French grammar doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn the 20% of grammar that applies to 20% of sentences, verbs and nouns!
Plus learn about the difference between masculine and feminine French nouns and find out how to use French adjectives like a local.
When you first learn French, it seems easy: C’est means “It is/It’s” or “That is/That’s”, and Il est or Elle est means “He is/He’s” or “She is/She’s” (or “It is/It’s” if the “It” is an object, animal, etc.). But pretty soon, you’ll probably notice something strange. At times, c’est and il est seem to be …
READ LESSONWhat’s the difference between “C’est” and “Il est”?
Prendre means “to take” in French. It’s usually used just as “take” would be in English, including in more abstract ways, like “take a photo” or “take a bath”. That might make you take prendre for an easy verb to use, but beware: in some cases, its meaning can change dramatically. Let’s take a look …
Servir: to serve. Such a helpful French verb…well, not exactly. Because service goes both ways. Not only might you be served by someone or use something to help you accomplish a task; you may also be doing the serving or even be used (manipulated) by someone! This dichotomy is also a way to remember that …
READ LESSONThe essential guide to conjugating and using the French verb “servir”
Stem-changing verbs are regular verbs whose root (radical)’s spelling changes in certain conjugations and with certain subjects. Stem-changing verbs end in -yer; or in é +consonant + -er; or with e + consonant + -er. Verbs ending in -eter or in -eler also change stems. Despite the fact that they don’t exactly play by the …
READ LESSONThe essential guide to French stem-changing verbs
Vouloir means “to want’ in French. That means it can convey a demand or desire – but it’s also used to convey the total opposite: an ultra-polite request. Want to learn more about this two-sided verb? I want nothing more than to help you. How to conjugate vouloir Vouloir is an irregular verb. It’s conjugated …
READ LESSONEverything you’ve ever wanted to know about the French verb “vouloir”
Aller means “to go” in English. As in English, it’s used in lots of different ways, including as part of a verb tense. Want to learn more about aller? Allons-y! How to conjugate aller Aller is an irregular verb that’s conjugated with être. This means you’ll have to memorize its conjugations and also be sure …
READ LESSONThe ultimate guide to the French verb aller (to go)