Some French verbs require the preposition à before their object, whether that object is a noun or an infinitive. Learning these verbs as fixed expressions is necessary because the preposition is not optional. Verbs followed by “à” before a person or thing These verbs require à when the object is a person or thing. Verbs…
“Penser que” means “to think that” and introduces opinions, beliefs, or suppositions. Unlike “penser à” (to think about) and “penser de” (to think of/have an opinion about), “penser que” specifically introduces a complete thought or statement that the speaker believes to be true. Basic structure and meaning “Penser que” requires the subjunctive mood in negative…
The French verb aérer comes from air and means to let air circulate, to ventilate, or to expose something to fresh air. It is an -er verb, conjugated like parler. Its uses extend beyond literal ventilation and include figurative meanings, such as clearing one’s head, or making something lighter and less dense. It is pronounced…
The English verb “to raise” can mean many different things depending on the context. In French, several verbs are used, including “élever,” “lever,” “augmenter,” “soulever,” and “susciter.” Élever “Élever” is most often used when speaking of raising children or animals. It can also be used for raising plants or even abstract things like the level…
The English verb “to grow” covers many different meanings. In French, however, several different verbs are used depending on the context. The most common ones are “grandir,” “croître,” “pousser,” “cultiver,” and “faire pousser.” Each is used in different situations. Grandir “Grandir” usually refers to a person, an animal, or sometimes an abstract idea becoming bigger,…
The English verb “to notice” has several possible translations in French. The right choice depends on the context and the nuance of meaning. Sometimes it means to perceive something with the senses, sometimes to realize or become aware, and sometimes to point out or remark. Remarquer The most common translation of “to notice” is remarquer,…
What is the difference between il faut (it is necessary) and devoir (to have to, must)? The answer is that il faut expresses an impersonal, general, or external necessity, while devoir expresses a personal, specific, or internal obligation. They are not simply interchangeable. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the differences: 1. The Nature of the…
The French present participle is a verb form ending in -ant. It is less common in French than in English, but it plays an important role in certain contexts. It can be used as a verb, an adjective, or as part of a clause. It is also used after the preposition en to form what…
The French verb descendre is a counterpart to monter, primarily meaning “to go down,” “to descend,” or “to get off.” Like monter, it can take either être or avoir in the passé composé, with the choice of auxiliary affecting meaning. It also carries additional contextual meanings. Main meanings of descendre 1. To go down, to…
The French verb monter is a versatile verb with several meanings, primarily “to climb,” “to go up,” or “to mount.” It can also mean “to assemble,” “to set up,” or “to take up” depending on the context. Additionally, its conjugation in the passé composé varies between être and avoir, which changes its meaning slightly. Main…