period of time during which the action will be accomplished -
Je lui ai dit queje leferais dans dix minutes = I told him I'd do it in ten minutes
(begin to do it in ten minutes)
274 I
390 Meaning with different prepositions
Je lui at dit queje leferais en dix minutes - 1 told him Fd do it in ten minutes
[it would take ten minutes to complete it]
dans / sur
The difference between (stationner) dans le parking and sur le parking is that the
first refers to a multi-storey carpark and the latter to an open-air one; in the case of(etre)
dans le stade and (etre) sur le stade, the former refers to the spectators, the latter to
the competitors/players.
dans le square = in the square (a small public square with a garden)
sur la place = in the square (a large public square)
dans Vaeroport = at the airport (in the airport buildings)
sur Vaeroport = at the airport (on the runway)
etre assis dans unfauteuil = to be sitting in an armchair
etre assis sur une chaise, un banc, un siege = to be sitting on a chair, a bench, a seat
dans Vallee, dans V avenue, dans la rue = on the path, in the avenue, in the street
sur le boulevard, sur la chaussee, sur le chetnin, sur la route, sur le
trottoir = on the boulevard, on the road (not the pavement), on the track, on the road, on the
pavement
de / en
When used with materials, de implies a vaguer connection than en, which emphasises
the material from which the object is made -
un pantalon en coton — un pantalon de coton = cotton trousers
de /par
When introducing the agent in the passive voice or in a similar construction (ie / was
chased by a mugger), de is used when the agent is relatively passive or a state is described,
par when the agent is more dynamic.
Pour avoir un buste branche, la gorge doit etre enduite d'un produit
luisant = to have a really trendy bust, your neck needs to be covered with something shiny
Servez aussitot accompagne d'une salade de pousses d'epinard — serve it
straightaway accompanied by a salad of spinach sprouts
Un avertissement — il est attire par lesjeunes, il tejettera rapidement pour
une cadette = a word of warning - he's attracted by young women, he'll soon throw you over for a
younger version
Pour vous aider a tnincir sans vous priver trop, votre boisson habituelle
doit etre remplacee par un the infusion = to help you slim without depriving yourself too
much, your usual drink must be replaced by an infusion
However, at times these two prepositions seem to have exactly the same value and are
used in identical contexts.
I 275
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
pendant /pour
When these prepositions are used to express a certain period of time, pendant normally
refers to time that is past and pour to time to come, as the examples given under each
preposition above show. However, pendant may also be used with reference to time to
come when the event is being stressed, for example in the case of medical directions -
Une ampoule chaque matin pendant une semaine = one capsule each morning for a
week
plus de, moins de / plus que, tnoins que
Plus de^ moins de are used to express quantity, and normally precede a numeral,
whereas plus que, moins que are used to express a comparison and are not necessarily
followed by a numeral -
Le sac a dos ne doit pas etre plus large que le dos de V enfant et ne doit pas
peser plus de 500 g pour les plus jeunes et pas plus d'un kg pour les
adolescents = the rucksack must not be wider than the child's back and must not weigh more than
500 grammes for the youngest and not more than one kg for teenagers
Bonne nouvelle, les adultes qui goutent sont proportionnellement plus
minces que ceux qui ne goutent pas! = good news - adults who indulge are
proportionately slimmer than those who don't!
Pour plus d 'informations, contactez notre site internet =for more information,
contact our website
391 Prepositional alternation
In other cases, it is possible to use different prepositions before a noun without altering
the sense.
remplir avec / remplir de = to fill with
a V / d y / par avance = in advance
au debut de Vapres-midi / en debut de Vapres-midi = early in the afternoon
a la fin de la reunion / en fin de la reunion = at the end of the meeting
a Vautomne / en automne = in autumn
dans la / en region parisienne = in the Paris area
dans le secret / en secret = in secret
dans / en Voir (note the use of an article with en here) = in the air
aux / sous les Tropiques, Vequateur = in the Tropics, at the Equator
a la / enfaculte = at university
dans / sous une tente = in a tent
tomber dans / entre les mains de quelqu'un = to fall into the hands of someone
dans la semaine / en semaine = during the week
d'un ton serieux / sur un ton serieux = in a serious tone
276 I
392 French/English prepositions
de toutes fagons / en tout cas = at any rate
en tner / sur la tner = at sea
echanger une chemise pour / contre une autre = to exchange one shirt for another
etre a / en chomage = to be out of work
alter dans / sur la lune = to go to the moon
392 The interlocking of French and English prepositions
The following chart lists English prepositions and prepositional expressions and shows
the French equivalents -
about
aupres de, environ, vers
above
au-dessus de
according to
d'apres, selon
after
apres
against
contre
along
le long de
among
chez, entre, par mi
apartfrom
au-dela de, en-dehors de, excepte, sauf
around
aupres de
as a result of
par suite de
as far as
jusqu'a
as for
du cote de, quant a
at
a, en, sous, sur
at the end of
au bout de
at the home of
chez
at the time of
lors de
because of
a cause de
before
avant, devant
behind
derriere
below
au-dessous de
beneath
sous
beside
hors de
between
entre
beyond
au-dela de, au-dessus de
by
a, de, en, par
by virtue of
a force de
close to
pres de
during
au cours de, dans, durant, lors de, pendant
exceptfor
excepte, sauf
faced with
devant
facing
face a
following
suivant
for
a, chez, depuis, durant, en, par, pendant, pour
for fear of
de crainte de, de peur de
from
a, a partir de, d' apres, dans, de, des, sous
from the top of
du haut de
m
a, chez, dans, de, en, entre, par, sous, sur
(cont.)
277
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
including
(y) compris
in comparison with
a cote de
in front of
devant
in order to
afin de
instead of
au lieu de
in spite of
en depit de, tnalgre
in the course of
au cours de
into
dans
near
pres de
next to
a cote de
of
de, entre
on
a, de, en, par, sur
opposite
face a
out of
dans, hors de, par, sur
outside
en-dehors de
over
au-dessus de, par-dessus de, sur
per
par
round
aupres de
since
depuis
so as to
defacon a, de maniere a
subject to
a condition de
than
de
thanks to
grace a
through
a travers, entre, par
till
jusqu'a
to
a, en, vers
towards
envers, vers
under
au-dessous de, sous
underneath
au-dessous de, par-dessous de, sous
unless
a moins de
until
jusqu'a
up to
a
with
a, avec, de
without
sans
zero
a, de, en, par, sans
393 Prepositions with place names
in
1 With names of countries
With masculine names of countries beginning with a consonant - au
in Europe
au Danemark = in Denmark, au Luxembourg = in Luxemburg, aux Pays Bas = in
the Netherlands, au Pays de Galles = in Wales, au Portugal = in Portugal, au
Royaume-Uni = in the United Kingdom
in Africa
au Benin = in Benin, au Botswana = in Botswana, au Burkina Faso = in Burkina
Faso, au Burundi = in Burundi au Cameroun = in Cameroon, au Gabon = in Gabon,
278
393 Prepositions with place names
au Ghana = in Ghana, au Kenya = in Kenya, au Liberia = in Liberia, au Malawi =
in Malawi, au Mali = in Mali, au Maroc = in Morocco, au Mozambique = in
Mozambique, au Niger = in Niger, au Nigeria = in Nigeria, au Ruanda = in Rwanda,
au Senegal = in Senegal, au Soudan = in Sudan, au Tchad = in Chad, au Togo = in
o, au Zimbabwe = in Zimbabwe
in Asia
au Bangladesh = in Bangladesh, au Cambodge = in Cambodia, aujapon = in Japan,
au Laos = in Laos, au Nepal = in Nepal, au Pakistan = in Pakistan, au Tibet = in
Tibet, au Vietnam = in Vietnam
in the Middle East
au Liban = in Lebanon, au Yemen = in Yemen
in the Americas
au Bresil = in Brazil, <*u> Canada = in Canada^ au Chili = in Chile, au Costa Rica
= in Costa Rica, aux Etats-Unis = in the United States, au Guatemala = in Guatemala,
au Honduras = in Honduras, au Mexique = in Mexico, au Panama = in Panama, au
Paraguay = in Paraguay, au Salvador = in San Salvador, au Venezuela = in Venezuela
With masculine names beginning with a vowel - en
en Equateur = in Ecuador, en Irak — in Iraq, en Iran = in Iran, en Israel = in Israel
With feminine names - en
in Europe
en Albanie = in Albania, en Allemagne = in Germany, en Angleterre = in England,
en Autriche = in Austria, en Belgique = in Belgium, en Bielorusse = in Belorus, en
Bosnie = in Bosnia, en Bulgarie = in Bulgaria, en Croatie = in Croatia, en Ecosse =
in Scotland, en Espagne = in Spain, en Estonie = in Estonia, en Finlande = in Finland,
en France = in France, en Grande Bretagne = in Great Britain, en Grece = in Greece,
en Hollande = in Holland, en Irlande du Nord / du Sud = in Northern / Southern
Ireland, en Italie = in Italy, en Lettonie = in Latvia, en Lithuanie = in Lithuania, en
Norvege = in Norway, en Pologne = in Poland, en Republique tcheque = in the
Czech Republic, en Roumanie = in Romania, en Russie = in Russia, en Serbie = in
Serbia, en Slovaquie = in Slovakia, en Slovenie = in Slovenia, en Suede = in Sweden,
en Suisse = in Switzerland, en Turquie = in Turkey, en Ukraine = in Ukraine
in Africa
en Afrique du Sud = in South Africa, en Algerie = in Algeria, en Angola = in Angola,
en Ethiopie = in Ethiopia, en Guinee = in Guinea, en Libye = in Libya, en
Mauritanie = in Mauritania, en Namibie = in Namibia, en Ouganda = in Uganda,
en Republique centrafricaine = in the Central African Republic, en Sierra Leone =
in Sierra Leone, en Somalie = in Somalia, en Tanzanie = in Tanzania, en Tunisie = in
Tunisia, en Zambie = in £ambia
in Asia and Australasia
en Afghanistan = in Afghanistan, en Australie = in Australia, en Birmanie = in
Burma, en Chine = in China, en Coree du Nord / du Sud = in North / South Korea, en
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Inde = in India, en Indonesie = in Indonesia, en Malaisie = in Malaysia, en
Nouvelle Caledonie = in New Caledonia, en Nouvelle Zelande = in New Zealand, en
Thailande = in Thailand
in the Middle East
en Arable Seoudite = in Saudi Arabia, en Egypte = in Egypt, enjordanie = in
Jordan, en Syrie = in Syria
in the Americas
en Argentina = in Argentina, en Bolivie = in Bolivia, en Colombie = in Colombia, en
Guyane = in Guyana, en Republique dominicaine = in the Dominican Republic, en
Uruguay = in Uruguay
If the name of the country is qualified, en is replaced by dans and the definite article.
This applies to both masculine and feminine names of countries -
dans la Roumanie de Vere post-Ceausescu = in post-Ceausescu Romania
dans lejapon contemporain = in contemporary Japan
2 With names of islands and island states
Usage is more variable -
a Chypre = in Cyprus, a Cuba = in Cuba, a Madagascar = in Madagascar, a
Majorque = in Majorca, a Malte = in Malta, a [Vile) Maurice = in Mauritius, a
Singapour = in Singapore, a Sri Lanka = in Sri Lanka
a la
a la Dominique = in Dominica, a lajamaique = in Jamaica, a la Reunion = in
Reunion
aux Antilles = in the West Indies, aux Bahamas = in the Bahamas, aux Baleares = in
the Balearic Islands, aux Malouines = in the Falklands, aux Philippines = in the
Philippines
en
en Corse = in Corsica, en Sardaigne = in Sardinia, en Sidle = in Sicily
a or en
a / en Haiti = in Haiti
a la or en
a la / en Guadeloupe = in Guadeloupe, a la / en Martinique = in Martinique
3 With names of French regions and departments
With masculine names
dans
dans le Centre = in the Centre, dans le Poitou = in the Poitou, dans le Rhone = in the
Rhone
280 I
393 Prepositions with place names
but en Anjou = in Anjou, en Limousin = in the Limousin
dans le Berry = in the Berry, dans le Gard = in the Gard, dans lejura = in the Jura
With feminine singular names —
en
en Bretagne = in Brittany, en Correze = in the Correze, en Normandie = in
Normandy, en Provence = in Provence, en Saone et Loire = in Saone et Loire, en
Vendee = in the Vendee
dans la
dans la Charente = in the Charente, dans la Haute-Garonne = in the Haute-Garonne,
dans la Marne = in the Marne
With feminine plural names
dans les Alpes Maritimes = in the Alpes-Maritimes, dans les Hautes-Pyrenees =
in the Hautes-Pyrenees, dans les Landes = in the Landes
4 With names of British counties
dans
dans le Nottinghamshire, dans le Suffolk, dans le Yorkshire
exception aux Cournouailles = in Cornwall
5 With names of American states
dans
dans la Louisiane, dans le Texas, dans VUtah
6 With names of towns preceded by the definite article
au Havre = in le Havre, au Mans = in le Mans, au Touquet = in le Touquet
a la Rochelle = in la Rochelle
from
With names of countries
With masculine names beginning with a consonant -
du
venir du Danemark, venir du Benin, venir du Bangladesh
With masculine names beginning with a vowel —
d>
venir d'Irak, venir d'lran, venir d'Israel
with feminine names —
de
venir d'Albanie, venir d'Afrique du Sud, venir d' Afghanistan
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Exercises
1 Les prepositions qui relient
Reecrivez les phrases suivantes en ajoutant dans le blanc, si c'est
necessaire, la preposition qui convient -
a J'aimerais . . . avoir des cons eils pour m' aider . . . eradiquer ce
probleme.
b Parfois un enfant hausse le tonparce qu'on ne le laisse pas
suffisamment . . . s'exprimer.
c Agee de 22 ans,je suis atteinte . . . une maladie du systeme nerveux.
d J'aimerais que quelqu'un me dise les effets secondaires . . .
craindre.
e Cela arrive, tnais il s'agit . . . cas tres rares.
f Lorsqueje dois . . .faire ungros saut dans le velo acrobatique 9 je
cherche d'abord . . . maitriser le stress dans ma tete — cela m'aide . . .
le passer,
g II a beau . . . etre la plus grande star francaise — ilfait toujours de tres
gros efforts pour plaire . . . ses admiratrices.
h Les voleurs et politiciens ripoux ont toujours beneficie . . . une
certaine consideration de la part du public.
i C'est une mode qui plait . . . jeunesfilles comme . . . femmes plus
agees.
j Comment est-ce que vous pouvez . . . aider votre enfant . . . vaincre le
begaiement — reformuler les mots apres lui defacon correcte^ sans lui
demander . . . les repeter. Vous devez vous amuser . . . faire ensemble
des bruits avec la bouche.
k // ne manque jamais . . . raconter ses conquetes.
1 Ces lentilles sontfaciles . . . poser et . . . enlever.
m On se promet . . . reprendre une activite physique^ histoire . . . garder
la forme, . . . s'aerer et . . . s'occuper . . . soi.
n Pour seduire, unefemme peut . . . passer beaucoup de temps . . .
s'appreter.
o J'eprouve un besoin terrible . . . dormir apres le dejeuner.
p On m'expliquait queje ne risquais pas . . . devenir sterile.
q Les benefices des lavages du nez ne sont plus . . . demontrer.
r Est-ce qu'il a tendance . . . augmenter le son de la television?
s Cette reaction permet . . . ceux qui sont dotes . . . une peau
delicate . . . resister . . . la brulure du soleil.
t Leur usage convient tres bien . . . jeunesfilles 9 car Us s'adaptent . . .
leur style de vie.
u J'ai impression que les coussins ont besoin . . . etre secoues et
tapotes, etje ne me prive pas . . . le faire.
v Je ne m'adonne . . . ce vice compulsif avec n'importe quoi —j'ai une
preference pour les tickets de cinema!
w Si vous avez avale seulement une quantite infime d y essence^ du lait ou
un verre d'eau suffira . . . le diluer.
x Tu devrais eviter . . . prendre V avion si vous avez un rhume.
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Exercises
y Vous en sortez plutot bien, compte tenu . . . vos petites mauvaises
habitudes.
z Finalement, tries parents se sont dibarrassis . . . moi.
Les prepositions qui forment les locutions prepositives
Reecrivez les phrases suivantes en ajoutant la preposition qui convient.
Quelquefois plus d'une preposition conviendrait.
a La natation pent se pratiquer . . . allure modirie, . . . douleur ni
essouflement mime si Von reprend . . . une periode . . . inactiviti.
b J'aipris trois comprimis . . .jour, une prise . . . sang . . . semaine au
debut et puis une . . . mois . . . la suite.
c Nous avons domini . . . la majeure partie du match, . . . le terrain . . .
Milan.
d Vous avez le choix . . . deux for mules. La premiere assure votre enfant
seulement lorsque V accident survient . . . les activitis organisies . . .
V itablissement ou . . . le chemin . . . Vecole. Elle est obligatoire . . . les
voyages organises.
e ... leur second bebe, nombre defemmes ne retrouvent pas leur
ventre « d'avant >>,... la gym.
f . . . la salle de fitness et d'autres clubs, les propositions ne manquent
pas. On choisit . . . ses besoins.
g Les salaries ont droit . . . quatre jours . . . conge lorsquHls se marient,
trois jours . . . la naissance ou Vadoption . . . un enfant, un . . . le
mariage . . . un enfant, deux jours . . . le dices du conjoint et un
jour . . . le deces du pere ou de la mere.
h Je considere queje vis a peu pres normalement, . . . les contraintes
dues au traitement.
i ... une situation comme celle-ci, une partie des soins vous sera
remboursee.
j ... V esprit, il voyage lui aussi . . . votre randonnee — on part . . .
tension, mais on rentre apaise, serein.
k ... les tout-petits, les produits alcoolises sont . . . proscrire. Une
mime quantiti de produit appliquie . . . un bibi aboutit . . . des
concentrations . . . cinqfois supirieures . . . sonfaible poids.
1 Le chignon existe . . . la nuit des temps.
m Elle portait une veste . . . jean surpiqui . . . dentelle . . . unjupon . . .
coton.
n // est conseilli d 3 agir pricocement . . . Vage . . . 3 ans.
o Une directive europienne applicable . . . France . . . le dibut de Vannie
a renforci les normes . . . qualiti de Veau.
p . . . la douleur postopiratoire, elle varie . . . 2 et 4 . . . une ichelle de
10.
q J'aime passer . . . le miroir . . . la salle de bains.
r C'est . . . pantalon . . . coton noir et . . . tee-shirt qu'elle est arrivie.
s L'opiration . . . anesthisie ginirale dure . . . deux heures.
t Les coiffeurs s'y risignent . . . bonheur.
u Les Parisiens, . . . deux buts spectaculaires ont battu Porto.
v ... un controle sanguin,j'ai dicouvert queje souffrais . . . une
anomalie physique.
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
w II figure . . . les meilleurs super-legers mats il fait figure d'inconnu .
France.
x La competence . . . le plaisir, le talent . . . lajoie ne servent a rien.
y Souvent . . . Vacheteur compulsif V achat sefait . . . la honte et . . .
une grande solitude.
z 76% des hommes se tournent . . . leur partenaire pour chercher
soutien . . . une situation difficile.
284
Chapter 9 Adverbs and adverbial
expressions
394 The role of adverbs
The role of an adverb is to modify the meaning of a word, a phrase or a sentence.
Characteristic of adverbs
Adverbs are invariable in form (but see 480 for tout as adverb of degree).
Types of adverbs
adverbs of manner
adverbs of time
adverbs of place
adverbs of degree
adverbs of affirmation and negation
interrogative adverbs
adverbs as connectors
395 Formation of adverbs
Only a small sample of examples is given below.
1 By adding -ment to the masculine form of the adjective —
This category includes those adjectives which do not distinguish masculine from feminine
gender and those ending in -e, -t, -w (see 3 below) or — u —
absolu + ment = absolument = absolutely
aise + ment = aisement = easily
ambigu + ment = ambigument = ambiguously
atroce + ment = atrocement= atrociously
deuxieme + ment = deuxiemement = secondly
du + ment = dument =duly
gauche + ment = gauchement = awkwardly
modeste + ment = modestement = modestly
poli + ment = poliment = politely
vrai + ment = vraiment = truly
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
2 By adding -ment to the feminine form of the adjective
actif > active + ment = activement = actively
dernier > derniere + ment = dernierement = lastly
fou > folle + ment =follement = madly
grossier > grossiere + ment = grossierement = coarsely
leger > legere = legerement = lightly
premier > premiere = premierement = firstly
public > publique = publiquement = publicly
tel > telle + ment = tellement = jo
tofaZ > totale + ment = totalement = totally
exception - gentil > gentiment = /iW/y
3 A small number of adjectives in —viform their adverb in -ument
assidu > assidument = assiduously
continu > continument = continuously
cru > crtiment = crudely
4 Adjectives ending in -ant or —etitform their adverb in -amment or
-eminent
abondant > abondamment = abundantly
brillant > brillamment = brilliantly
constant > constamment = constantly
frequent > frequemment = frequently
negligent > negligemment = negligently
prudent > prudemment = prudently
violent > violemment = violently
exception - Zewf > lentement = i7o^/y
Notamment = notably, precipitamment = precipitously have no corresponding
adjectives - see 7 below.
5 Adverbs derived from past participles used as adjectives
aveugler > aveugle + ment = aveuglement = blindly
forcer > force + ment =forcement = necessarily
preciser > precise + ment = precisement = precisely
6 Other adjectives forming their adverbs in -ement
conforme > conformement = zVz accordance with
286 I
395 Formation of adverbs
enorme > enormement = enormously
intense > intensement = intensely
obscur > obscurement = obscurely
profond > profondement = profoundly
7 Adverbs voith no corresponding adjective
brievement = briefly
grievement = seriously
See also 4 above.
8 Adjectives used as adverbs without any change of form
bas = low, as in parler bas = to speak quietly
bon = good, as in sentir bon = to smell good, tenir bon = to hold firm
chaud = hot, as in servir chaud = to serve hot
cher = dear, as in couter cher = to cost dear
cherement = dearly (but not involving money) -
une independance cherement acquise = an independence acquired at great cost
(politically, emotionally, intellectually, etc)
clair = clear, as in voir clair = to see clearly
court = short, as in s'arreter court = to stop abruptly, s'habiller court = to dress in
short skirts
droit = straight, as in aller tout droit = to go straight ahead
dur = hard, as in travailler dur = to work hard
ferme =firm, as in tenir ferme = to holdfast
fort = loudly, strong, as in crier fort = to shout loudly, sentir fort = to smell strong
frais = cool, as in servir frais = to serve cool
gros = a lot, as in perdre / risquer gros = to lose /risk a lot
haut = aloud, high, as in lire haut = to read aloud, parler haut = to speak loudly,
viser haut = to aim high
juste = accurately, as in deviner juste = to guess accurately
lourd = heavily, as in peser lourd = to weigh heavily
mauvais = bad, as in sentir mauvais = to smell bad
net = plainly, point blank, as in parler net = to speak plainly, refuser net = to refuse point
blank
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
9 Using d'une maniere, d'une facon, d'un air
Most of the adverbs illustrated above derive from relatively short adjectives; to avoid
a rather clumsy, multi-syllabic adverb, the expressions d'une maniere + adjective or
d'une f agon + adjective may be used -
d'une fagon indescriptible = in an indescribable fashion
d'une fagon ridicule = in a ridiculous way
d'une maniere extraordinaire = in an extraordinary way
d'une maniere fantaisiste = in an eccentric manner
D'un air + adjective may be used in a similar way -
d'un air soupgonneux = in a suspicious way
d'un air surpris = in a surprised way
10 Adverbial phrases
In the section on prepositional expressions a large number of adverbial phrases were
illustrated. Here are some very common ones -
au maximum = to the utmost
a lafois = at the same time
a I'heure = on time
a part — separately
a peu pres = almost
a qui mieux mieux = outdoing the other
aufur et a mesure = as you go along
a cote = beside
cote a cote — side by side
de bonne heure = early
de plus belle = with renewed vigour
de temps en temps / de temps a I'autre =from time to time
d'habitude = usually
du meme coup = by the same token
en arriere = behind
en avance = early
en avant = in front
en bas = down(stairs)
en dehors = outside
288
397 Position of adverbs
en general = in ±
en haut = up (stairs)
en particulier = especially
en retard = late
en vain = in vain
et ainsi de suite = and so on
mot a mot = word by word
n'importe ou = anywhere
n'importe quand = at any time - see 245, 246
par ailleurs = in addition
par contre = on the other hand
par hasard = by chance
sans cesse = constantly
tout a coup = suddenly
tout a fait = quite
tout a Vheure = in a moment^ a moment ago
tout de suite = immediately
tout d'un coup = suddenly
396 Meaning of adverbs
As with most words, some adverbs have more than one meaning and may belong to more
than one of the types of adverbs listed below -
ainsi = in the same way is both a connector and an adverb of manner.
alors = then is an adverb of time and a connector
aussi = so as a connector, = also as an adverb of degree
397 Position of adverbs
Adverbs are placed in different positions according to the part of speech being modified -
/ With a verb
With simple tenses the adverb normally follows the verb -
he calcium est surtout present dans le lait = calcium is especially present in milk
Elle egalisa rapidement = she equalised quickly
L'huile d' olive peut aussi aider a ramollir les ecailles = olive oil can also help
soften scaly skin
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Sa nouvelle vie lui convient parfaitement = her new life suits her perfectly
With compound tenses the adverb is normally placed between the auxiliary and the
past participle -
La gestion electronique des documents a peu a peu remplace le document
papier = electronic management of documents has gradually replaced paper documents
Les pellicules sont parfois accompagnees de demangeaisons et
surviennent generalement en periodes de stress = dandruff is at times accompanied
by itching and generally occurs at times of stress
Elle avait bien attaque le match en dominant largement Sprem au premier
set = she had attacked the match well by easily dominating Sprem in the first set
J'ai quand meme reussi a constituer une equipe de quatre personnes = all
the same I've managed to get together a team of four people
2 With an adjective, the adverb normally precedes the adjective
II est absolument indispensable de maitriser la langue francaise = it's
absolutely indispensable to master French
Ce traitement de la peau necessite une utilisation de produits de soins
parfaitement adaptes a votre sensibilite = this skin treatment requires use of care
products that are perfectly adapted to the sensitivity of your skin
Meme pour des questions tres compliquees, on peut trouver des reponses
tres simples = even for very complicated questions you can find very simple answers
3 With an adverb, the adverb normally precedes the adverb
Sechez tres doucement vos cheveux = dry your hair very gently
Bien bizarrement^ tous les gens oublient quelque chose chez toi = very
strangely, everyone forgets something in your house
II ne monte jamais plus sur les tables de Vamphipour affirmer qu'il existe
= he never climbs on the lecture room tables any more in order to prove he exists
The principles set out illustrate the normal practice as far as the positioning of adverbs
is concerned. However, if the adverb is being highlighted or is accompanied by another
adverb it may follow the adjective -
Etre prof dans une ecole maternelle est epuisant nerveusement et
physiquement = being a nursery school teacher is tiring both nervously and physically
Certain adverbs tend to be more mobile than others, especially those of time, those
that are relatively long, and those consisting of prepositional expressions.
Time
Demain on etudiera toutes les families d' aliments et leurs proprietes
nutritionnelles = tomorrow we'll study all categories of foodstuffs and their nutritional properties
Hier nous avons laisse la voiture pour suivre un chemin abrupt = yesterday we
left the car to follow a steep track
290 I
398 Adverbs of manner
Les autres invites vont pratiquer VTT, escalade et ski d'hiver demain = the
other guests are going to do some mountain biking, climbing and skiing tomorrow
Une page dans Vhistoire du club a ete tournee hier = a page in the history of the
club was turned yesterday
Long adverbs and adverbial expressions
On pent se tromper mutuellement et, de la meme maniere, on pent se
quitter = you can cheat on each other mutually and, in the same way, you can split up
When a number of adverbs occur in the same sentence, they are usually organised
according to length, the shortest closest to the verb, the longest furthest away - but again
considerations of rhythm, logic, emphasis and style may decide otherwise -
L'agence nous propose defournir de quoi vivre nos aventures [1] sans
anxiete, [2] en parfaite securite = the agency proposes supplying us with the wherewithal to
live out our adventures without anxiety and in complete safety
[1] Sur le par vis de V Hotel de Ville, [2] dans la nuit de samedi a dimanche,
il aparle dujeu = on the square outside the Town Hall, on Saturday-Sunday night, he spoke
about the game
Ilfonctionnera [1] avec sa propre personnalite, [2] avec sa capacite a
ecouter les autres = he'll carry on with his own personality and his ability to listen to others
398 Adverbs of manner
These adverbs describe the way in which something is done and are extremely
numerous.
They answer questions introduced by comment, such as -
Comment Va-t-ilfait ? = how did he do it?
A number of the most common adverbs of manner are short words, that do not end
in -orient -
ainsi = thus
bien = well
debout = standing
ensemble = together
expres — deliberately
mal = badly
mieux = better
pis = worse
plutot = rather
vite = quickly
volontiers = willingly
Many others do end in -orient -
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
attentivetnent = attentively
brusquement = abruptly
cyniquement = cynically
doucetnent = gently
efficacetnent = efficiently
fermement = firmly
gaiement = gaily
heureusement = happily
intelligemment = intelligently
joliment = prettily
librement = freely
mollement = idly
nonchalamment = nonchalantly
ouvertement = 0/^/2/y
precipitamment = precipitously
richement = nVA/y
solidement = solidly
tranquillement = quietly
unanimement = unanimously
vaillamment courageously
There is virtually an infinite number of adverbial phrases of manner, including those
mentioned in the section on formation of adverbs and discussed under prepositional
expressions -
a dessein = on purpose
a grande vitesse = at top speed
a lafois = at the same time
a tort = wrongly
avec enthousiasme = enthusiastically
de tout son coeur = whole-heartedly
en connaissance de cause = with full knowledge of the facts
en n 3 hesitant pas = by not hesitating
en utilisant toutes ses forces = by using all his strength
par erreur = in error
~2 I
399 Examples: adverbs of manner
sans attendre = without waiting
tout droit = straight ahead
together with similes introduced by cotntne = like
dormir cotntne un loir / une souche = to sleep like a log
etre tnalade cotntne un chien = to be as sick as a dog
etre soul cotntne une grive / un Polonais = to be as drunk as a lord
rire cotntne un bossu = to laugh like a drain
399 Examples of adverbs of manner
Ceux qui ne savent pas s'habiller a la mode ne detnandent pas tnieux que
d'etre conseilles = those who don't know how to dress fashionably can't do better than ask for
advice
Lors d'un divorce, lejuge doit tneticuleusetnent veiller aux interets de
chacun des epoux = during a divorce, the judge must meticulously pay attention to the interests of
each spouse
Nouez la ficelle solidetnent = tie a tight knot in the string
'Philtre d'amour' est un vaporisateur que Von glisse facilement dans son
sac = 'Philtre d'amour 7 is a spray that you can easily slip into your bag
Si la soupe vous parait trop epaisse, rallonge-la idealement avec un reste
de bouillon = if the soup seems too thick, thin it ideally with some of the left-over stock
Les doutes elle les chasse avec un revers de la main = she brushes away doubts
with the back of her hand
L'auteur decrit sans empathie la mecanique ravageuse d'une
manipulation mentale qui paralyse la victime = the author describes without
empathy the destructive mechanism of mental manipulation which paralyses the victim
Cette version oscille allegrement entre les genres: chansons, cirque,
comedie = this version oscillates merrily between various genres - song, circus, comedy
Maintenez chaque tube en place en tordant soigneusement lefil defer au
dos du tableau = hold each tube in place by carefully twisting the wire at the back of the
picture
Reparez votre capital jeunesse en attenuant visiblement rides et ridules
grace a un extrait de ginkgo = restore your youthfulness by visibly reducing wrinkles and fine
lines with an extract of ginkgo
II montre a lafois Vetendue de son talent cotntne acteur comique et son
experience cotntne producteur de films = he demonstrates at one and the same time the
extent of his skill as a comic actor and his experience as a film director
Elle s' est presentee cotntne une sacrifice, docile cotntne un phoque,
resignee cotntne une actrice qui ne trouve pas de roles = she came across like
someone being sacrificed, docile like a seal and resigned like an actress who can't find a part
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
400 Adverbs of place
Adverbs of place indicate where an event takes place and answer the question-
Ou est-ce que cela a eu / aura lieu ? = where did / will that happen?
Typical adverbs and adverbial expressions are -
a dix kilometres =10 kilometres away
a droite / a gauche = on the right / on the left
ailleurs = elsewhere
a Paris = in Paris
au-dedans = on the inside
au-dehors = on the outside
au-dessous = below
au-dessus = above
au loin = in the distance
autour = around
chez moi = at home
ci-dessous = below
ci-dessus = above, aforementioned
dedans = inside
dehors = outside
derriere = behind
dessous = underneath
en bas = down below
en dessous = underneath (indicating static position)
en haut = up above
ici = here
la = there
loin =far away
par-dessous = underneath (indicating movement)
partout = everywhere
pres = nearby
Expressions introduced by dans -
dans la chambre = in the bedroom
294 I
402 Adverbs of time
Expressions introduced by pres de -
pres de la residence universitaire = near the hall of residence
Note-
ailleurs = elsewhere, but d'ailleurs = moreover (unless it is being used to mean from
elsewhere) and is a connector.
401 Examples of adverbs of place
Je veux passer toute ma vie ici avec toi = / want to spend all my life here with you
Le dernier concours s'est deroule a Anvers hier = the last competition took place in
Antwerp yesterday
La, ces douze pays seront groupes dans trois groupes = there, these twelve
countries will be divided into three groups
Ilfaut queje me relance, que j'aille partout pour trouver ce qu'il me
manque = I've got to get myself going again, I've got to go everywhere to find what's missing in my
life
Servez avec des croutons ailles dessus = serve with garlic croutons on top
Des tiroirs ont ete places dessous pour eviter cefameux desordre des salles
de bains = drawers have been placed underneath to avoid that notorious untidiness of bathrooms
Dans les intervalles, glissez des plantes vivaces = in the spaces slip in some hardy
plants
402 Adverbs of time
These adverbs indicate the time at or during which an event takes place and answer the
question -
Quand est-ce que cela est arrive / arrivera ? = when did / will that happen?
Typical adverbs and adverbial expressions are -
actuellement = at present
alors = then, at that time
apres = afterwards
apres la naissance de mon bebe = after my baby's birth
a present = at present
aujourd'hui = today
auparavant = beforehand
au printemps = in the spring
aussitot = immediately
autrefois = in the past
bientot = soon
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
d'abord = first of all
deja = already
detnain = tomorrow
demain matin = tomorrow morning
depuis = since then
des lors =from then on
desormais =from now on
en ce moment = at the moment
encore = still, again
enfevrier = in February
enfin = finally
en hiver = in winter
en retard = late
ensuite = afterwards
frequemment = frequently
hier = yesterday
immediatement = immediately
jamais = ever
longtemps = a long time
maintenant = now
mercredi soir = Wednesday evening
parfois = at times
precedemment = previously
prochainement = soon
quelquefois = sometimes
recemment = recently
six semaines plus tard = six weeks later
soudain = suddenly
souvent = often
sur-le-champ = straightaway
tard = /<zfe
tot = early
296
403 Comments: certain adverbs of time
toujours = always, still
tout a coup = suddenly
tout a Vheure = soon, a moment ago
tout de suite = immediately
and the ordinal numbers - premier ement, deuxiemement^ etc.
403 Comments on certain adverbs of time
Encore and toujours cover similar semantic domains as well as distinct ones -
encore = still
J'ai encore ton debardeur = I've still got your top
Une transmission de la maladie de la vachefolle aux humains est encore
possible = the transmission of mad cow disease to humans is still possible
encore =
Je lui ai encore demande de me preter le cd = I asked him again to lend me the CD
Elle s'est encore vexee quandj'aifume a la maison = she got angry again when I
smoked in the house
encore + noun / adverb = still more, even (with a comparative)
Je prendrai encore du vin, s'il vous plait = I'll have some more wine please
Le silence apporte encore du poids a vos propos = silence adds still more weight to
what you say
Cest encore mieux si vous lefaites comme ca = it's even better if you do it like that
toujours = still
Elle est toujours la = she's still there
Si tout se passe bien 9 a 90 ans 9 vos os seront toujours en bon etat = if
everything goes well, your bones will still be in good condition when you're 90
toujours = always
Je vais toujours a V etr anger pour mes vacances = I always go abroad for my holidays
Une voix de crooner rocailleuse mais toujours emouvante = a crooner's voice,
gravelly but always moving
For word order with toujours , see 210.
Tard and en retard = late, but with different connotations - tard bears no negative
meaning -
J'aime me lever tres tard le samedi = / like getting up very late on a Saturday
Je rentrais tard de la boite quand deux mecs qui trainaient dans la rue se
sont approches de moi = / was coming home late from the nightclub when two guys who were
hanging about in the street approached me
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Only en retard carries the connotation of being behind time -
// m 3 a dit que sije continuais d'arriver en retard il me virerait = he told me
that if I kept on arriving late he'd fire me
Je devenais de plus en plus anxieuse parce que le train etait deja en retard
d'une demi-heure — I was becoming more and more anxious because the train was already half
an hour late
404 Examples of adverbs of time
Ce sera alors aujuge d'evaluer les consequences = then it will be up to the judge to
assess the consequences
Cette capacite a tenir son service sera la clef de son match aujourd'hui =
this ability to hold his service [in tennis] will be the key to his match today
Mes parents sont divorces depuis six ans = my parents have been divorced for six years
Desormais, j'apprecie qu'on ne me trouve plus moche =from now on Fm very
pleased that no one finds me ugly any more
Quinze minutes d y entrainements musculaires et cardio-vasculaires [I] le
matin permet de maigrir et de gagner en energie [2] pour toute lajournee
= fifteen minutes of muscular and cardio-vascular exercises in the morning help you lose weight and
gain energy for the whole day
Les deux hommes ne s'etaient pas parle depuis samedi midi = the two men
hadn't spoken since midday Saturday
Depuis la loi Madelin, ces cotisations sont deductibles des revenus = since
the ' loi Madelin" these subscriptions are deductible against your income
Maintenantje suis dans tous les jour naux = now Fm in all the papers
J'ai toujour s aime les cochons = Fve always liked pigs
405 Adverbs of degree
Adverbs of degree indicate the intensity with which an action expressed by the verb is
undertaken, or the intensity with which a quality expressed by an adjective or adverb is
perceived. Adverbs of degree answer questions introduced by combien? = how much?
Typical adverbs are -
absolument = absolutely
a peine = hardly
a peu pres = almost
assez = enough
au moins = at least
aussi = also
autant = as much
beaucoup = much, a lot
298 I
406 Comments: certain adverbs of degree
bien = really
completement = completely
de loin = by far
demesurement = disproportionately
encore = still, again
enormement = enormously
entierement = entirely
immensement = enormously
juste =just
tnetne = even
moins = less
particulierement = particularly
pen = little
plus = more
plutot = rather
presque = almost
si = jo
fcmf = jo much
tellement = jo, jo much
terriblement = terribly
totalement = toz#//y
tout(e) = o/z/zto, completely
tout a fait = completely
tres = ^ry
£rop = too, too mz^/z
mm j?eM = a little, a little bit
vraiment = really, truly
406 Comments on certain adverbs of degree
Assez and trop - when followed by an infinitive, the preposition pour is used to intro-
duce it -
// a assez de talent artistique pour s'attirer le respect des autres enfaisant
des caricatures des profs = he has enough artistic talent to attract the others' respect by
drawing caricatures of the teachers
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Ces chaussures sont trop serrees pour marcher confortablement = these shoes
are too tight to walk comfortably in
Presque never elides the final —e before a vowel (except in the compound une
presqu'ile = peninsula)
Tout - when used as an adverb, tout varies for number and gender before feminine
adjectives beginning with a consonant, and varies optionally if a feminine adjective
beginning with a vowel or non-aspirate h is involved, but not in other circumstances (that
is not in masculine plural) -
Le message doit etre tout simple = the message must be quite simple
Les hommes tout seuls attendent celles qui s'imposeront a eux = men who are
completely alone wait for women who will impose themselves on them
Cherie, tu es tout / toute irresistible = darling, you're quite irresistible
Entre, la maison est toute vide = come in, the house is quite empty
Elles ont une beaute toute froide = they've got a really cold I
407 Examples of adverbs of degree
Merci de me repondre —je suis assez pressee = thankyoufor answering, Fm in quite
a hurry
Si Von epouse quelqu'un qu'on n'aime pas assez, cela tourne vite au
calvaire = if you marry someone you don't love enough, it will soon become a nightmare
Les bijoutiers vous accordent leur savoir-faire aussi longtemps que vous
gardez votre bijou = the jewellers will give you their expert advice for as long as you keep the item
of jewellery
Nous avons un tres bon indice de satisfaction = we have a very good record of
satisfaction
II sont remuneres entre 75% et 100% du SMIC 9 soit un peu plus que ce que
prevoit la legislation = they are paid at a rate between 75% and 100% of the minimum
wage, in other words a little bit more than is laid down by legislation
Iljoue un patron de salle de gym totalement megalo = he plays the completely
megalomaniac owner of a gym
On est juste amoureux — ou en est le mal? = we're just in love - what's wrong with
that?
II a beneficie de quarante-huit heures de repos presque complet = he profited
from forty -eight hours of almost complete rest
Un peu moins nombreux que les organisateurs ne Vesperaient = a little less
well-attended than the organisers were hoping for
Etre genee par V attitude de son petit ami en public^ est-ce done V aimer un
peu moins? = being embarrassed by the attitude of your boyfriend in public, does it mean you love
him a little less?
300
409 Comparative / superlative adverbs
Lesfans lui apporterent une dose supplement aire d'energie bien
necessaire pour passer le prochain obstacle = the fans gave him an extra dose of
energy, very necessary to overcome the next obstacle
Je me sens vraiment respectee = I feel really respected
408 assez, autant, beaucoup, bien, tant, tellement, trop
These adverbs of degree can also function as quantifiers modifying nouns -
Elle a recu assez de conseils pour savoir comment se comporter dans cette
situation = she's had enough advice to know how to act in such a situation
Je ne savais pas que cela couterait autant d 3 argent que cela = I didn't know that
that would cost as much money as that
Pour obtenir un effet graphique, ilfaut beaucoup defleurs de couleurs
differentes = in order to obtain a graphic effect, you need a lot of flowers of different colours
Bien des chemins les plus escarpes demandent une duree d'au moins cinq
heures = many of the steepest tracks require at least five hours
Apres tant de recherches, onpeut enfin conclure qu'une femme avec un
long nez et un gros visage doit opter pour les cheveux longs ou au carre =
after so much research, we can conclude that a woman with a long nose and fat face should go for long or
square-cut hair
Nous avons eu tellement de problemes que nous avons decide de nous
separer = we've had so many problems that we've decided to split up
Tout le monde est d 3 accord^ nous importons trop de produits et n 3 en
exportons pas assez = everyone agrees - we import too many products and don't export enough
409 Comparative and superlative forms of adverbs
The comparative forms of most adverbs in French are created by placing plus, moins
or aussi before the adverb; the superlative by placing le plus or le moins before the
adverb -
Le psychiatre vaplus loin = the psychiatrist goes further
Pour eviter les pieds empestants, changez vos chaussettes plus
regulierement = to avoid stinking feet, change your socks more regularly
II le dit d 3 autant plus facilement qu'il faisait partie de ceux qui avaient
refuse de tirer = it was all the easier for him to say it because he was among those who refused to
shoot
Elle a decide d'agir au plus vite = she decided to act as quickly as possible
Ce remede bloque moins ponctuellement les manifestations corporelles
genantes = this treatment blocks embarrassing physical manfestations less selectively
II y a beaucoup d'autres chanteurs assez ages qui continuent, mais Us
chantent moins bien = there are lots of other fairly old singers who carry on, but they sing less
well
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
S'ils etaient aussi lachement lies aux causes honorables que lui. Us
n'auraient pas accompli grand' chose = if they were as loosely linked to noble causes as
him, they wouldn't have achieved very much
However, a very small number of adverbs of degree have special comparative and superla-
tive forms -
beaucoup = much
Plus = more; le plus = the most
Ne mangez que des trues bons, on brule plus quand on diversifie les mets
= only eat good-quality stuff, you burn up more when you vary what you eat
Ne sautez aucun repas — on stocke deux fois plus le repas suivant = don't skip
meals -you stock up twice as much at the next meal
For the comparison of adjectives, see 257.
English the more . . . the more ... is conveyed by plus . . . plus in French (see 201); as
far as word order is concerned with adjectives, in French plus precedes the verb and the
adjective follows it
Une etude a montre que plus la main est situee bas sur lafourchette, plus
la personne est grosse = a study has shown that the lower you hold your fork, the fatter you are
Plus vous etes angoisse, plus vous tremblez, et plus vous tremblez, plus
vous angoissez a Videe que Von s'en apercoive = the more anxious you are, the more
you tremble, and the more you tremble, the more anxious you become that people are noticing
Plus j'avancais, plusje realisais que e'etait moi et non les autres qu'il
fallait comprendre = the older I got, the more I realised it was myself and not others that I had
to understand
bien = well
Mieux = better; le mieux = best
Vous etes arrive a vous connaitre ? —Mieux qu'avant = you've managed to get to
know yourself ? - Better than before
La digestion commence en machant — alors, machez et vous digererez
mieux = digestion begins with chewing - so, chew and you' 11 digest your food better
Ce n' est pas votre cas! — Tant mieux! = that's not your style! - So much the better
Sur quels vols mange-t-on le mieux ? = on what flights do you eat best?
Elle a danse le* mieux de la salle = she danced the best in the room
* le not la (agreeing with elle), because mieux is an adverb and not an adjective.
Moins bien = less well, le moins bien = least well, aussi bien = as well are formed
normally - but plus bien is not possible.
mal = badly
has a double set of comparative and superlative forms -
plus mal / pis = worse; le plus mal / le pis = the worst
302 I
410 Adverbs of affirmation, negation, doubt
The forms with trial are the normal forms -
// ajoue plus trial que d'habitude = he played worse than usual
Cela va de plus en plus trial tnaintenant — elle tie me parle tnetne pas =
things are going from bad to worse now - she doesn't even speak to me
II a organise son horaire le plus trial du tnonde — il est completement
epuise = he's organised his timetable in the worst possible way - he's completely worn out
II s'est defendu le plus trial des candidats = he performed the least well of the
candidates
Pis is limited to a small number of fixed expressions -
Elle ne te prete pas attention — tant pis pour toil = she doesn't pay any attention to
you - hard luck on you!
Tout va de trial en pis = everything's going from bad to worse
Si vous nefaites rien, la situation va oiler de trial en pis - if you don't do
something, things will go from bad to worse
peu = little
Moins = less; le tnoins = the least
Tricot, poterie ou peinture, peu importe Vactivite, cafait un bienfou =
knitting, pottery or painting, it doesn't matter which activity, it does you a tremendous amount of
good
On rit tnoins qu'on aurait pense devant cette comedie peu reussie = we
laughed less thanyou would have thought at this not very successful comedy
Elle a peu d 'imagination = she's got little imagination
Si vous avez tnoins d'un kilo a perdre, oubliez les regimes, amusez-vous =
if you've got less than a kilo to lose, forget diets, enjoy yourself
Le corps supporte de moins en moins bien d'etre prive de nourriture = our
bodies cope less and less well with being deprived of food
Je Vaime le moins du tout = / like it the least of all
410 Adverbs of affirmation, negation and doubt
Typical adverbs are -
bien entendu — of course
bien sur = of course
certainement = certainly
certes = certainly
evidemment = obviously
non = no
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
oui —yes
peut-etre = perhaps
probablement = probably
sans aucun doute = without a doubt
sans doute = probably
si =yes
vraisemblablement = probably
oui and si
Oui is used to say yes to affirmative yes/no questions, whereas si is used to say yes to
negative yes/no questions, contradicting the expected answer -
Tu V as fait? — Oui = have you done it? - Tes
Tu ne V as pas fait ? — Si =you haven't done it? - Tes (I have)
Oui = so in the following type of expressions -
J'espere que oui = / hope so
non = no, not - see 428.
J'apprends a dire non = Pm learning to say no
J'espere que non = I hope not
Evidemment que non = obviously not
The strength of the reply may be reinforced by adding
tnais —
tnais oui / tnais si = definitely
mais non = definitely not
Note that tnerci can be used = no thankyou -
Tu veux des sels de bain pour ton anniversaire ? — Merci = would you like some
bath-salts for your birthday? - No thankyou
41 1 Examples of adverbs of affirmation, negation and doubt
Une assurance « tous risques » couvre bien sur lesfrais medicaux =
comprehensive insurance certainly covers medical expenses
Mon amie m y a dit que le chocolat est probablement la cause de mon acne
= my friend has told me that chocolate is probably the cause of my acne
Sans aucun doute une botte noire, pointue etfine, ca titille Vinconscient
masculine = beyond a doubt a black, pointed, slender boot titillates the masculine subconscious
Si vous nefaites rien, la situation va vraisemblablement empirer = if you
don't do anything, the situation will probably get worse
304
413 Adverbs as connectors
Ne serait-ce pas unefagon de me manipuler ? — Unpeu, sans doute =
wouldn't that be a way of manipulating me? -A little, probably
Votre poids varie, tnais vous ne changez pas de regime alimentaire — ceci
pourrait bien entendu etre un symptome de la retention d'eau =your weight
varies but you haven't changed your eating habits - this might of course be a symptom of water
retention
412 Interrogative adverbs
The interrogative adverbs are -
combien? = how much, how many?
comment? = how?
ou? = where?
pourquoi? = why?
quand? = when?
These are discussed in 479.
413 Adverbs as connectors
The role of a connector is to indicate the connection between what is being said and
what was said before. Connectors are not integrated into the clause but express some
evaluation or comment on the speaker's/writer's part.
Typical connectors are -
ainsi = in the same way
alors = so
au contraire = on the contrary
au / du moins = at least
aussi = thus
autrement dit = in other words
cependant =yet
c y est-a-dire = in other words
d'ailleurs = besides
de toutefacon / maniere = anyway
en consequence = consequently
en effet = in ef
en fait = in fact
en general = in i
en revanche = on the other hand
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
en somme = briefly >, in a nutshell
evidemment = obviously
heureusement = fortunately
malheureusement = unfortunately
neanmoins = nevertheless
or = now
par consequent = consequently
par contre = on the other hand
plutot = rather
pourtant = however
puis = then
quand meme = even so
seulement = only
soit = so be it
toutefois = nevertheless
and expressions like d'une part . . . de V autre part = on the one hand . . .on the other, d'un
cote . . . de V autre cote = on the one hand . . . on the other] and words like bizarrement
= strangely, franchement = frankly, nature llement = naturally, which are also adverbs
of manner but as conjuncts convey some assessment of what is being said.
au / du moins = at least; au moins is also used as an adverb of degree
puis = then, both as an adverb of time and a connector.
414 Examples of connectors
Alors 9 j'ai opte pour le francais = so I opted for French
En revanche , tu n'as aucune raison de culpabiliser = on the other hand, you've got
no reason to feel guilty
Meme si Von ne peut completement controler sa vie^ on peut au moins en
donner ^impression = even if you can't control your life, you can at least give the impression
you do
De V autre cote ce n y est peut-etre pas la meilleure solution = on the other hand,
it's perhaps not the best solution
De toute maniere^ tu me connais — sije peux aider = in any case, you know me, if I
can help
Or, oui,je pense que c'est bien de se poser cette question = well, yes, I think it's
a good idea to ask yourself that question
306
Exercises
Et [1] puis, [2] globalement, il est plus agreable de recevoir un bouquet de
fleurs qu'une paire de baffes = and then, on the whole, it's more pleasant to get a bouquet of
flowers than a box round the ears
Traduisez en francais les passages qui suivent en anglais -
a Loneliness isn't a medical defect or a stroke oj fate , but a necessary
phase , from which you often emerge more aware, more sensitive and
more human.
b / think that the reason why I became a writer is to a large extent linked
to my father and my feelings towards him.
c Fast-food culture has completely changed our eating habits and, even
more seriously , the amounts we consume.
d We live in a very competitive society in which you construct your own
self-esteem by constantly comparing yourself to others.
e The symptoms of the crisis in the Catholic church in France are so well
known that it's scarcely necessary to list them: in half a century regular
church-going has collapsed ', it's been divided by four and is stagnating
around 10%; the number of priests being ordained every year is
nowadays a tenth of what it was in the '50s, and Catholic charities are no
more than the shadow of what they used to be.
f At the present time, no one is in a position to know if Lille will
equal Saint-Etienne and Marseille by pulling off a fourth consecutive
national title , nor what its fate will be in the Champions' League.
g Allow it to cook for 15 mins. on a low heat, then add the stock and
cream, allow to cook for a further 15 mins. on a medium heat. Remove
the thyme and mix everything together with the remainder of the cream.
Add a little stock if it is too thick.
h Frequently used to relieve stress, essential oils can also be used,
according to their properties, to soothe your skin or fight against
wrinkles.
i Apply black or very dark brown eyeliner in a classical style on your
upper eyelid, going from the centre and extending the line beyond the
outer corner of your eye. Once the make-up is completely dry, you apply
a slightly shorter identical line of eyeliner to the edge of your louver
lashes.
j Patches are good at performing conjuring tricks. They are applied
locally, like a cream, but they act on the whole of the body, like a pill.
The trick consists in enclosing the active ingredient under a small piece
of adhesive material, which allows it to spread through the skin in order
to connect with the blood supply.
k On a wall puree of broccoli is spread like a coating, at the foot of the wall
there are two cones of carrots. With time the wall and the cones will
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
assume colours that will change under the effect of decomposition —
that's contemporary art for you!
1 Traditionally , it is accepted that boys belong to the * stronger sex' and
girls to the 'weaker sex'. This distinction may reflect a difference in
terms of muscles. But when you consider existence as a whole, the
reverse is clearly true. Generally speakings women resist illness better;
they eat more healthily; they're more cautious when driving and kill
each other less spontaneously. As a consequence, they live longer.
308
Chapter 10 Negation
41 5 Negation + verb
To negate a verb, the negative particle ne is used:
alone (but very rarely) —
Si ce n'est de garder cette bonne habitude d 'avoir toujour s une bouteille
d'eau aportee de main = unless it is to keep this good habit of always having a bottle of water
to hand
in conjunction zvith another item which may be
a negative particle —
Monogamie ne rime pas avec monotonie = monogamy and monotony are not the same
thing
a pronoun -
Personne ne veut provoquer un oedeme des cordes vocales et une laryngite
chronique — nefumez done pas - no one wants to cause oedema of the vocal cords and
chronic laryngitis - so don't smoke
a determiner —
D'autres objets ne doivent en aucun cas etre introduits dans la bouche de
V enfant = under no circumstances must other objects be placed in the child's mouth
an adverb —
Un tiers des couples franqais ne font plus V amour = a third of French couples no
longer make love
All these items require ne when negating a verb - except in informal French when the
ne is often dropped - see 43 1 . However, when they are used without a verb, they still
retain their negative values; in other words, personne = no one (but une personne =
a person), aucun = no, none, jamais = never (but in certain circumstances, it can also =
ever).
41 6 ne + negative particle - ne . . . pas = not
The negative particle most commonly used - in fact in the vast majority of cases -
is pas. Point also exists but is rarely found in contemporary French usage.
Word order
Ne precedes the verb and any unstressed object pronouns or y 9 en that also precede it.
The particle follows the finite verb in simple tenses and the auxiliary verb in compound
tenses. It can however be separated from the verb by certain adverbs - see below.
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
ne . . . pas + finite verb in simple tenses
L'important n' est pas d'etre meilleur que les autres mais d'etre au mieux
de soi-meme = the important thing is not to be better than others but to be at your best
Je crois fermement que le succes n' arrive pas par accident = I sincerely believe
that success does not come by accident
Les assurances les plus cheres ne sontpas toujours les meilleures = the most
expensive insurance is not always the best
La mauvaise reputation des crimes a base de cortisone n'est pas justifiee
si on prend les precautions necessaires = the bad reputation of creams with a cortisone
base is not justified if you take the necessary precautions
ne . . . pas + auxiliary verb in compound tenses
Malgre un service capricieux, la tenniszvoman francaise ne s' est pas tnise
en danger face a sa rivale russe = despite a capricious serve, the French tennis player didn't
cause herself any serious problems against her Russian opponent
L'equipe tcheque ne lui a pas laisse le temps de se construire = the Czech team
didn't give him the time to get his game together
Le Ministre de la Justice n'apas cache son inquietude face a la situation
dans les prisons = the Minister of Justice did not hide his anxiety over the situation in the
prisons
lis n'ont pas pu riposter aux tirs de canon venant des rebelles = they couldn't
return the cannon fire coming from the rebels
Je n'aurais pas cru que preserver sa sante dentaire est si difficile = /
wouldn't have thought that preserving your dental health is so difficult
ne + unstressed pronouns
Je ne me sens pas menace maintenant = I don't feel that I'm threatened now
C'est de ceux qui ne Vontpas connu que vient Vhommage le plus
emouvant = it's from those who didn't know him that the most touching homage has come
Cest deja bien beau que le moral ne m' ait pas laissee plus tot = it's already
very nice that my morale didn't abandon me earlier
Ne te laisse pas abattre, prends ce mal en patience = don't let yourself get depressed,
be patient with this problem
Sije voulais unpain de chocolat et qu'il n'y en avait pas, ca creait un
mouvement de panique = if I wanted a bar of chocolate and there weren't any, that created a
feeling of panic
ne . . . pas with imperative
Antibiotiques — ne les melangez pas au lait de biberon = don't mix antibiotics in
the baby's bottle
Ne vous courbez pas sur votre assiette, tenez-vous droite = don't bend over your
plate, sit up straight
310 I
416 ne + negative particle - ne . . . pas = not
N'hesitez pas a vous faire plaisir, vous n'en serez que plus irresistible =
don't hesitate to give yourself some pleasure, you'll only look the more irresistible
ne . . . pas + inverted interrogative - see 472.
Ne . . . pas surround the verb and pronoun -
N'avez-vous pas envie de lui dire d'aller se faire voir? = don't you want to tell him
to take a running jump?
N 3 accepterez-vous pas de conformer aux regies , de respecter les interdits?
= won't you agree to conforming to the rules, to respecting the taboos?
Ce besoin d'accumuler les conquetes, ne revelerait-il pas une peur de la
solitude ou de V engagement? = doesn't this need to collect conquests reveal a fear of
loneliness or of commitment?
ne pas precedes an infinitive —
and also any pronouns that precede the infinitive -
he musee n y est pas encore ne et pour rait ne pas voir lejour = the museum isn't
yet born and might not see the light of day
On lui reproche de ne pas tenir cotnpte dufacteur hutnain dans sa quete de
la rigueur scientifique = they reproach him for not taking account of the human factor in his
quest for scientific rigour
II est important de ne pas servir vos repas dans de grandes assiettes
blanches, mais dans de petites assiettes colorees = it's important not to serve your
meals on big white plates but on small coloured ones
II vousfaut des complements alimentaires — indispensables pour ne pas
etre crevee de fatigue =you need some food complements - indispensable so as not to be
exhausted with fatigue
II est conseille de ne pas s'attarder, achetez maintenant = it's advisable not to
delay, buy now
Pourquoi ne pas lui proposer une escapade dans les dunes? = why not suggest a
romp in the dunes to her?
ne . . . pas surround the auxiliary with a past infinitive -
Je m 3 en voulais de n 3 avoir pas su preserver notre bonheur = I was angry with
my self for not being able to preserve our happiness
ne . . . pas surround the present participle -
En n'oubliant pas de Vamener avec toi = not forgetting to bring her with you
Pour calmer votre stress 9 faites des promenades , mais en ne mangeant pas
en route = to calm your stress, go for walks, but without eating at the same time
he role du comique —produire de la critique sociale mais en ne deversant
pas trop sonfiel = the comic's role - to produce social criticism, but not venting his spleen
excessively
Vous faites un affront a vos lecteurs en ne respectant pas la voix du peuple
=you insult your readers by not respecting the voice of the people
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pas separated from the verb by an adverb
The adverbs in question tend to consist of a single word only; but quand meme — even
so, sans doute = probably are also used in this way -
Le champion n'etait peut-etre pas dans un grand jour si Von en croit ses
mimiques significatives = perhaps the champ wasn't on top form if you believe his significant
gestures
Votre bebe a horreur du bruit — ne soyez done pas etonnee de le voir crier si
votre radio hurle =your baby can't stand noise - so don't be surprised if you see him screaming
if your radio is blasting away
II ne doit sur tout pas se reveiller avec une gueule de bois = above all he mustn't
wake up with a hangover
Le president du club n'est meme pas sur de rester en place = the president of the
club is not even sure of keeping his job
La societe n'est cependant pas composee uniquement de prof ess eurs et
d'ouvriers = society is, however, not composed entirely of teachers and workers
Vous n'allez quand meme pas vous lancer dans une autre aventure = even so
you're not going to launch yourself into another adventure
Lefait de tomber amoureux n'est sans doute pas unpur hasard = the fact of
falling in love is not a pure accident
ne . . . pas + indefinite article (un, une, du, de la, de V, des) + direct object -
the indefinite article is contracted to de (see 260) -
Les pates ne manquent pas d'atouts nutritionnels = pasta is not without nutritional
benefits
L'angoisse est considerablement exacerbee s'ils n'ontpas de recours
medical = their anxiety is considerably increased if they haven't got medical help
L'anesthesiste est la pour s' as surer que le patient n'apas de nausees = the
anaesthetist is there to assure himself that the patient is not nauseous
J'ai remarque qu'il n'y avaitpas d'immigres dans les corteges = I noticed that
there weren't any immigrants among the marchers
fa ne me pose pas de probleme d'attendre = it's no problem for me to wait
Iln'y a pas de mal a sefaire du bien = there's no harm in doing yourself some good
This situation is to be distinguished from the following -
ne . . . pas + de combined with the definite article, producing du, de V, de la,
des -
Mais ne servez-vous pas encore du sirop que vous avez mis de cote = but
don't use the syrup that you've put to one side yet
II ne se contente pas du shampooing quotidien — il utilise en plus le gel
pour cheveux, et la cire a cheveux = he's not satisfied with his daily shampoo - he also
uses hair gel and wax
312 I
417 ne alone
ne . . . pas + de combined with the indefinite article, producing pas un, pas une -
Si elle n^a pas une bonne dose d' humour, oubliez = if she hasn't got a reasonable
dose of good humour, forget it
417 ne alone
The use of ne without pas is limited to a small number of circumstances, with certain
verbs and expressions -
With cesser
Les choses n'ont cesse d'empirer = things have kept on getting worse
Je ne cessais de me demander comment on avait pu en arriver la = I kept on
asking myself how things could have got to such a state
With n 'avoir de cesse = to persist until
Cette fois, c'est decide, vous sortez les grands moyens — le love-coach — il
n'aura de cesse de vous caser avec votre ideal = this time it's for sure, you bring out
the big guns - a love-coach - he won't give up till he's fixed you up with your perfect partner
Elle a ete initiee a un nouveau monde qui n'aura de cesse de liberer son
esprit = she has been initiated into a new world which will continually liberate her mind
With pouvoir
Je nepeux m'empecher d'etre nerveuse lorsque mon mari doit prendre
V avion pour ses deplacements professionnels = I can't help being nervous when my
husband takes the plane when he's travelling professionally
La culpabilite de ne pouvoir etre a la hauteur de cette image sociale de la
sexualite = guilt at not being able to maintain this social image of sexuality
L'on ne peut pretendre en permanence que les preceptes republicains sont
bafoues chaquefois qu'on lance une reforme =you can't keep on claiming that every
time a reform is launched republican principles are flouted
With si ce n'est = but for, unless
Si ce n'est de garder cette bonne habitude d 'avoir toujour s une bouteille
d'eau aportee de main = unless it is to keep this good habit of always having a bottle of water
to hand
With je ne sais quoi = goodness knows what
J 3 en ai marre de ces feministes agressives qui veulent que leurs mecs
/assent le menage, la vaisselle, le repassage etje ne sais quoi encore = I'm
fed up with those aggressive feminists who want their fellers to do the housework, the washing up, the
ironing and goodness knows what else
With n'importe qui = anyone, n'importe quoi = anything- see 245
N'importe qui accepterait pour luifaire plaisir = anyone would accept to please her
Vousferiez n'importe quoi pour eviter une situation penible = you'd do anything
to avoid a painful situation
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With some archaic formulae
Qu'a cela ne tienne! = never mind!
There is also the case of 'expletive' ne - used, optionally, in certain types of clause.
Unlike the previous cases, this ne has no negative value. Its use here is often but not
always associated with high-register French -
After avant que = before
On ne pouvait pas Vempecher de voir ses copains, on le harcelait avant
qu'il ne parte =you couldn't stop him seeing his mates, you tackled him about it before he left
After expressions of prevention
En fait ca evitera qu'il ne se sente oblige de se rendre a lafac ce soir = in fact
that will save him from going back to the uni. this evening
After sans que = without
C'est le cas des employes qui suivent leur entreprise sans que leur conjoint
ne puisse partir avec eux = it's the case of workers who follow their firm around without their
spouse being able to go with them
Si vous etes trial dans votre peau, vous ne serez pas percu positivetnent,
sans que la personne ne puisse reellement en expliquer la cause = if you're not
comfortable with yourself you won't be perceived positively, without the person being really able to
explain the reason why
418 ne . . . personne = no one, not anyone
As subject
Personne ne doit per dre la face = no one must lose face
La societe actuelle souhaite nous aligner tous sur le meme modele —
personne n'ose ne pas paraitrejeune, beau, productif= contemporary society wants
to make us all conform to the same model - no one dares not appear young, good-looking, productive
La combine fonctionne — mais personne n'est dupe = the scams work - but no one
is taken in
Personne ne devrait manquer une telle possibility = no one should miss such a
chance
Personne ne voulait de moi = no one wanted me
As object
With compound tenses the pronoun follows the past participle (instead of preceding it,
as with most of the other negators) -
Je n^ai personne a qui me confier = I haven't got anyone to confide in
Je n'ai reconnu personne dans la salle -I didn't recognise anyone in the room
Je vous ecris parce queje ne trouve personne avec quije peux partager ma
passion des cravates etpetits boutons fantaisie = I'm writing to you because I can't
find anyone with whom I can share my passion for ties and small novelty buttons
314
419 ne . . . Hen = nothing, not anything
As indirect object
Ne parlez a personne comme ca, pas de reflexion, ni de prise de tete = don't
speak to anyone like that, without thinking, without arguing
Nefaites confiance a personne et gardez votre langue dans votre poche =
don't trust anyone and keep your tongue buttoned up
L'idee n'arriverait a personne d'utiliser de tels comprimes sans
Vautorisation de son medecin = the idea wouldn't occur to anyone to use those pills without
their doctor's authorisation
After a preposition
J'ai decouvert queje nepeux compter sur personne saufmon amie = I've
discovered that I can't count on anyone except my girlfriend
Les poignees d 3 amour neflattent V image de personne = love handles don't flatter
anyone's image
Les divorces qui sont restes des annees sans personne = divorcees who go for years
without anybody
Without a verb
Avec qui es-tu sortie hier soir? — Personne = who did you go out with last night? - No
one
Qui est responsable des fiches de paie des travailleurs interimaires? —
Reponse habituelle —personne — who is responsible for temporary workers' pay slips? —
Usual answer - nobody
419 ne . . . rien = nothing, not anything
As subject
Rien n'est prouve^ mais vous pouvez essay er = nothing is proved, but you can try
Rien ne doit vous empecher de regler vos histoires de coeur = nothing must
prevent you from sorting out your romantic attachments
Rien n' est plus dangereux pour la sante que le cholesterol de basse densite
= nothing is worse for our health than low-density cholesterol
Rien n'yfait — tout le monde est toujours fache = nothing can be done about it -
everyone is still cross
As object
Ces positions n'ont rien de tres confortable = these positions aren't at all comfortable
Si vous nefaites rien la situation va empirer = if you don't do something the situation
is going to get worse
II nefaut rien effacer, tout se rappeler, pour mieux rebondir =you mustn't leave
out anything, remember everything, to bounce back more effectively
Les hauts fonctionnaires n y ont rien sacrifle de leurs privileges = the top civil
servants have not sacrificed any part of their privileges
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Before an infinitive
Vous etes unpeu maladroite, mais c'est toujours mieux que de ne rien
faire = you're a bit clumsy, but it's always better than doing nothing
After a preposition
II nefaut toucher a rien =you mustn't touch anything
Elle ne se souvient de rien de cette nuit-la = she can't remember anything about that
night
Je ne sortirais avec luipour rien au tnonde = I wouldn't go out with him for anything
in the world
fe n' e changer ais pas c a pour rien au tnonde = I wouldn't change that for anything in
the world
rien de + adjective = nothing + adjective
The adjective is invariable; the expressions may be used with a verb, in which case ne is
required before the verb, rien precedes the participle when the verb is compound and
the adjectival part follows it, or rien de may be used without a verb, in which case it
retains its full negative value -
with simple tense
fe crois qu'il n y y a rien de pire qu'une fille qui fait Vetalage de ses
conquetes comme pourrait le faire un mec = / think there's nothing worse than a girl
who displays her conquests, like a guy would do
with compound tense
fen'y ai rien appris de nouveau = I didn't learn anything new there
Iln'y avait rien eu d' extravagant a la « Disco Infer nale » = there hadn't been
anything that out of the ordinary at the 'Disco Infer nale'
without ne, rien still preserves its negative value
Rien de plus triste que des petits dejeuners qui se suivent et se ressemblent
= there's nothing sadder than breakfasts one after the other all the same
Rien de tel qu'une bonne fete paillarde pour echapper au stress = there's
nothing like a good old wild knees-up to avoid stress
Rien de pire que les pates trop cuites = there's nothing worse than over-cooked pasta
With sans = without anything
Monaco se trouve bredouille, sans rien = Monaco ends up empty-handed, without a
thing
rien que without negative = only Just
Voila pourquoi ellepeut s 3 octroy er de temps a autre des moments rien que
pour elle = here's why she can allow herself from time to time some moments just for herself
Rien que de penser a tout ce que ma copine va endurer^je me dis quefai la
chance d'etre solo = simply thinking about what my friend is going to go through, I tell myself
I'm lucky to be on my own
316 I
421 ne . . . nul = no, no one
rien as noun = the slightest thing and functions as a normal noun
// ne suffitpas de realiser un bon match, tout sejoue sur des petits details,
des petites erreurs, des riens = it's not enough to play a good match, everything turns on
small details, minor errors, the slightest thing
Les repas prets en un rien de temps, vous vous en souvenez? = meals ready in
the blink of an eye - do you remember them?
420 ne . . . aucun = no, none
As adjective
Je ne plaisais a aucunefille = I didn't appeal to any girl
Je n'ai aucun lien de sang avec ce monsieur-la = I've no blood tie with that man
Dans aucune democratic du monde, on ne trouve pareille situation = in no
democracy in the world do you find a similar situation
Aucune planete ne vous nuit ce mois-ci = no planet will harm you this month
Elle n'a aucune trace ecrite de son travail = she's not got any written proof of her job
Without a verb
Quel homme resisterait a une jolie femme? —Aucun = what man could resist a
pretty woman? - None
Vous etes tombee sur un mec en boite, mais vous apprenez qu'il est marie
— votre reponse? — Aucun probleme, suis pas jalouse =you come across a bloke in a
club, but you find out he's married -your reaction? -No prob, I'm not jealous
Aucun is not used as an adjective in the plural - its role there is assumed by the
partitive article de or sans - see 260, 383.
^4* pronoun
Aucun de mes amis ne comprend pourquoi je prefere vivre en solo = none of
my friends understands why I prefer to live alone
Aucune de ses victimes n y a ose decrire leur calvaire personnel = none of his
victims dared describe their personal suf
421 ne . . . nul = no, no one
Ne . . . nul is not very common in contemporary French - it survives particularly
in the expression nulle part = nowhere and occasionally as a pronoun and also as an
independent adjective.
As adjective
Partout et jamais nulle part = everywhere and never nowhere
As pronoun
Pieds malodorants, pellicules, mauvaise haleine, nul n'est epargne = smelly
feet, dandruff, bad breath, no one is spared
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= nil, useless
Son taux de croissance n' est pas nul = its growth rate is not unimportant
La Norvege a gagne nuls points = Norway got no points
422 ne . . . guere = hardly, scarcely
II n^eut guere de peine a montrer qu'il auraitpu aussi partir dans le Tour
avec le maillot jaune = he scarcely had difficulty showing that he could have set off in the Tour
[cycle race] wearing the yellow jersey
La region, ou dominent les grosses cheminees pleines defumees
industrielles, n 3 amuse guere = the region, where enormous chimneys spout industrial fumes,
is hardly attractive
423 ne . . . jamais = never
As with ne . . . pas, an indefinite article dependent on jamais is contracted to de -
see 416.
After the verb
Dufait que la France n 3 a jamais connu de gouvernement liberal, la gauche
n'apas eu a bouger vers le centre = since France has never had a liberal government, the
left has never had to move towards the centre
Elle tombe amoureuse unefois par mois, mais a son grand desespoir, le
coup defoudre n' est jamais reciproque = she falls in love once a month, but, to her great
despair, the crush is never reciprocated
Ce grand champion, Raymond Poulidor, n 'a jamais porte le maillot jaune
= this great champion, Raymond Poulidor, never wore the yellow jersey
Before the verb
Unlike English, French does not invert the verb when jamais precedes it -
famais les Portugais ne donnent Vimpression d'etre depasses = never do the
Portuguese give the impression of being outdone
With infinitive
Au coup de sifflet final, on le voit balancer le ballon dans le del en esperant
ne jamais le voir reapparaitre = at the final whistle, you could see him boot the ball into the
sky hoping never to see it reappear
Les jeunes vieux d 3 aujourd'hui cherchent a rajeunir et surtout a ne jamais
faire leur age = today's young oldies try to look young and especially not to act their age
With infinitive as imperative
Ne jamais donner une reponse immediate si Von sent que le « petit
service » que Von vous demande va se transformer en gros calvaire = never
reply straightaway if you feel the 'small service' they're asking you is going to change into a real ordeal
Without ne = never
Onpeut s'habiller en bleu, jamais en rouge =you can wear blue, never red
318 I
424 ne . . . plus = no longer, not any more
Ony vapour draguer lesfilles, jamais pour ecouter la musique = you go there
to chat up girls, never to listen to the music
Le conseil de tries amies —jamais le premier soir = my friends 7 advice - never the
first night
After sans, jamais = ever
II y retourne dix minutes plus tard sans jamais trouver lafille qu'il voulait
draguer = he goes back ten minutes later without ever being able to find the girl he wanted to
chat up
Elle enchaine les relations sans jamais parvenir a construire une histoire
durable = she goes from one relationship to another without ever managing to construct one that lasts
Vous attendez qu'il vous appelle, sans jamais oser Vappeler =you wait for him
to call you, without ever daring to call him
424 ne . . . plus = no longer, not any more
Je ne sais plus comment me coiffer = I no longer know how to do my hair
II a compris que la France ne pouvait plus refuser la reforme = he understood
that France could no longer refuse reforms
N'ayez plus peur de Vanesthesie = don't be afraid of anaesthetics any more
Apres 70 ans 9 ilfaudra veiller a boire suffisamment^ car les mecanismes
de la soif ne fonctionnent plus comme avant = after 70 years of age, you have to be
careful to drink enough, because the mechanisms controlling your thirst no longer work as they used to
Ilfaudra reformer le systeme de sante dont les couts ne sontplus controles
= it will be necessary to reform the health system whose costs are no longer under control
With infinitive
Les craintes du bebe peuvent etre dues a des angoisses de toute sorte, celle
de ne plus vous voir dans son champ de vision = the baby's fears may be due to all
sorts of anxieties, such as no longer havingyou in its field of vision
II lui suffisait de garder son calme et ne plus chercher Vas mais de mettre
sa premiere balle enjeu = all he had to do was to keep calm and no longer go for the ace but
get his first ball in
Ne plus se reveiller — la reside la source d'angoisse principale des patients
devant Vanesthesie = not to wake up again - that's the principal source of anxiety for patients
when faced with going under an anaesthetic
Je me disais qu'elle finirait par ne plus y penser = / told myself she'd end up not
thinking about it any more
Depuis que vous avez trouve le creneau qui vous convient au mieux vous
devriez ne plus en sortir = since you've found the slot that suits you best, you shouldn't
abandon it ever again
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
In the expression n'en plus pouvoir = not to be able to bear
Elle n'en peut plus de sa solitude = she can't bear being alone any more
425 ne . . . que = only
In French the que of this combination immediately precedes the element it qualifies -
unlike English where the position of only is less strictly applied. Ne . . . que can be used
to exclude clauses as well as items which do not involve a verb -
10 kilos de trop — ca ne seperd que sous controle medical = 10 kilos overweight —
that can only be lost under medical supervision
Pour moi 9 unefemme qui fume dans la rue ne peut etre que vulgaire = to me,
a woman who smokes in the street can only be common
Ce n'est qu'un geste anodin, mais vous etes sur de le desorienter = it's only a
harmless gesture, but you're sure to put him off his stroke
Le reste, ce ne sont que quelques images volees ci et la = as for the rest, it's just a
few images stolen here and there
Cette soupe legere ne contient que 25 calories aux 100 millilitres = this light
soup only contains 25 calories per 100 millilitres
Je viens de prendre conscience queje n'ai que 20 ans = I've just realised that I'm
only 20 years old
Ne . . . que is often used with a verb to = the only thing, all
Peut-etre vivez-vous avec un volcan qui ne demande qu'a se reveiller =
perhaps you're living with a volcano and all she wants is to burst into life
Elle n'a qu'a se laisser aller et savourer = all she has to do is let herself go and enjoy
Pour se proteger des moustiques, on n y a qu'a s'asperger de citronnelle = to
protect yourself from mosquitoes, all you have to do is sprinkle yourself with citronella
ne . . . que + pas = not just, not only
On n'y vapas que pour rencontrer le mec dont on a toujour s reve =you don't
just go there to meet the guy of your dreams
On ne part age pas que des souvenirs =you don't only share memories
Dans sa bande d'amis, il n y y avaitpas que des mecs bien = in his gang of mates,
there were not only good guys
Mais lepire c'est qu'il n'y a pas que les proches qui tirent partie de votre
gentillesse = but the worst thing is it isn't just your own relatives that exploit your kindness
426 ne . . . (pas) . . . ni . . . ni = neither . . . nor, not . . . or,
not . . . either . . . or
Ne . . . ni . . . ni can be used with any part of speech - from adjectives to clauses (see
452).
line . . . pas (or equivalent) is used - and this is the most frequent combination - ni
does not occur before the first of the set of items -
320 I
427 pas alone = not
Le resultat n' est pas denue de char me , ni parfois d' emotion = the result is not
without charm or at times emotion
Le rapport vitefait n' est pas moins respectable qu'un rapport long, ni
moins utile dans la vie quotidienne d 3 un couple = a relationship that is quickly made
is no less respectable than a long one, nor less useful in a couple's everyday life
Je n'ai pas croise sesyeux bleus le lendemain ni les jours suivants = I didn't
come across his blue eyes the next day or the following days
With ne . . . plus
Avec tous les nouveaux reglements, a quoi ca rime d'etre gardien, si on ne
peut plus se servir de ses mains, ni de ses pieds, ni de rien? = with all the new
regulations, what's the point of being a goalie, if you can't use your hands, your feet or anything any more?
With ne . . . aucun
Cela vafaire bientot un an queje n'ai aucune vie sentimentale ni sexuelle
= it's soon going to be a year since I had any emotional or sexual attachment
If no negative particle is used (ie, no pas), then ni precedes every item of the set -
Ce n'est ni Vendroit ni le moment = it's neither the right place nor the right moment
Je portais des talons hauts et il nefallait ni queje perde Vequilibre ni que
je devie de la cible = / was wearing high heels and it was necessary for me not to lose my
balance or deviate from the target
Parfois on n'est ni homo, ni hetero, mais les deux = sometimes you're neither
homosexual nor heterosexual, but both
ni . . . ni without a verb
S y agit-il d'une mode ou d'un phenomene de societe? — Ni Vun, ni V autre =
is it a matter of fashion or a social phenomenon? - Neither one nor the other
Ni coincee, ni devergondee, vous avez une perception assez realiste des
mecs = neither stuck in your ways nor outrageous in your behaviour, you've got a fairly realistic
perception of men
427 pas alone = not
Pas is used alone to negate a word or a phrase that does not contain a verb.
Remplacez la bouffe par des mots, mais pas par des elopes = replace your food
with words, but not with fags
La vie pas toujours facile des solos = the not-always-easy life of those who live alone
ha France epouse la logique des loisirs et pas celle du travail. Pourquoi
pas, d'ailleurs? = France is wedded to the demands of leisure but not of work. Whyever not?
Nous avons celle qui est la plus decente, mais pas la moins sexy = we've got
the girl who's the most decent, but not the least sexy
£a marche? — Pas du tout = OK? -Not at all
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Pourquoi pas organiser un voyage? = why not organise a trip?
J'etais venue pour m'amuser^ pas pour me lamenter = I'd come to enjoy my self not
to moan
Je Vutilise ou pas? = shall I use it or not?
Je n^ai jamais su s'il plaisantait oupas = I never knew whether he was joking or not
With indefinite articles, pa* de (instead ofdu 9 de la 9 des 9 etc) is used, as with ne . . .
pas above (see 416) —
Pas d'alcool, bien sur = no alcohol, that's for sure
Pas de linge sale a ramasser au quatre coins de la maison = no dirty clothes to
pick up from the four corners of the house
428 non = no, not
Apart from in its role as a negative reply, non functions in much the same way as pas,
but is found less frequently
non = no in negative answer
Non, solo ne veutpas dire que vous etes disponible pour toutes les corvees
= no, being alone does not mean you're available for each and every nasty job
Les gens ont tellement peur de dire non = people are so scared to say no
Que non emphasises negation of negative answer -
Vous avez peur qu'on aille vous aimer moins apres. Evidemment que non!
= you're afraid that they're going to like you less afterwards. Of course not!
non = not
Quand nous nous voyons, c'est que nous le voulons vraiment, et nonpar
obligation = when we see each other, it's because we really want to, and not out of obligation
Non soignee, une angine bacterienne peut entrainer des complications
graves = if bacterial angina is not treated, it can cause serious complications
In English not only introducing a clause is followed by inversion; the French equivalent,
non seulement, is not -
Non seulement ce debardeur a brassiere integree met notre silhouette en
valeur, mais en plus il soutient notre fragile poitrine = not only does this crop top
with integrated bra show off our silhouette but in addition it supports our fragile bust
For non que . . . , see 148.
429 . . , pas non plus = neither, .... not . . . either, nor
Les tensions ne lui reus sis sent pas nonplus = tension doesn't do him any good either
Le bon moment de suivre un regime — quand vous etes hyper motivee —pas
en etat de stress , pas en periode de revisions ■, pas non plus en periode de
fetes (tentations) = the best moment to go on a diet is when you're highly motivated - not in a
state of stress, not revising, nor when you're celebrating (temptations)
~322 I
431 Omission of ne
Si ce rally e n' est pas interdit, il n' est pas autorise nonplus = even if this rally
hasn't been banned, it hasn't been authorised either
430 Multiple negators
Frequently more than one negator is used in a sentence. The rule for the order of multiple
negators following a finite verb is -
ne jamais plus rien past participle personne que
guere infinitive
Vous n'invitez jamais personne ou des gens que vous n'aimez pas =you never
invite anyone round or people you don't like
Les trues qui moisissent dans lefrigo n'appartiennent jamais a personne
= the bits and bobs that are going mouldy in the fridge never belong to anyone
Je ne peux plus rienfaire des quelques cheveux qui me restent = I can't any
longer do a thing with the few hairs I've still got
Rien ne va plus dans ma vie = nothing is going right in my life any more
Elle ne veut plus rienfaire = she doesn't want to do anything any more
C'etaitfini. Iln'y avait plus de finale , plus de rencontre 9 plus rien = it was all
over. There wasn't going to be a final, no more matches, nothing whatsoever
Un bebe ne pleure jamais pour rien = a baby never cries for nothing
Ce qui me fait le plus de mal 9 e'est s avoir que personne ne m 'a jamais
aimee en dehors de mafamille et queje n^ai jamais aime personne = what
hurts the most is to know that no one has loved me outside my family and that I've never loved anyone
However, if the negators precede the verb, the order plus jamais is also found -
J e jure que plus jamais il ne m 3 accompagnera dans les magasins = I swear
that never again will he go shopping with me
431 Omission of ne
In modern informal French, the omission of ne is very common —
Viens pas te plaindre si on dine tard = don't start complaining if your dinner is late
T'avais qu'ay penser avant de le lui dire =you should have thought about it before
telling her
On parlait du boulot — ah! —j'avais pas compris = they were speaking about work -
ah! - 1 hadn't understood
C'etaitpas le moment = it wasn't the right time
Fontainebleau, c 3 est pas unpeu ennuyeux comme ville? = isn't Fontainebleau a
bit boring as a town?
Une mere^ on en a qu'une, des mecs,y en apleins =you only have one mother, but
there are stacks of guys
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Tu tefais engueuler parce que c'est rien compare a la f aim dans le monde
=you have your head bitten off because it's nothing compared to the hunger in the world
Traduisez en francais la section en anglais des phrases suivantes.
Souvent il y a plus d'une solution.
a J'ai consulte plusieurs medecins, mais no treatment gives me any
relief.
b Allegedly 78% des Francais do not understand que les enseignants
boycottent les examens.
c Nous pas sons nos soirees just talking.
d Families no longer hesitate a insulter les enseignants.
e Nothing prevents you de commencer la randonnee devant chez vous, en
toute saison.
f I can no longer move my body nor speak nor even breathe.
g La douleur only set in plusieurs semaines plus tard.
h Faut-il sepriver de boeuf? —Ah! non, car, tout d'abord meat has never
been so safe from a health point of view et surtout parce que beef isn't
as fat as all that.
i No passer-by can suspect que Vun des plus grands sex symbols du
cinema se cache derriere ces verres fumes.
j Neither does anyone know what he intends.
k You can't, lorsqu'on est attache a la cause palestinienne, s'empecher de
reprendre timidement espoir.
1 Je vis dans un centre antidouleurs qui me prescrit de la morphine,
mais I no longer have any hope. I can't work any longer.
m My problems keep on increasing.
n There's nothing simpler pour proteger sa sante.
o In less time than you need to say it, lapeau epaissit.
p Signez une reconnaissance de dette, ainsi no one will be able to accuse
you d 3 exploiter la situation.
q Dans la plupart des families du temps de notre arriere-grand-mere,
they only got washed on Sundays.
r Si au second rendez-vous, I don't give you a kiss, alors cela signifie que
I never will.
s Aujourd'hui on sait que there is no perfect health sans une bonne
hygiene.
t II y a une ligne blanche que the French don't want to cross.
u She never kisses on the mouth nor does she spend the night avec sa
proie.
v C'est le tabou that should not be transgressed.
w Frequemment la question isn't even hinted at.
x Ilfaut eviter de se moquer de lui, not ask him to speak moins vite.
y // est plus tard que you think.
324
Exercises
z He's never so comfortable que lorsqu'il renoue avec ses racines
provinciates.
aa There's scarcely any doubt that it's a case of suicide.
bb I never realised.
cc Pour ceux qui have neither drawn up a will nor made a gift, le Code
civil s'occupe de tout.
dd Les dispositions prises par testament are never definitive: elles
peuvent etre changees a tout moment.
ee This mega-star can't buy his bread tranquillement, nor his cigarettes.
ff // a reussi et no longer has anything much a prouver.
gg Sa tenue defoot, dechiree, crottee, couldn't last any longer.
hh Ce type de relation sexuelle doesn't involve any consequence or any
commitment.
ii Ces artisans don't need any tricks or structures pour accomplir leurs
buts.
jj No one will be able to say qu'elle ne soitpas attentive aux autres.
kk Don't say: «J y arrete de manger n'importe comment ». Ilfaut eviter a
situation of all or nothing.
11 Unless the president intervene s_, la situation continuera a empirer.
325
Chapter 11 Numerals
432 Cardinal numbers and ordinal numbers
Cardinal numbers denote quantity
ww, deux, trois, quatre
Ordinal numbers denote a position in a sequence
premier, deuxieme, troisieme, quatrieme
433 Cardinal numbers
0-10
zero, un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix
zero = zero, nil, nought, love
Le numero de telephone est 02 38 46 89 89 (zero deux trente-huit . . . ) = the
telephone number is 02 38 46 89 89 (zero two, thirty-eight . . . )
Elle enseigne les enfants de zero a quatre ans = she teaches kids from nought to
six years old
Le prof etait furieux — nous avons tous eu zero dans la dictee = the teacher was
furious - we all got nought in the dictation
La France a battu le Danemark trois buts a zero = France beat Denmark 3 nil
Elle a remporte le premier set 6—0 (six— zero) = she won the first set 6 love
un (m), une (f)
These numerals vary for gender according to the noun they qualify -
J'ai unfrere et une soeur = I've got one brother and one sister
II est une heure = it's one o'clock
Je n'ai qu'un vrai ami = I've only got one real friend
Masculine ww is also used in the following contexts -
C'est a la page un = it's on page one
Elle est le numero un de Vopposition = she's the number one of the opposition
Ilportait le numero un = he was wearing the number one shirt
Feminine une is also used in the following context —
a la une = on the front page
Both numerals also act as pronouns -
326 I
433 Cardinal numbers
Le site est un des majeurs du marche = the site is one of the major players in the market
Prenez une des tranches de pain de tnie et passez-la sous le gril dufour =
take one of the slices of bread and put it under the grill
The plural uns occurs in such contexts as -
II y a trois uns dans cent onze = there are three ones in one hundred and eleven
11-20
onze, douze, treize, quatorze, quinze, seize, dix-sept, dix-huit, dix-neuf,
vingt
21-30
vingt et un, vingt-deux, vingt-trois, vingt-quatre, vingt-cinq, vingt-six,
vingt-sept, vingt-huit, vingt-neuf, trente
No hyphens are used with cardinal numbers in et un, but they are used with the
others.
Vingt et un becomes vingt et une before a feminine noun. This applies to all the
cardinal numbers in -un -
Vingt et une annees se sont ecoulees depuis notre premier rendez-vous =
twenty-one years have passed since our first rendez-vous
31-40
trente et un, trente-deux, trente-trois, trente-quatre, trente-cinq, trente-six,
trente-sept, trente-huit, trente-neuf, quarante
41-50
quarante et un, quarante-deux, quarante-trois, quarante-quatre,
quarante-cinq, quar ante-six, quarante-sept, quarante-huit, quarante-neuf,
cinquante
51-60
cinquante et un, cinquante-deux, cinquante-trois, cinquante-quatre,
cinquante-cinq, cinquante-six, cinquante-sept, cinquante-huit,
cinquante-neuf, soixante
61-70
soixante et un, soixante-deux, soixante-trois, soixante-quatre,
soix ante-cinq, soixante-six, soix ante-sept, soixante-huit, soixante-neuf,
soixante-dix
In a number of French-speaking countries outside France, eg Belgium, Switzerland,
Canada, soixante-dix is replaced by septante.
71-80
soixante et onze, soixante-douze, soixante-treize, soixante-quatorze,
soixante-quinze, soix ante-seize, soixante-dix-sept, soixante-dix-huit,
soixante-dix-neuf, quatre-vingts
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
In those countries where soixante-dix is replaced by septante, soixante et onze is
replaced by septante et un, soixante-douze by septante-deux, etc.
81-90
quatre-vingt-un, quatre-vingt-deux, quatre-vingt-trois, quatre-vingt-
quatre, quatre-vingt-cinq, quatre-vingt-six, quatre-vingt-sept, quatre-
vingt-huit, quatre-vingt-neuf, quatre-vingt-dix
Quatre-vingts = 80 loses its -s when it is combined with another number, eg
quatre-vingt-deux; in other words, it is only in quatre-vingts = 80 that the final -s
appears. Quatre-vingts = 80 also loses its —s when it is used as a page or paragraph
number - au paragraphe quatre-vingt.
Huitante is used alongside quatre-vingts in Switzerland.
In those countries where soixante-dix is replaced by septante, quatre-vingt-dix
is replaced by nonante.
91-100
quatre-vingt-onze, quatre-vingt-douze, quatre-vingt-treize,
quatre-vingt-quatorze, quatre-vingt-quinze, quatre-vingt-seize,
quatre-vingt-dix-sept, quatre-vingt-dix-huit, quatre-vingt-dix-neuf, cent
Quatre-vingt-onze is replaced by nonante et un, quatre-vingt-douze by
nonante-deux in Belgium, Switzerland and Canada.
Cent = a hundred, one hundred (in other words, there is no word for a, one) -
J'ai envoy e cent une invitations = / sent out a hundred and one invitations
101-110
cent un, cent deux, cent trois, cent quatre, cent cinq, cent six, cent sept,
cent huit, cent neuf, cent dix
111, 112, etc
cent onze, cent douze, etc
121, 122, etc
cent vingt et un, cent vingt-deux, etc
200-210
deux cents, deux cent un, deux cent deux, deux cent trois, deux cent
quatre, deux cent cinq, deux cent six, deux cent sept, deux cent huit, deux
cent neuf, deux cent dix
Usage with cent is similar to that with quatre-vingts - cents preserves its final —s
when it is used to indicate round hundreds - deux cents, trois cents, etc. However,
when it is qualified by another number, the —s is dropped - deux cent un, trois cent
deux.
1,000-1,999
1 000 = mille, 1 001 = mille un, 1 010 = mille dix, 1 Oil = mille onze, 1 100 =
mille cent, 1 101 = mille cent un
328 I
434 Use of et and hyphens with cardinal numerals
Mille = a thousand, one thousand (in other words, there is no word for a, one) -
tnille animaux = a thousand animals
Numbers between / 100 and / 999 may be expressed in two ways - / 100 is either onze
cents or tnille cent, 1567 is either quinze cent soixante-sept or tnille cinq cent
soixante-sept
2,000. . .
2 000 = deux mille , 3 000 = trois tnille
Usage with tnille is different from that with cent - it never takes an -s whatever the
circumstances.
Where in English a comma is used to separate the figures representing thousands from
those representing hundreds - 7^777 - in French simply a space is used - / 111. The
same applies to figures involving millions - 1,111,111 in English, 1 111 111 in French.
Usage with dates - the above does not apply to dates - 2005 (not 2 005). In neither
French nor English are commas used to separate thousands from the hundreds - 2005 =
2005. If a date is written out in French (which is extremely rare, see below), the spelling
mil is preferred to mille -
en Van deux mil cinq = in 2005
1 000 000 = un million, 1 000 001 = un million un, 1 111 111 = un million
cent onze mille cent onze
Since million is a noun, when used in the singular it is preceded by un. The same
applies to milliard and billion below.
2 000 000 = deux millions, 2 345 678 = deux millions trois cent
quarante-cinq mille six cent soixante dix-huit
Another consequence of the fact that million is a noun is that it always has an -s in
the plural. In addition when used with another noun it functions as a noun expressing
quantity and is followed by de. Again the same applies to milliard and billion below.
13 millions de Francais possedaient un lecteur DVD en 2003 =13 million people
in France owned a DVD player in 2003
However, if the figure is not a round million, no de is required -
La population de la ville est de deux millions cinq cent mille personnes =
the population of the town is 2,500,000 persons
1 000 000 000 = un milliard = a thousand million, a billion (American English)
1 000 000 000 000 = un billion = a billion (British English)
434 Use of ef and hyphens with cardinal numerals
et
Used in 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71
hyphens
Used for 17, 18, 19, 22-29, 32-39 up to 79, then 80-99
I 329
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
no hyphen or et
cent, mille, million are not connected to any other numeral -
cent vingt-deux, deux mille trois cent quarante-cinq
435 Pronunciation matters
Cinq is always pronounced /sek/ except before cent, when it is pronounced /se/.
Six is pronounced in a number of ways according to its verbal context -
/sis/ at the end of a sense group -
J 'en at six = Fve got six
/siz/ before a word beginning with a vowel or non-aspirate h -
six heures = six o'clock, six ombres a paupieres = six eye- shadows
/si/ before a word beginning with a consonant -
six debardeurs = six tops
Huit is pronounced differently according to its verbal context -
/qit/ at the end of a sense group and before a word beginning with a vowel or
non-aspirate h -
J 'en at huit = Fve got eight, huit amis = eight friends
AnY before a word beginning with a consonant -
huit couleurs = eight colours
Neuf is always pronounced /ncef/ except before heures and aw*, when it is
pronounced /ncev/
£)i# - as for six
Vingt is pronounced /ve/ before a word beginning with a consonant and at the end of
a sense group -
J 'en ai vingt = Fve got twenty, vingt magazines = twenty magazines
/vet/ before a word beginning with a vowel and in the numerals 21—29 inclusive
-Vingt-deux amies sont arrivees = twenty -two friends turned up
Cent is pronounced /sa / before a word beginning with a consonant and at the end of
a sense group -
Cent mannequins ont defile devant le public = a hundred models paraded before the
audience
/sat/ in cent un 9 cent huit 9 cent onze and before a word beginning with a vowel -
Cent arbres ont ete plantes au bord de la riviere = a hundred trees have been
planted by the river
436 When to use figures to express cardinal numbers
Figures are used
330 I
437 Approximate numbers
in dates -
Van 2000, le 29 Janvier 1950
in prices -
L'armoire coute 449 euros = the cupboard costs 449 euros
in weights and measures -
Vous pesez 56 kilos pour 1,70 metre =you weigh 56 kilos for 1 metre 70
in mathematical formulae —
29+ 45= 74 = 29 plus 45 egale 74
3+4=7=3 et 4 font 7
45 — 29 = 16 = 45 tnoins 29 egale 16
45 X 3 = 135 = 45 multiplie par 3 egale 135
45 + 3 = 15 = 45 divise par 3 egale 15
Votre indice de masse corporelle est egal a 56 divise par 1, 70 X 1,70 =
19,37 soit votre nombre de kilos par metre carre de surface corporelle =
your body mass index equals 56 divided by 1.7 times 1.7 = 19.37, in other words your weight in
kilos per square metre of body surface
in percentages -
La preponderance feminine est particulierement marquee en matiere de
divorce par faute, soit 75% = the preponderance of women is particularly noticeable in the
matter of divorce by admission of guilt, namely 75%
in addresses and telephone numbers -
33 avenue Georges-Bernanos, 75005 Paris
Renseignements: 0810600243 read as zero huit — dix — soixante — zero deux —
quarante-trois =for information . . .
437 Approximate numbers
The pattern is to add —aine to the 'ten' concerned -
une dizaine = about 1
une quinzaine = about 15, also a fortnight
une vingtaine = about 20
une trentaine = about 30
une centaine = about 1 00
des centaines de photos = hundreds of photos
But un millier = about a thousand
des milliers de photos = thousands of photos
i 331
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Environ can also be used to express approximate numbers -
Elle a environ 40 ans = she's about 40
But une douzaine = a dozen, 12
438 Fractions and decimals
Fractions
un demi = a half—
cinq et demi =Jive and a half
but la moitie = half 'when a mathematical fraction is not involved -
Ajouter la moitie des pates aux des de mozzarella et les tomates = add half
the pasta to the cubes of mozzarella and the tomatoes
When half is part of a compound expression, demi is used before the noun and remains
invariable for number and gender -
un demi-verre de vin = half a glass of wine, une demi-heure = half an hour, une
demi-douzaine = half a dozen
II a deux demi-soeurs = he's got two half-sisters
When demi occurs after a noun, it varies for gender -
// est cinq heures et demie = it's half past five
II mesure deja un metre et demi = he's already a metre and a half tall
The adverbs a demi and a moitie = ha fare interchangeable -
Est-ce que tu dirais que ton verre est a moitie vide ou a moitie plein? =
Would you say your glass was half full or half empty?
Laisse laporte a demi ouverte s'il te plait = leave the door half open please
The prefix mi- is also used in certain expressions -
La premiere mi-temps du match etait fascinante = the first half of the match was
fascinating
L 3 arret d' autobus se trouve a mi-chemin entre ma maison et le lycee = the
bus stop is halfway between my house and the school
un tiers = a third
but as an ordinal numeral, le troisieme = third
un quart = a quarter
un cinquieme = a fifth
un sixieme = a sixth
un septieme = a seventh
un huitieme = an eighth
un neuvieme = a ninth
332
439 Ordinal numbers
un dixieme = a tenths etc
When the fraction is above one, the following construction, using the definite article
rather than no article as in English, is used -
Les deux tiers des lecteurs preferent les articles sur les rapports sexuels =
two thirds of the readership prefer articles on sexual relationships
Les trois quarts des parents ont contacte le site interministeriel de
protection des mineurs sur Internet = three quarters of parents have contacted the
interministerial site for the protection of minors on the Internet
un et demi = one and a half
deux et trois quarts = two and three quarters
Decimals
French uses a comma where English uses a decimal point and treats the numbers after
the comma as one complete number, not as separate units -
2,5 = deux virgule cinq = 2.5
0,54 = zero virgule cinquante-quatre = 0.54
6,268 = six virgule deux cent soixante-huit = 6.268
439 Ordinal numbers
lst-10th
premier (m), premiere (f) = first
deuxieme, second = second
troisieme = third
quatrieme = fourth
cinquieme = fifth
sixieme = sixth
septieme = seventh
huitieme = eighth
neuvieme = ninth
dixieme = tenth
llth-20th
onzieme — eleventh
douzieme = twelfth
treizieme = thirteenth
quatorzieme = fourteenth
quinzieme = fifteenth
i 333
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
seizieme = sixteenth
dix-septieme = seventeenth
dix-huitieme = eighteenth
dix-neuvieme = nineteenth
vingtieme = twentieth
21st, 22nd, 30th, 31st, 32nd, 70th, 71st, 80th, 81st, 90th, 91st, 100th,
101st, 200th, 1,000th, 2,000th, 1,000,000th
vingt et unietne = twenty -first
vingt-deuxieme = twenty-second
trentieme = thirtieth
trente et unietne = thirty-first
trente-deuxieme = thirty-second
soixante-dixieme = seventieth, septantieme in Belgium, Switzerland, Canada
soixante-onzieme = seventy-first, septante et unietne
quatre -vingtieme = eightieth, huitantietne in Switzerland
quatre-vingt-unietne = eighty-first
quatre-vingt-dixietne = ninetieth, nonantietne in Belgium, Switzerland, Canada
quatre-vingt-onzietne = ninety-first, nonante et unietne
centietne = hundredth
cent et unietne = hundred and first
deux -centietne = two hundredth
tnillietne = thousandth
deux tnillietne = two thousandth
tnillionietne = millionth
Vous etes la deuxietne personne a me poser cette question = you're the second
person to ask me that question
Le premier et le centietne bebes a naitre le premier Janvier recevront un
cadeau de Vhopital = the first and the hundredth baby to be born on January 1st will receive a
present from the hospital
440 Telling the time
All times are introduced by il est = it is. The 24-hour clock is used for public purposes
but not always for more personal use. It is obligatory to use heures (except when it is
midi or minuit) when giving the time.
334
440 Telling the time
Hours
Quelle heure est-il? = what's the time?
II est une heure = it's one o'clock
II est tnidi / tninuit = it's midday / midnight
II est quatre heures / seize heures = it's four o'clock I four pm
Quarter past and quarter to the hour
II est deux heures et quart = it's quarter past two
II est quatre heures tnoins le quart = it's quarter to four
II est huit heures quinze = it's eight fifteen
Half past the hour
II est cinq heures et detnie = it's half past five
II est midi / minuit et demi = it's ha If past midday / midnight
II est neuf heures trente = it's nine thirty
Other times
II est sept heures cinq = it's five past seven
II est onze heures tnoins vingt = it's twenty to eleven
12-hour clock versus 24-hour clock
The 12 -hour clock specifies the time of day - du matin / de Vapres-midi / du
soir and uses times with moins / et -
II est quatre heures moins dix de Vapres-midi = it's ten to four in the afternoon /pm
II est dix heures et demie du soir = it's half past ten in the evening
The 24-hour clock does not use moins / et nor does it specify the time of day; on the
other hand, it specifies the minutes after the hour -
// est seize heures dix = it's ten past four pm
II est vingt-deux heures trente = it's ten thirty pm, half past ten
II est vingt-trois heures cinquante-cinq = it's five to midnight
Precisely
II est six heures precises / justes = it's exactly six o'clock
II est six heures sonnantes / pile = it's dead on six o'clock
Approximately
II est vers neuf heures / vers les neuf heures = it's about nine o'clock
A environ dix heures, je Vappellerai = at about ten o'clock, I'll give you a call
i 335
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
441 Dates
The date is always preceded by Ze, which is not contracted before numbers beginning
with a vowel or non-aspirate h. Apart from le premier ', cardinal numbers are used with
dates. Names of months and days always begin with a lower-case letter.
Months
Quelle est la date aujourd'hui / On est le combien aujourd'hui? = what's the
date today / what's today's date?
le premier juin = 1st June
le deuxjuillet = 2nd July
le huit aout = 8th August
le onze septembre = 11th September
le trente et un octobre = 31st October
Years
2005 = deux mil / mille cinq
When giving a year including a hundred, it is necessary to say cent -
1950 = mille / mil neuf cent cinquante / dix-neuf cent cinquante
L'an is used to refer to specific years, les annees to decades -
Van 2000
les annees soixante = the sixties (numbers are invariable)
Days
Referring to a specific day, no article is used -
Le match retour aura lieu samedi prochain = the return match will take place next
Saturday
Lundi 9 je laverai les serviettes de toilette et mon peignoir de bain = I'll wash
my bathroom towels and my bathrobe on Monday
With a date, a definite article is required -
Le match retour aura lieu le samedi 23 octobre / samedi le 23 octobre = the
return match will take place on Saturday 23rd October
Elle est nee mardi le 8 novembre = she was born on Tuesday 8th November
Otherwise use of the definite article indicates an habitual occurrence -
lis s'entrainent le lundi soir et le mercredi apres-midi = they train on Monday
evenings and Wednesday afternoons
336
442 Miscellaneous matters
Le dimanche le culte a lieu a 10 heures et demie = on Sundays, the service is at half
past ten
Periods of the day / the year
The definite article is used to indicate an habitual occurrence -
Je trouve difficile de me lever le matin = I find it hard to get up in the morning
Ellefait la lessive le matin et le repassage Vapres-midi = she does the washing in
the morning and the ironing in the afternoon
L'ete / en ete, ilfaut ouvrir les fenetres pour laisser entrer Vairfrais = in
summer you have to open your windows to let the fresh air in
Le printemps / au printemps f aime ne plus porter les lourds vetements de
Vhiver = in the spring I like not having to wear heavy winter clothes any more
442 Miscellaneous matters
Cardinal numbers
Used with titles, except for first; English uses ordinal numbers consistently -
Francois I = Francois Premier = Francis 1st
Louis XV = Louis Quinze = Louis 15th
Page and chapter numbers
a la page 36 = on page 36
au chapitre quatre = in chapter 4
Word order - cardinal number + ordinal number or adjective in French but ordinal or
adjective + cardinal in English
Les cinq premiers mois tout s'est bien passe = everything went well during the first
five months
Pendant les six dernieres semaines f ai porte ma queue-de-cheval tres
haut =for the last six weeks I've worn my pony-tail very high
Ordinal numbers
Used with districts of Paris
le seizieme arrondissement / le seizieme = the 1 6th arrondissement
To express the number of times an action is repeated, fois = time(s) is used -
Pour la troisieme fois, je te conseille de ne pas porter les talons de plus de
sept centimetres =for the third time, I advise you not to wear heels more than seven centimetres
high
Pour la eniemefois, tais-toil =for the nth time, shut up!
fe te Vai dit cinq fois = I've toldyoufive times
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Exercises
Ecrivez en mots les chiffres qui ne sont pas en italique dans les phrases
suivantes -
a he nombre de betes malades est passe, en France, de 274 en 2001 a I'M
en 2003 pour un cheptel de 11 millions de tetes.
b 4, 58 millions — c'est, en Inde, le nombre de personnes infectees par le
virus du sida.
c Tous les Francais peuvent maintenant consulter lesfiches
biographiques de plus de 1 325 000 soldats morts pour la France pendant
la guerre de '14—18.
d Entre 229 000 et 269 000 Francais sont victimes chaque annee d'une
infection alimentaire.
e Guy Lux, 83 ans, et Georges Coulonges, 80 ans, sont morts cette
semaine.
f Plus de 100 000 baladeurs devraient se vendre cette annee, soit une
hausse de 250% en un an.
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Chapter 12 Sentences and clauses
443 Sentences
Sentences in writing
Sentences are very visible in writing - they begin with a capital letter and end with a
full stop, question mark or exclamation mark - and what comes next is usually another
sentence beginning with another capital letter and so on. When we write, we automatically
construct what we want to say out of sentences - sentences are the building blocks of
connected language, and we use punctuation marks of various types to show where
sentences begin and end and how they hang together internally
Sentences in speech
However, in speech, things are different. When we speak we are not so aware of forming
sentences - our speech seems to flow naturally, we do not think in terms of full stops
and commas, and we have little consciousness of passing from one sentence to another.
However, if we transcribe our speech into writing, and if we analyse what we say, we
would soon discover that the most convenient way of dividing it up is into sentences.
So, in order to discuss speech and how it is constructed, we need to have recourse to
the concept of the sentence and to realise that sentences underlie the way we express
ourselves in speech as well as in writing. There are of course differences between the two
modes of expression, and these will be pointed out in what follows.
Therefore, we can say that sentences constitute the normal unit into which what we
want to write or say is divided for communication.
The normal structure of a sentence
Normally, sentences consist of one or more clauses.
Sentences consisting of a single clause -
Dans ce dossier vous allez entendre beaucoup de choses rassurantes = in
this report, you're going to hear a lot of reassuring things
fe suis tres content pour lesjoueurs = I am very happy for the players
Sentences consisting of two clauses -
Mon dermatologue m y a avertie: Vacne trial traite peut laisser des
cicatrices = my dermatologist has told me - badly treated acne can leave scars
On me trouve nulle, mais on ne peut pas me taxer de tricher =you may think
me useless, but you can't accuse me of cheating
Si votre bebe a soif donnez-lui un biberon = if your baby is thirsty, give him a bottle
Sentences consisting of three clauses -
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Lorsque quelqu'un bat mon record du monde, c'est encore plus excitant
carjefais tout pour le recuperer = when someone breaks my world record, it's even more
exciting, because I do my utmost to get it back
Lavez les pommes, pelez-les ou non selon les gouts et coupez-les en
lamelles = wash the apples, peel them or not according to taste and cut them into slices
Sentence consisting of four clauses -
Les etudes scientifiques montrent incontestablement que les oestrogenes
limitent la perte osseuse, tnais la masse osseuse diminue a nouveau des
qu'on arrete de les prendre = scientific studies demonstrate incontrovertibly that oestrogen
limits bone loss, but bone mass diminishes again as soon as you stop taking it
Sentence consisting of five clauses -
Ilparle tresfort, il rit aux eclats , drague tout ce qui bouge, se tnele des
conversations des autres = he speaks at the top of his voice, guffaws with laughter, chats up
anything that moves and interrupts other people's conversations
However, some sentences may consist of a single word or phrase, units smaller than
a clause. Grammatically speaking, Salut! is as much a sentence as any of the above
examples - see 444, 446, 453.
444 Sentence types
There are four types of sentence:
Declarative sentences which make statements -
Mafemme reserve toujour s une place dans son lit pour son chien = my wife
always reserves a place in her bed for her dog
Dans les stations-service, on voit des affichettes interdisant les mobiles =
in petrol stations you can see notices forbidding the use of mobile phones {interdisant is not a finite
verb according to the definition given below; it is a present participle and as such does
not exhibit person, tense or mood)
Interrogative sentences which ask questions -
Que conseillez-vous? = what do you advise?
Ne serait-ce pas une f agon de me manipuler? = would it not be a way of
manipulating me?
Quelle est la difference entre le « bon » et le « mauvais » cholesterol? =
what's the difference between 'good' and c bad' cholesterol?
Imperative sentences which give orders -
Ne transformez pas tout en negatif! = don't be negative about everything/
N'hesitez pas a peindre, une petite entree par exemple, de la meme couleur
du sol au plafond = don't hesitate to do some decorating, a little entrance hall, for example, the
same colour from floor to ceiling
340
446 Minor sentences
Apportez une touche de gaiete dans votre cuisine avec cet accroche-torchon
en bois peint! = introduce a touch of light- heartedness into your kitchen with this painted wood
duster- holder
Dansons sous la pluie = let's dance in the rain
Exclamative sentences which convey exclamations -
Qu'elle est belle, cettefille! = how beautiful that girl is!
Salaud! = blighter!
mtence structure
445 Sentence structure
There are two sentence types -
Minor sentences and major sentences
446 Minor sentences
1 In speech, sentences are often left unfinished, or the speaker may find it satisfactory
to express him- or herself with a single word or phrase. In this way, the speaker
avoids using major sentences or main clauses - but the required sense is conveyed
successfully It is not essential to speak in sentences to make oneself fully understood.
2 In written French, in journalistic French in particular, articles, reports and interviews
are often punctuated in idiosyncratic ways; in this way prominence may be given to
certain elements of what is being written. And if the writer is trying to imitate
speech, he or she will use similar techniques to those described above.
Minor sentences are sentences which do not contain a main clause. In other words,
they may consist of —
1 a subordinate clause -
Pour etre star aussijeune, ilfaut qu'ily ait eu un coach parental
derriere. Parce que c'est souvent le desir du parent qui pousse V enfant
subordinate clause
= to be a star so young, there has to have been a parent coach behind her. Because it's often the
parent's desire which pushes the child
A en croire les enfants le gouter est un de leurs repas preferes.
Encouragez-les a gouter. Des petits plats qui plaisent a nos enfants
subordinate clause
= If we are to believe our children, a snack is one of their favourite meals. Encourage them. Small
dishes that our children like
2 a phrase
A vos marques! = on your marks!
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Le monde a Venvers? Non, pas tout a fait = the world back to front? No, not quite
Un choc! C'est le souvenir queje garde du premier baiser echange avec
tnon copain actuel = a shock! That's the memory I've got of the first kiss I exchanged with
my current boyfriend
Simplement hors norme = simply out of the ordinary (advertisement)
3 a single word
Chouette! = great!
Bon! =fine!
Comment? = what?
447 Major sentences
Major sentences are sentences that contain at least one main clause.
Major sentences fall into four sentence types:
1 Simple sentences
These consist of a single main clause
Chacun doit suivre la religion de son coeur = everyone must follow the religion of their
heart
Boire ou seduire, ilfaut choisir =you have to choose whether to drink or seduce
2 Compound sentences
These consist of at least two main clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction.
Je m'interesse a d'autres choses qu'au tennis, comtne a la mode, tnais mon sport
main clause 1 main clause 2
reste ma seule occupation professionnelle = Pm interested in other things besides tennis, such as
fashion, but my sport remains my only professional occupation
3 Complex sentences
These consist of one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses -
SHI resiste, pratiquez Vhypnose = if he resists, use hypnosis
subordinate clause main clause
4 Compound-complex sentences
These consist of at least two main clauses and at least one subordinate clause
Je travaille comme unefolle depuis quej'ai cinq ans et
main clause 1 subordinate clause 1 main clause 2a
si on parle d 3 un conte defees a tnon sujet, je ne le vis que cette annee =
subordinate clause 2 main clause 2b
I've worked like someone possessed since I was Jive and if someone mentions a fairytale about me, I've
only been living it this year
342
449 Compound sentences
448 Simple sentences
The single main clause may be declarative, interrogative, imperative or exclamative -
Declarative
L'emploi de mannequins ramasseuses de balles est taxe de sexisme par la
secretaire d'Etat espagnole a Vegalite des sexes = the use of models as ball girls is
criticised as sexism by the Spanish Secretary of State for sexual equality
A 18 ans 9 seule une personne sur cinq a encore toutes ses dents en bon
etat = at 18 only one person in five has still got all their teeth in good condition
Interrogative
Comment puis-je f aire pour affiner mes hanches et mes jambes? = what can I
do to slim down my hips and legs?
Pourquoi les surfeurs ont-ils lesyeux bleus? = why have surfers got blue eyes?
Imperative
Pour un maquillage facile, focalisez-vous sur lesyeux, les pommettes et les
levres = to make yourself up easily, concentrate on your eyes, cheeks and lips
Ponderez vos reactions = weigh your reactions carefully
Exclamative
C'est bon a la cantine scolaire! = it's good in the school canteen!
Tout ca, c'etait pour rirel = that was just for a joke!
Qu 'a cela ne tiennel = never mind!
449 Compound sentences
A compound sentence consists of two or more main clauses, which may or may not
be linked by coordinating conjunctions. Compound sentences are more often than not
declarative, but may also be imperative, less often interrogative or exclamative.
Compound sentence consisting of two main clauses -
A 40 ans 9 le meme regime ne nous fait pas perdre un gramme et
clause 1 clause 2
s'apparente a un vrai calvaire = at 40, the same diet doesn't make us lose a gramme and
is just like torture
Compound sentence consisting of more than two main clauses -
Sur scene, je setnble etre tres sure de moi, mats dans la vraie vie,je suis hyper-timide,
clause 1 clause 2
je ne trouve rien a dire, je deviens nerveuse, j'ai des noeuds au ventre
clause 3 clause 4 clause 5
= on stage, I seem to be very sure of myself, but in real life, Fm hyper-shy, Ican'tjind anything to say, I become
nervous, my stomach is all knotted up
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Compound sentence consisting of three main clauses without coordinating conjunc-
tions -
Je ne me plains pas du tout,je ne desespere pas nonplus, ce n' est pas un
etat negatif= I don't complain at all, I don't despair either, it's not a negative condition
450 Complex sentences
A complex sentence consists of a main clause and at least one subordinate clause. Complex
sentences are more often than not declarative, less often imperative, interrogative or
exclamative.
The subordinate clause can precede, follow or be embedded in the main clause.
Main clause + subordinate clause
A 20 ans, on pent se permettre d'essayer un regime fantaisiste, qui nous fait tout
main clause subordinate clause
de suite retrouver une taille de guepe = at 20 you can allow yourself to experiment with a fanciful
diet, which gives you back your wasp- like waist straightaway
Freud appelle « transfert » le mouvement par lequel le patient revit un fragment
main clause subordinate clause
de son passe = Freud calls 'transfer' the movement by which the patient relives a fragment of his past
Subordinate clause + main clause -
Si vous m'avez bien compris, j'ai du m'exprimer mal
subordinate clause main clause
= if you understood me easily, I must have expressed myself badly
Quoi qu'il arrive, gardez la tetefroide = whatever happens, keep cool
subordinate clause main clause
Main clause + embedded subordinate clause -
Unjour, unejolie Suedoise, avec quije sortais, m'a redonne confiance =
main clause a subordinate clause main clause b
one day, a pretty Swedish girl I was going out with gave me back my confidence
Le mari et les beaux-parents, qui ont aide leurfds a battre et a etrangler leur
main clause a subordinate clause
belle-fille, ont ete inculpes de tentative de meurtre — the husband and parents-in-law, who
main clause b
helped their son to beat and strangle their daughter-in-law, have been charged with attempted murder
In addition, a second or subsequent subordinate clause can depend upon an earlier
subordinate clause -
Pour chasser nos kilos intelligemment, il n'existe pas une solution mais
main clause
plusieurs, parce qu'on ne maigrit pas de la memefacon quand on est etudiante
subordinate clause 1 subordinate clause 2
ou mere defamille de trois ados = in order to rid ourselves of our extra pounds in an intelligent way,
there is no single solution but several, because we don't slim in the same way when we're students or the mother of
three teenagers
344
452 Coordinating conjunctions
A tnoins que votre linge soit vraiment tres sale, ne lavez pas vos beaux T-shirts
subordinate clause 1 main clause
blancs a une temperature superieure a 40 degres, surtout s'ils sont en fibres
subordinate clause 2
naturelles, a tnoins que vous n'ayez decide* de vous fabriquer un T-shirt a la
subordinate clause 3
mode metrosexuel** , tres moulant = unless your linen is really very dirty, don't wash your lovely
white T-shirts at a temperature over 40 degrees, especially if they're natural fibre, unless you've decided to make
yourself a fashionable metrosexual T-shirt, very body-hugging
*Note that the use of expletive ne is optional with a tnoins que - not present in the first
case, it is inserted in the second - see 417.
** un metrosexuel = a heterosexual man very concerned about his personal appearance and
hygiene
451 Compound-complex sentences
As their name implies, these sentences combine the clause combinations associated with
a compound and a complex sentence. Compound-complex sentences are usually declar-
ative. The permutations are considerable.
Main clause + subordinate clause + main clause
Des millions d'etres humains revent d'une vie eternelle, et s'ilpleut le
dimanche apres-midi, Us ne savent pas quoifaire = millions of human beings
dream of eternal life, and if it rains Sunday afternoon, they don't know what to do
Subordinate clause + main clause + subordinate clause + main clause
Quand nous sommes jeunes, nous depensons notre s ante pour f aire
fortune; et quand nous sommes vieux, nous depensons notre fortune pour
nous refaire une sante = when we're young, we expend our health to build a fortune; and when
we're old, we spend a fortune to rebuild our health
Main clause + subordinate clause + main clause + subordinate clause + subordinate
clause + main clause
Lafemme epouse Vhomme en esperant qu'il va changer ', et il ne change
pas, alors que Vhomme epouse lafemme en esperant qu'elle ne changer a
pas, et elle change = a woman marries a man hoping that he'll change, and he doesn't, whereas
a man marries a woman hoping that she won't change, and she does
452 Coordinating conjunctions
The coordinating conjunctions in French are - car, et, mais, ni, ou. Coordi-
nating conjunctions link clauses and elements of clauses at the same syntactic level,
whereas subordinating conjunctions show a dependence of what follows on what pre-
cedes. In other words, coordinating conjunctions link subject with subject, object with
object, adjective with adjective, adverb with adverb, clause with clause, whereas sub-
ordinating conjunctions link a subordinate clause with a clause of higher level in the
sentence.
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car =for, because
The conjunction car is usually translated as for in English, but, since for sounds very
pedantic in English, in the examples of its use below it is translated by because -
linking elements -
La vision a distance desfilles est plus reduite que celle des garcons car
plus petites en moyenne de 10 cm que les garcons = girls 7 long distance sight is more
reduced than that of boys, because they're smaller than boys by 10 cm on average
linking clauses -
Dans ce metier, vous vous sentez seule, car vous etes souvent a Vhotel = in
this job, you feel lonely, because you're often in an hotel
Je ne diraipas que c'est moi qui ai lance la mode du nombril a Vair, carje
ne veuxpas qu'on enparle dans les journaux = Fm not saying I was the one who
started the trend of the exposed navel, because I don't want it spoken about in the papers
Je Vaurais conseille defaire de la marche a pied, car la pratique de
randonnee contribue a densifier les os = I would have advised him to do some walking,
because walking helps make our bones denser
et = and
linking elements of a clause —
Void un pantalon a porter avec un pull noir et une doudoune sans
manche = here's a pair of trousers to wear with a black pullover and sleeveless body -warmer
II leur parlait de lapluie, de leurfamille et de la vie chere = he would talk to
them about the rain, their families and the high cost of living
Le nez a trois fonctions: filtrer Fair, le rechauffer et Vhumidifier =your nose
has three functions -filtering the air, heating it up and humidifying it
linking clauses —
Apres, nous nous sommes replies en defense et nous n'avons jamais pu
ressortir = afterwards we fell back into defence and we were never able to come forward
again
Pour moi, Matthieu est unfrere etje nepeux vraiment pas lui en vouloir de
m' avoir fait souffrir ce soir = to me, Matthew is a brother and I can't really bear him a
grudge for making me suffer that evening
mats = but
linking elements -
Charlotte Gainsbourg, fragile mais radieuse = CG, vulnerable but radiant
Les quinze differences entre hommes etfemmes — egaux mais pas
identiques = the fifteen differences between men and women - equal but not the same
linking clauses -
Ah! ces sacrees emotions, elles nous font honte parfois, mais imaginez le
monde sans elles = ah! those blessed emotions, they make us ashamed at times, but imagine a
world without them
346
453 Clauses
Cette maladie estpeu connue, mais toucherait 2 a 5% de la population =
this condition is not well known, but reputedly affects between 2 and 5% of the population
II est epuise,je crois, mais cet album est parfait d'un bout a V autre = ifs no
longer available, I think, but this album is perfect from start to finish
ni = nor, or (see 426)
linking elements -
Elle n y a pas perdu pour autant son temps ni son argent =for all that she didn't
waste her time or her money
Si vous vous maitrisiez parfaitement, vous ne seriez pas la memefemme
ni la meme actrice? = if you were in complete control of yourself do you think you wouldn't be
the same woman or the same actress?
linking clauses —
Le plaisir vient dans sa vie par instants -je ne les decide pas, nije ne les
programme pas* = pleasure comes into your life in moments - 1 don't decide them nor do I
programme them
* Note that, unlike English, there is no inversion after ni in French.
ou = or
linking elements -
Internet, les associations d'anciens eleves ou tout simplement Vannuaire,
tous les moyens sont bons pour renouer avec son passe = the Internet, old boy
and old girl associations or quite simply the telephone directory are all useful ways of linking up with
your past
Ces femmes ont accueilli des enfants venus du Vietnam, du Mali ou
d 'Haiti = these women have welcomed into their homes children from Vietnam, Mali or Haiti
Rien n' est jamais tout blanc ou tout noir = nothing is ever completely black or white
linking clauses -
Meme si les gens etaient rassurants ou essay aient de me rassurer,je
n'etais pas rassuree = even if people were reassuring or tried to reassure me, I wasn't reassured
Ces symptomes s'effacent spontanement ou peuvent rester invalidants
pendant plus de dix ans = these symptoms disappear spontaneously or can remain disabling
for over ten years
453 Clauses
Definition of a clause
A clause consists of a single word or sequence of words which must contain a finite
verb or verbal expression. A finite verb is a verb which shows a person, a tense and a
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
mood - see 1 . A clause contains only one finite verb - consequently, there is one finite
verb per clause, and there are as many clauses as there are finite verbs.
Glauses consisting of a single word (verb) - these very often involve commands -
Essayez! = try!
Arretez! = stop!
Glauses consisting of a sequence of words (verb or verbal expression) -
Asseyez-vous! = sit down!
Cet homme veut vousfaire maigrir = this man wants to make you lose weight
Parce qu'il respecte les codes vestimentaires les plus classiques = because he
respects the most classic dress codes
454 Clause types
Glauses fall into two categories - main clauses and subordinate clauses.
Main clauses
A main clause can act as a simple sentence (see below) - a main clause is not introduced
by a subordinating conjunction (see below), as subordinate clauses are -
Les caprices du destin sont le sel de la vie (main clause 1 ; also = simple
sentence). Sans cela^ les types brillants ratisseraient les meilleurs boulots
et les plus belles femmes (main clause 2; also = simple sentence) = the whims of
destiny are the salt of life. Without them, smart guys would scoop up the best jobs and the best-looking
women
L 'intelligence est un my the (main clause 1); la competence est reelle (main
clause 2; also = compound sentence) = intelligence is a myth; competence is real
Subordinate clauses
A subordinate clause is dependent upon a subordinating conjunction which may be part
of a main clause or of another subordinate clause -
Je me suis mise a me moquer d'un collegue (main clause), queje trouvais trop
naze (subordinate clause) = / began to make fun of a colleague whom I found absolutely useless
Meme si ce n' est pas tres elegant (subordinate clause l),j'ai cette manie (main
clause) qui m' oblige a f aire toujours le meme geste avant de me coucher
(subordinate clause 2) = even if it isn't very elegant, Fve got this habit that makes me always do the
same thing before going to bed
Quand unefemme en est a vous dire (subordinate clause 1) pourquoi elle vous
aime (subordinate clause 2), c'est (main clause) qu'elle commence a se le
demander (subordinate clause 3) = when a woman reaches the point when she tells you why she
loves you, it's because she's beginning to wonder about it
If there is more than one subordinate clause in a sentence, each clause is introduced by
a subordinating conjunction, and not, as often in English, a conjunction before the first
clause only -
348 I
456 Causal clauses
Faites des enfants, puree qu'etre maman rallonge Vesperance de vie et
puree que les femmes ayant eu trois enfants ont un risque de dices de
10% inferieur aux autres = have children, because being a mother increases life expectancy
and (because) women who have had three children have a 10% lower chance of dying than
others
See comments on quand 465 and si 458.
455 Types of subordinate clauses
The following types of subordinate clauses will be examined - causal clauses, conces-
sive clauses, conditional clauses, consecutive clauses, final clauses, manner clauses, noun
clauses, time clauses, relative clauses.
456 Causal clauses
Causal clauses express the cause of something and are introduced by comme = as,
puree que = because, puisque = since; less common conjunctive expressions are etant
donne que = given that, vu que — seeing that.
In clauses introduced by these expressions, the verb is always in the indicative mood.
comme = as
Comme il s'agit de Vacte sexuel, ilfaut se rendre compte que le baiser
reussi passe d'abord par Vechange = as it's a question of having sex, you have to realise
that a successful kiss involves an exchange
parce que = because
On ne peut pas se nourrir de la memefacon a 20 et a la cinquantaine — tout
simplement parce que notre metabolisme ralentit = we can't eat in the same way
at 20 as we can in our fifties -for the simple reason that our metabolism slows down
II ne faut pas sepriver de boeuf, parce qu'il n' est pas sigras que ca =you
don't have to deny yourself beef because it's not as fat as all that
Les etudes montrent qu'on trouve plus de cancers chez les gros carnivores ,
parce qu'ils laissent moins de place aux legumes verts = studies show that cancer
is more prevalent among big meat-eaters, because they leave less room for green vegetables
puisque = since
Puisque le Francais va ojficiellement amorcer sa saison internationale ce
soir 9 elle esperait etre la a saluer son heros = because the Frenchman is going to open
his international season officially this evening, she was hoping to be there to greet her hero
Peu de gens considerent la voix comme quelque chose d'important,
puis qu' Us n'imaginent pas ce qu' on peut f aire avec = few people consider the voice
as something important, since they can't imagine what you can do with it
etant donne que = given that
Etant donne qu'ils ralentissent le vieillissement^forcez sur les fruits et
legumes = given that they slow down the ageing process, go overboard on fruit and veg
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
vu que = seeing that
Quelle est lapire drague que vous avez subie? — Vu queje n'ai du me f aire
draguer que deuxfois dans ma vie, il n'y en a jamais eu de pire! = what was
the worst pick-up you've undergone? - Seeing that I've only been picked up a couple of times in my life,
there hasn't ever been a worst one!
Vu queje sortais d'une ecole catholique, j'etais innocente —je ne Vai meme
pas embrasse = seeing that I came from a good Catholic school, I was innocent - 1 didn't even
kiss him
457 Concessive clauses
Concessive subordinate clauses are introduced by a number of subordinating conjunc-
tions which = although — quoique, bien que, encore que, malgre que and a number
of other expressions equivalent to English words ending in —ever (eg however, whoever, what-
ever): qui que = whoever, quoi que = whatever (pronoun), quel . . . que = whatever
(adjective), ou que = wherever, etc; see 148, 153.
All these concessive conjunctions, pronouns and adjectives introduce clauses in which
the verb is always in the subjunctive mood.
bien que = although
Bien que vous ayez decide de vous entretenir enfaisant du sport, vous
n'arrivez pas a trouver cette forme eblouissante que vous cherchiez =
although you decided to keep jit by doing some sport, you haven't managed to find that dazzling physique
you were looking for
Bien qu'elle sache quej'ai des sous, ma copine n' en profit e pas = although she
knows I've got money, my girlfriend doesn't take advantage of it
encore que = although
Encore que vous ayez des soucis juridiques et des contrarietes en tout
genre, vous aurez un formidable soutien relationnel = although you've got all sorts
of troubles with the law and upsets, you'll have tremendous support
malgre que = although
Malgre que Vhorizon soit obscurci pour Vinstant, ilfaut regler vos affaires
de coeur et tirer les choses au clair = although the horizon is dark at the moment,you
must put your love life in order and sort it out thoroughly
quel . . . que = whatever, ou que = wherever, etc
Ilfaut pouvoir vous sentir bien avec lui, quelles que soient les
circonstances =you have to be able to feel at ease with him whatever the circumstances
Ilfaut garder a V esprit que, ou qu'il soit, votre partenaire reste toujours
votre partenaire =you need to remember that, wherever he is, your partner is always your
partner
D'aussi loin que mon avis puis se importer, j^ai deja dit que V important
n' est pas le commentaire mais Vacte = as far as my opinion may carry any weight, I've
already said that the important thing is not talking about it but doing it
350 I
458 Conditional clauses
quoi qui /que = whatever
Gardez la tetefroide, quoi qu'il arrive = keep cool, whatever happens
For other examples of these constructions, see 153.
quoique = although
Quoique 82% des hommes affirment mettre volontiers la table ou la
debarrasser, est-ce que vous ne trouvez pas un leger decalage avec la
realite? = although 82% of men state that they are happy to set or clear the table, don't you find a
slight gap with reality?
Note the difference, only visible in written French, between quoique = although and
quoi que = whatever -
Quoique tu puisses me repondre^je ne te parlerai plus = although you may write
back to me, Fll not talk to you again
Quoi que tu puisses me repondre^je pense toujours a toi = whatever you may say
in reply to me, I am always thinking of you
458 Conditional clauses
Conditional clauses suggest an hypothesis and are introduced mainly by si = if but also
by a condition que = on the condition that, provided that, a moins que = unless, au cas
ou = if, dans la mesure ou = in so far as, dans le cas ou = if, pour peu que =
if pourvu que = provided that, que . . . ou = whether . . . or, suppose que = supposing
that.
In clauses introduced by conjunctions ending in que, the verb is in the subjunctive
mood. In clauses introduced by si and expressions ending in ou, the verb is in the
indicative mood.
a condition que = on the condition that, provided that
Le sexe peut ameliorer avec les annees, a condition que Vonfasse preuve
d'imagination et de tenacite = sex can improve over the years provided that you show
imagination and tenacity
Qa change de routine et c'est tres excitant, a condition que cela ne devienne
pas la nor me = that changes your routine and it's very exciting, provided that it doesn't become the
a moins que = unless
fa va 9 a moins que votre preference ne* soit la musique classique = that's
OK, unless your preference is for classical music
* Note that an expletive ne may be used in subordinate clauses introduced by a moins
que - see 417.
au cas ou = in case
Choisissez un loueur qui disposent d'agences partout en Europe^ au cas ou
vous en auriez besoin = choose a hire company with agencies throughout Europe in case you
need one
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dans la mesure ou = in so far as
Dans la mesure ou vous voulez mettre vos boutons de manchette en
valeur, relevez legerement vos manchettes de costume = in so far as you want to
show off your cufflinks, pull the cuffs on your suit back slightly
pourpeu que = if
Pourpeu que la nature vous ait donne un organe en bonne et due forme ,
votre voix peut faire des etincelles = if nature has given you a first-class organ, your voice
can make sparks fly
pourvM que = provided that
J'aime les parfums raffines et discrets, pourvu qu'on ne s'en serve pas
avec exces = / like refined, discreet perfumes, provided they're not used excessively
que . . . ou = whether . . . or
Que la chute de vos cheveux soit d'origine hormonale ou hereditaire, ce
nouveau serum en reactivera la croissance = whether your hair loss is hormonal or
hereditary in origin, this new serum will reactivate its growth
Que votre probleme soit lie a une incomprehension sexuelle ou a un
enorme malentendu, seule une discussion peut eclaircir la situation =
whether your problem is linked to a sexual misunderstanding or to a serious lack of general
understanding, only a discussion can shed light on the situation
si=if
Si Von n^y fait pas attention^ onprend 500 grammes chaque annee = if you're
not careful, you can put on 500 grammes every year
Leur mauvaise reputation n'est pas justifiee si onprend les precautions
necess aires = their bad reputation isn't justified if you take the necessary precautions
Si vous laissez voir votre torse viril et poilu, vous passerez pour un
individu franchement ringard = if you reveal your virile, hairy chest, you'll be taken for
someone really behind the times
Pratiquer dans un club reconnu par une federation vous couvre seulement
si vous blessez quelqu'un = playing in a club recognised by a federation covers you only if you
hurt somebody
Although si normally = if it is sometimes to be translated by even if, whereas -
Si cette confiture ne contient pas de sucre classique, elle n'est en revanche
pas allegee en calories = even if this jam doesn't contain orthodox sugar, it isn't, for all that,
light in calories
Si la schizophrenic ne peut pas etre guerie, ses symptomes peuvent etre
attenues = even if schizophrenia can't be cured, its symptoms can be reduced
Si les vegetaux crus apportent des vitamines, Us se comportent comme de
veritables petites rapes pour le colon = even if raw vegetables give us vitamins, they act
like little graters on our colons
352 I
459 Consecutive clauses
Si 71% d'entre nous affirment se doucher tous les jours, les 3,8% qui ne
prennent ni douche ni bain doivent, eux, etre adeptes de la toilette de
chat = whereas 71 % of us contend that we take a shower every day, the 3.8% who take neither a
shower nor a bath must use the cat's routine
When two or more conditional clauses are dependent upon the same main clause, the
second and subsequent clauses may be introduced by que rather than si -
Sije voulais unpain de chocolat et qu'il n'y en avait pas, ca creait un
moment de panique = if I wanted a bar of chocolate and there weren't any, that created a
moment's panic
Sij'ai un mauvais jour et queje me retrouve sur une scene devant des
milliers de personnes,j'oublie tout = ifPm having a bad day and Fm on stage in front of
thousands of people, I forget everything
But si can also be used in these circumstances, here for the sake of rhetorical
symmetry -
Sije savais comment me servir d'emotions enfouies, sije savais comment
les canaliser, ca me rassurerait = if I knew how to use buried emotions, if 1 knew how to
channel them, that would reassure me
As far as tense usage with si is concerned, it should be noted that the future, future
perfect, conditional and conditional perfect are never used in the si clause - the other
tenses are regularly used.
For si = if whether introducing indirect questions, see 482.
suppose que = supposing that
Suppose que vous ayez gagne six points dans notre enquete, cela suggere
que certaines zones d'incertitude persistent dans votre esprit = supposing
you've notched up six points in our investigation, that suggests that certain areas of uncertainty persist in
your mind
Suppose que vous aimiez que vos actions soient beaucoup plus rentables,
ess ayez defaire preuve de patience = supposing you'd like your stocks and shares to be
more profitable, try to be patient
459 Consecutive clauses
Consecutive subordinate clauses mark the consequence of something and are introduced
by the following expressions, all of which = so that - de sorte que, si bien que, de
telle f agon que, de telle maniere que^ de telle sorte que^ a tel point que^ si . . .
que, tant . . . que, tel . . . que, tellement . . . que; d'autant (plus) que = all the
more because
The verb of the subordinate clause is always in the indicative mood.
d'autant (plus) que = all the more because
La salle de bains devient un endroit de lutte dans 23% des menages,
d'autant plus que 41% des Francais aiment se prelasser dans leur bain une
fois par semaine = the bathroom is becoming a warground in 23% of households, all the more
because 41 % of the French like to relax in their bath once a week
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Vous grignotez entre les repas, d'autant que vous avez des sautes
d'humeur et c'est votre f aeon de les gerer =you nibble between meals, all the more
because you have mood swings and it's your way of managing them
si . . . que = so that
Les campagnes antitabac ont eu un si grand succes en Grande-Bretagne
que le gouvernement propose de taxer la « malbouffe » = anti-smoking campaigns
have been so successful in Great Britain that the government proposes taxing unhealthy foods
tant . . . que = so many . . . that
II y a tant de raisons pour lesquelles une premiere rencontre peut tourner
court qu'il serait dommage de ne pas tenter la seconde fois = there are so many
reasons why a first meeting may come to a sudden halt that it would be a shame not to try again
tel . . . que = so . . . that
Votre frustration est telle que, parfois, vous brusquez les choses pour
obtenir la satisfaction =you get so frustrated that sometimes you rush things so as to get
satisfaction
a tel point que = to such an extent that
Areva a du restructurer ses entreprises a tel point que la compagnie a
ferme dix usines en France = Areva has had to restructure its enterprises to such an extent
that it has closed ten factories in France
telletnent . . . que = so much . . . that
J'ai ete telletnent blessee par des gens queje prenais pour des amis
qu 3 aujourd'hui je suis mefiante = I've been hurt so much by people I thought were friends
that nowadays Fm suspicious
Elle a ete tellement mise en avant a un moment ou se construit sa
personnalite, que ca ne lui permet pas d'evoluer d'une maniere
harmonieuse = she has been so exposed at a time when her personality was being formed that it
doesn't allow her to develop in a consistent way
Note the word order in the following example, where tellement has a causal and
consequential value -
Je me suis abonnee Vannee derniere tellement votre magazine me plait = /
subscribed last year because your magazine appealed to me so much
460 Final clauses
Final clauses express the reason why something is done and are introduced by such
expressions as afin que, pour que, de sorte que, all of which = in order that, so that.
In clauses introduced by final conjunctions, the verb is always in the subjunctive
mood- see 148.
afin que = in order that, so that
Laissez Ventre-cote se reposer une minute a Vair afin que les fibres se
detendent = allow the steak to rest for one minute to let its texture settle
354 I
462 Noun clauses
pour que = in order that, so that
II suffit qu'une etincelle se produise a cet instant precis, pour qu'une
catastrophe arrive = all it needs is for a spark to be produced at that precise moment in order for
a catastrophe to happen
II n 3 en fallait pas plus pour que les medias demandent V interdiction de la
vente du boeuf= that was all it took for the media to demand a ban on the sale of beef
de sorte que = so that
Un hotntne qui se parfume a longueur dejournee, cafait sourire — est-ce
qu'il s'y adonne de sorte que nous le remarquions? = a man who puts on perfume
all day long makes me smile - does he do it so that we notice him?
Note that when de sorte que is followed by the indicative it indicates a consequence -
see 459 - and when it is followed by the subjunctive it indicates a purpose.
461 Manner clauses
Manner clauses indicate how something is done and are introduced by such expressions
as ainsi que = as, aussi . . . que = as, comme = how, as, de meme que = same as.
The verb occurs in the indicative mood.
ainsi que = as
La competition desfemmes va done cruellement manquer de saveur, ainsi
que les reporters Vavaientprevu = so the women's competition is going to suffer from a
cruel lack of flavour, just as the commentators had predicted
aussi . . . que = as
La, V atmosphere est aussi legere que les pelotes de laine eparpillees sur la
table = there the atmosphere is as light as the balls of wool scattered over the table
comme = how, as
Unefemme quipeut s'habiller comme elle veut se sent plus libre = a woman
who can dress how she wants feels freer
lis me traitaient comme sij'etais un dieu vivant = they treated me as if I was a
living god
Les crooners americains murmurent dans leur micro comme s'ils
faisaient V amour a unefemme = American crooners whisper into their mikes, as if they're
making love to a woman
de meme que = same as
Deux ans de cours de theatre ont 9 dit-elle 9 transforme sa vie^ de meme
qu'ils lui ont appris a ne plus craindre le regard des autres = two years at theatre
school have, she says, transformed her life, in the same way as they have taught her not to be afraid of the
way other people look at her any longer
462 Noun clauses
Noun clauses are introduced by que and follow verbs of speech, verbs of emotion, of
comprehension, of knowledge. Whether or not que is followed by the indicative or
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subjunctive mood depends upon the type of verb governing it. For those verbs which are
followed by the subjunctive, see 149, 150.
que + indicative mood -
Quand elle m'appelle par mon nom defamille^je sais quej'ai dufaire une
connerie = when she calls me by my last name, I know I've done something really stupid
J'ai Vimpression que chaque partie de mon corps reagit = I get the impression
that every part of my body reacts
Elle m'a repondu qu'elle avait reve quej'etais tnort = she told me she'd dreamt I
was dead
Elle m'a dit queje lui tnanquais = she told me she missed me
que + subjunctive mood
On ne peut pas dire que I'arrivee dujoueur portugais ait beaucoup apporte
au club =you can't say that the arrival of the Portuguese player benefited the club very much
II semble qu'ily ait dans ces cursus une vraie derive = it seems that in these
programmes there is a tendency to depart from the point
Je suis content pour Pedro qu'il ait marque contre Porto = Fm pleased that Pedro
scored against Porto
II arrive que le choix de la mort soit un hymne a la vie = it happens that choosing
death is an anthem to life
463 Highlighting with c'est
Highlighting is the process that allows an element in a clause to be given more prominence
than normal. One way of achieving highlighting an element is to introduce it with
c'est . . . qui /que. C'est . . . qui is used when the highlighted element is the subject
of the clause; ce sont if the subject is plural; c'est . . . que when it is another part of
speech. See also 223.
c'est . . . qui
C'est le mauvais brossage des dents qui cause la mauvaise haleine = it's bad
tooth-brushing that causes bad breath
Tahiti^ c'est I'endroit qui offre des plages magnifiques = Tahiti's the place that
offers magnificent beaches
Ce sont leurs deux plus petit s enfants qu'ils ont amenes avec eux = it's their
two youngest children that they've brought with them
c'est . . . que
C'est avec Dominique qu'on va commencer ce rapport = it's with Dominique that
we're going to begin this report
C'est la premiere fois qu'on va exposer les photos de Claude Berri = it's the
first time that Claude Bern's photos will be on show
356 I
464 Relative clauses
II semble que ce soit apartir de Toulouse que le virus s'est infiltre en
France = it seems that it's from Toulouse that the virus has been introduced into France
464 Relative clauses
Relative clauses provide more information about their antecedents and are introduced
by such pronouns as -
qui = who, which, that (subject)
que = whom, which, that (object)
dont = whose, of whom, of which
de qui = whose, of whom
duquel / de laquelle / desquels / desquelles = of which
preposition + qui /lequel, etc = preposition + whom
preposition + lequel, etc = preposition + which
ou =in which, where
In these cases the antecedent is a specific noun - compare ce qui, ce que, ce dont
below.
qui = who (subject)
Unefemme quipeut s'habiller cotntne elle veut se sent plus libre = a woman
who can dress as she wants feels freer
L' autre aspect interessant concerne les debutants, ceux qui signent leur
premier contrat professionnel = the other interesting aspect involves beginners, those who
are signing their first contract as professionals
Les specialistes conseillent auxfemmes qui tentent d 3 avoir un enfant de ne
pas depasser un apport en proteines de 20% = specialists advise women who are
trying to have a child not to exceed a protein intake of 20%
Note that the person of the verb matches the person indicated by qui -
Cest tnoi qui Vaifait = it was me who did it / I was the one who did it
C'est toi qui I 3 as fait = you're the one who did it
que = whom (object)
Cote positif du metrosexuel - vous vivez avec un hotntne qui sent bon que
vous aimez respirer dans le cou = the positive side of the metrosexual -you live with a
man who smells good and whose neck you like sniffing
Ilpense a safemme, a sonfils de deux ans qu'il ne reverra peut-etre plus =
he thought about his wife, his two-year-old son whom he might never see again
Les troupes qu'il commandait avaient traque les agents ennemis dans les
cavernes et les tunnels = the troops he commanded had tracked down the enemy agents in the
caves and tunnels
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Preposition + qui
En dehors de ceux pour qui la voix est un outil prqfessionnel, peu de gens
considerent la voix comme quelque chose d'important = apart from those for
whom the voice is a professional tool, few people consider it as something important
Un strip-tease a un effet direct sur les hommes, pour qui le visuel est la
premiere source de stimulation = strip-tease has a direct effect on men, for whom the
visual is the principal source of sensations
qui = which (subject)
Les maladies de la retine^ qui entrainent la cecite^ frapp ent de 30 000 a
40 000 personnes en France = diseases of the retina, which cause blindness, affect between
30,000 and 40,000 people in France
Leforfait hospitalier a la charge des patients , qui couvre le cout du repas
et de Vhebergement, passe a 14 euros = the hospital levy charged to patients, which
covers board and lodging, is going up to 14 euros
Utilisez cette plaque enfonte qui est equipee de stries qui laisseront sur
vos pieces de viande les memes marques qu' une grille de barbecue — use this
griddle with grooves which will leave the same marks on your pieces of meat as a barbecue grill
que = which, that (object)
Heureusement, onpeut avoir un maillot de bain que Von n'hesitera pas a
montrer = fortunately you can have a swimsuityou won't hesitate to wear in public
Comptez 800 euros les dix seances , une somme que Von peut regler en
deux ou troisfois =you have to reckon on 800 euros for ten sessions, a sum which you can settle
in two or three payments
Cache par mi les projecteurs de monpere,j'ai meme vu tourner des films
queje n'aurais pas eu le droit de voir en salle = hidden among my dad's projectors, I
even saw films being made that I wouldn't be allowed to see in a cinema
dont = whose, of whom
Because dont is the product of the preposition de + pronoun, it is sometimes translated
as with which, from which, etc. Word order with dont needs to be noted -
with reference to people -
Une aide sera accordee a ceux dont les revenus ne dep as sent pas 650 euros
par mois = help will be given to those whose income doesn't exceed 650 euros a month
with reference to things -
Nous avonsfait appel a la Croix Rouge dont nous trouvions initialement
les tarifs trop eleves = we appealed to the Red Cross whose charges we initially found too high
Votre corps degage des signaux dont ces insectes raffollent =your body gives off
signals which these insects are crazy about
C'est lie a la f agon dont nous nous en servons = it's linked to the way we use it
Ilfaut choisir le contrat dont les cotisations s'ajustent le mieux a votre
profil =you must choose the contract whose payments best suit your status
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464 Relative clauses
L' ensemble correspondait a ce dontje revais —j'avais retrouve la poitrine
de mes 20 ans = the whole thing matched up to what I was dreaming of- 1 had rediscovered the
bust I had when I was 20
ou = in which, where
La salle de bains est devenu un lieu ou les membres de lafamille aitnent a
se retrouver = the bathroom has become a place where family members like to meet
Preposition + lequel, laquelle, les quels, lesquelles
Attention au delai de carence: c'est le temps pendant lequel vous payez
V assurance sans beneficier des garanties = beware of the waiting period - that's the
time during which you pay for the insurance without benefitingfrom the warranty
Sa voix est capable de vibrations auxquelles les groupies ne restent pas
insensibles = his voice is capable of vibrations to which the groupies are not insensitive
Un match au cours duquel il a montre une capacite inedite afoudroyer
Vadversaire = a match during which he demonstrated a totally new ability to overwhelm his
II y a tant de raisons pour lesquelles* une premiere rencontre peut tourner
court = there are so many reasons why a first meeting may come to a sudden halt
Cest la raison pour laquelle* je suis persuade que Vactivite sportive est
excellente pour tout le monde = it's the reason why Fm convinced that sport is excellent for
everybody
*Note la raison pour laquelle (rather than la raison pourquoi) = the reason why
ce qui, ce que, ce dont, de quoi
These do not refer to a single antecedent but to the idea expressed in the previous
clause -
ce qui = which
45% des femmes francaises prennent la pilule, ce qui en fait les premieres
utilisatrices en Europe =45% of French women take the pill, which makes them the leading
users in Europe
Les vacances sont ideales pour refuser les contraintes — ce qui veut dire
etre un peu plus egoiste = holidays are ideal for rejecting constraint - which means you can be
a little more self-centred
Ces cotisations sont deductibles des revenus, ce qui per met de payer moins
d'impots = these payments are deductible from your income, which allows you to pay less tax
Je ne sais pas ce qui est beau, maisje sais ce quej'aime = I don't know what is
beautiful, but I know what I like
ce que = what
J'ai du me battre pour f aire ce quej'avais envie defaire = I had to fight to do
what I wanted to do
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La geometrie variable de notre ventre est liee a ce qu'on mange, a ce que
Von boit = the variable geometry of our stomach is linked to what we eat, to what we drink
On ne peut pas etre completement surpris par ce qu'on trouve sur soi =you
can't be completely surprised by what you find in yourself
Nantes s'est eleve a un niveau dejeu inhabituel par rapport a ce qu'il a
montre jusque-la = Nantes has risen to a level of play which is unusual in comparison with
what they have demonstrated until now
ce dont = which
Se raser unefois par semaire et se balader en tongs et en short toute la
journee est un bonheur vraiment evident — ce dont on ne devrait pas se
priverl = shaving once a week and walking about in flip-flops and shorts all day long is a really
obvious pleasure - which no-one should deprive themselves of!
de quoi = the wherewithal, food for thought
Cest dans ce groupe de rats que les chercheurs ont observe les tumeurs les
moins developpees. De quoi nous inciter a privilegier les aliments
remarques pour leurs vertus anticancer = it's among this group of rats that researchers
have noticed the least developed tumours - this should inspire us to give top priority to food noted for its
anticancer qualities
Voila de quoi vous convaincre qu'en matiere de sexualite, lafatalite n'a
pas sa place = this should be enough to convince you that in matters of sex, fate has no
place
465 Time clauses
Time clauses indicate when something occurs.
The following conjunctions indicate that the action expressed by the main verb has
happened before the action expressed by the verb in the subordinate clause -
avant que = before, jus qu' a ce que = until.
The mood of the verb in the subordinate clause in these cases is the subjunctive -
avant que — before
Avant que les contacts ne* se durcissent, Thierry obligeait le gardien a
repousser des poings = before the game really hotted up, Thierry forced the keeper to punch the
ball away
II avait ete invisible sauf lorsqu'il fut credite du seul carton jaune du soir
avant que Mourinho ne* se decide a le sortir quelques minutes plus tard =
he'd been invisible except when he was awarded the only yellow card of the evening before Mourinho
[the manager] decided to take him off a few minutes later
Note the use of an expletive ne with avant que - see 417.
jusqu'a ce que = until
Jusqu'a ce qu'il boive, il se conduit parf ait ement^ mais apres . . . = until he
has a drink, he behaves admirably, but afterwards . . .
360 I
465 Time clauses
Jusqu'a ce qu'on atteigne la quarantaine, il n' est pas necessaire de
surveiller autant ce qu'on mange = until you get to forty, it's not necessary to watch what
you eat so much
With jusqu'au moment ou 9 jusqu'au temps ou = until, the mood of the verb in
the subordinate clause is the indicative (ou is never followed by the subjunctive) -
Unefemme sur deux prend entre 4 et 6 kilos jusqu'au moment ou
elle est menopausee = one woman out of two puts on between 4 and 6 kilos until she is
menopausal
Je me sentais unpeu en dehors des choses,jusqu'au temps ouj'ai eu des
enfants = I felt a little left out of things, until I had children
Quand = when and lorsque = when indicate that the action expressed by the main
verb either occurs after or at the same time as that indicated by the verb in the sub-
ordinate clause. The mood of the verb in the subordinate clause in these cases is the
indicative.
quand = when
Une majorite de couples avouent que c'est surtout quand Us se sentent
bien avec V autre qu'ils ont envie du sexe = a majority of couples admit that it's
especially when they feel good with each other that they want sex
Quand je proteste, elle dit que si on avait un enfant , elle n'aurait pas pris
de chien = when I protest, she says that if we had a child, she wouldn't have got a dog
Dis-lui que tu aimer ais voir son visage quand tu Vembr asses = tell her you'd
like to see her face when you kiss her
lorsque = when
Ce massage epaissit Vepiderme^ lorsque celui-ci est distendu par une
naissance = this massage thickens your skin, when it's distended as a result of giving birth
Lorsque le corps subit un effort^ il secrete de V adrenaline = when the body
makes an effort, it secretes adrenalin
Lorsque Ventre-cote est a votre convenance^ ne la servez pas tout de suite =
when the steak is how you like it, don't serve it straightaway
When two or more time clauses are dependent upon the same main clause, the second
and subsequent clauses may be introduced by que rather than lorsque or quand
(compare usage with si— see 458) -
Quand vous n'avez pas assez mange et que vous etes stressee, vous vous
qffrez une barre de chocolat ou un gateau = when you haven't eaten enough and you're
stressed, you indulge yourself with a bar of chocolate or a cake
The following conjunctions indicate that the action expressed by the main verb happens
at the same time as the action expressed by the verb in the subordinate clause - alors
que = while, whereas, comme = as, ou = when, pendant que = while, tandis que =
whereas, while, en meme temps que = at the same time as, tant que = as long as. The
mood of the verb in the subordinate clause in these cases is the indicative.
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alors que = while, whereas
Alors que les senateurs avaient decide de maintenir les distributeurs
automatiques de boissons sucrees dans les etablissements scolaires, une
commission a recommande qu'ils soient bannis = whereas the Senate had decided
to retain sweet-drink vending machines in schools, a committee has recommended that they be banned
J'ai Vimpression que mon corps gonfle, alors queje ne change pas de
regime alimentaire — I've got the impression that my body is swelling up, whereas I haven't
changed my eating habits
comme — as
Comme Vhiver avance^ la mortalite infantile va presque tripler = as winter
advances, infant mortality is almost going to increase threefold
ou = when
Normally ou is a relative pronoun = where, but when combined with a noun of time,
it = when -
II revient sur les annees noires, ou Von decouvre un homme a V oppose de
Vimage que Von s'estfaite de lui = he goes back over the dark years, when you discover a
man opposite to the image you had formed of him
Passee la periode deflamme ou chacun est sur le qui-vive en matiere de
seduction = once the time of passion is over when everyone is on the alert as far as seduction is
concerned
pendant que = while
Pendant que vous coupez les fruits sees, plongez les escalopes de dinde
dans une casserole d'eau bouillante = while you're chopping up the dry fruit, immerse the
turkey escalopes in a saucepan of boiling water
Mon collocataire a fait une soiree dans notre appartement pendant que
j'etais en boite avec tries potes = my flatmate had a party in our flat while I was in the club
with my mates
tandis que = whereas, while
Le froid pousse les gens a se replier sur eux-memes, tandis que sous la
chaleur Us ouvrent leur corps et leur esprit = cold makes people turn in upon
themselves, whereas when it's hot, they open up their bodies and minds
Laissez-la vous parler tandis que vous etes as sis sur la marche = let her speak
to you while you're sitting on the step
tant que = as long as
Tant que vous avez de Vimagination, toutes les combinaisons sont
possibles =for as long as you've got imagination, all combinations are open to you
The following conjunctions indicate that the action expressed by the main verb happens
after the action expressed by the verb in the subordinate clause -
362 I
466 Declarative clauses
apres que = after, aussitot que = as soon as, depuis que = since, des que = as soon as.
The mood of the verb in the subordinate clause in these cases is the indicative -
apres que = after
Apres que le premier changement Jut impose* par la blessure de Rothen,
Porto decida de modifier la structure de son equipe = after the first change was
imposed by Rothen's injury, Porto decided to modify the structure of its team
Note the use of the past anterior when the verb in the main clause is past historic - see
133.
Note too that in the case of apres que, the subjunctive is sometimes used - see 157.
Trois semaines apres qu'elle m'ait quitte,j'ai trouve une autre petite
amie = three weeks after she left me, I found another girlfriend
Meme apres qu'il ait ejjectue le tournant, il n^a pas regarde derriere lui =
even after he had gone round the corner, he didn't look behind him
aussitot que = as soon as
Aussitot quej'ai compris en quoi mes comportements influaient sur les
evenements,j'ai su que ca ne pour rait qu'aller au mieux = as soon as I
understood that my behaviour influenced events, I realised that things could only get better
depuis que = since
Depuis queje travaille a Paris , mapeau devient tres grass e = since Fve been
working in Paris, my skin has become very greasy
Depuis que vous avez trouve le creneau qui vous convient le mieux, vous
n'en sortez plus = since you've found the slot that suits you best, you stick to it
des que = as soon as
Des queje m'approche de majemme pour V aider, elle sejache = as soon as I
go to help my wife, she gets angry
Les moustiques, c'est le cauchemar de Vete, des que le soleil se couche =
mosquitoes are a nightmare in summer, as soon as the sun sets
466 Declarative clauses
The following elements may appear in a declarative clause -
compulsory - a verb
optional but verging on the compulsory - a subject; the subject does not appear if it is
the same as in an immediately preceding clause at the same level -
Je pratique la moto,Jume depuis Vage de 14 ans et ne refuse pas un verre
d'alcool = I ride a motorbike, have smoked since I was 14 and don't say no to a drink
Peu grasse, cette partie du saumonjond sous la langue et laisse un parjum
de mer delicatement iode = containing little fat, this section of salmon melts under your
tongue and leaves a flavour of the sea with a delicate hint of iodine
optional - an object, direct and/or indirect
optional - a complement of the subject and/or the object
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
optional - one or more adverbs and/ or adverbial expressions; the only limit to the
number of adverbs and/or adverbial expressions which may occur in a declarative
clause is the listener's or reader's ability to absorb them.
Entre-temps, passez les tranches de pain de mie sous le gril dufour
adverb 1 verb direct object adverb 2
= in the meantime place the slices of bread under the grill
Lassies de la sangria et du Bordeaux de leurs ancestrales destinations
migratoires,
complement of the subject
plus de 14 000 grues cendrees ont choisi, cet hiver, de se tnettre . . . au
subject verb a adverb 1 verb b
champagne sur le lac du Der-Chantecoq =fed up with the sangria and Bordeaux
adverb 2
wine of their migratory destinations from time immemorial, over 14,000 common cranes have chosen,
this winter, to sample champagne on the Lake of Der-Chantecoq
Each of the combinations is illustrated in more detail below.
467 Word order in declarative clauses
In what follows a small number of examples are given to illustrate the main word orders
that occur in declarative clauses. Sometimes elements not given in the rubric also occur
in the examples: the purpose of the examples is to show the principal word orders.
Subject + verb
Normally the subject precedes the verb -
J' arrive = Pm coming
Les mains tremblent =your hands are trembling
Notre equipe a perdu = our team lost
Subject + verb + complement of subject
The complement of the subject is a noun or adjective which relates to the subject and is
usually separated from it by a verb such as devenir = to become, etre = to be, paraitre
= to appear, sembler = to seem
Lapeur est une reponse saine a une situation de danger =fear is a healthy
response to a dangerous situation
Vous devenez sage = you're getting wise
Mis a Vecart) il a decide de se defendre = having been put on the sidelines, he decided to
fight back
Subject + verb + direct object
Normally the object follows the verb, unless it is a pronoun, in which case it precedes the
verb - see 210 —
Elle portait unejupe en velours = she wore a velvet skirt
364 I
467 Word order in declarative clauses
Le concombre contient des molecules apaisantes = cucumbers contain calming
molecules
La somnolence entraine des periodes de micro-sommeil = drowsiness makes you
sleep for very short periods
Les Francais ont apporte un debut de reponse = the French have produced the
beginnings of a reply
Le foyer DVD moyen en France achete 12 DVD par an = the average DVD-owning
household in France buys 12 DVDs a year
Subject + verb + prepositional object
Les pecheurs locaux speculent sur d'eventuelles fuites radioactives = the
local fishermen speculate on possible radioactive leaks
II a beaucoup de talent et le football a besoin dejoueurs comme lui = he's got
a lot of talent and football needs players like him
Complement of subject + subject + verb
Simple, lefer lisse ou sculpte les meches pour une coiffure sophistiquee =
easy to use, the tongs smooth or shape your hair for a sophisticated hair-style
Passionnes ou novices, tout le mondey trouve son compte grace a une
programmation d'excellente qualite = whether they're enthusiasts or novices, everyone
will find something that interests them thanks to excellent- quality programming
Griff es facetieuses et moustaches philosophes, le Chat, heros de BD,
exporte sa douce fantaisie a Bordeaux = with its facetious claws and philosophical
whiskers, the Cat, now a cartoon hero, brings its gentle fantasy to Bordeaux
Subject + verb + direct object + indirect object
On a accorde le prix du Forum d'Ermua au ministre de la justice = the Forum
d'Ermua prize has been awarded to the Minister of Justice
Cest le sondage secret qui met du baume au coeur du Premier ministre =
it's the secret poll which soothes the Prime Minister's heart
Les accords de Dayton ont mis un terme au conflit le plus meurtrier que
VEurope ait connu depuis 1945 = the Dayton agreements brought to a close the most bloody
conflict in Europe since 1945
Subject + verb + adverbial expression
II s'est rarement trouve en position de conclure = he rarely found himself in a
position to finish off
Votre grand-mere profitait de la chicoree au petit dejeuner = your grandmother
used to have the pleasure of chicory for her breakfast
Adverbial expression + subject + verb (+ direct object)
A Paris, personne ne le soutient = in Paris, no one supports him
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Mercredi 3 decembre^ un peu plus d'un million d 'exemplaires de « Harry
Potter et Vordre du Phenix » envahiront la France = on Wednesday 3 December, just
over a million copies of 'Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix' will invade France
Techniquement) il a ete le tnoins a Vaise des defenseurs = technically, he was the
least comfortable of the defenders
Multiple adverbial expressions
Degustez les mirabelles 1 nature, 2 en clafoutis, 3 sur une tarte ou 4 aufond
d'un crumble = enjoy greengages raw, in a clafoutis, in a tart or in a crumble
1 Bref vous marchez 2 d'un bonpas 3 vers le precipice = in short, you're walking
steadily towards the precipice
1 A la 63e minute, 2 sur un ballon de la droite de Poborsky, il s'infiltra 3
plein axe = in the 63rd minute, on a ball from Poborsky's right foot, he manouvered himself into the
centre
468 Inversion in declarative clauses
Normally, as demonstrated above, 467, the subject precedes the verb in declarative
clauses.
However, occasionally, inversion of the subject and verb takes place -
In main clauses after certain adverbs —
A peine sont les nuits plus longues qu'on a envie de se lover dans des draps
hypergrands = scarcely have the nights become longer thanyou want to curl up in ultra-big
sheets
A peine avez-vous pose Vongle sur laquelle vous avez mis ce produit sur
vos levresy que vous avez envie de rendre = scarcely have you put the nail on which
you've put this product on your lips, thanyou want to throw up
Encore faut-il savoir enprqfiter =you still have to know how to benefit from it
Peut-etre suis-je trop pudique pour cela = perhaps Pm too modest for that
Peut-etre ne devrais-je pas le dire = perhaps I shouldn't say so
Peut-etre le desir de Vhomme est-il quelque chose qui vous rassure mais
aussi qui vous fait peur = perhaps a man's desire for you is something that reassures you but
frightens you at the same time
In main clauses introduced by an adjective complement of the
subject —
Peu nombreux sont les socialistes quiprennent sa defense = the socialists who
come to his defence are very few in number
Dans les parkings nombreuses sont les femmes qui cherchent leur voiture
sous Voeil narquois de leur compagnon = in car parks many women try to find their
cars under the mocking eye of their companion
366
468 Inversion in declarative clauses
In main clauses in sentence-initial position, with verbs such as
rester = to remain, venir = to come
L'entraineur a annonce qu'il va quitter Paris. Reste a s avoir si le conseil
d' administration acceptera sa decision sans hitter pour le garder = the
trainer has announced that he's going to leave Paris. It remains to be seen whether the board of directors
will accept his decision without fighting to keep him
On stocke plus facilement les graisses aufil du temps. Vient ensuite la
periode de premenopause = we stock up fat more easily as time goes by. Then arrives the
premenopause
On rencontrait ensuite ces pays qui decidaient de s'abstenir sans autre
forme de proces. Venaient enfin la France, la Russie qui ajoutaient a leur
abstention une « guerrilla » diplomatique = then there were those countries who decided
to abstain without any other form of involvement. Finally there were France and Russia who added a
diplomatic 'skirmish' to their abstention
In relative subordinate clauses
Onferme le livre ravipar la tournure que prend cette aventure = we shut the
book, delighted by the turn the adventure took
Comment f aire avancer les reformes economiques que prone le president
quand la moitie de VAssemblee resiste? = how can they make progress with the
economic reforms that the President is advocating when half of the National Assembly is resisting?
La Societe des Amis du musee national d'Art moderne que preside
Frangois Treves fete son centenaire = the Society of Friends of the National Museum of
Modern Art of which Frangois Treves is the president is celebrating its centenary
Le president a beaucoup consulte sur les interrogations que soulevent les
valeurs quifondent la societe franqaise = the President consulted widely on the
questions raised by the values that undergird French society
To achieve stylistic effect —
reserving the subject to a prominent position at the end of a sentence in a noun clause -
see 462.
C'est des livres que vient le salut = it's from books that salvation comes
En attendant mieux, VElysee souhaite que soient au moins remanies
certains cabinets ministeriels = while waiting for something better to turn up, the
Elysee (the President's official residence) is wanting certain ministerial cabinets to be
Les analyses diront si le navire, ainsi que Vaffirment les Americains,
est demeure etanche = analyses will tell if the ship, as the Americans insist, remained
watertight
La loi sera precedee de mediations pour que soient respectes « les
equilibres qui rassemblent » = the law will be preceded by mediation in order that the
'balances that unite' are respected
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469 Highlighting
Highlighting is the process whereby an element in a clause or sentence is moved from
its conventional position to a different position - usually at the beginning or at the end
of the clause - in order to focus attention upon it. Highlighting may also be achieved by
introducing the element that the speaker wishes to focus on by c'est . . . qui / que -
see 223, 463.
If the element highlighted is a noun, it is repeated in the form of a pronoun before the
verb:
normal word order -
Je ne vois pas ces peurs cotntne negatives = I don't see these fears as negative
direct object in initial position with repetition as pronoun -
Ces peurs, je ne les vois pas comme negatives
direct object in final position with repetition as pronoun -
Je ne les vois pas comme negatives , ces peurs
subject repeated as stressed pronoun in initial position -
Moi,je ne vois pas ces peurs comme negatives
Nous, on ne se plaindra pas du premier roman cocasse d 3 un auteur de 22
ans = we're not going to complain about the first amusing novel of a 22 -year-old author
subject repeated as stressed pronoun in final position -
Je ne vois pas ces peurs comme negatives, moi
subject introduced by c'est . . . qui-
ckest moi qui ne vois pas ces peurs comme negatives = Fm the one who doesn't see
these fears as negative
Ce n' est pas moi qui vois ces peurs comme negatives = Fm not the one who sees
these fears as negative
C'est Vepoque ou Vhomme politique ignore que le petit ecran est aussi
parlant = it was the time when politicians didn't realise that the small screen can also talk
Highlighting can also be achieved by delaying the mention of the subject (or other
element) - see 467.
Mais, avec le temps, vers ses 70 ans, est ne un autre Resnais, leger,
facetieux = but, with time, as he approached his 7 Oth year, another Resnais was born,
light-hearted, facetio us
terrogative sentences
470 Interrogative sentences
There are two types of interrogative sentences
368
472 oui - non questions: 1 - inversion
1 questions inviting a oui — non /yes - no answer -
Est-ce que c'est vrai qu'un bruit fort gene davantage qu'un bruit
faible? = is it right that a loud noise does more harm than a soft noise?
Vous avezfaim? = are you hungry?
A part Vodeur de certains hommes, y a-t-il des odeurs qui vous
degoutent? = apart from the smell of certain men, are there any smells that turn you off
completely?
2 questions inviting more information, introduced by a question word -
Quelle est votre plage preferee? = which is your favourite beach?
Qu 3 est-ce qui vous repugne chez unefemme? = what puts you off in a woman?
Pourquoi le rideau de douche se colle-t-elle au corps? = why does a shower
curtain stick to your body?
ii - non questions
471 oui- non questions
Oui-^non —yes-no questions are 'closed' questions in the sense that there can only be a
yes- or a no-answer. No question word requiring a more discursive answer is present -
see below Question 1 can only be answered by oui or non (unless it'sje ne sais pasl),
whereas question 2 expects a longer, detailed answer -
1 Ces sites 9 est-ce qu'ils servent a quelque chose? = are these sites any use?
2 Ces sites, a quoi servent-ils? = what's the use of these sites?
These questions fall into a number of categories.
472 oui - non questions - 1 : those involving inversion of the
subject and the verb
The following situations occur:
When the subject is a noun, it is placed in first position followed by the verb and an
unstressed subject pronoun referring back to the subject -
Ces produits sont-ils sans danger? = are these products safe?
Les Parisiens, ont-ils vraiment battu les champions d'Europe? = did
Paris-Saint-Germain really beat the European champions?
La perruque, est-elle bonne pour remplacer les boucles qui ne bougent
plus? = is a wig any good for replacing curls that no longer move?
When the subject is an unstressed pronoun, it is placed after the verb -
Savez-vous qu'un couple sur trois ne fait plus V amour? = did you know that one
couple out of three no longer makes love?
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Ne regardez-vous pas quelquefois le tnur en pensant a autre chose? = don't
you sometimes look at the wall thinking about something else?
Faut-il se priver de boeuf? = should we give up eating beef?
A ton age, est-ce bien raisonnable de se remettre au disco? = at your age is it a
good idea to go back disco dancing?
When the inverted pronoun begins with a vowel - il or elle. Us or elles - it is always
preceded by a /t/ in pronunciation. If one of the plural pronouns is involved, it is the
final t of the verb ending that is sounded -
Osent-ils aborder ces sujets avec leurs parents? = do they dare bring up these
subjects with their parents?
Sont-ils satisfaits des reponses que vous donnez? = are they satisfied with the
answers you give?
Vos livres ne risquent-ils pas de confirmer les prejuges que les gens ont sur
les gays? = don't your books run the risk of confirming the prejudices people have about gays?
If one of the singular pronouns is involved, the /t/ comes either from the verb ending
itself -
Est-il sage de ne laver votre linge que quand il ne vous reste plus rien de
propre? = is it sensible only to wash your clothes when you've nothing clean left?
Est-il possible d'etre doux et puissant a lafois? = is it possible to be strong and gentle
at one and the same time?
or, if the verb does not end in t, a t is inserted between the verb ending and the
pronoun -
Y a-t-il un principe de base? = is there a basic principle?
Y a-t-il des risques que nous nous fassions arreter par la police? = is there the
danger that we might get ourselves arrested by the police?
A-t-il ose refuser de vous epouser apres tout ca? = did he dare refuse to marry you
after all that?
A-t-elle toujours decide de porter ce chemisier en pois? = has she still decided to
wear that spotted blouse?
Existe-t-il une question caracteristique? = is there a typical question?
But you also find -
J'aimerais beaucoup me f aire tatouer — tnais existe-il une
contre-indication pour certains endroits du corps? = I'd love to be tattooed - but
are there certain parts of the body that are counter-indicated?
As far as the first person singular pronoun, je, is concerned, it is frequently inverted with
modal verbs and etre, but not with non-modal ones -
Serai-je dans le coup sije colore tries levres et tries ongles d'un bel orange
vif? = will I be really with it if I colour my lips and nails bright oranop.?
370 I
474 oui - non questions: 3 - intonation
Puis-je annoncer ce queje veuxfaire? = may I announce what I want to do?
Dois-je reprendre une activite physique pour developper encore ma masse
musculaire? = have I got to resume some physical activity to develop my muscle mass more?
The use of n' est-ce pas
N' est-ce pas is the French tag question that can be attached to any statement to turn
it into a question - it is the equivalent of English can't I, do you, don't you, etc -
L 3 affaire est dans le sac 9 n' est-ce pas? = it's in the bag, isn't it?
Elle peut deviner vos pensees, n' est-ce pas? = she can guess your thoughts, can't she?
Vous avez besoin d'une voiture pour le weekend^ n' est-ce pas? =you need a car
for the weekend, don't you?
II nefaut pas trop en mettre, n 3 est-ce pas? =you mustn't put too much on, must you?
Sometimes questions using inversion of subject and verb offer an alternative rather than
a oui — non /yes - no answer -
Faut-ilfaire sa couleur avant ou apres la permanente? = should I add the hair
colour before or after the perm?
Faut-il ou non rentrer le rabat de la poche de mon blazer? = should I turn the flap
of my blazer pocket in or not?
473 oui - non questions - 2: those involving est-ce que +
direct order of the subject and verb
Est-ce que la douleur a disparu deux heures apres la prise? = did the pain
disappear two hours after taking the pill?
Est-ce que vous avez eu des experiences penibles dans votre adolescence? =
have you had unpleasant experiences duringyour teenage years?
Est-ce que vous n'ecartez pas les jambes lorsqu'ilfait chaud? = don't you sit
with your legs apart when it's hot?
Vous gagnez dixfois moins que lui. Est-ce que vous estimez que vous etes
dixfois moins bon que Roger Federer? =you earn ten times less than him. Do you
consider that you're ten times worse than Roger Federer?
Vous cultivez votre image d'homme marie et de pere defamille. Est-ce que
ca suffit a refroidir les admiratrices ou est-ce qu'on vous drague malgre
tout? =you cultivate your image as a married man, with children. Is that enough to cool the ardour of
your female admirers or do they go after you in spite of everything?
474 oui - non questions - 3: those involving intonation only
The rising intonation associated with the other types of interrogative sentences can be
used with the direct order to indicate that a question is being asked and that a statement
is not intended. This is extremely common in spoken French —
Lafumee ne vous derange pas? = is the smoke disturbing you?
C'est passionnant? = is it exciting?
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Vous n' avez jamais eupeur de sombrer dans la depression? = have you ever been
afraid of becoming depressed?
Vous avez des problemes avec vos voisins? = do you have problems with your
neighbours?
Votrefemme vous laisse de V argent depoche chaque mois? = does your wife give
you some pocket money every month?
Vous avez des souvenirs sexy de votre experience de serveuse? = have you got
some sexy memories of your experience as a waitress?
In the following examples, highlighting is used as well as intonation -
La plage , vous y allez souvent? — do you often go to the beach?
Votre per mis, vous Vavez eu du premier coup? = did you get your licence at the first
attempt?
Et votre fils, il conduit, lui? = and does your son drive?
In the following example, the question is conveyed through a very polite formula -
Si Madame veut bien gouter? = would Madam care to taste it?
475 Elliptical oui - non questions
In speech it is common for the question to be elliptical - that is to say, for there to be
no verb and for the person being addressed to supply missing details from the context in
which the question is uttered -
Pas mal, non? = not bad, eh?
Une marque brune sur la tempe ou le dos de la main? = you've got a brown spot
on your temple or the back of your hand?
Connaissez-vous ses limites ? Et les votres? = do you know her limits? And your own?
Bourgogne ou Bordeaux ? — Burgundy or Bordeaux ?
Celui-ci? = this one?
jestions introduced by question words
476 Questions introduced by question words
This type of question is sometimes known as a k-question, because most of the question
words in French include a /k/ sound in their pronunciation - in addition to those
beginning with /k/ - the qui, que, quel, quand series, plus combien, comment -
there is also pourquoi where the /k/ sound occurs mid-word. The exception to this
principle is ou.
The position of k-words and the structure of interrogative sentences containing a k-
word are extremely flexible. Similar possibilities to those with oui — non questions - and
372
477 Question words - pronouns
more - are available here. In the following examples, it is important to note the position
of the subject in relation to the verb and the k-word -
if the subject is a pronoun, it will either be inverted as in 1 below or occur in the direct
order as in the case of 2 and 3 below;
if it is a noun rather than a pronoun, it can precede or follow the k-word and be echoed
by a subject pronoun, which then is used as above.
However, this does not apply to que = what (object), in which case the subject follows
the verb - see below - nor to the quel series - see 477, 478.
1 Placing the k-word first and inverting the subject and verb
Depuis quand n'avez-vous pas pleure au cinema? = since when didn't you cry at the
pictures?
Quelle est votre plage preferee dans le monde? = which is your favourite beach in the
world?
If a noun rather than a pronoun is the subject, the noun precedes or follows the k-word
and a subject pronoun echoing the noun is used in the inverted position -
Comment la monotonie s'installe-t-elle
dans un couple?
La monotonie, comment s'installe-t-elle
dans un couple?
— how does boredom set
in in a couple?
Pourquoi le telephone s'avere-t-il un moyen ideal pour les confidences? =
why does the telephone turn out to be the ideal way of passing on secrets?
2 Placing the k-word first and using est-ce que after it with direct word order
Qu y est-ce que vous trouvez sensuel chez elle? = what do you find sexy in her?
Comment est-ce queje peuxfaire pour avoir des rapports normaux? = how
can I work it so that I can have normal relationships?
3 Using rising intonation
Vous avez combien de points sur votre permis ? = how many points have you got on
your licence?
Qa veut dire quoi « sans savon »? = what does ^oapfree 7 mean?
4 Elliptical questions with a k-word
Quoi de neufpour vos dents? - what's new for your teeth?
It should be noted that the order of unstressed pronouns and the use of ne . . . pas is
not affected by the inversion of the subject and verb.
477 Question words - pronouns
qui = who (subject), and = who(m) (object)
subject
Qui en prend la decision? = who takes the decision for it?
Qui vous a dit cela? = who toldyou that?
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Qui sont les hommes les plus sexy pour vous? = who are the sexiest men in your
book?
Qui se met entre vous au lit — votre mere, votre patron^ votre ex? = who puts
themselves between you in bed -your mother, your boss or your ex?
object
Qui avez-vous charge de trouver une propriete convenable? = who have you
delegated to find a suitable property?
Qui voulez-vous inviter a diner ce soir? = who do you want to invite to dinner this
evening?
Qui = who(m) after a preposition; as explained above, inversion occurs if a subject
pronoun is used; if a noun rather than a pronoun is the subject, the noun can follow or
precede the k-word - in the latter case, a subject pronoun echoing the noun is used in
the inverted order -
A qui dois-je m'adresser pour des renseignements? = who should I refer to for
information?
Avec qui partez-vous en vacances cet ete? = who are you going on holiday with this
who does that oil-burner belong to?
who is this message from?
A qui appartient ce brule-parfum?
Ce brule-parfum, a qui appartient-il?
De qui vient ce message?
Ce message, de qui vient-il?
qu'est-ce qui = what (subject)
Qu'est-ce qui me pousse a ecrire dans lapresse des choses concernant ma
personne? = what pushes me to write things about myself in the press?
Qu'est-ce qui vous degoute le plus? = what turns you off the most?
Qu'est-ce qui vous a seduite dans le role de Judith? = what was there in the part of
Judith that seduced you?
que = what (object)
followed by inversion of the subject and the verb, whether pronoun or noun -
Que me conseillez-vous? = what do you advise me to do?
Que reste-t-il de votre vie de sportif? = what's left of your life as a sportsman?
Qu'y a-t-il de vous dans ce personnage? = what is there of you in this character?
Aujourd'hui tout se passe bien. Mais qu'en ser a-t-il demain? = today
everything's all right. But what will it be like tomorrow?
Que couvre Vassurance scolaire? = what does school insurance cover?
Delinquants sexuels — que peutfaire la medecine? = sex offenders - what can
medicine do?
374
477 Question words - pronouns
qu'est-ce que = what (object)
followed by the direct order, subject preceding the verb; if a noun rather than a pronoun
is the subject, the noun precedes the k-word and a subject pronoun echoing the noun is
used in the direct order -
Qu'est-ce que tu attends pour lui dire que tu Vaimes? = what are you waiting for
to tell her you love her?
Qu'est-ce qu'on risque en Vadmettant? = what do you risk by coming clean?
Les voisins, qu y est-ce qu'ils vont dire? = what are the neighbours going to say?
Votre passeport, qu'est-ce que vous avezfait avec? = what have you done with your
passport?
quoi = what
quoi is the stressed form of que and is used when separated from its normal position
immediately next to the verb (or separated from it by an unstressed pronoun) or when
preceded by a preposition -
Quoi de plus feminin qu'un joli decollete avec unepeau lisse et sans
defaut? = what can be more feminine than a pretty low neck-line with a smooth, clear skin?
La verite, c'est quoi? = what is truth?
Pour toi 9 le tnoyen de hitter contre la homophobie, ce serait quoi? = what in
your opinion would be the way to fight against homophobia?
Apres avoir fait V amour ^ mon partenaire est pris d'une serie
d y eternuements — cette reaction, a quoi est-elle due? = after making love, my
partner has a sneezing fit - what is this reaction due to?
En quoi consiste au juste le traitement? = what's the treatment like exactly?
combien = how many
Combien de couples sont-ils concernes par les difficultes sexuelles? = how
many couples experience sexual problems?
Combien de temps est-ce que ca prend? = how long does that take?
Combien defois dois-je te dire queje ne veux pas sortir avec toi? = how many
times do I have to tell you I don't want to go out with you?
Thierry Henry, combien de buts a-t-il marques cette saison? = how many goals
has Thierry Henry scored this season?
Vous voulez perdre combien? = how much weight do you want to lose?
lequel series
The lequel series of interrogative pronouns invites the hearer to choose between a
specified group of objects or items, unlike the quel series - see below - which offers a
completely open choice. Like the quel series, the lequel series agrees in number and
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
gender with the noun it qualifies. Note that this series consists of pronouns and not
adjectives; consequently the pronoun is followed by de when it is linked to a noun -
Lequel de ces pulls preferes-tu? = which of these pullovers do you prefer?
Laquelle des stars de tennis feminines va gagner a Roland-Garros cet ete =
which female tennis star is going to win Roland-Garros this summer?
Le magasin a une grande gamme de deodorants — lequel dois-je prendre? =
the shop's got a large range of deodorants - which one should I take?
478 Question words - adjectives
The quel series of adjectives agrees in number and gender with the noun it qualifies.
Quel type de materiel devrait-on choisir pour transformer son salon en
stade olympique? = what sort of equipment shouldyou choose to convert your living room into an
Olympic stadium?
Quels produits me cons eillez-vous pour m'assecher? = what sorts of products do
you advise to dry me out?
Quelle est la difference entre le « bon » et le « mauvais » cholesterol? = what
is the difference between 'good 7 and 'bad 7 cholesterol?
Quelle est votre relation avec vos parents? = what's your relationship with your parents
like?
Quelle agence choisir? = what agency should we choose?
From the following two examples, the difference between quel and qui can be
deduced -
1 Qui est Vanimatrice tele la plus sexy? = who is the sexiest TV presenter?
2 Quelle est Vanimatrice tele la plus sexy? = which one is the sexiest TV presenter?
For question 1 the choice is completely free; for question 2 a list follows the question from
which the reader is invited to select his/her preference.
479 Question words - adverbs
comment = how - often used with an infinitive -
Comment puis-je f aire comprendre a mafemme queje voudrais V aider
dans la cuisine? = how can I make my wife understand that Fd like to help her in the kitchen?
Comment definiriez-vous la misere sexuelle? = how would you define sexual misery?
Comment y ar river? = how can we manage that?
Comment venir a bout de la maladie de Verneuil qui me fait souffrir
d 'infections cutanees repetees? = how can I overcome VerneuiVs disease which keeps
making me have one skin infection after another?
Comment luifaire comprendre queje voudrais moi aussi participer? = how
can I make her understand that Fd like to join in as well?
376 I
480 Elliptical questions - no question word
Comment faire renaitre le desir dans notre couple et traiter les difficultes
de mon ami? = how can we rekindle some passion in our relationship and treat my boyfriend's
problems?
ou = where
Ou etes-vous alle en vacances Vannee derniere? = where did you go on holiday last
year?
Ou en etes-vous avec la sante de vos dents? = where have you got to with your dental
health?
Ou peut-on trouver dufluor? = where can you find fluoride?
D'ou est-ce que ca vient que tout le monde veut faire V amour dans un
avion? = where has the idea come from that everyone wants to make love in a plane?
pourquoi
Pourquoi les femmes entrent-elles toujours dans les details quand elles
nous racontent leurjournee et ne savent pas, comme nous, aller a
Vessentiel? = why do women always go into great detail when they tell us how their day has been
and not cut to the chase like us?
Pourquoi faut-il eviter les bains trop chauds? = why shouldyou avoid over-hot baths?
Pourquoi a-t-elle sans arret le vertige? = why is she always dizzy?
Pourquoi tout ca? = what's all that about?
Pourquoi ne pas prqfiter de tous les horaires pour le faire? = why not take
advantage of all hours of the day and night to do it?
quand
Quand faut-il inspirer et expirer en musculation? = when do you have to breathe in
and breathe out when you're doingyour muscle-building exercises?
Quand avez-vous senti que vous etes devenu un homme? = when did you feel that
you'd become a man?
Quand avez-vous decouvert que votre meilleure amie vous trompait? =
when did you find out that your best friend was cheating on you?
480 Elliptical questions without a question word but
suggesting one
Occasionally elliptical questions without a k-word seem to indicate that one is
implied.
Aujourd'hui tout roule avec votre partenaire. Et demain? = today everything is
running smoothly with your partner - but what about tomorrow?
Cette maladie toucherait 2 a 5% de la population. Les symptomes?
Insomnies, migraines et douleurs musculaires = this illness reputedly affects
between 2 and 5% of the population. What are its symptoms? Insomnia, migraines and muscular pains
i 377
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
481 Indirect questions
Indirect questions result from the reporting in indirect speech of direct questions.
1 Oui — non questions become noun clauses introduced by si = if, whether in indirect
speech. Tense changes take place as required.
direct question -
Est-ce que vous etes convert contre les risques majeurs sans payer cher
des garanties inutiles? = are you covered against major risks without paying a lot of money for
useless guarantees?
indirect question -
Faites ce test pour savoir si vous etes bien couvert contre les risques
majeurs sans payer cher des garanties inutiles = take this test to know if you are well
covered against major risks without paying a lot of money for useless guarantees
direct question -
Est-ce qu'elle ne traine pas quelque part? = is she hanging about somewhere?
indirect question -
J'aifait le tour de tous les magasins pour voir si elle ne trainait pas
quelque part = I've been round all the shops to find out if she was hanging about somewhere
Elle voulait savoir s'ilfallait controler le temps que son fils passe a
Vordinateur = she wanted to know if she should control the amount of time her son spent on the
computer
2 K-word questions become noun clauses introduced by the k-word or, in the case of the
interrogative pronouns qu 3 est-ce qui = what (subject) and que = what (object), by ce
qui and ce que -
direct question -
Quels points communs est-ce qu'on peut trouver entre Vhomme a notre
bras et notre sac a main ou nos escarpins? = what points can we find in common
between the man on our arm and our handbag or shoes?
indirect question -
L'homme a notre bras est tout pour nous saufun accessoire, et on ne voit
vraiment pas quels points communs lui trouver avec notre sac a main ou
nos escarpins = the man on our arm is everything to us except an accessory, and we can't really
see what points we can find in common between him and our handbag or shoes
direct question -
Demain, de quoi sera-t-il fait? = what will tomorrow be like?
indirect question -
On ne s ait pas de quoi demain sera fait = we don't know what tomorrow will be like
direct question -
378
482 Rhetorical questions
Qu 'est-ce qui pourrait vous procurer unplaisir comparable? = what could give
you a comparable amount of pleasure?
indirect question -
Demandez-vous ce qui pourrait vous procurer un plaisir comparable = ask
yourself what could give you a comparable amount of pleasure.
II a demande a son medecin comment il pouvait se debarrasser de cette
habitude genante = he asked his doctor how he could get rid of this embarrassing habit
Cette anecdote demontre bien a quel point notre organisme peut avoir des
caprices aux consequences dramatiques = this anecdote illustrates well to what extent
our body may have whims that may have dramatic consequences
Lorsqu'on lui demande quelle ville elle prefer e, elle repond sans hesiter:
« Londres, parce quej'ai gagne Wimbledon » = when she's asked which town she
prefers, she replies without hesitating: 'London, because I won Wimbledon 7
II m y a dit qu'il sortait avec une de ses copines ce soir, maisje ne sais pas
laquelle = he told me he was going out with one of his girlfriends this evening, but I don't know
which one
Des millions d'etres humains r event d'une vie eternelle, et s'ilpleut le
dimanche apres-midi, Us ne savent pas quoifaire = millions of human beings
dream of eternal life, and if it rains Sunday afternoon, they don't know what to do
Ma copine ne me dit jamais qu'elle m'aime, saufunjour dans une
brasserie —je ne sais pas ce qui lui apris ce jour-la = my girlfriend never says she
loves me, except one day, in a bar - 1 don't know what possessed her that day
In the following example there are two indirect questions, one oui — non and the other
introduced by a k-word -
direct question 1 Est-ce que vous savez . . . ?
direct question 2 Qu 'est-ce qu'une Francaise depense sur ses produits de
beaute?
II m'a demande sije savais ce que, en moyenne, chaque Francaise depense
par an pour ses produits de beaute = he asked me if I knew what on average every French
woman spends per year on beauty products
In the following example there is an indirect question within a direct question -
Est-ce que les scientifiques ar river ont jamais a decouvrir comment on
peut controler les pellicules, les pets, les rots? = will scientists ever succeed in
discovering how we can control dandruff, farting and belching?
482 Rhetorical questions
Rhetorical questions sit on the borderline between interrogatives and exclamatives - see
483. They ask questions to which no answer is required - usually because the person
asking the question already knows it! - and express an emotion typically expressed by an
exclamative.
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
In the following example, the person asking the questions knows how many tests s/he
has had - it's the number of tests that provokes the question /exclamation -
Combien d'examens medicaux ai-je passe pour decouvrir quej'etais en
parfaite sante! = how many medical tests have I had to find out I was in perfect
health!
Qu'est-ce quej'ai du supporter pour par venir a cette etape de ma
carriere! = what haven't I had to put up with to reach this stage in my career!
rtive sentena
483 Exclamative sentences
Exclamative sentences express surprise, anger, disgust, amusement and other strong emo-
tions. Five types of construction are available:
1 With cotntne or que. In exclamative sentences formed this way, cotntne or que is
simply placed at the head of the sentence followed by the direct order -
Que mafemme est belle! = how beautiful my wife is!
Qu'il est difficile d' accepter que V intelligence est un my the et que c'est
la competence qui est reelle = how difficult it is to accept that intelligence is a myth and
that it's ability that's real
Commeje trouve ennuyeux defaire de la gym! = how boring I find it to go to the
gym!
Comme il est important de garder son sang-froid! = how important it is to
preserve your self-control!
Qu'est-ce que may be used like comme and que in informal French -
Qu y est-ce qu'il estfou! = how daft he is!
Qu'est-ce qu'il est bon de prendre une douche pour se destresser! = how
good it is to have a shower to relieve your stress!
2 With quel qualifying a noun, agreeing in number and gender; quel + singular noun
normally = what a in English (but see the last example) -
Quel dommage! = what a shame!
Quel pant alon affreux! = what a ghastly pair of trousers!
Quelles dents blanches! = what white teeth!
Quelle ironie! = what irony!
3 With que de + noun; que de = what a lot of
Que de monde! = what a lot of people!
Que de magasins sensationnels! = what a lot of fantastic shops!
380 I
484 Punctuation
4 With que + subjunctive - this construction has close affinities with the imperative,
where it is treated in more detail - see 122.
// me manquait une chose — un but, et quandj'ai marque mon premier
but pour le club, le president est venu me dire — Que ce soit le premier
d y une tongue seriel = one thing was missing - a goal, and when I scored my first goal for the
club, the chairman came to see me and said - May it be the first in a long line!
Bref 9 qu'on prenne le temps de bienfaire les choses = in short, please take time
to do things well
5 With exclamative intonation - our speech is often dotted with exclamations
consisting of single words or short phrases -
Desastre! — les poils sur le mollet = disaster! - hairy calves
Horreur! — les pieds qui empestent = ifs the pits! -pongyfeet
Atomique Ivanisovic! = Ivanisovic the rocket!
Merde! = blast and damnation!
Fini! Enfin! = finished! At last!
unctuation
484 Punctuation
For most punctuation marks - full stop, comma, question mark, exclamation mark,
hyphen/ dash, semi-colon, suspension marks - the rules of use are much the same in
French as in English.
Differences occur to a greater or less extent as far as capital letters, the colon and
comma and inverted commas are concerned.
/ Capital letters
Adjectives denoting nationality and names of languages begin with a lower-case letter in
French but not in English —
unfootballeur espagnol = a Spanish footballer
le public anglais = the English public
un plat provencal = a Provengal dish
une vedette americaine = an American star
lefrancais = the French (language)
le danois = the Danish (language)
However, nouns denoting a person of a certain nationality begin with a capital letter -
une Francaise = a French woman
un Espagnol = a Spaniard
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
Names of countries - those consisting of more than one word usually have a capital
letter for each significant word -
les Pays-Bas = the Netherlands
les Etats-Unis = the United States
la Coree du Nord / du Sud = North /South Korea
Professional names and official titles - here the French practice is not to use capital
letters - although usage is not always consistent. In the case of names of ministers, the
name of the actual ministry is presented with a capital letter.
le president = the President
la reine d' Angle terre = the queen of England
le ministre de V Education = the Minister of Education
la ministre de la Justice = the Minister of Justice
le professeur de francais = the Professor of French
But le Premier ministre = the Prime Minister is normally accompanied by a capital
letter - but examples also occur where it is not!
Book titles - whereas the English custom is to capitalise each significant word in the
name or title, in French it is usually only the very first word that is capitalised, or if the
first word is a determiner, the first significant word as well -
Les Bouts de bois de Dieu (Ousmane Sembene)
La Revolte des anges (Enzo Cormann)
Memoires d'une sale gosse (Cedric Erard)
However, sometimes only the first word is capitalised -
A la recherche du temps perdu (Marcel Proust)
Names of French organisations - it is usually only the first significant word that is
capitalised in French - but here again there may be variation -
VInstitut francais d 3 opinion publique
la Societe nationale des chemins defer francais
le Conseil superieur de la magistrature
le Parti socialiste
VUnion pour la democratic francaise
Names of international organisations - here each significant word is given a capital
letter, especially if the name is not translated into French -
le Foreign Office
la Malta Maritime Authority
382
484 Punctuation
I 'Organisation des Nations Unies (but VOnu when the initial letters are treated as
an acronym)
2 Colons and commas
Observation would seem to indicate that these punctuation marks are more frequently
used in French than in English. The comma, for example, is regularly used to separate
an initial adverb or adverbial expression from the following part of speech, whereas this
is not always the case in English -
Cette annee, nous avons du convoquer d'urgence nos vendangeurs le 28
aout = this year we had to summon our grape-pickers urgently on 28 August
Professionnellement, une belle opportunity peutfaire naitre des projets
plus ambitieux = professionally a golden opportunity may lead on to more ambitious
projects
Quant a V amelioration de la qualite de la vie^ aucune etude scientifique
n'est disponible = as far as improvement in the quality of life is concerned, no scientific study is
available
The colon is especially common in journalism to highlight what precedes it and to
lend a dramatic tone to a passage and/or to explain what precedes it. Often in English
a dash is used instead.
C'est Vheure de la collation: jus de fruits et biscuit = lunchtime -fruit juice and a
biscuit
Objectif: une silhouette de revel = the object - the silhouette of your dreams!
Les marques ne lancent pas ces promesses au hasard: elles sont validees
par des recherches = the manufacturers don't throw these promises around at random - they're
validated by research
Personnes agees: gare aux chutes = warning to elderly folk - be careful not to fall
Preuve indiscutable selon eux: les appuis mediatiques = indisputable proof they
say - support from the media
3 Inverted commas
The French convention concerning the use of inverted commas is very different from
the English one. Inverted commas - les guillemets - tend to be less common and less
systematically used in French than in English.
Quotations included in text are enclosed in guillemets -
« Iln'y a pas de place pour les hommes d'une trentaine d'annees » = 'there's
no room for thirty something men'
«Je repars la tete haute » = Tm leaving with my head held high'
This particularly applies to quotations and also to short passages of speech. In the
case of extended dialogue, the usage is more variable, with dashes being used to indicate
383
A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
change of speaker rather than a new set ofguillemets. The entire dialogue is enclosed
in guillemets, but within them dashes are used for each speaker -
« Comment expliquez-vous la nette domination du Stade de France au
cours de la finale?
— On a pris le dessus sur Perpignan dans tons les secteurs dujeu. On a eu
une telle maitrise dujeu que le spectacle a ete gache.
— Avez-vous des souvenirs particuliers de la saison?
— Le plus grand plaisir est la victoire contre Toulouse a Toulouse.
— Envisagez-vous de revenir en France unjour?
— Pour V instant^ il n 3 est pas question queje me relance dans le rugby.
Maisje me sens a moitie franc ais et mon reve c'est de revenir travailler
en France. » =
How do you account for the clear domination of the Stade de France in the final? 3
'We got the upper hand over Perpignan in all aspects of the game. We had such control of the play
that it spoilt the spectacle. '
Have you got any special memories of the season?'
'The greatest pleasure was the win over Toulouse at Toulouse. 7
'Do you thinkyou might come back to France one day?'
'At the moment, there's no question of taking up rugby again. But I feel half French and it's my
dream to come back and work in France. '
ixercises
1 Reliez ces phrases en une seule, en les reorganisant et en utilisant une
ou plus d'une conjonction de subordination - souvent il y aura
plusieurs solutions -
Exemple:
Ce systeme de surveillance electronique, fixe au poignet, est de la
taille d'une montre de plongee. II est relie par ondes magnetiques a la
prison.
Ce systeme de surveillance electronique, fixe au poignet, qui est de la
taille d'une montre de plongee, est relie par ondes magnetiques a la
prison.
a Votre physionomie vous pose des problemes? Aidez la nature en
adopt ant judicieusement nos produits de beaute.
b J'ai quitte mon mari. Mes amis ne comprenaient pas. Pour eux nous
formions un couple ideal.
c II y a des differences entre la sexualite masculine et la sexualite
feminine. L'homme fait Vamour a Vexterieur de son corps. Lafemme
lefait a Vinterieur.
d Avec mon mari^favais Vamour et la stabilite. De V autre ^je
decouvrais la passion.
e fa m'est egal que ce soit des meubles ou des fringues. Je me balade
sur tous les sites Internet a la recherche de la meilleure affaire.
384
Exercises
f Cet homme tie veut rien laisser echapper de lui-meme et ne tutoie pas.
Ses amis ont ignore son remariage celebre a Paris. Est-ce qu'il mene
une deuxieme vie tortueuse et noire?
g Je ne crois pas a une grande manipulation de la droite. Cela
n'empeche pas des initiatives individuelles et quelques coups tordus
via les flics et les magistrats.
h En un siecle la France s'est rechauffee de 0,9 degres C. Ceci est
davantage du a un relevement des temperatures minimales qu'a celui
des temperatures maximales.
La mise en relief
Reecrivez les phrases suivantes en utilisant c'est . . . que /qui pour
mettre en relief la section qui n'est pas en italique.
Exemple:
Le bourgogne possede un bouquet subtil qui exhale des parfums de
chevrefeuille et des senteurs de tilleul.
Ce sont des parfums de chevrefeuille et des senteurs de tilleul
qu 3 exhale le bouquet subtil que possede le bourgogne.
a Les 4 000 pilotes ont dit ouipar referendum a un accord salarial pour
les deux prochaines annees.
b L'ancien depute maire a ete condamne a un an de prison et a la
privation pour deux ans de ses droits civiques et civils.
c La plupart des femmes separees ont souvent une bonne raison de ne
pas flechir: leurs enfants.
d Tout peut arriver a condition d'etre un peu attentive a ce qui se passe
autour de vous.
e Vous devez vous exposer au soleil avec moderation, mais jamais
entre 11 et 14 heures, toujours progressivement, et mettre une
creme.
f Le seul vice qui m'inquiete vraiment est ma paresse.
g La situation ne pourra se normaliser avant deux ans au moins.
Utilisez une autre strategic pour mettre en relief les sections qui ne
sont pas en italique dans les phrases suivantes -
a J'ai aussi rencontre des filles idiotes, maisje ne vais pas donner de
noms.
b Rien n'est pire que la drague en meute.
c Va-t-on unjour legaliser Peuthanasie en France?
d J 'attire les lions en diffusant par haut-parleur un enregistrement d'une
bagarre autour d'une proie.
Reecrivez les propositions interrogatives suivantes en remplissant le
blanc du mot interrogatif qui convient le mieux -
a C'est bientot les soldes. . . . sont mes droits?
b ... les femmes n'aiment-elles pas qu'on Use des magazines de
char me?
c J'ai un surplus de peau detendue et disgracieuse. . . . puis-je m'en
debarrasser?
d Dois-je utiliser un produit avant-rasage ou raser directement a meme
la peau? . . . en pensez-vous?
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A STUDENT GUIDE TO FRENCH GRAMMAR
e Un beau-pere peut-il prendre la place d'un vraipere absent? ,
attitude doit-il adopter?
f . . . sont vos chances de trouver un tnec dans Vannee?
g Alors, les gars, . . . vous ferait plaisir?
h ... a marque le dernier but?
i . . . y a-t-il de vous dans les personnages que vousjouez?
j ... est-ce que vous allez nous rendre visite?
386
Key to exercises
Chapter 1
1 Formation des verbes
indicatif
le present
cours, crains, cueille, dois, ecris, suis, lis, sais, viens, veux
allez, avez, commencez, finis sez, mangez, partez, pouvez, prenez, voyez,
valez
l'imparfait
avais, etais,faisais, finis sais, mangeais, per dais , recevais, riais, valais,
vendais,
allaient, commencaient, conduisaient, couraient, devaient, jetaient,
portaient, recevaient, savaient, voulaient
le futur
achetera, ira, boira, courra, sera, pourra, saura, viendra, verm, voudra
irons , commencerons, devrons, enverrons,jetterons, menerons,
mourrons, partirons, tiendrons, vendrons
le passe simple
alia, but, crut, cueillit, fut, porta, finite put ; sut, voulut
eutes , conduisites, courutes, dutes, ecrivites,jites, lutes, menates,
mites, vecutes
subjonctif
le present
ait, dise, soit,fasse,finisse,jette,porte, sache, vaille, veuille
alliez, buviez, deviez, soyez,fassiez, mangiez, mettiez, puissiez, vendiez,
vouliez
l'imparfait
allat, eut, but, commencat,fut,Jit,finit, menat, sut, voulut
achetassions, courussions, dussions,f us sions, fissions, partissions,
portassions, pussions, vendissions, voulussions
2 Les auxiliaires
aller — etre, arriver — etre, s'asseoir — etre, dire — avoir, falloir — avoir,
mourir - etre, naitre — etre, porter - avoir, pouvoir - avoir, recevoir —
avoir, venir — etre
i 387
Key to exercises
3 Les verbes pronominaux
il s'assied — vous vous asseyez, il se lave — vous vous lavez^ il se leve — vous
vous leveZ) il se plaint — vous vous plaignez, il se souvient — vous vous
souvenez
elle s'en est allee — vous vous en etes alles, elle s'est assise — vous vous etes
assis, elle s'est bercee — vous vous etes berces, elle s'est lavee — vous vous
etes laves 9 elle s'est levee — vous vous etes leves, elle s'est mefiee — vous
vous etes tnefies 9 elle s'est plainte — vous vous etes plaints , elle s'est
portee — vous vous etes portes, elle s'est rappele — vous vous etes rappele,
elle s'est souvenue — vous vous etes souvenus
4 Reecrivez les passages suivants en transposant les verbes actifs en leur equivalent
passif-
a Le tableau electronique inter actif peut etre utilise cotntne un tableau
normal — la craie est remplacee par le stylet. Des infos prises
directement sur internet peuvent egalementy etre projetees; sur
internet cartes, photos, graphiques peuvent etre trouves; les cours
peuvent etre illustres facilement.
b Vous ne pouvez etre satisfait(e) que par une solution associant
robustesse et maitrise totale de votre consommation.
c Vous etes accompagne(e / s / es) par ce conseiller a chaque etape de
votre projet.
d La cletnentine confite sera trouvee chez les confiseurs.
Chapter 2
1 Les imperatifs - reecrivez les passages suivants en donnant les formes de l'imperatif
qui conviennent -
a N'oubliez pas defermer le recipient avant de mouliner son contenu.
b Le look gothique est a la page. Sachez toutefois qu'ilfaut en user avec
moderation.
c Avec un blouson en cuir, risquez les grosses ceintures cloutees ou a
boucle en argent.
d Vous avez des problemes de pellicules et pas de shampooing adequat?
Prenez deux aspirines effervescentes, dissolvez-les dans un verre d'eau
etfrottez le cuir chevelu avec la preparation obtenue.
e Allonge sur le dos, la main droite derriere la tete, etendez votre jambe
droite a la verticale etflechissez celle de gauche, le pied au sol. En
expirant, approchez votre main gauche de votre cheville droite. Faites
cinq series de 15 repetitions.
f Evitez de poser la question brutalement.
g Concentrez-vous, calmez votre coeur: le stress se calme a son tour et
disparait.
h Saisonnez de sel, poivre et quatre-epices. Melangez. Incorporez les
morceaux defoie gras. Couvrez. Faites cuire lh 30 au bain-marie dans
lefour. Laisser refroidir. Reservez 48 h au refrigerateur.
2 Reecrivez le texte suivant en style indirect, en changeant les temps du verbe, les
pronoms, etc
388 I
Key to exercises
Planete Foot a demande a Thierry quels sentiments lui avaient traverse
V esprit lorsque Varbitre avait donne le coup de sifflet final de la derniere
journee du championnat anglais. Thierry Henry a repondu en disant que
terminer un championnat invaincu etait vraiment formidable. Mais, sur
le coup, il ne s'en etait pas rendu compte. II a dit qu'il s avait que
Varbitre avait siffle, mais son equipe etait champions depuis presque un
mois et, cinq jours apres, il savait que V equipe jouer ait le Bresil au Stade
de France. II n' avait pas reellement eu le temps d 3 en profiter. II a avoue
qu'il ne V appreciait pas vraiment et qu'ilfallait passer a autre
chose.
I Subjonctif ou indicatif? Reecrivez les phrases suivantes en donnant la forme du
verbe qui convient -
a Ilfaut bien que votre cheri se detende de temps en temps.
b Je veux t'embrasser avant qu'on (ne) soit de re tour a Calais.
c La premiere fois queje Vai vu, c 3 etait en classe de seconde.
d Je veux qu'elle s'en sorte vite.
e C'est le cinquieme de ce type qu'elle connait.
f Pour que le sommeil soit reellement reparateur, mettez votre esprit et
votre corps en veille.
g Utilisez plusieurs cotons en vous demaquillant jusqu'a ce que vous
ayez enleve toute trace de votre maquillage.
h Dans certaines series lesfilles n'hesitent pas a se bagarrer, que ce
soient les forces du mal ou les vampires.
i Ilfaut ponderer deux criteres majeurs: la proportion de blessures
enregistrees par sport enfonction du nombre des pratiquants et la
gravite de celles-ci, quel que soit le niveau de pratique.
j En cas de surchauffe, un dispositif de coupure thermique evite que le
robot (ne) parte enfumee.
k Dommage que tu ne sois pas la.
1 Si votre chapeau est vert clair avec des details graphiques, lafille que
vous draguez pensera que vous avez de Vhumour.
m ha seule chose qu'il sache de sonpere c'est qu'il a probablement
etudie id.
n Garcons etfilles ont des relations homosexuelles a cet age sans que ce
soit definitif
• Reecrivez les phrases suivantes en donnant la forme du verbe modal qui convient -
a lis comprennent vite que pour reussir Us doivent fabriquer leurs
propres produits.
b La compagnie n y aurait pas pu reussir ses campagnes de publicite,
sans ses produits p hares.
c Quel pourr ait etre Vobjet d'une nouvelle loi?
d // devait / a du eviter d'insulter ses collegues.
e Paris et Berlin ne voulaient pas / n' ont pas voulu edulcorer unprojet
qui donne a chaque Etat membre un nombre de voix plus en rapport
avec son poids demographique.
f Le handball francais peut bien compter 220 000 licencies dans tous les
coins du territoire.
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Key to exercises
g Si ce traitement ne suffit pas, le dermatologue pourra vous prescrire
des medicaments adaptes.
h Pour un soutien de poitrine optimal, deux mesures doivent etre prises
en compte, celle du tour de buste (le chiffre) et celle des bonnets (la
lettre).
i Des en-cas aux desserts les plus fins, le robot de cuisine sait tout f aire.
j Si Vinsolation est grave, elle peut necessiter une hospitalisation, et la
victime devra etre djeun.
k // est seul a pouvoir atteindre sa cible defacon selective.
1 Sije Vavais rencontree, j 3 aurais pu V aimer, mais pas m' entendre avec
elle.
m On se rassure comme on peut.
n En Coupe d'Europe on ne doit pas ceder Vavantage a Vadversaire.
o On ne devrait pas accepter cet elogefunebre de lapresse — Vavenir
appartient a la television digitale: la presse ecrite estfinie.
Chapter 3
Reecrivez les passages suivants en donnant les formes du verbe qui conviennent -
a Naissance de la haine dans le couple
«Je deperissais en son absence. Je me vidais de mon sens. II supportait
mal. En fait, je voulais etre lui. Mais il a change les regies dujeu;
Vintranquillite me rendait haineuse. »
« Elle m'entrainait dans cette intensite et s'etait lassee. J'avais la hainen
reconnait Franck, «Je me sentais manipule et perdu. »
« Sifavais 20 ans, je le quitterais avec un plan de reconquete; mais a
mon age, je sais que le temps passe sera perdu pour son desir. Je
pourrais me flinguer parce que tout serajoue et queje suis lasse. »
b Mon patron et moi
Ce lundi-la, je causais a Penelope pres de la machine a cafe. Mon patron
est passe devant nous et m'a lance, sans meme nous regarder: «Jepeux
te voir, s'il te plait? », le «s'il te plait » quifinit un ton au-dessus du «Je
peux te voir . . . », un « s'il te plait » qui veut dire: « Si ca te plait pas,
c'est pareil. »J'aijete mon gobelet etj'ai obei docile comme un chien.Je
sentais dans mon dos le regard de Penelope plantee devant le
distributeur d'expressos. C'est en suivant le patron dans le couloir que
j'ai su ce quej'avais afaire.J'ai dit: « Hervel », avec le « ve » de Herve
un ton au-dessus. II s'est retourne etje lui ai saute a la gorge en plantant
mes incisives dans son cou trop gras. II est mort en gigotant comme un
ver, dans le sang qu'il avait toujour s eu tiede.
c Le Land Rover
Si par essence toutes les automobiles sont concues pour le voyage,
certaines en sont devenues des icones. C'est le cas du Land Rover dont la
simple apparition evoque la jungle la plus profonde, les sables du desert.
390 I
Key to exercises
Le « land » est une legende vivante. II a ete cree en 1947 et a Voriginefut
construit avec une carrosserie aluminium qui avait ete recuperee sur les
carlingues des avions de chasse. Depuis ce temps-la, il a poursuivi sa
carriere sans que rien ne semble pouvoir Varreter. Quoi qu'en disent
certains, cette automobile reste un extraordinaire moyen de transport.
d J'aime le mec qu'il ne faut pas
Tu ne convoiteras point. « Lesfilles sont jalouses et envieuses meme
entre elles » plaisante Victor Gerard. Elles veulent toujours ce qu'ont
leurs copines. Meme leur mec. Alors quand Anne, votre meilleure amie,
vous a annonce toutefiere qu'enfin elle avait mis ses mains sur
Matthieu . . . Hier encore, vous ne Vaviez meme pas remarque, mais
aujourd y hui il a tout de suite beaucoup plus d'interet. Avec le temps, les
regards sefont de plus en plus appuyes entre vous et lui. II faut se rendre
a V evidence: vous craquez pour ce beau brunt
e J 'ai gueri de mon hepatite C
Le virus a disparu, mais ilfallait toutefois continuer les injections
hebdomadaires d' interferon. J e m'etais renseignee via Internet. Je
savais que ^interferon est une substance naturelle produite par les
cellules chargees de defendre Vorganisme. Cela me rassurait lors des
injections, que je faisais moi-meme. Je me sentais de plus en plus
fatiguee mais je me suis accrochee. L'enthousiasme de mon hepatologue
me portait. Maisj'ai decide de chercher de Vaide ailleurs etje me suis
fait prescrire des seances de kinesitherapie, qui m'ont reconfortee. J'ai
aussifait appel a un acupuncteur dans Videe de mieuxfaire circuler les
energies — cela m y a aidee a soulager mes douleurs musculaires.
Chapter 5
1 Reecrivez les passages suivants en remplissant les blancs avec l'article qui convient -
a Nous offrons une opportunity unique de contribuer a la croissance
d'une societe de renommee internationale active dans le monde
artistique. Une ambiance de travail jeune et informelle dans une petite
equipe soudee.
b L'avenement des programmes d'echange interuniversitaires de type
Erasmus ou V extension des stages professionnels a Vetranger ont
egalement motive le secteur jusqu'ici assez traditionnel et
relativement couteux, des e changes internationaux des jeunes.
c Un billet d 3 avion de derniere minute a un prix defiant toute
concurrence? Voila qui est tentant, mais peut-etre dangereux si la
precipitation nous fait oublier les precautions a prendre. Chaque
annee des milliers de gens s y envolent pour des pays ou sevit le
paludisme, mais plus d'un tiers entre eux ne sont pas correctement
proteges contre cette maladie.
d Compositeur phare de la musique vocale italienne baroque,
Alessandro Scarlatti s y est illustre aussi bien dans V opera que dans le
genre religieux de V oratorio, ha musique y explose a tout moment
i 391
Key to exercises
d'unejoie lumineuse, toujours originate, melant magnifiquement les
voix a une ecriture instrumental scintillante.
e La vigne rouge et Valgue marine ameliorent lafermete et V elasticity de
la peau, tandis que Vhuile essentielle de lavande accelere la
penetration des composants et active la micro-circulation. On a garde
le meilleur pour la fin: la texture est un regal. Parfaitement invisible,
elle est moelleuse, fondante et onctueuse. Elle disparait en un clin
d'oeil dans Vepiderme sans laisser de trace etfde au coeur des cellules.
f Si quelqu'un, vous, moi ou n'importe qui, veut tester la surete des
aeroports, il lefera sans angoisse s'il sait qu'a tout moment ilpeut
dire: « Stop, ceci est unjeu! » En revanche, Vattitude de vrais
terroristes reellement desireux de commettre un attentat les trahira et
permettra aux personnels de surete de les identifier.
g Pour f aire parler un cadavre d'abeille dont la mort brutale, en
compagnie de 22 millions de ses congeneres, vient de plonger les
campagnes francaises dans une polemique violente sur Vutilisation de
deux pesticides, il suffit de pratiquer une autopsie.
h Le bac enpoche ou les examens defac reussis, une nouvelle epreuve
attend les etudiants: la chasse au logement. C'est le marche qui fixe les
regies et surtout les prix. Or, les petites surfaces, cibles naturelles des
etudiants, sont celles dont le rencheris servient est le plus important.
i Tout le monde peut avoir une maison, quatre murs, un toit. Mais une
propriete, une demeure — Bien entendu, une propriete, a la base, n'est
rien d 3 autre qu'une maison. Mais c'est, dans Vimaginaire immobilier,
bien autre chose: de Vancien, du grand, du noble, du beau, du prestige.
«Je vous invite a ma propriete » ca a tout de meme une toute autre
allure que « on sefait un barbecue a la maison >>.
j Je trouve que le maquillage me revele plus qu'il ne me cache. C'est
done une f aeon de m'exhiber. Je me suis beaucoup inspire du maitre
de ceremonies dufdm Cabaret. C'est a lafois le transformiste et le
vampire, le monsieur Loyal, mais quelqu'un de festif. J'aime bien ce
balancement entre le bien, e'est-a-dire la fete, et le mal.J'aime bien
Vambiguite, y compris sexuelle.
k Votre point faible: le manque de perseverance. Vous ne prenez pas de
decision, ou alors pas defacon durable: vous etes incapable d 3 effort,
pas plus motivee par le succes que par Vechec. lln'y a que la
nouveaute, Videe du plaisir pour vous stimuler.
1 Un beau jour, devant le miroir, on se prend a relever le coin de ses
yeux, a tirer sur ses pommettes, et Von se dit qu'on aurait Vair moins
fatiguee, plus gaie comme ca. On oublie, et puis on apprend qu'une
telle a eu un lifting mais que « ca se voit », alors que pour telle autre
« on ne voit rien ». On lit les magazines, on examine les « avant /
apres >>, on note des noms. On ne sait jamais.
2 Reecrivez les passages suivants en donnant les formes des adjectifs et participes
passes qui conviennent -
a //a beaujouer le super ministre, anime par de geniales et nouvelles
idees, ce sont les vieilles recettes liber ales qu'il nous assene.
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Key to exercises
b Ce printemps aussi incertain que venteux n' aura pas facilite la tache
des jardiniers. Mais ilfaut maintenant sortir certaines plantes de la
ou elles ont ete remisees pendant la mauvaise saison. Si ces plantes
ont ete laissees intactes, juste debarrassees de leurs feuilles gachees,
elles poussent deja, elles aussi vilaines cotntne tout, blanches cotntne
des endives ou vert pale, plus proches du tilleul que de Vepinard.
c Une derniere condition, a premiere vue surprenante, est necessaire a
la reussite d'une e-formation: V accompagnement d'un formateur bien
reel. Avec des taux d' abandon assez eleves cette presence peut slaverer
essentielle. Meme a Vheure de la formation a distance, rien ne
remplacera une presence humaine.
d On trouve dans la collection des sweaters rehausses d'une lettre ou
d'un chiffre, des pant alons militaires amples ou des joggings
combines a des tops athletiques et des maillots de corps ou des vestes
zippees, mariees a une minijupe.
e Les designers beiges commencent a se tailler une solide reputation sur
la scene inter nationale. Originales, bien pensees, voire carrement
visionnaires, leurs creations seduisent un public de plus en plus large.
f lis sont trois sur leur tie parisienne. La mere qui se bat contre un
cancer. Cette lutte est la raison de vivre de safille. Puis ily a unjeune
homme affable, qui a su se rendre indispensable en rendant legers les
moments insupportables de la maladie.
g Les cassis utilises pour cette creme de cassis sont les noirs de
Bourgogne, cueillis dans la Cote-d'Or. Cette creme est d'une rare
authenticity. Ses parfums frais, sonfruite onctueux, sa bouche ample
et genereuse et ses aromes pleins en font une liqueur d' exception.
h Vous souffrez des symptomes d'un etat proche de V effondrement:
Vhorrible sensation d'etre lourde etflasque, engourdie et tendue a la
fois, contractee au niveau des vertebres, de la nuque jusqu'aux reins. II
est temps de remettre un peu d'huile dans les rouages!
i A V occasion du nouvel an, un de tries potes avait organise une grosse
fiesta chez lui. Ily avait de Valcool a gogo, dufoie gras a en veux-tu en
voila, et desfilles splendides aux quatre coins de la maison. Bref tout
etait parfait. Le seul probleme: c'etait moil A minuit moins cinq,fai
eu une crise d'angoisse etje suis alle m'enfermer dans les chiottes. Je
ne voulais pas me plier a ce rituel ridicule d 3 embrassades.
j «Je suis deque, dit Sandrine Casar, carje me sentais bien enjambes,
maisj'etais trop isolee face aux Brioches, qui avaient un
comportement bizarre. Je n'aipas compris leur f agon de courir, leurs
choix tactiques, etje ne suis pas la seule. Elles-memes donnaient
parfois Vimpression de ne pas comprendre ce qu 3 elles faisaient.
Dans de telles cir Constances, elles ont du etre tres satisfaites du
resultat. »
k On trouvera une grande baie, tres belle, bordee par une reserve
naturelle, baptisee le pare national de Los Halises, que Von visite en
bateau, decouvrant oiseaux multicolores, perroquets et tortues dans
une vegetation de mangroves tropicale.
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Key to exercises
Chapter 6
1 Reecrivez les passages suivants en changeant tout ce qui a rapport aux pronoms
personnels comme il vous est indique -
tu > VOUS
a Ce qui s' est passe pour votre atnie auraitpu arriver n'importe quand.
Vous n'avez pas contraint votre amie, vous Vavez simplement
encouragee. Vous pouvez etrefiere d'etre a ses cotes et de la soutenir
b Cette annee, vous organisez le reveillon dujour de Van chez vous et vous
avez envie de prqfiter de la fete sans passer votre temps a f aire des
aller-retours entre la table et la cuisine. Alors, adoptez laformule buffet.
Vous pourrez ainsi preparer vos plats a Vavance et la soiree sera
detendue pour vous.
VOUS > tu
c Te void a present dans un clitnat de grande sensibilite, et ta vie
relationnelle et intitne sera la plus touchee. Ton rythtne de vie risque
d'etre bouleverse apres une rencontre, et certains contacts pourraient
jouer un role important dans Vaboutissement de tes projets.
D'heureuses perspectives s' off rent a toi.
d Tu vas te depenser sans compter;, en relevant de nombreux defis. Tes
demarches sont menees avec une determination qu'on ne te connait pas,
et tu prends des decisions importantes en ce qui concerne tes parents ou
tes amis. Tu orientes ainsi ta vie sociale et affective conformement a tes
aspirations.
ye > e//e et puis ye > il
e Elle a Vimpression que son identite a ete remise en question. Elle
n' arrive plus a f aire de projets, sa vie est comme suspendue. C'est
terrible car elle n' est pas de nature depressive, elle aime la vie, elle a un
compagnon formidable, elle est tres attachee a ses animaux. Elle se sent
terriblement seuleface a ce probleme.
II a Vimpression que son identite a ete remise en question. II n' arrive
plus a f aire de projets, sa vie est comme suspendue. C'est terrible car il
n' est pas de nature depressive, il aime la vie, il a un compagnon
formidable, il est tres attache a ses animaux. II se sent terriblement seul
face a ce probleme.
vous > elle
f Elle a eu la main un peu lourde sur la pince a epiler. Resultat, ses
sourcils sont beaucoup tropfins, son regard n' est plus aussi envoutant et
son visage a perdu en caractere. En attendant que les poils repoussent,
elle doit se mettre a ses pinceaux. Pour redessiner et etoffer tout ca, elle
doit utiliser un crayon. Elle doit choisir toujours une teinte proche de la
couleur de ses cheveux, pas trop sombre, pour ne pas durcir son regard.
ye > il
g Ilgagne tres bien sa vie, alors c'est normal qu'il paye des impots et que
ca profite aux autres. Et plus tard a ses enfants. II aurait pu partir a
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Key to exercises
V Stranger comme beaucoup de sportifs, mais il a toujours dit que s'il
avait decide de payer des impots en France, c'est parce que sa famille et
lui ont une qualite de vie qu'il ne trouverait pas ailleurs.
elles > nous
h // ne voulait pas savoir ce que nous avons fait, ou nous etions ni de quoi
nous avions parle.
2 Reecrivez les passages suivants en remplacant on par d'autres pronoms ou en utilisant
d'autres strategies de remplacement -
a Un teint qui atteint la perfection? Toutes les femmes en revent.
b Pourquoi ne pas f aire les corvees avec une copine: vous vous sentez
tnoins seule et vous vous en amusez. Tout de suite vous etes tnoins
tendue.
c A peine etes-vous de retour des vacances que vous avez deja
Vimpression d' avoir perdu le benefice qu'elles avaient apporte oupire
de n'etre jamais parti /par tie.
d Pour cet examen, le specialiste voit apparaitre Vimage du squelette sur
Vecran. Sur le tableau de Vecran il repere differentes courbes de
couleur. Ainsi ilpeut analyser differentes parties du squelette qu'il sait
plus fragiles que d'autres.
Or vous voyez, etc.
e Pour unefemme, se sentir belle et seduisante lorsqu'elle est ronde,
c'est la mission de Taillisime qui propose des modeles jusqu *au 58.
Adieu la lingerie tristoune et vieillotte quand vous avez la chance
d' avoir un decollete genereux!
3 Reecrivez les passages suivants en remplissant les blancs du pronom qui convient -
pronom demonstratif, possessif, personnel ou relatif. Notez que quelquefois il y a plus
d'un blanc a remplir -
a Ilfaut connaitre ses emotions, pour mieux en tenir compte.
b Le bon cadeau est un autre langage que V incons dent per coit comme
positif et quipeut amener celle qui recoit a tomber amoureuse.
c Elle porte un gros carton sur lequel est collee une longue plume rose.
d Dans lefdm, il s'agit de deux jeunes fdles, comme le titre Vindique.
e Quelquefois ceux qui se trompent sur nos gouts y trouvent un inter et.
f ha fatigue est la manifestation d'un blocage qui empeche Venergie de
circuler. Bonne nouvelle, celle-ci ne demande qu'a etre debloquee.
g Listez une dizaine de petites joies. Chaque jour piochez dans la liste
pour vous en offrir trois.
h Mes desirs evoluent avec le temps, je les laisse venir.J'y crois a fond et
j'imagine des plans pour les realiser.
i Tu connais Amelie — quand on a des fesses comme les siennes, on evite
le cuir rouge!
j On attendait avec une infinie curiosite le livre ou il allait raconter une
autre de ses passions: VAfrique.
k Meme sans les muscles, tupeuxy arriver.
1 Rien ne vous empeche de prendre une vraie collation quelques heures
apres le reveil: celle-ci vous evitera le coup de barre defin de matinee.
i 395
Key to exercises
m // me dit « Inutile de me f aire un cadeau, V avoir a mes cotes est
deja le plus beau des presents imaginables. »Je ne sais jamais quoi lui
ojfrir.
n Les gentils font partie de cette categorie-la, celle qui n'utilis era jamais
vos faiblesses pour en tirer profit, celle qui ne vous enviera jamais
votre magnifique petit copain ou vos succes.
o Ilfaut choisir une tonalite qui se superpose le plus exactement
possible a la votre.
p // est issu d'une famille de petits entrepreneurs de batiments.
Lui-meme a exerce toutes sortes de petits boulots.
q J'ai commence a travailler sur des eglises et des discotheques
gonflables, qu y on m'a demandes de creer.
r 2,92 milliards d' euros, c'est la somme depensee en un an par les
Britanniques pour V achat de cocaine, dont la consommation a
augmente de plus de 200% ces trois dernieres annees.
s Le president a ete consulte sur la reforme du Senat que souhaitent bon
nombre des senateurs.
t La victoire de lajeune Beige n'a rien a voir avec le style des
Americaines. La ou celles-ci affichent des parents envahissants etpeu
sympathiques, Justine evoque la figure emouvante d'une mere
disparue alors qu'elle avait 13 ans.
u C'est un accessoire que les femmes achetent pour le plaisir — le leur
mais aussi celui de leur part enaire.
v Pensez a vous lancer dans un programme d'activites physiques.
Preferez celles de plein air.
w On va m'offrir des cadeaux. Qa,j'y avais deja pens e, mais c'est bon de
se le repeter.
x Ce sont des personnes avec qui j 3 avais sympathisees dans mon ancien
travail qui m'ont signale unposte a prendre.
y Toute perte est irreparable. Et le monde dans lequel V enfant aurait du
vivre n' est plus le meme monde.
z J'ai vu Beatrice au « Bon Marche >>: une vendeuse m'a dit qu'elle lui a
vendu un string.
aa Sonpere se heurte a ce qui aurait pu etre, a ce qui aurait du etre, a ce
qui n' est pas et ne sera jamais.
bb Cette situation peut temoigner d 3 un probleme au niveau des relations
personnelles. Celles-ci peuvent etre dijficiles ou inexistantes.
cc Elle a du demonter la douche en bois construite sur son toit, dont la
presence genait le voisinage.
dd Quant aux cadeaux, le tien —je te le donnerai plus tard, quand on sera
en tete a tete.
ee 25 raisons d' aimer Noel auxquelles vous n'auriez pas pense.
Chapter 7
1 Reecrivez les passages suivants en ajoutant les articles qui conviennent -
a Pour savoir si on a des jambes de reve, reperez dans la glace un creux
entre les cuisses, un autre au-dessus du genou et le dernier au niveau
396 I
Key to exercises
des chevilles. SHI en manque un ou deux, ilfaut declencher le plan
Orsec!
b Chez Vhomme le cerveau est responsable de toutes lesfacultes
cognitives et du controle des emotions et des instincts. Toutes les
informations provenant du monde exterieury sont recues et traitees,
les comportements organises, les raisonnements elabores et les
actions decidees. Safonction essentielle est de nous permettre
d'apporter des reponses originates aux problemes poses par notre
environnement. Cest avec lui que nous sommes capables defaire des
choix, bons ou mauvais.
c Apres les vetements jetables, maintenant les frasques mangeables.
L'idee arrive du royaume des pommes chips. Une styliste anglais e a
prepare la premiere robe afrites, avec chapeau assorti. C'est d'un
gout exquis!
d Les mirabelles — elles doivent etre dorees avec des taches de rousseur,
et exhaler un parfum leger. Leur peau, souple sous le doigt, est
recouverte d'une fine pellicule qui les protege du dessechement.
e Lorsqu 'une crise se produit ou un scandale est devoile, la premiere
reaction de nombreux personnages publics de nos jours est dejaillir
en un torrent de remords.
f La nouvelle Peugeot 407 integre des produits innovants qui respondent
aux exigences de securite, confort et environnement. En particulier le
nouveau systeme d'essuie-glace qui permet d'optimiser la surface et
la qualite de Vessuyage.
g Quatorze patients hospitalises au CHU ont trouve la mort au terme de
pratiques d'euthanasie directe ou indirecte. Telle est la conclusion
d'une expertise medic ale citee dans la press e regionale.
h Le gouvernement espagnol a decide de rapporter d'au moins un an
V entree en vigueur, prevue pour le 25 mai, d'une loi visant a ouvrir le
transport ferroviaire a la concurrence. Cette loi avait ete condamnee
par plusieurs regions autonomes du pays et par les cheminots des
chemins defer espagnols.
i La nuity pendant qu'une bonne partie de la population ronfle
tranquillement, un demi-million d'auditeurs, de tous les ages et tous
les milieux sociaux, restent colles a leur poste de radio.
j Les rosiers sont de plus en plus souvent proposes en pot. Tentant,
mais est-ce bien raisonnable? Non, s'il s'agit de rosiers malingres mis
en pot au dernier moment ou encore de rosiers produits
industriellement dans la tourbe pure. Mais s'il s'agit de rosiers mis en
pot depuis Vhivery dans des conteneurs profonds remplis d 3 un terreau
contenant de Vargile, pas d'hesitation.
k Votre point faible: un manque de perseverance. Vous ne prenez pas de
decision, ou alors pas defacon durable; vous etes incapable d'effort,
pas plus motivee par le succes que par Vechec. Iln'y a que la
nouveaute, Videe du plaisir pour vous stimuler.
1 La bonne alimentation — des sucres lents (pates, pommes de terre) qui
apportent de Venergie tout au long de la dure journee, et non des
sucres rapides —patisseries, bonbons — qui donnent un coup defouet
397
Key to exercises
immediat, mais induisent un coup de pompe dans les heures qui
suivent.
m Yacco propose une nouvelle gatntne de 14 lubrifiants moteurs.
Conduite urbaine, trajet autoroutier, competition: tous les besoins sont
pris en compte par ces huiles qui respondent aux nouvelles exigences —
reduction des emissions polluantes, reduction de la consommation de
carburant, espacement des vidanges, lutte contre Vusure, etc.
n Si Von se refere au langage des couleurs, lejaune stimule la memoire
et V attention, le bleu calme les esprits, le vert apporte Vequilibre et le
rouge stimule les sens.
! Reecrivez les passages suivants en ajoutant le determinant possessif ou l'article qui
convient -
a Pompe avec leve dejambe. En position de pompe classique, les mains
sont dans Valignement des epaules, mais un peu plus espacees que la
largeur de ces dernieres. Descendez le corps en flechissant les bras et
en levant une jambe aussi haut que possible sans plier le genou.
Quand le torse est pres du sol, gardez la pose quelques secondes, puis
tendez les bras pour revenir a la position de depart. Changez dejambe.
c Mon corps est convert de taches blanches —j'ai des taches blanches
sur le corps, le visage, les cheveux, et mes poils sont egalement
affectes.Je suis obsedee par mon corps et surtout mon visage.
b Pour utiliser le flexi-ball, un gros ballon en plastique souple, posez le
ventre sur le flexi-ball, les mains au sol, bras tendus. Les jambes sont
jointes et tendues. Enfaisant pression avec les hanches, levez les
jambes le plus haut possible. Gardez la position 5 secondes.
> Reecrivez les passages suivants en ajoutant le determinant demonstratif qui convient
a Ce mois-ci, on examine la machine a laver le linge.
b // s'agit de faire plaisir a toute lafamille. Celui-ci se nourrirait
exclusivement de pates et de riz, cet autre rechigne face a une assiette
de courgettes, et ce dernier ne tolere pas les legumes.
c Une circulaire ministerielle precisait que le poids d'un cartable
d'ecolier ne devrait pas exceder de 10% celui de V enfant. Cette norme
n'est toujour s pas respectee.
d Disposez de Vherbe tondue en Veparpillant autour des legumes. En 15
jours, ce paillis disparait.
e Sans Vaide de cette creme, j'aurais certainement mis plus de temps a
me debarrasser de tous ces kilos.
f Seul point commun entre ces enfants psychiquement atteints: ces
cocktails hormonaux pris par les meres! D'ou Videe d'un lien possible
entre ces psychoses et Vempreinte hormonale au stade foetal.
\ Reecrivez les passages suivants en ajoutant le determinant possessif qui convient -
a Les huiles different par leur teneur en vitamine E, leur resistance a la
chaleur et, bien sur, leur gout.
b // est urgent que nous redonnions a nos enfants le gout de Veau.
c Dire que Golovinjoua a son meilleur niveau serait exagere.
d Entre ces deux competitions, j'aurai le temps de changer mes patins et
de corriger mes programmes.
e Comment qualifieriez-vous voire sexualite actuelle?
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Key to exercises
f L'apparence est fondamentale pour unefetnme qui veut reussir dans
notre societe.Je suis done tres attentive a maintenir mon image sur
mon lieu de travail.
g On tient a tefeliciter de ton bon sens et tes reponses toujours
percutantes.
h Ce quipeut etre interess ant pour nous, e'est qu'il apporte plus de
profondeur a notre jeu.
Chapter 8
1 Les prepositions qui relient
Reecrivez les phrases suivantes en ajoutant dans le blane, si e'est necessaire, la
preposition qui convient -
a J'aimerais avoir des cons eils pour m 'aider a eradiquer ce probleme.
b Parfois un enfant hausse le ton parce qu'on ne le laisse pas
suffisamment s'exprimer.
c Agee de 22 ans,je suis atteinte d'une maladie du systeme nerveux.
d J'aimerais que quelqu'un me dise les effets secondaires a craindre.
e Cela arrive, mais il s'agit de cas tres rares.
f Lorsque je doisfaire ungros saut dans le velo acrobatique, je
cherche d'abord a maitriser le stress dans ma tete — cela m'aide a le
passer,
g II a beau etre la plus grande star francaise — ilfait toujours de tres
gros efforts pour plaire a ses admiratrices.
h Les voleurs et politiciens ripoux ont toujours beneficie d'une certaine
consideration de la part du public.
i C'est une mode qui plait aux jeunes filles comme aux femmes plus
agees.
j Comment est-ce que vous pouvez aider votre enfant a vaincre le
begaiement — reformuler les mots apres lui defacon correcte, sans lui
demander de les repeter. Vous devez vous amuser a f aire ensemble des
bruits avec la bouche.
k // ne manque jamais de raconter ses conquetes.
1 Ces lentilles sontfaciles a poser et a enlever.
m On se promet de reprendre une activite physique, histoire de garder la
forme, de s'aerer et de s'occuper de soi.
n Pour seduire, une femme peut passer beaucoup de temps a
s'appreter.
o J'eprouve un besoin terrible de dormir apres le dejeuner.
p On m'expliquait queje ne risquais pas de devenir sterile.
q Les benefices des lavages du nez ne sontplus a demontrer.
r Est-ce qu'il a tendance a augmenter le son de la television?
s Cette reaction permet a ceux qui sont dotes d'une peau delicate de
resister a la brtilure du soleil.
t Leur usage convient tres bien aux jeunes filles, car Us s'adaptent a
leur style de vie.
u J 'ai impression que les coussins ont besoin d'etre secoues et tapotes,
etje ne me prive pas de lefaire.
i 399
Key to exercises
v Je ne m'adonne a ce vice compulsif avec n'importe quoi —j'ai une
preference pour les tickets de cinema!
w Si vous avez ovale settlement une quantiti infime d 3 essence, du lait ou
un verre d'eau suffira a le diluer.
x Tu devrais iviter de prendre V avion si vous avez un rhume.
y Vous en sortez plutot bien, compte tenu de vos petites mauvaises
habitudes.
z Finalement, mes parents se sont dibarrassis de moi.
2 Les prepositions qui forment les locutions prepositives
Reecrivez les phrases suivantes en ajoutant la preposition qui convient -
a La natation peut se pratiquer a allure modirie, sans douleur ni
essouflement meme si Von reprend apres une piriode d'inactiviti.
b J'aipris trois comprimis par jour, une prise de sang par semaine au
debut et puis une par mois par la suite.
c Nous avons domini pendant la majeure partie du match, sur le
terrain de Milan.
d Vous avez le choix entre deux for mules. La premiere assure votre
enfant seulement lorsque V accident sur vient pendant les activitis
organisies par V itablissement ou sur le chemin de Vicole. Elle est
obligatoire pour les voyages organises.
e Apres leur second bebe, nombre defemmes ne retrouvent pas leur
ventre « d'avant », malgre la gym.
f Entre la salle de fitness et d'autres clubs, les propositions ne
manquent pas. On choisit selon ses besoins.
g Les salaries ont droit a quatre jours de conge lorsqu'ils se marient,
trois jours pour la naissance ou V adoption d'un enfant, un pour le
mariage d'un enfant, deux jours pour le dices du conjoint et unjour
pour le dices du pere ou de la mere.
h Je considere queje vis a peu pres normalement, en dipit des
contraintes dues au traitement.
i Dans une situation comme celle-ci, une partie des soins vous sera
remboursie.
j Quant a V esprit, il voyage lui aussi pendant votre randonnie — on part
sous tension, mais on rentre apaisi, serein.
k Chez les tout-petits, les produits alcoolisis sont a proscrire. Une
meme quantiti de produit appliquie chez un bibi aboutit a des
concentrations jus qu' a cinqfois supirieures en raison de sonfaible
poids.
1 Le chignon existe depuis la nuit des temps.
m Elle portait une veste en jean surpiqui de dentelle sur unjupon en
co ton.
n // est conseilli d 'agir pricocement apartir de Vage de 3 ans.
o Une directive europienne applicable en France depuis le dibut de
Vannie a renforci les normes de qualiti de Veau.
p Quant a la douleur postopiratoire, elle varie entre 2 et 4 sur une
ichelle de 10.
q J'aime passer devant le miroir de la salle de bains.
r C'est en pantalon de coton noir et en tee-shirt qu'elle est arrivie.
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Key to exercises
s L' operation sous anesthesie generate dure environ deux heures.
t Les coiffeurs s'y resignent avec bonheur..
u Les Parisiens, grace a deux buts spectaculaires ont battu Porto.
v Lors d'un controle sanguin,fai decouvert queje souffrais d'une
anomalie physique.
w 11 figure par mi les meilleurs super-legers mais il fait figure d'inconnu
en France.
x La competence sans le plaisir, le talent sans lajoie ne servent a rien.
y Souvent pour Vacheteur compulsif V achat sefait dans la honte et
dans une grande solitude.
z 76% des hommes se tournent vers leur par tenaire pour chercher
soutien dans une situation difficile.
Chapter 9
Traduisez en francais les passages qui suivent en anglais -
a La solitude n' est pas une tare ou unefatalite, mais un passage oblige,
dont on sort souvent plus conscient, plus sensible, plus humain.
b Jepense que la raison pour laquelleje suis devenu ecrivain est en
grande partie liee a mon pere, a mes sentiments envers lui.
c La culture du fast-food a totalement change notrefacon de nous nourrir
et, plus grave encore, les quantites avalees.
d On vit dans une societe tres competitive ou Von batit sa propre estime
de soi en se comparant sans cesse aux autres.
e Les symptomes de la crise catholique en France sont si bien connus
qu'il est a peine besoin de les aligner: en un demi-siecle, la pratique
reguliere s'est effondree, se divisant par quatre pour stagner autour du
10%; le nombre de pretres ordonnes chaque annee est aujourd'hui le
dixieme de ce qu'il etait dans les annees 50; les mouvements d' action
catholiques ne sont plus que V ombre d'eux-memes.
f A Vheure actuelle, personne n'est en mesure de s avoir si Lille egalera
Saint-Etienne et Marseille en decrochant un quatrieme titre national
consecutif ni quel sera son destin en Ligue des champions.
g Laissez cuire 15 min. a feu doux, puis versez le bouillon et la creme,
laissez cuire encore 15 min. a feu moyen. Retirez le thym et mixez le tout
avec la creme restante. Ajoutez unpeu de bouillon si c'est trop epais.
h Souvent utilisees pour chasser le stress, les huiles essentielles peuvent
aussi etre employees, selon leurs vertus, pour apaiser Vepiderme ou
hitter contre les rides.
i L y eye-liner, noir ou brun tres f once, est travaille de maniere classique
sur la paupiere superieure, en partant du centre pour etirer le trait
au-dela du coin externe de Voeil. Unefois que le maquillage est
parfaitement sec, on effectue un trace d 3 eye-liner identique, legerement
plus court, a la lisiere des cils du bas.
j Les patchs realisent un vrai tour de passe-passe! On les applique
localement, comme une creme, mais Us agissent sur Vensemble de
Vorganisme, comme un comprime. L*astuce consiste a enfermer le
i 401
Key to exercises
produit actif sous un petit adhesif qui lui permet de diffuser a travers
la peau afin de rejoindre la circulation sanguine.
k Sur un tnur de la puree de brocolis etalee tel un enduit. Au pied du tnur
deux cones de carottes. Avec le temps, le tnur et les cones adopteront
des couleurs changeantes sous Veffet de la decomposition — ca c'est Vart
contemporain!
1 Classiquement, on prete aux garcons d'appartenir au « sexefort » et
auxfilles au « sexefaible ». Cette distinction reflete peut-etre une realite
musculaire. Mais lorsqu'on s'interesse a la globalite de V existence,
c'est evidemment V inverse. Dans V ensemble, lesfemmes resistent
mieux aux maladies. Elles mangent plus sainement. Elle sont plus
prudentes en voiture et s'entretuent moins spontanement. En
consequence de quoi, elles vivent plus longtemps.
Chapter 10
Traduisez en francais la section en anglais des phrases suivantes.
a J'ai consulte plusieurs medecins, mais aucun traitement ne me soulage.
b 78% des Francais ne comprendraient pas que les enseignants
boycottent les examens.
c Nous passons nos soirees a nefaire que parler.
d Les families n'hesitent plus a insulter les enseignants.
e Rien ne vous empeche de commencer la randonnee devant chez vous, en
toute saison.
fje ne peux plus bouger mon corps, ni parler, ni meme respirer.
g La douleur ne s'est reveillee que plusieurs semaines plus tard.
h Faut-il se priver de boeuf? —Ah! non, car, tout d'abord la viande n'a
jamais ete aussi sanitairement correct et surtout parce que le boeuf
n' est pas si gras que ca.
i Aucun passant ne peut soupconner que Vun des plus grands sex
symbols du cinema se cache derriere ces verres fumes.
j Personne ne connait non plus ses intentions.
k On ne peut, lorsqu'on est attache a la cause palestinienne, s'empecher
de reprendre timidement espoir.
1 Je vis dans un centre antidouleurs qui me prescrit de la morphine,
maisje n'aiplus d' espoir. Je ne peux plus travailler.
m Mes problemes ne ces sent de monter.
n Iln^y a rien de plus simple pour proteger sa sante.
o En moins de temps qu'il n'enfaut pour le dire, la peau epaissit.
p Signez une reconnaissance de dette, ainsi personne ne pourra vous
accuser d' exploiter la situation.
q Dans la plupart des families du temps de notre arriere-grand-mere, on
ne se lavait que le dimanche.
r Si au second rendez-vous, je ne t'embrasse pas, alors cela signifie queje
ne le ferai jamais.
s Aujourd'hui on sait qu'il n'y a pas de parfaite sante sans une bonne
hygiene.
t II y a une ligne blanche que les Francais ne veulent pas franchir.
402 I
Key to exercises
u Elle n 'embr ass e jamais sur la bouche ni ne passe la nuit avec sa
proie.
v C'est le tabou a ne pas transgresser.
w Frequemment la question n'est meme pas evoquee.
x Ilfaut eviter de se tnoquer de lui, ne pas lui demander de parler tnoins
vite.
y // est plus tard que vous nepensez.
z // n y est jamais aussi a Vaise que lorsqu'il renoue avec ses racines
provinciales.
aa Le suicide ne semble guerefaire de doute.
bb Je ne m'en suis jamais rendu compte.
cc Pour ceux qui n'ont ni redige de testament ni procede a une donation, le
Code civil s'occupe de tout.
dd Les dispositions prises par testament ne sont jamais definitives: elles
peuvent etre changees a tout moment.
ee Cette mega-star ne peut pas aller acheter son pain tranquillement, ni
ses cigarettes.
ff // a reussi et n'a plus grand' chose a prouver.
gg Sa tenue defoot, dechiree, crottee, n'en pouvait plus.
hh Ce type de relation sexuelle n'implique aucune consequence, aucun
engagement.
ii Ces artisans n'ont nul besoin d' artifice ni de structure pour accomplir
leurs buts.
jj Personne ne pourra dire qu'elle ne soitpas attentive aux autres.
kk Ne dites pas: «J'arrete de manger n'importe comment ». Ilfaut eviter
le tout ou rien.
11 A moins que le president n'intervienne, la situation continuera a
empirer.
Chapter 11
Ecrivez en mots les chiffres qui ne sont pas en italique dans les phrases suivantes -
a Le nombre de betes malades est passe, en France, de deux cent
soixante-quatorze en 2001 a cent trente-sept en 2003 pour un cheptel de
11 millions de tetes.
b Quatre virgule cinquante-huit millions — c'est, en Inde, le nombre de
personnes infectees par le virus du sida.
c Tous les Francais peuvent maintenant consulter lesfiches biographiques
de plus d'un million trois cent vingt-cinq mille soldats morts pour la
France pendant la guerre de '14—18.
d Entre deux cent vingt-neuf mille et deux cent soixante-neuf mille
Francais sont victimes chaque annee d'une infection alimentaire.
e Guy Lux, quatre-vingt-trois ans, et Georges Coulonges, quatre-vingts
ans, sont morts cette semaine.
f Plus de cent mille baladeurs devraient se vendre cette annee, soit une
hausse de deux cent cinquante pour cent en un an.
i 403
Key to exercises
Chapter 12
1 Reliez ces phrases en une seule, en les reorganisant et en utilisant une conjonction de
subordination -
a Si votre physionomie vous pose des problemes, aidez la nature en
adoptant judicieusement nos produits de beaute.
b Mes amis ne comprenaient pas pourquoij'ai quitte tnon mari, parce
que, pour eux, nous formions un couple ideal.
c Ce qui differencie la sexualite masculine et la sexualite feminine, c'est
que Vhomme fait V amour a Vexterieur de son corps, alors que la
femme lefait a Vinterieur.
d Avec mon mari, j'avais V amour et la stabilite, tandis que de V autre, je
decouvrais la passion.
e Que ce soit des meubles ou des fringues, je me balade sur tous les sites
Internet a la recherche de la meilleure affaire.
f Cet homme qui ne veut rien laisser echapper de lui-meme et qui ne
tutoie pas, dont ses amis ont ignore son remariage celebre a Paris,
est-ce qu'il mene une deuxieme vie tortueuse et noire?
g Je ne crois pas a une grande manipulation de la droite, ce qui
n'empeche pas des initiatives individuelles et quelques coups tordus
via les flics et les magistrats.
h Si en un siecle la France s'est rechauffee de 0,9 degres C, c'est
davantage du a un relevement des temperatures minimales qu'a celui
des temperatures maximales.
2 La mise en relief
Reecrivez les phrases suivantes en utilisant c'est . . . que /qui pour mettre en
relief la section qui n'est pas en italique.
a C'est a un accord salarial pour les deux prochaines annees que les
4 000 pilotes ont dit ouipar referendum.
b Cest a un an de prison et a la privation pour deux ans de ses droits
civiques et civils que Vancien depute maire a ete condamne.
c C'est a cause de leurs enfants que la plupart des femmes separees ont
souvent une bonne raison de ne pas flechir.
d C'est a condition d'etre un peu attentive a ce qui se passe autour de
vous que tout peut arriver.
e C'est entre 11 et 14 heures que vous ne devez jamais vous exposer au
soleil, autrement ilfaut lefaire avec moderation, toujours
progressivement, et ilfaut mettre une creme.
f C'est ma pares se qui est le seul vice qui m'inquiete vraiment.
g Ce sera deux ans au moins avant que la situation ne se normalise.
3 Utilisez une autre strategic pour mettre en relief les sections qui ne sont pas en
italique dans les phrases suivantes -
a Je les ai aussi rencontrees, desfilles idiotes, maisje ne vais pas donner
de noms.
b La drague en meute, rien n'est pire que ca.
c L'euthanasie, va-t-on unjour la legaliser en France?
d Les lions, je les attire en diffusant par haut-parleur un enregistrement
d'une bagarre autour d'une proie.
404
Key to exercises
4 Les propositions interrogatives
Reecrivez les propositions interrogatives suivantes en remplissant le blanc du mot
interrogatif qui convient le mieux —
a Cest bientot les soldes. Quels sont tries droits?
b Pourquoi lesfemmes n 3 aiment-elles pas qu'on Use des magazines de
char me?
c J'ai un surplus de peau detendue et disgracieuse. Comment puis-je
m'en debarrasser?
d Dois-je utiliser un produit avant-rasage ou raser directement a meme
la peau? Qu 3 en pensez-vous?
e Un beau-pere peut-il prendre la place d'un vraipere absent? Quelle
attitude doit-il adopter?
f Quelles sont vos chances de trouver un mec dans Vannee?
g Alors, les gars, qu'est-ce qui vous ferait plaisir?
h Qui a marque le dernier but?
i Qu'y a-t-il de vous dans les personnages que vousjouez?
j Quand est-ce que vous allez nous rendre visite?
405
Bibliography
For standard French grammar -
Batchelor, R. and Offord, M., Using French: a Guide to Contemporary French Usage. 3rd edition.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000.
Colin, J. -P., Difficultes dufrangais. Paris: Le Robert, 1993.
Grevisse, M., Le Bon usage: grammaire francaise. 13th edition by A. Goosse. Paris and Louvain la
Neuve: Duculot, 1993.
Hawkins, R. and Towell, R., French Grammar and Usage. 2nd edition. London: Arnold, 2001.
Judge, A. and Healey, E, A Reference Grammar of Modern French. London: Arnold, 1983.
L'Huillier, M., Advanced French Grammar. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999.
Nott, D., French Grammar Explained. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1993.
Price, G., A Comprehensive French Grammar. 5th edition. Oxford: Blackwell, 2003.
For low register French grammar -
Ball, R., Colloquial French Grammar: a Practical Guide. Oxford: Blackwell, 2000.
406
Index
The numbers in the index refer to sections rather than to pages.
a 256, 274, 275, 279-287, 302-310, 390, 391
a + infinitive 3 1
a dix kilometres 400
a droite/a gauche 400
a linking adjective to infinitive 279, 280
a linking noun to infinitive 281, 282
a linking verb to infinitive 283 285
a linking verb to noun 286, 287
a Paris 400
au printemps 402
expressing a compound idea 309
expressing measurement 308
indicating place 304
indicating manner 306
indicating time 305
to mark responsibility 307
verbs with a + noun and de + infinitive 298, 299
with place names 393
s'abaisser 283
abattre 228, 229
s'abetir283
abolir 176
aboutir 176
aboyer 176
abreger 176
s'abrutir 283
absolument 405
absoudre 60, 165, 176,295
s'abstenir 176, 292
abstract nouns 1 88
abuser 294
academic subjects
gender of names of 1 8 1
a cause de 274, 3 1 1
accabler 295
acceder 176
accelerer 176
accepter 156, 292
s'accommoder 294
s'accompagner 294
accomplir 176
accoucher 294
s'accoutumer 283
accueillir 176
accuser 282, 295
—ace 181
acharnement 281
s'acharner 283
acheter 18, 48, 56, 59, 92, 167, 171, 176
achever 176, 292
-acle 180
a condition de 275, 312
d condition que 148, 458
a cote' <te 274, 313
acquerir 176
active voice 1 1
actuellement 402
-arfe 181
a dessein 398
adherer 176
adjectives 180, 193 205
agreement 197, 225
change of meaning according to position 203
comparison 199 201
comparative and superlative of inequality 199
comparative of equality 199
use of ne/le in comparisons 200
demonstrative see demonstrative adjectives
gender 193 195
feminine formed by adding - e 193
feminine same as masculine 193
identical masculine and feminine forms 193
radical adjustment 193
linked to adjective by de 298, 299
linked to infinitive by a 279, 280
multiple adjectives 205
number 196
+ s 196
+ -x 196
compound 196
position of adjectives 200
following the noun 200
preceding the noun 200
stylistic variation 200
variable position 200, 204
possessive — see possessive adjectives
used as adverbs 314
admettre 156, 176
s'adonner 283
adorer 276
adoucir 176
adverbial expressions 394
adverbial phrases 394
adverbs 394 414
adverbs as connectors 394, 396, 413, 414
adverbs of affirmation and negation 394,
410,411
adverbs of degree 394, 396, 405 407
adverbs of manner 394, 396, 398, 399
with similes 398
adverbs of place 394, 400, 401
adverbs of time 394, 397, 402, 403
comparative and superlative forms of adverbs 409
formation of adverbs 395
407
Index
adverbs (cont.)
adjectives used as adverbs 395
adverbs with no corresponding adjective 39
by adding -orient 395
with d'une maniere / d'unefacon / d'un
air 395
interrogative adverbs 394, 412
position of adverbs 397
multiple adverbs in a sentence 397
with an adjective 397
with an adverb 397
with a verb 397
with more than one meaning 396
aeroplanes
gender of names of 180
affaiblir 176
offer mir 176
af firmer 150
(s')affliger 176, 292
s'affoler 283
affranchir 176
afinde 274, 314
afinque 148, 460
a force de 274, 315
agacer 176
-age 180
agir 176
s'agir 294
s'agit, il 164, 294
a gran.de vitesse 398
agrandir 1 76
agreement of adjectives 197
agreement of adjectives and past participles with on
225
agreement of past participle with preceding direct
object 214
-ai 180
aide 184
(s'Jaider 283, 294
-aie 181
-ai7 180, 189
—aille 181
ailleurs 400
aimer 149, 164,276
aimer mieux 276
—aine 181
aitwi 396, 398,413
air 184,290
cftm air 395
aisance 281
—aison 181
-a/ 189
a /a/ois 398
s'alimenter 294
a/fer 13, 17, 21, 44, 49, 63, 67, 69, 73, 75, 76, 95,
93, 100, 118, 166, 167, 171, 176,276
used to express future time 1 36
allonger 176
a/or* 396, 402, 413
alors que 465
(s')alourdir 176, 294
alterer 176
amaigrir 176
amener 176, 276, 283
a moins de 343, 389
a moins que 148, 458
s'amuser 283
-ance 181
ancien 203
annoncer 176
a partirde 274, 317
a peine 405, 469
(s')apercevoir 176, 294
a |»ew |»r£s 405
apparaitre 59, 176
appartenir 176, 298
i7 appartient 298
appeler 18, 48, 56, 59, 92, 167, 171, 176, 283
applaudir 176
* 'appliquer 283
apposition 254
apprendre 176, 283
s'appreter 283
(s')approcher 294, 295
appuyer 176
a^res 274, 317, 402
a present 402
apres que 133, 157, 465
a^te 279
a^*i7wcfe281
ardeur 281
s'armer 274
arracher 295
(s')arreter 292
«mW, i7 150, 164,298
arriver63, 276, 283, 298
articles 248 264 ^ a/j-o definite article, indefinite
article, partitive article, zero article
differences between French and English usages
251-257
article in French vs none in English 251 253:
with abstract nouns 251; with names of
countries 252; with names of languages 253;
with nouns describing classes of items 251;
with various sets of nouns seasons,
substances, products, illnesses 253
definite article in French vs different usage in
English 255; to indicate quantities, prices
255; with lists 255; with parts of the body
255; with titles 256
no article in French vs article in English 254;
apposition 254; to indicate person's
profession / status 254; with par = per 254;
with quel as exclamative 254
forms 249
position 250
repetition 261
tout + article 250
aspirer 283
assaillir 176
(s')asseoir 56, 61, 86, 102, 104, 170, 174, 176
assez 259, 405, 406, 408
en avoir assez 235
assis 279
assister 286
assurer 295
408
Index
a suppose que 1 48
-a* 180
a tort 398
a trovers de 21?), 319
s 'attacker 283
s'attaquer 286
atteindre 176
attendant que, en 148
(s')attendre 149, 176, 286, 292
attendre, sans 398
attention, J aire 233
attentivement 398
-aw 189
aubout de274, 320
aw cas ow 458
aw contraire 4 1 3
aw cours de 273, 321
aucun 4 1 5
ne. . . aucun 4 1 5
au-dedans 400
au-dehors 400
au-dela de 274, 322
au-dessous 400
au-dessous de 274, 323
au-dessus 400
au-dessus de 273, 324
aujourd'hui 402
aw /iew a*c 274, 325
aw /om 400
aw moins 405, 413
auparavant 402
aupres de 274, 326
au^t 396, 405,413
aussi in comparison of equality 199, 409
aussi . . . que 46 1
aussitot 402
aussitot que 133, 465
awfawf 259, 405, 408
autant plus que, d> 459
autorisation 290
autoriser 283
autour 400
autourde 274, 327
aw tr avers de274
autrefois 402
autrement dit 4 1 3
auxiliary verbs 8, 63-65
avancer 176
ax;awf 273, 328
a^awf^we 133, 148,465
az*?c273, 329, 391
az>ec enthousiasme 398
avenir 176
avertir 176, 295
az;wfe 288
avidite 281
aviser 295
az;oir 8, 42, 44, 54, 57, 61, 62, 63, 65, 66, 68, 70,
72,87,90,98, 100, 101, 102, 119, 170, 174,
176,283
avoir beau 276
avoir besoin 294
avoir (le) droit 301
avoir envie 149, 294
avoir honte 294
avoir peur 149, 294
avoir recours 233
fca/184
balancer 176
6a/fe 184
bannir 176
fear 184
barre 184
6as 204
fcattre 33, 56, 59, 82, 95, 169, 173,
176
beau/bel 195
^awcow/j 242, 259, 405, 408, 409
begayer 176
benir 176
besoin 290
avoir besoin 294
6tVn adverb 398, 405, 408, 409
fe« ew entendu 4 1
bienfaire 292
fe^n pronoun 242, 259
bienque 148,457
fei ew swr 4 1 1
bientot 402
bizarrement 413
blamer 292
blanchir 176
blasphemer 176
boats
gender of names of 180
fcoire 37, 56, 58, 84, 169, 173, 176
fcow 203, 280
feow, il est 150
bondir 1 76
se borner 283
bouger 1 76
6ow* *fe, aw 274, 320
brave 203
&re/204
broyer 176
bruire 165
fcrafer 292
brunir 1 76
brusquement 398
f a 238
cacheter 176
capable 288
capacite 290
capital 1 84
capitale 184
capital letters 484
car 452
cardinal numbers 432 438, 442
approximate numbers 437
cewf 435
fractions and decimals 438
gender of names of 180
mille 435
million 435
175,
409
Index
cardinal numbers icont)
pronunciation of cinq, six, huit, neuf, dix,
cent 435
use of et and hyphens in compound numbers
433, 434
use of figures to express cardinal numbers
436
with titles 442
cars
gender of names of 181
cas ou, au 458
causal clauses 455, 456
cause, en connaissance de 398
cause de, a 274, 3 1 1
ce/cet . . . -ci 265, 266
ce/cet . . .-la 265, 266
ceci 239
ce demonstrative adjective 247, 265, 266
ceder 176
ce dont 464
cela 239
celebrer 176
celle 237, 238
celle-ci 237, 238
celle-ld 237, 238
celui 237, 238
celui-ci 237, 238
celui-ld 237, 238
ce neuter pronoun 200, 219, 220
ce or il? 22\
to translate English zYwith infinitive 221
to translate English zYwith adjective + clause
221
to translate English it with another part of
speech 222
to translate English zYwith adjective 221
cent 433
centaine 437
cependant 4 1 3
ce que 464, 48 1
ce qui 464, 481
certain, il n'est pas 150
certain adjective 203, 288
certainement 4 1 1
certain pronoun 242
certes 4 1 1
ces 247, 265, 266
ces . . . -ci 265
ces . . . -Id 265, 266
cesser 292
c 'est-a-dire 4 1 3
c'est to highlight 223, 279, 463
cet 247, 265, 266
cette 247, 265, 266
cette . . . -ci 265, 266
cette . . .-Id 265, 266
ceux 237, 238
ceux-ci 237, 238
ceux-ld 237, 238
chacun 245, 246
chaine 184
champagne 184
chance 290
iln'y a aucune chance, ily a de grandes
chances 150
chanceler 176
changer 1 76, 294
chaque 272
fc«; charger 176, 292, 294, 295
charmant 204
cheeses
gender of names of 180
chene 184
c/ier203
chercher 283
cherir 176
c^z 274, 330, 400
choir 165
cAofetr 176, 292
choque, etre 149
chose 184
-ct 237, 238
ci-dessous 400
ci-dessus 400
ci-joint 198
clauses 453 469
clauses consisting of sequence of words 453
clauses consisting of single word 453
clause types 454
main clauses 454
subordinate clauses 454: causal clauses 455,
456; concessive clauses 455, 457 ; conditional
clauses 455, 458; consecutive clauses 455,
459; final clauses 455, 460; manner clauses
455, 461; noun clauses 455, 462
definition 453
clore 165
coeur, de tout son 398
col 192
colle 192
colons 484
colours
gender of names of 180
combattre 176
combien 259, 412, 476, 477
commander 149, 298
commas 484
inverted commas 484
comme 456, 461, 465
comme intoducing similes 398
exclamative sentence with comme 483
commencer 20, 44, 56, 75, 76, 92, 167, 171, 176,
283,301
comment 412, 476, 480
commercer 176
commettre 176
comparer 301
comparison of adjectives 199, 200 see also
adjectives
comparison of adverbs 409
complement of subject and inversion 469
completement 405
completer 176
complex sentences 448, 450
complimenter 295
comploter 292
410
Index
compound-complex sentences 447, 451
compound nouns 187
adjective + noun / noun adjective 187, 190
adverb / preposition + noun 187, 190
noun + noun 187, 190
noun + prepositional phrase 187, 190
phrase 187, 190
verb + noun / verb + verb 187, 190
compound sentences 447, 449
compound tenses
of pronominal verbs 104 106, 108
of simple verbs 62 73
comprendre 156, 176
compris 198,274,331
y compris 198, 331
compromettre 176
compter 276
conceder 176
concessive clauses 455, 457
concevoir 156, 176
conclure 32, 84, 169, 173, 176
condamner 283
conditional clauses 455, 458
conditional perfect tense 72, 139, 141, 158
in reported speech 139
used to express uncertainty 139
to refer to events that might have taken place 1 39
conditional tense 45 55, 138, 140
in main clause of sentence with conditional clause
138
in reported speech 138
used to express uncertainty 138
condition de, a 273, 312
condition que, a 148, 458
conduire 35, 56, 60, 83, 95, 169, 173, 176, 283
se confier 286
confirmer 276
confondre 176
confus 288
conjugation 10
conjunctions, coordinating 452
car 452
et4b2
mais 452
ni 452
ow452
conjunctions, subordinating 454
conjunctive expressions requiring subjunctive 148
connaissance de cause, en 398
connaitre 176
conquerir 176
se consacrer 283
consecutive clauses 455, 459
conseiller 298
consentir 149, 176, 283, 286
considerer 176
consister 283
consoler 292
conspirer 283
construire 1 76
se consumer 283
content 288
etre 149
contenter 292
continuer 283, 292, 301
contraindre 176, 283, 285
contre 274, 332, 391
contredire 176
contrefaire 176
contribuer 222
convaincre 176, 292
convenir 238, 294
convertir 176
convier 283
coordinating conjunctions 452
car 452
et4b2
mais 452
m* 452
ow452
corrompre 176
cote - d'un cote . . . de V autre cote 4 1 3
cote de, a 274, 313
cotede, du 274, 352
couche 279
coudoyer 176
count nouns 1 88
countries
names of + zero article 252
prepositions + names of 393
with capital letters 484
cour 184
courir 13, 25, 52, 59, 80, 94, 99, 100, 1 18, 168,
172, 176,276
cours 184
au cours de 274, 321
court adjective 184, 204
court noun 1 84
couvrir 176
craindre 37, 56, 60, 83, 149, 169, 173, 176, 292
crainte de, de 274, 346
crainte que, de 148, 149
crepe 184
crever 176
critique 184
croire 34, 56, 59, 84, 95, 150, 169, 173, 176, 277,
286,301
croitre 59
cueillir 26, 51, 56, 59, 78, 94, 168, 172, 176
cuire 176
curieux 288
il est curieux 1 5 1
cyniquement 398
d'abord 402
daigner 276
d'ailleurs 400, 413
danger, ily a 200
dans 274, 333, 390, 391,400
with place names 393
d'apres 274, 391
dates 441
days 441
months 441
periods of time 441
years 441
411
Index
d'autant plus que 459
days 441
gender of names of 180
de article 256
des — ► de before adjective before noun 259
with negative expressions 260, 416
with quantifiers 249
de preposition 274, 275, 285, 288 301, 334 345,
390,391
de before second noun after verb 296, 297
de linking adjective to infinitive 288, 289
de linking noun to infinitive 290, 291
de linking verb to infinitive 292, 293
expressing cause 34 1
expressing function, material 339
expressing idea of containing, measurement
337
expressing manner 342
expressing place, origin 336
expressing time 340
forming expressions 345
indicating possession 335
introducing an infinitive 344
introducing attribute of noun or pronoun
343
verbs with a + noun and de + infinitive 298,
299
with expression of quantity 338
with place names 393
debarrasser 295
debattre 176
debout 279, 398
decevoir 176
decharger 1 76
dechoir 165
decide 279
(se) decider 283, 292
declarative clauses 466
elements of a declarative clause 466
word order in declarative clause 466
declarative sentences 444, 448
declarer 277
deconseiller 298
decourager 176
decouvrir 176
de crainte de 274, 346
de crainte que 148, 149
decrire 1 76
dedaigner 292
dedans 400
dedicacer 176
deduire 176
defacon a 273, 247
defacon a ce que / que 148
defaillir 176
defaire 176
defective verbs 165
defendre 150, 176,298
defense used as alternative to imperative 122
se defter 294
definir 176
definite article 247, 248, 249
+ a / de-± au / du 249
differences between French and English usages
251-257
article in French vs none in English 251 253:
with abstract nouns 251; with names of
countries 252; with names of days of the
week 253; with names of languages 253; with
nouns describing classes of items 251; with
various sets of nouns seasons, substances,
products, illnesses 253
definite article in French vs different usage in
English 255; to indicate quantities, prices
255; with lists 257; with parts of the body
255; with titles 256
elision 249
degager 176
degeler 176
degouter 295
dehors 400
deja 402
de la 248, 249
de la part de 274
deliberer 176
delivrer 295
de loin 405
demain 402
demander 149, 283, 292, 298, 301
de maniere a 274, 347
de maniere a ce que / que 1 48
de meme que 46 1
demenager 1 76
demesurement 405
demeurer 63
demi 193, 438
demissionner 294
demolir 176
denoncer 176
demonstrative adjectives 247, 265, 266
demonstrative determiners 265, 266
forms 265
demonstrative pronouns 237 239
departments, prepositions + names of 393
se depecher 292
depeindre 176
dependre 176, 294
depenser de V argent 283
de peur de 274, 346
depeurque 148, 149
deplacer 176
deplaire 176, 286
depuis 140, 142, 274, 348, 402
depuis que 465
de quoi 464
der anger 176
dernier 155, 200, 253
derriere 274, 349, 400
des 248, 249
des 274, 350
des lors 402
descendre 63, 67, 69, 71, 73, 90, 176, 276
desesperer 176, 292
desir 290
desirer 149, 276
desireux 288
412
Index
desobeir 176, 286
desole 388
etre 149
desormais 402
de sorte que 148, 460
desque 133,465
dessecher 1 76
dessein, a 398
dessous 404
detendre 176
determination 281
determine 279
fse^ determiner 283
determiners 247 272
demonstrative determiners 265, 266 ^ a&o
demonstrative adjectives / determiners
indefinite determiners 272
possessive determiners 267—27 1 — see also
possessive adjectives / determiners
detester 292
detourner 295
de toutefacon / maniere 4 1 3
de tout son coeur 398
detruire 176
devancer 176
devant 274, 351
devenir 176
fifez;oiV42, 55, 56, 61, 87, 97, 160, 170, 174, 176,
276
se devouer 283
different 203
*ft#iciJf<5 281
digerer 176
rfire 37, 56, 60, 83, 95, 118, 150, 169, 173, 176,
276,292,298,301
direct questions 470 480 see also questions
diriger 176
disparaitre 176
dispenser 292, 295
dispose 279
fcej disposer 283, 294
dissuader 292
dissoudre 165, 176
divers 203
fse^ divertir 176, 283
dizaine 437
dommage, c'est / il est 150
donne, etant 198, 283
donner 8,14
cforaf 464
dont, ce 464
fifermiV 25, 71, 168, 172, 176
fifew&fe 204
double compound past tense 1 34
doucement 398
doute, il n'y pas de 1 50
sans aucun doute 4 1 1
sans doute 4 1 1
^ rfowter 150, 292, 294
douteux, il est 150
douzaine 437
c?roi« 290
avoir (le) droit 301
fowf droit 398
rfw 248, 249
e*w279
du cote de 274, 352
aw /mt#* fife 274, 353
du moins 4 1 3
durant 274, 354
-ng 180
-eau 180, 189
eblouir 176
ecarter 295
echanger 176
(s')echapper 286, 294, 301
-eche 181
eclaircir 176
ecouter 276
ecWre 36, 56, 60, 83, 95, 118, 169, 173, 176
-ngfife 180
-ee 181
efficacement 398
s^jfiforcer292
egayer 176
-e^e 180
-net/ 180
—eine 181
elargir 176
elever 176
e7iVe 176
elision
of definite article 249
of personal pronouns 209
e/Ze 208
e/fes 208
elles-memes 208
ellipsis
elliptical om — mom questions 475
elliptical question with a question word 476
elliptical questions without question word but
suggesting one 480
eloigner 295
(s')embellir 176, 294
embetant, etre 149
—erne 180
s'emerveiller 294
emettre 1 76
emmener 176, 276
s'emparer 294
(s 3 )empecher 150, 292
(s')employer 176, 283
s ' empress er 292
cm a/fer a*e mime 235
cm avoir assez 235
cm avoir mar re 235, 292
cm 6as 400
—ence 181
enclin 279
cm consequence 4 1 3
eMcore 259, 402, 403, 405, 469
encore que 148, 457
encourager 176, 283
en-dehors de 274, 361
<?m rfeptf fife 274, 362
413
Index
en dessous 400
endommager 176
en effet 413
s'enerver 283
en face c?e 274
en fait 4 1 3
enfin 402
enf oncer 176
(s')engager 176, 283
cm general 4 1 3
s 'enhardir 283
cm haut 400
enlacer 176
enlaidir 176
enlever 176, 295
fc>nnnj;er 176, 283, 294, 301
enoncer 176
enorme 204
enormement 405
cm preposition 256, 274, 355 360, 390, 391
cm ce moment 402
en connaissance de cause 398
enfevrier 402
en hiver 402
expressing position 356
expressing time 357
in fixed expressions 360
with clothing 358
with names of languages and countries 359
with place names 393
enpronoun211,234, 235
= English possessive determiner 235
equivalent of de + noun 235
in verbal expressions 235
= some, any 235
enrager 292
en retard 402, 403
en revanche 4 1 3
(s'Jenrichir 176, 294
enseigner 283
ensemble 398
en somme 4 1 3
ensuite 402
entendre 176, 278
s'enteter 283
enthousiasme, avec 398
entierement 405
s'entourer 294
(s')entrainer 283
enfre274, 363, 391
entrelacer 176
entreprendre 176, 292
entrer 63, 276
entretenir 176
entrevoir 176
enumerer 176
envahir 176
s'envelopper 294
envers 274, 364
envie 290
az;oiV 149, 294
envier 292
environ 274, 365, 437, 440
envisager 156, 176, 292
en vouloir 235
enz;oj;er49, 167, 171, 176, 278
epeler 176
Sponger 176
s'epuiser 283
—eque 181
equivaloir 283
-ner 180
ere 184
eriger 176
erreur, par 398
^es 180
-nese 181
esperer 19, 48, 56, 92, 167, 171, 176, 276
(s'Jessayer 176, 283, 292
essentiel, il est 150
s'essoufler 283
essuyer 176
est-ce que
with out — non questions 473
with question word questions 476
estimer 276
e*452
^e*180
etablir 176
etantf donne 198, 456
eteindre 176
etinceler 176
etonne 288
s'etonner 149, 292
efre 8, 37, 44, 53, 56, 60, 62-65, 66, 68, 70, 72,
84,90,96, 100, 101, 102, 119,169, 173, 176
agreement in compound tenses 64, 65, 105, 166
e£re choque 149
e£re content 149
efre desole 149
e£re embetant 149
etrefache 149
efre heureux 1 49
e£re honteux 149
etreindre 176
efre mecontent 149
e£re raz;i 149
efre satisfait 149
efre surpris 149
e£re triste 149
ngii 189
-em7 180
-euse 181
en* 208
eux-memes 208
s* evader 294
- ez>e 181
evidemment 411, 413
ezwter 150, 292
exagerer 176
exceder 176
excellent 204
excepte 198,274,366
exclamative sentences 444, 448, 483
with comme, que or qu'est-ce que 483
with intonation 483
414
Index
with que + subjunctive 483
with que de 483
with quel 483
exclure 176
(s')excuser 292, 294, 295
exempter 295
exhorter 283
exiger 176
expletive we 417
expliquer 156
expres 398
expressions of avoiding, chance, denial, evaluation,
forbidding, (im)possibility, improbability,
necessity, uncertainty requiring subjunctive
150
expressions of emotion requiring subjunctive
agreement, anger, anticipation, anxiety,
command, desire, fear, permission, pleasure,
request, sadness, surprise 149
face a 274, 367
fache, etre 149
facile 279
facilite 281
facon, d'une 394
facon a, de 274, 347
facon a ce que /que, de 148
faiblir 176
faillir 176, 276, 286
/aire 37, 53, 56, 60, 83, 96, 118, 169, 173, 176,278,
301
faire, bien 292
faire attention 233
faire semblant 292
/aif 184
le fait que 152
falloir 42, 55, 56, 61, 87, 150, 160, 164, 170, 174,
176,276
i7 s'enfaut de peu 1 50
se fatiguer 283
faux, il est 1 64
feindre 176,292
(se)feliciter 150, 292, 295
fendre 176
ferme 279
fermement 398
72te 184
yier adjective 288
sefier 286
final clauses 455, 460
finale 184
yimr 13, 14, 24, 44, 50, 56, 59, 67, 68, 71, 73, 78,
90,94,99, 100, 102, 118, 168, 172, 176,
292,301
se flatter 292
foie 184
fois 184,442
a /a/o«? 398
/onrfe 279
force de, a 174, 315
forcer 176, 285
forces, en utilisant toutes ses 398
/orf 204
fou / fol 195
franchement 413
franchir 176
f rapper 295
fremir 176
frequemment 402
frire 165
froncer 176
fruit
gender of names of 181
^/im* 176
/wfwr 204
future perfect tense 70, 71, 137, 141
future tense 45 55, 135, 136, 141
to refer to future events 1 35
used as alternative to imperative 122, 135
gaiement 398
garantir 176
garde 184
prendre garde 292
se garder 292
garnir 176
geindre 176
geler 176
gemir 176
gender 178, 193 195
awkward cases of gender identity 182
gender of academic subjects 181
aeroplanes and boats 180
American states 183
animals 186
British counties 183
cars 181
cheeses and wines 1 80
colours 180
compound nouns 187
countries 183
French departments 183
French regions 183
fruit and vegetables 1 8 1
human agents 180, 181; languages 183
metals and minerals 1 80
months 180
names of days of week 180
of adjectives 193 195
invariable adjectives 194
variable masculine form 195
of nouns 178
people 186
rivers 183
seasons 180
towns 183
trees and shrubs 180
weights and measures 180
patterns for feminine gender 1 8 1
patterns for masculine gender 1 80
gens 185
grace a 274, 368
—gramme 180
grand 203
grande vitesse, a 398
grandir 176
415
Index
gre, s avoir 298
greffe 184
grimacer 176
grincer 176
gronder 292
grossir 176
guere, ne . . . 422, 430
guerir 176
guillemets 484
Aa6t7e 279
habilete 281
(s)'habituer 233, 283
hair 59, 176
haleter 176
harceler 176
hasarder 283
se /tater 292
/mwf 203
/mw* *te, aw 274, 393
hesitant pas , cm n J 398
hesitation 281
hesiter 283
heureusement 398, 413
heureux 288
efre 149
/«W402
highlighting 223, 463, 469, 474
homonyms 184
/tonte 290
avoir honte 294
honteux, etre 149
Ws<te274, 369
human agents
gender of names of 180, 181
/twrter 292
-i 180
ici 400
-iV? 181
-*W180
-iV?re 181
i7 200
and c^ 219
c«ort7?221
to translate English zYwith adjective + 221,
288
to translate English zYwith adjective + clause
221
to translate English it with another part of
speech 222
to translate English it with infinitive + 221
illnesses
names of + zero article 253
Us 200
ilya 140, 142, 164
(s ') imaginer 276
immediatement 402
immensement 405
immerger 176
impatient 288
imperatif, il est 150
imperative mood 6, 1 15—123
alternatives to the imperative 122
forming the imperative 117 119
meaning 121
with negation 416
position of personal pronouns 212
restricted forms 1 1 6
imperative sentences 444, 448
imperfect indicative tense 43, 44, 129, 142
to express duration of time 129
to express period of time 129
to express repeated or habitual action 129
used to describe set of circumstances 129
imperfect subjunctive tense 99, 100
impersonal expressions 1 64
impersonal verbs 1 64
implorer 292
important, il est 150
importe, peu 150
imposer 298
impossibility 290
impossible, il est 150, 164
improbable, il est 150
impuissance 28 1
inadmissible, il est 150
incapable 288
incapacite 290
incinerer 176
inciter 283
incliner 283
inclure 176
indefinite article 247, 248, 249, 250
des — ► de before adjective before noun 259
de with negative expressions 260
de with quantifiers 259
indefinite determiners 272
indefinite expressions requiring subjunctive 152
indefinite pronouns 245, 246
indicative mood 6, 124 143, 167 170
s'indigner 149, 292, 294
indirect questions 48 1
treatment of out — non questions 481
treatment of question word questions 481
use of si 48 1
— ine 181
inevitable, il est 150
infer er 176
infinitive 1,4, 11, 180
a + infinitive 3 1
de + infinitive 344
linked to adjective by a 279, 280
linked to infinitive by de 288, 289
linked to noun by a 281, 282
linked to noun by de 290, 291
linked to verb by a 283 285
linked to verb by de 292, 293
position of pronouns 2 1 3
used as alternative to imperative 122
with negation 416
infliger 176
informer 295
-ing 180
innombrable 204
(s')inquieter 176, 292, 294
416
Index
inscrire 176
insistance 352
insister 149, 283, 301
s'inspirer 294
instruire 176
intelligemment 398
interceder 176
interdire 150, 176, 292, 298
interet 281
i7jy a interet 150
(s')interesser 283
interet 281
interferer 176
interpreter 176
interrogatives 470 482
direct questions 470 480
indirect questions 48 1
interrogative sentences 444, 448, 470
om - won questions 470-475 - see also oui -
questions
questions introduced by question word 470,
476 482
with negation 416
interrompre 176
intervenir 176
intonation
with exclamative sentences 483
with oui - non questions 473
with question word questions 476
intransitive verbs 63
introduire 1 76
inversion in declarative clauses 469
after certain adverbs 469
after initial complement of subject 469
for stylistic purposes 469
in relative clauses 469
with oui — non questions 472
with question word questions 476
with rester and venir 469
inverted commas 484
inviter 283
invraisemblable, il est 150
s'irriter 283
-nse 181
islands
names of + zero article 252
prepositions + names of 393
-isme 180
it anticipatory English it not translated 230
jaillir 176
jamais 402, 415,430
ne . . .jamais 423
with imperative 423
with infinitive 423
without we 423
with sans 423
plus jamais 430
jaunir 176
je 200
jeter 18, 44, 92, 118, 167, 171, 176
jeune 203
joindre 83, 176
joliment 398
jouer 30 1,390
jouir 27, 176,294
juger 2176, 294, 301
jurer 292
jusqu'a 274, 370
jusqu'a ce que 148, 465
juste, il est 150
juste adjective 440
juste adverb 405
/a definite article 248, 249
la personal pronoun 200
la 237, 238, 400
lacer 176
laisser 278
lancer 176
languages
gender of names of 180
names of + zero article 253
laquelle 464
lecher 176
fe definite article 248, 249
+ a / de^ au / du 249
leger 203
fe in comparisons 200
le personal pronoun 208, 21 1
referring to previously expressed concept 229
le long de 247, 371
lent 279
lequel
interrogative pronoun 477
relative pronoun 464
lequel, laquelle, lesquels, lesquelles 464
les definite article 248, 249
les personal pronoun 208, 211
leur personal pronoun 208, 211
leur possessive adjective 267, 271
leur possessive pronoun 240, 241
se lever 103, 104
liberer 176, 295
libre 288
librement 398
lieu de, au 247, 325
se limiter 283
lire 35, 56, 59, 84, 169, 173, 176
livre 184
loger 1 76
loin 400
long 202, 204
longde, le247, 371
longtemps 402
lors de 247, 372
lorsque 133, 465
/oMer 292
lui 208, 211
luire 176
ma 247, 267, 268
magnifique 204
maigrir 176
maintenant 402
maintenir 176
417
Index
maire 184
mais 452
majeure partie 244
majorite 242
major sentences 445, 447 45 1
trial 398, 409
malgre 274, 373
malgre que 148, 457
malheureusement 4 1 3
malmener 176
manche 184
maniere, d'une 394
maniere a, de 274, 347
maniere a ce que / que, de 148
manger 20, 44, 56, 75, 76, 92, 118, 167, 171, 176
manner clauses 455, 461
manoeuvre 184
manquer 274, 286, 292, 294, 301
marre, en avoir 235, 292
marrer 294
mass nouns 1 88
maudire 176
mauvais, plus 1 99
me 208, 211,228
mechant 203
meconnaitre 176
mecontent 288
efre 149
medire 176, 294
mediter 292
*e mefier 294
meilleur 199
melanger 176
semeler 286,292,301
mime 203, 405
c?e mime que 46 1
memoire 184
menacer 176, 292, 295
mener 19, 48, 56, 92, 167, 171, 176, 276
-orient 180
mentir 176
mer 184
merci 1 84, 411
mere 184
merit er 292
me* 247, 267, 271
mesure ou, dans la 458
metals
gender of names of 180
-metre 180
(*ej mettre 33, 83, 169, 173, 176, 283
mi 193
mien 240, 241
mieux 409
mille 433
millier 437
million 433
minerals
gender of names of 180
minor sentences 445, 446
a phrase 446
a single word 446
a subordinate clause 446
minorite 242
modal verbs 159 163, 276
mode 184
modes te 204
moi 208
moindre 199
moins de, a 274, 316
mom* in comparison 199, 201, 209, 390, 405, 409
moins in superlative 151, 409
moins pronoun 242
moins que, a 148, 458
mollement 298
mon 247, 267, 271
before feminine noun beginning with vowel 267
monter 63, 276
months 441
gender of names of 180
mood 1,6, 115 158, 167 174
se moquer 294
mordre 176
mort 184
mou / mol 1 95
mourir 28, 52, 56, 59, 63, 67, 69, 71, 73, 80, 168,
172, 176
mouvoir 56
moyens, les 290
munir 176
nager 176
naitre 60, 63, 176
naturel, il est 150
naturellement 4 1 3
neanmoins 413
ne as negative particle 415 426, 429, 430
expletive ne 417
ne alone 4 1 7
with cesser 4 1 7
with n' avoir de cesse 4 1 7
with n'importe qui / quoi 417
with pouvoir 4 1 7
with *f ce n'est 4 1 7
ne . . . pa* 4 1 6
omission of ne 43 1
necessaire, il est 150
necessite 290
negation 465 431
expletive ne 417
multiple negators 430
ne alone 4 1 7
with cesser 4 1 7
with n' avoir de cesse 417
with n'importe qui / quoi 417
with pouvoir 4 1 7
with *« ce n •'esf 4 1 7
ne . . . aucun 420
ne . . . guere 422, 430
ne . . .jamais 423,4:30 — see also ne . . .jamais
ne . . . nul 42 1
ne . . . pa* 4 1 6
separated from verb by adverb 416
with imperative 416
with indefinite article 416
with infinitive 416
4U
Index
with interrogative 416
with present participle 4 1 6
with verb 415, 416
ne . . . (pas) . . . ni . . . ni 426
tie . . . personne 418, 430
ne . . . plus 424, 430 — see also ne . . . plus
ne. . . que 425, 430
ne . . . rien 419, 430 - see also ne . . . rien
non 428
omission of ne 431
pas alone 427
. . . pas non plus 429
plus jamais 430
negliger 176, 292
ne . . . guere 422
neiger 176
ne in comparisons 200
ne . . .jamais 423
with imperative 423
with infinitive 423
without ne 423
with sans 423
n'en plus pouvoir 233, 424
ne . . . nul 42 1
ne . . . pas 4 1 6
separated from verb by adverb 416
with imperative 416
with indefinite article 416
with infinitive 416
with interrogative 416
with present participle 416
with verb 415, 416
ne . . . (pas) . . . ni . . . ni 426
with ne . . . aucun 426
with ne . . . plus 426
without a verb 426
ne . . . personne 418
ne . . . plus 424
with infinitive 424
ne . . . que 148, 425
ne . . . que + pas 425
ne . . . rien 4 1 9
rien as noun 419
rien de 419
rien que 4 1 9
n'est-ce pas 472
nettoyer 176
ni 452
nier 150, 276
n'importe comment 245, 246
n'importe lequel 245, 246
n'importe ou 245, 246
n'importe qui 245, 246
ni . . . ni, ne . . . (pas) 426
with ne . . . aucun 426
with ne . . . plus 426
without a verb 426
noircir 176
nombre 242
non 41 1,428
mais non 428
nonchalamment 398
non pas que 1 48
non plus, pas 429
non que 1 48
normal, il est 150
wo* 247, 267, 271
notre 247, 267, 271
nofre 240, 241
noun clauses 455, 462
nouns 177 192
abstract nouns 1 88
collective nouns 1 88
compound nouns 187 see also compound
nouns
count nouns 188
forming plural of nouns 189
gender of nouns 178 187
irregular plurals 189
linked to infinitive by a 281, 282
linked to verb by a 286, 287
mass nouns 1 88
noun as complement of subject or object 177
noun as indirect object 177
noun as prepositional expression 177
noun as subject 177
nouns and number 188 192
plural of compound nouns 190
plural of foreign nouns 189
mom* 208, 211,228
nouveau / nouvel 1 95
noyer 176
MM 193
nuire 176, 286
nul, ne ... 42 1
number 186 192, 196
adjectives 196 see also adjectives
contrast between singular and plural usage in
French 192
different usages of number in English and French
191
nouns 188 192 see also nouns
numbers
cardinal numbers 432 438, 442 see also cardinal
numbers
approximate numbers 437
fractions and decimals 438
pronunciation of cinq, six, huit, neuf, dix,
cent 435
use of figures to express cardinal numbers 436
with titles 442
ordinal numbers 402, 432, 439, 440, 444
with fois 444
with Parisian districts 444
numerals 432 444
-o 180
obeir 176, 286
obligation 290
obliger 285
s'obstiner 283
obtenir 176
occasion 290
s'occuper 283, 292, 294, 301
—oeu 189
oeuvre 185
419
Index
s'offenser 294
(s')offrir 176, 283, 292
-oi 180
-oir 180
omettre 176,292
on 200, 224
its various values 224
on and agreement 197, 225
on and its other forms 226
on and possessive adjective 268
used to avoid passive 114, 224
operer 176
opportunity, ily a 150
or413
ordinal numbers 402, 432, 439
ordonner 149, 292, 298
s'orner 294
oser 276
oter 295
on 197,452
-on 180, 189
on 412, 464, 465, 476, 479
ou que 152
oublier 292
s>oublier283
oui 4 1 1
mais oui 4 1 1
oui - non questions 470 476
elliptical oui — non questions 475
treatment of oui - non questions in indirect
questions 481
with est-ce que 473
with intonation 473
with inversion of subject and verb 472
with n' est-ce pas 472
with -t- with pronouns 472
ouir 165
ou que 152
-our 180
ouvertement 298
ouvrir 59, 67, 71, 73, 118, 168, 172, 176
page 184
paire 184
palir 176
par 274, 275, 374, 390, 391
par erreur 398
parachever 176
paradoxal, il est 150
parait, il 1 64
paraitre 176, 276
parce que 456
par consequent 4 1 3
par contre 4 1 3
parcourir 176
par-dessous 274, 375, 400
par-dessus 274, 376
pardonner 286, 292, 298
(se)parer 286, 294
parfois 402
parler 292
par mi 274, 377
par suite de 274, 378
parf - d'une part . . . de V autre part 4 1 3
partager 176
pari a*e, a*e /a 274
parti 184
participer 286
participles 56 6 1
past participles 58 61
agreement with preceding direct object 214
present participles 56, 57
with negation 416
particulierement 405
partie 184
parfrr 12, 13, 14, 25, 44, 56, 59, 63, 67, 69, 71, 73,
78,90, 168, 172, 176,276,294
partitive article 247, 248
de with negative expressions 260, 416
partout 400
parvenir 176, 283
pas, ne ... 416
pa* alone 427
passer 63
se passer 294
passer son temps 283
passive voice 106, 110 114
avoiding the passive voice 1 14, 224
formation of passive voice 1 12
past anterior 88 90, 133
used in time clauses 133
past historic 74 87, 130
used in formal circumstances 1 30
used in written French 1 30
past tenses 128 134
pauvre 203
payer 1 76
peau 184
pecher 1 76
peindre 176
peine, a 405, 469
peine, ce n' 'est pas la 150
pendant 274, 379, 390
pendant que 465
pendre 176
pendule 184
penetrer 176
penser 150, 233, 276, 286, 294, 301
percer 176
percevoir 176
perdre 31,82, 169, 173, 176
perdre son temps 283
pere 184
perfect indicative tense 66, 67, 131
used to refer to time in past 1 3 1
perfect subjunctive tense 101, 102, 146, 147, 158
periods of time 44 1
perir 176
permettre 149, 176, 292, 298
permission 290
perpetrer 176
perseverer 283
persistence 28 1
persister 283
person 1, 5
personal pronouns 206 236
420
Index
ce and il 219
with reference to persons 219
elision 209
first person 208, 215, 227
stressed 231 233
forms 208
objects 227
position 210, 211
position with imperative 212
position with infinitive 213
position with void, voila 2 1 3
second person 208, 216, 227
stressed 231 233
stressed pronouns 231 233
third person 208, 217, 227
differences between French and English usages
218
stressed 231 233
personne 415, 430
ne . . . personne 4 1 8
persuader 292, 295, 298
peser 176
petit, plus 199
peu 242, 259, 405, 409
peu, un 259, 405
peu importe 150
peu probable, il est 150
peu que, pour 148, 458
peur 290
avoir 149, 294
peur de, de 274, 346
peur que, de 148, 149
peut, il se 150
peut-etre 161,411, 469
phrase as minor sentence 446
physique 184
pile 440
pincer 176
sepiquer 292
pire 199
pis 398, 409
placer 176
(se)plaindre 103, 104, 149, 176, 292
(se)plaire 176,283,286
plaisir 290
pleuvoir42, 55, 56, 61, 87, 170, 174, 176
se plier 283
plonger 176
ployer 176
plupart 242, 244
pluperfect indicative tense 68, 69, 132
used to express event of period which has taken
place before another in the past 132
pluperfect subjunctive tense 101, 102
plus, ne. . . 424, 430
plus jamais 430
with infinitive 424
plus, . . . pas non 429
plus grande partie 244
plus in comparisons 199, 201, 259, 390, 405,
409
plus in superlative 151, 199, 409
plus pronoun 242
plus que, d'autant 459
plutot398, 405, 413
poele 184
poids 184
point, ne . . .416
point que, a tel 459
pois 184
poix 184
polir 176
politique 184
porter 14, 16, 44, 47, 56, 59, 67, 69, 71, 73, 76, 90,
91,99, 100, 118, 167, 171
possessive adjectives 247, 265, 267 271
with parts of the body 255
possessive determiners 267 271
forms 217
possessive pronouns 240, 241
forms 240
possible, il est 150, 164
poste 184
pot 184
pour 274, 380, 390
pour peu que 148, 458
pour que 148, 460
pourquoi 412, 476, 479
poursuivre 176
pourtant 4 1 3
pourvoir 176
pourvu que 148, 458
pousser 283
pouvoir 12, 42, 44, 55, 56, 61, 67, 69, 71, 73, 87,
90, 98, 100, 150, 161, 170, 174, 176, 276
n 'en pouvoir plus 235
precedemment 402
precipitamment 398
precis 440
predire 176
preferable, il est 150
preferer 149, 176
premier 155
premierement 402
(se) prendre 37, 56, 60, 67, 71, 73, 83, 169, 173,
176,283,301
prendre garde 292
prendre part 286
prendre plaisir 283
prepare 279
se preparer 283
prepositional alternation 391
prepositional expressions 302^393
prepositions 273 393
effect of varying prepositions 390
interlocking of English and French prepositions
392
prepositions and place names 393
prepositions which link 275 301
verbs with variable prepositional usage 300,
301
zero preposition 276 278
pres 400
prescrire 176
pres de 274, 381
present 203
421
Index
present indicative tense 15 42, 125 128, 142
of -er verbs 16—21
to express continuous time 1 26
to express future time 127, 136
to express habitual time 125
to express past time 127
to express universal time 125
used to describe events happening at the present
moment 125
present subjunctive tense 91—98, 146, 147
presque 405, 406
(se) press er 292
pret 279
pretendre 176, 276
prefer 298
prevenir 176, 295
prier 292
principal 204
probable, il est 1 64
probable, ilestpeu 150, 164
probablement 4 1 1
prochain 200, 253
prochainement 402
products, names of + zero article 253
produire 176
profiter 294
projeter 176, 292
prolonger 176
promener 1 76
promettre 176, 292
prompt 279
pronominal verbs 55, 103 109
agreement of past participles 105, 108
compound tenses 104 106, 108
forming the imperative 120
used to avoid passive voice 1 14
variable values 106
prononcer 176
pronouns 206 246
demonstrative pronouns 237 239 see also
demonstrative pronouns
impersonal pronoun on 114 - see also on
indefinite pronouns 242, 245, 246
object pronouns and imperative 123
personal pronouns 207 236 see also personal
pronouns
possessive pronouns 240, 241 see also possessive
pronouns
quantifying pronouns 242
reflexive pronoun 106 108, 228
(se) proposer 292
propre 203, 279
proscrire 176
proteger 176
puis 4 1 3
puis que 456
punctuation 484
capital letters 484
with book titles 484
with names of countries 484
with names of nationality 484
with names of organisations 484
with professional names and official titles 484
colons and commas 484
inverted commas / guillemets 484
punir 176
pur 203
quand 133, 412, 453, 465, 476, 479
quand meme 4 1 3
quant a 274, 382
quantifiers 259
quantifying pronouns 242, 243
quantite 242
quart 438
que in exclamative sentences 483
que interrogative pronoun 476, 477, 481
que relative pronoun 464
que = which 464
que = whom 464
que subordinating conjunction 462
introducing clause requiring subjunctive 152
replacing si 458
que, ce 464, 482
que,ne. . .,425,430
que de 483
quel 254, 476, 478
in exclamative sentences 483
quel . . . que 153, 457
quelque 153
quelquefois 402
quelque que 153
que ... om 148, 458
qu'est-ce que 411 , 481
exclamative sentences with qu'est-ce que 463
qu'est-ce qui 477
question, il est 1 64
questions 470 482
direct questions 470 480
elliptical questions without question word but
suggesting one 480
indirect questions 48 1
oui — non questions 470—475
questions introduced by question word 470,
476 482
treatment of question word in indirect
questions 48 1
with ellipsis 476
with est-ce que 476
with intonation 476
with inversion 476
rhetorical questions 482
question words 476 479
qui, ce464, 481
qui interrogative pronoun 476, 477
qui after preposition 477
qui object 477
qui subject 477
quinzaine 437
qui que 152, 245
qui relative pronoun 464
qui after preposition 464
qui subject = which 464
qui subject = who 464
quoi, de 464
quoi interrogative pronoun 477
422
Index
quoi que 152, 457
quoique 148, 457
quoi qui 152, 457
racheter 176
rafraichir 176
rage 290
rager 176
raison 290
rajeunir 1 76
rallonger 176
ramener 176
ranger 176
rapide 204
fse^ rappeler 176, 276
rare, il est 150
raz/i 288
ravir 176
rajyer 176
recemment 402
recevoir 40, 44, 55, 56, 61, 67, 69, 71, 73, 87, 90,
97,99, 100, 102, 118, 170, 174, 176
recommander 292
reconnaissant 288
reconnaitre 176, 276
recours, avoir 233
recouvrir 176
recueillir 176
rediger 1 76
redouter 149, 292
reduire 176
referer 176
reflechir 176
refleter 176
reflexive pronouns 106 108
(sej refuser 149, 283, 292
regarder 278
regions
prepositions + names of 393
regret 281
regretter 149, 292
reiterer 1 76
rejeter 176
se re/owir 149, 176, 283, 292
relative clauses 453, 464, 468
following superlative requiring subjunctive 1 5 1
reluire 176
remedier 286
remercier 292, 295
remplacer 176
remplir 176
renoncer 176, 283, 286
renouveler 176
rentrer 63, 276
renz;oj;er 176
repandre 176
repartir 176
se repentir 176, 292
repeter 176
repondre 31, 82, 169, 173, 176, 286, 294, 301
reprendre 176
reprocher 298
reproduire 176
repugnance 28 1
repugner 283, 286
requerir 176
reserve que, sous 1 48
se resigner 283
resister 286
resolu 279
fcej resoudre 176, 283, 292
responsable 288
ressembler 286
ressentir 176
r ester 63, 469
re* arc? 281
en retard 402, 403
fse^ retenir 176, 292
retourner 54, 276
reunir 176
reus sir 176, 283
fse^ reveler 176, 276
revenir 176, 276
rez;er 233, 292
rhetorical questions 482
richement 398
Wen, ne . . .419, 430
Wen as noun 419
Wen a*e 419
Wen c/we 4 1 9
Wre32, 83, 169, 173, 176,294
risque 290
(sej risquer 150, 283, 292
rompre 32, 56, 59, 82, 95, 169, 173, 176
rougir 176, 292
sa267
saillir 1 76
saisir 176, 294
safe 203
sa/ir 176
sans 274, 383
sans attendre 398
saws aucun doute 4 1 1
sans doute 4 1
sans que 148
satisfaire 176
satisfait 288
efre 149
saw/274, 384
sazWr 42, 55, 57, 61,87, 9
176,276
s avoir gre 298
—scope 180
se 208, 211,228
!, 119, 162, 170, 174,
seasons
gender of names of 180
names of + zero article 253
secher 176
secourir 176
seduire 176
se/184
setfe 184
se/on 274, 385
semble, il 150, 164
indicative vs subjunctive 150
423
Index
sembler 276
s enter 1 76
sensible 279
sentences 443 452
normal structure of a sentence 443
sentences in speech 443
sentences in writing 443
sentence structure 445-45 1
major sentences 447: simple sentences 448;
declarative 448; exclamative 448; imperative
448; interrogative 448; complex sentences
450; compound sentences 449;
compound-complex sentences 45 1
minor sentences 445, 446
sentence types 444
declarative sentences 444
exclamative sentences 444
imperative sentences 444
interrogative sentences 444
sentir 176, 278
sequence of tenses 140, 141
(se) servir 176, 283, 286, 294, 301
ses 267
sew! 155, 203
settlement 4 1 3
shrubs
gender of names of 180
si adverb of affirmation 410
si adverb of degree 405
si conjunction 453, 458
replaced by que 458
si . . . que 459
use of si in indirect questions 481
sien 240, 241
similes as adverbs of manner 398
simple 203
simple sentence 447, 448
declarative 448
exclamative 448
imperative 448
interrogative 448
simple tenses 14
simuler 292
—sion 181
si . . . que 409
soi 208
sen* 487
soit que . . . ou / soit que 1 48
solde 184
solidement 398
somme 184
son 247, 267
before feminine noun beginning with vowel 267
possible ambiguity 269
the son series its values 268
songer 176, 233, 283, 286
sonnant 440
sorte que, de 148, 460
sortir 63, 176,276,294
se soucier 292
soudain 402
souffrir 176
souhaiter 149, 276
soulager 176
soulever 176
soumettre 1 76
soupgonner 292
soupeser 176
sourire 176
sous 256, 274, 386, 391
souscrire 176
sous reserve que 1 48
soutenir 176
se souvenir 103, 104, 176, 292, 294
souvent 402
stem 14
stylistic effect 257, 468
subir 176
subjunctive mood 6, 91 102, 124, 144 158,
171-174
circumstances requiring subjunctive 148 153
circumstances that may require subjunctive
154 158
uses 144 158
subordinate clauses 454 466
subordinate clause as minor sentence 446
types of subordinate clauses 455
causal clauses 455, 456
concessive clauses 455, 457
conditional clauses 455, 458
consecutive clauses 455, 459
declarative clauses 466 468
final clauses 455, 460
manner clauses 455, 461
noun clauses 455, 462
relative clauses 464
time clauses 465
subvenir 176, 286
succeder 176, 286
suffire 176,286,292
suggerer 176, 292, 298
suite de, par 274, 378
suivant 274, 387
suivre 60, 176
superlative of adjectives 1 99
superlative of adverbs 409
superlative without plus or moins perhaps
requiring subjunctive 155
superlative with plus or moins requiring
subjunctive 151
supplier 292
supporter 292
supposant que 1 48
suppose que 148, 481
suppose que, a 148
sur 27 4, 388, 390, 391
sur 288
il n } est pas stir 150
surgir 176
sur-le-champ 402
surprendre 176, 283
surpris, etre 149
survivre 286
surprendre 176
424
Index
use of —t— with pronouns 472
ta 267, 271
tacher 292
taire59, 176
tandis que 465
tan* 259, 405, 408
tant que 465
fcmf . . . que 459
taon 184
tard 402, 403
tarrfer 283, 298,
il me tarde 298, 301
te 208, 211,228
-f«181
tel 459
telephoner 286, 292
tellement 405, 408
tellement . . . que 459
tel point que, a 459
tel . . . que 459
temoigner 294
temps 290
ilc** 150, 164
tendance 281
tenure 176,283
tenir 27, 52, 56, 59, 79, 176, 233, 283, 301
s^n temV 283
tenses 1, 7—176
compound tenses of pronominal verbs 104 106,
108
compound tenses of simple verbs 62 73
conditional perfect tense 72, 73, 139, 141, 158
in reported speech 139
to refer to events that might have taken place
139
used to express uncertainty 1 39
conditional tense 45 55, 138, 141
in main clause of sentence with conditional
clause 138
in reported speech 1 38
used to express uncertainty 1 38
differences between French and English usages
140
sequence of tenses 140, 141
with depuis, ily a, void, voila 140,
142
with venir de 143
double compound past tense 1 34
future perfect tense 70, 71, 137, 141
future tense 45 55, 135, 136, 141
to refer to future events 1 35
used as alternative to imperative 122, 135
imperfect indicative tense 43, 44, 129, 142
to express duration of time 129
to express period of time 129
to express repeated or habitual action 1 29
used to describe set of circumstances
129
imperfect subjunctive tense 99, 1 00
past anterior 88 90, 133
used in time clauses 133
past historic 74 87, 130
used in formal circumstances 1 30
used in written French 1 30
past tenses 128 134
perfect indicative tense 66, 67, 131
used to refer to time in past 1 3 1
perfect subjunctive tense 101, 102, 146, 147,
158
pluperfect indicative tense 68, 69, 132
used to express event or period which has taken
place before another in the past 132
pluperfect subjunctive tense 101, 102
present indicative tense 15 42, 125 128, 142
of —er verbs 16—21
of -»■ verbs 22-28
of -oir verbs 38 42
of re verbs 29—37
to express continuous time 126
to express future time 127, 134
to express habitual time 125
to express past time 127
to express universal time 125
used to describe events happening at the
present moment 1 25
present subjunctive tense 91—98, 146, 147
sequence of tenses in subjunctive mood 145 —147
simple tenses 14
tense formation 14
tenter 292
terminer 30 1
terrible 204
terriblement 405
te* 267, 271
tien 240, 241
tiers 438
time 440
telling the time 440
approximately 440
half past the hour 440
other times 440
precisely 440
quarter past and quarter to the hour 440
the hour 440
time clauses 453, 465
—Hon 181
titles 442
with an article 256
to* 216
tomber 63
ton 267
ton noun 1 84
ton possessive adjective 267, 271
before feminine noun beginning with vowel 267
tordre 176
tort 290
tort, a 298
tot 402
totalement 405
toujour s 402, 403
tour 184
tout 250, 272, 405, 406
tout droit 398
425
Index
tout a coup 402
tout a Vheure 402
tout de suite 402
toutefois 413
tracer 176
traduire 1 76
trahir 176
traire 165
tr aiter 295
tranquillement 398
transcrire 176
transferer 1 76
transitive verbs 65
travailler 283
tr avers de, a 274, 319
tr avers de, au 27 4
trees
gender of names of 180
trentaine 437
fres 405
tress aillir 176
triompher 294
fr&te 203
triste, etre 1 49
se tromper 294
Jrop 259, 406, 406, 409
trouver 150
*w208, 216, 267
-fwcfe 181
tutoyer 176
-uet7180
un/une 248, 249
unanime 279
unanimement 398
MMiV 176
unpeu 259, 405
-wre 181
s'i«er283
Mlife 279
utilisant toutes ses forces, en 398
utiliser 283
vague 184
vaillamment 398
vaincre 59, 176
valoir42, 55, 56, 61, 87, 170, 174, 176
valoir mieux 276
se crater 292, 294
vapeur 184
uase 184
vegetables
gender of names of 181
z/et/fer 149, 283
i;enrfre 14, 31, 44, 53, 56, 59, 67, 69, 71, 73, 82,
90,95,99, 100, 102, 118, 169, 173,
176
venger 176
venir 27, 52, 59, 63, 79, 94, 118, 168, 172, 176,
301,469
venir de 143,292
verbs 1—176
Group 1 -er verbs 13, 15 21, 44, 47 49, 56, 59,
67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 76, 90, 91-93, 99, 100,
102, 167, 168, 171
conditional tense 47: radical stem variation in
conditional 49
conditional perfect 73
future tense 47: radical stem variation in future
49
future perfect 7 1
imperfect indicative tense 44
imperfect subjunctive tense 99, 1 00
past anterior 90
past historic 75, 76
past participles 59
perfect indicative tense 69
perfect subjunctive tense 102
pluperfect indicative tense 69
pluperfect subjunctive tense 102
present participles 56
present indicative tense 1 5 2 1
present subjunctive tense 91—93
Subgroup 1 18
verbs in —eler 18, 48
verbs in —eter 1 8, 48
Subgroup 2 19,48
verbs with e or e in stem 1 9
Subgroup 3 20
commencer / manger 20
subgroup 4 21
alter 21, 49
Group 2 -tr verbs 13, 22 28, 44, 50 52, 56, 59,
67, 69, 79, 73, 77-80, 90, 91, 94, 99, 100,
102, 168, 171
conditional tense 50 52
conditional perfect 73
future tense 50 52
future perfect 7 1
imperfect indicative tense 44
imperfect subjunctive tense 99, 1 00
past anterior 90
past historic 77—80
past participles 59
perfect indicative tense 67
perfect subjunctive tense 102
pluperfect indicative tense 69
pluperfect subjunctive tense 102
present participles 56
present indicative tense 22 28
present subjunctive tense 9 1 , 94
Subgroup 1 24, 51,77
finir 24
Subgroup 2 25, 52, 80
courir / partir / dormir 25
Subgroup 3 26, 77
cueillir 26
Subgroup 4 27, 79
tenir / venir 2 7
Group 3 -re verbs 13, 29 37, 44, 53 54, 56, 59,
60, 67, 69, 71, 73, 81-84, 90, 91, 95, 96, 99,
100, 169, 173
conditional tense 53, 54
conditional perfect 73
426
Index
future tense 53, 54
future perfect 7 1
imperfect indicative tense 44
imperfect subjunctive tense 99, 100
past anterior 90
past historic 81—84
past participles 59, 60
perfect indicative tense 67
perfect subjunctive tense 00
pluperfect indicative tense 69
pluperfect subjunctive tense 00
present participles 56
present indicative tense 29—37
present subjunctive tense 91, 95, 96
Subgroup 1 31
vendre / perdre / repondre 3 1
Subgroup 2 32
rompre / rire / conclure 32
Subgroup 3 33
battre / mettre 22
Subgroup 4 34
croire 34
Subgroup 5 35
lire / conduire 35
Subgroup 6 36
ecrire 36
Subgroup 7 37
boire / craindre / dire / faire / prendre
/ vivre / etre 37
Group 4 -oir verbs 13, 38 42, 44, 55, 56, 61, 67,
69, 71, 73, 85-87, 90, 97, 98, 99, 100, 102,
170, 174
conditional tense 55
conditional perfect 73
future tense 55
future perfect 7 1
imperfect indicative tense 44
imperfect subjunctive tense 99, 100
past anterior 90
past historic 85—87
past participles 6 1
perfect indicative tense 67
perfect subjunctive tense 102
pluperfect indicative tense 69
pluperfect subjunctive tense 1 02
present participles 56
present indicative tense 38-42
present subjunctive tense 97, 98
Subgroup 1 40
—ecevoir 40
Subgroup 2 41
voir 4 1
Subgroup 3 42
asseoir / avoir / devoir / falloir /
pleuvoir / pouvoir / savoir / valoir /
vouloir 42
defective verbs 1 65
followed by two nouns, second with de 296,
297
impersonal verbs 1 64
intransitive verbs 63
linked to infinitive by a 283 285
linked to infinitive by de 292, 293
linked to noun by a 286, 287
linked to noun by de 295, 296
modal verbs 159 163
participles 56—61
agreement of past participles with etre 64
past participles 58, 59
present participles 56, 57
pronominal verbs 63, 103 109
agreement of past participles 105, 108
forming the imperative 120
used to avoid passive voice 1 1 4
variable values 1 06
verbs and negation 4 1 5 4 1 7
verbs with a + noun and de + infinitive 298,
299
verbs with variable prepositional usage 300, 301
verbs with zero preposition 276 278
verb stem 1 4
verb subgroups 26
vers 274, 389, 440
vetir 59, 176
vieillir 1 76
vieux / vieil 1 95
vingtaine 437
viser 283
vite 398
vitesse, a grande 398
vivre 37, 56, 84, 169, 173, 176, 294
voice 106, 110 114
avoiding the passive voice 1 14
formation of passive voice 1 12
void 140, 142,213
voila 140, 142,213
voile 184
voir 41, 44, 56, 61, 86, 97, 156, 170, 174, 176,
278
volonte 290
volontiers 398
vomir 176
vos 267, 270
votre 247, 267, 270
votre 240, 241
vouloir ^2, 55, 56, 61,87, 98, 119, 149, 163, 170,
174, 176,276
en vouloir 235, 298
used as alternative to imperative 122, 163
vous 208, 211,216, 228, 267
vouvoyer 176
voyager 176
vrai 203
vrai , il est 1 64
il n'est pas 150
vraiment 405
vraisemblablement 409
vu que 456
weather 164
weights and measures
gender of names of 180
wines
gender of names of 180
427
Index
word years 441
as clause 453
as minor sentence 446 zero article 248, 258
word order in declarative clause 467, 468 with adverbial expressions 256
with past participles 256
jV 211, 234, 236 with prepositions 256
equivalent of a + noun 236 with set phrases 256
= there 236 zero preposition 275 278
428
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