Module Four

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Course Outline

French Intermediate — Course Outline (B1)

Français · Niveau Intermédiaire · B1

French Intermediate

A 12-week course moving from survival French to independent expression — narrating the past, discussing the future, and writing with nuance.

Course at a Glance

12Weeks

6Modules

B1CEFR Level

~4hWeekly Study

Where this course sits

Who it's for: Learners who have completed a beginner course (A1–A2) and can form present-tense sentences, use the passé composé, and handle everyday written exchanges. Now you'll move from "getting by" to "expressing yourself."

Prerequisites: Solid command of the present tense, passé composé with avoir and être, articles, and basic adjective agreement. If you've completed French for Beginners, you're ready.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

#	Outcome	Assessed in
1	Distinguish and use imparfait vs. passé composé in narration	Modules 1, 6
2	Express future plans and hypothetical situations	Modules 2, 6
3	Use object pronouns and relative pronouns correctly	Modules 3, 4
4	Connect ideas with a range of subordinating conjunctions	Modules 4, 5
5	Write structured opinion and argumentative texts (150–250 words)	Modules 5, 6
6	Adjust register for formal and semi-formal writing contexts	All modules

Module Map

Click any module to expand its details.

Module 1 Narrating the Past — Imparfait vs. Passé Composé Weeks 1–2

Grammar Focus

Formation of the imparfait (all verbs, including irregulars)
Choosing between imparfait (background, description, habit) and passé composé (completed action)
Combining both tenses in a single narrative
Time markers: pendant que, quand, tout à coup, soudain

Vocabulary Topics

Childhood memories
Descriptive adjectives for places and people
Storytelling verbs

Writing Tasks

Reconstruct a childhood memory (10–12 sentences)
Transform a passé composé paragraph into a mixed-tense narrative
Graded: "Quand j'étais enfant…" — childhood narrative (150 words)

Module 2 Looking Forward — Future Tenses & Hypotheticals Weeks 3–4

Grammar Focus

Futur proche (aller + infinitive) vs. futur simple
Regular and irregular futur simple stems
Conditional present for polite requests and hypotheticals
Si clauses: si + présent → futur / conditionnel

Vocabulary Topics

Travel, study, and career plans
Wishes and intentions
Predictions and probability

Writing Tasks

Write a 5-year plan (8–10 sentences)
Compose polite written requests using the conditional
Graded: "Mes projets pour l'avenir" (150 words)

Module 3 Object Pronouns — Avoiding Repetition Weeks 5–6

Grammar Focus

Direct object pronouns: le, la, les
Indirect object pronouns: lui, leur
The pronouns y and en
Word order with double pronouns
Pronoun agreement with the passé composé

Vocabulary Topics

Shopping and transactions
Everyday requests and responses
Replacing repeated nouns in writing

Writing Tasks

Rewrite a repetitive paragraph using pronouns
Write a dialogue where pronouns replace all repeated nouns
Graded: "Une journée de courses" — pronoun-rich narrative

Module 4 Relative Pronouns & Complex Sentences Weeks 7–8

Grammar Focus

Qui, que, dont, où
Ce qui, ce que, ce dont
Subordinating conjunctions: lorsque, puisque, bien que, pour que
Sentence combining and clause variation

Vocabulary Topics

Describing people, places, and things in depth
Expressing cause, consequence, and purpose
Connectors for structured writing

Writing Tasks

Combine 10 short sentences into 4 complex ones
Write a descriptive portrait of a person (12+ sentences)
Graded: "Une personne importante" — 180-word descriptive text

Module 5 Expressing Opinion & Argument Weeks 9–10

Grammar Focus

Subjunctive after expressions of opinion, doubt, and necessity
Impersonal expressions: il faut que, il est important que
Nuanced agreement and disagreement phrases
Structuring an argument: thesis → evidence → conclusion

Vocabulary Topics

Current affairs and social topics
Opinion phrases and hedging language
Formal argumentative connectors

Writing Tasks

Write a structured opinion paragraph (thesis + 2 arguments)
Respond to a short written prompt with agreement or disagreement
Graded: Argumentative essay on a familiar topic (200 words)

Module 6 Integrated Writing — Register, Style & the Final Project Weeks 11–12

Grammar Focus

Register shift: formal, semi-formal, and informal writing
Revision techniques: hedging, precision, and concision
Recycling all tenses: past, present, future, conditional
Common intermediate errors and how to self-correct

Vocabulary Topics

Formal correspondence (letters, applications, complaints)
Semi-formal emails to institutions
Personal essays and reflective writing

Writing Tasks

Rewrite an informal message as a formal letter
Self-edit an earlier piece using a revision checklist
Graded (Final Project): A 300–350 word composition combining narration, description, and argument

CEFR B1 Alignment

This course builds toward the B1 "threshold" level. By the end, learners should be able to handle the following B1 descriptors in writing:

Descriptor	How this course develops it
Write connected text on familiar topics	Modules 4–6 build multi-paragraph compositions
Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions	Modules 1–2 focus on past narration and future plans
Give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans	Module 5 introduces argumentative structure and subjunctive
Write personal letters and emails describing experiences and impressions	All modules include correspondence tasks; Module 6 formalises register
Narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film	Module 1 and Module 6 narrative tasks

Weekly Rhythm

Each week balances input, guided practice, and independent production.

Day	Activity	Time
Monday	New grammar lesson + model analysis	60 min
Tuesday	Guided sentence-level drills	45 min
Wednesday	Extended writing task (draft)	60 min
Thursday	Reading + vocabulary expansion	45 min
Friday	Self-edit and revise Wednesday's draft	45 min
Weekend	Free writing journal (5–8 sentences)	Flexible

Assessment Structure

Component	Weight	Description
Module writing tasks	35%	Six graded pieces, one per module
Weekly journal	15%	Ongoing free-writing, graded on growth and accuracy
Grammar & vocabulary quizzes	15%	Short, cumulative checks every two weeks
Peer review participation	10%	Structured feedback on two classmates' drafts
Final project	25%	300–350 word composition, revised across two drafts

All components required for the certificate of completion.

Required & Recommended Materials

Type	Title	Purpose
Required	Grammaire Progressive du Français — niveau intermédiaire	Grammar reference & exercises
Required	Expression écrite — Niveau 3 (Cle International)	Writing-specific practice
Recommended	Vocabulaire Progressif du Français — intermédiaire	Vocabulary expansion
Recommended	A French news source (RFI, Le Monde, 20 Minutes)	Authentic reading input
Optional	Alter Ego + 3	Full course companion

Course Policies

Correction philosophy: At B1, feedback targets accuracy in new structures and coherence at the paragraph level. Older, mastered grammar is left alone unless it interferes with meaning.

Drafting requirement: The final project and two module tasks require a first draft and a revision. Drafts are not graded — only the revised version is.

Peer review: Two peer reviews are required. Guidelines and a rubric are provided. Participation counts toward the final grade; quality of feedback does not.

Academic honesty: Machine translation and AI text generation are not permitted for graded writing. AI tools may be used for vocabulary lookup and grammar checking of your own text only.

Where This Course Leads

After completing French Intermediate (B1), learners are prepared for:

Path	Focus
French Upper-Intermediate (B2)	Debate, nuance, literary tenses, sustained argumentation
DELF B1 exam preparation	All four skills, exam format, timed writing
Specialised writing courses	Business French, academic writing, creative writing

Ready to begin? Start with Module 1 — Narrating the Past, where you'll learn to tell stories with the imparfait and passé composé working together.

Start Module 1 → Course Home Beginner Course

Module One

French Intermediate — Module 1: Narrating the Past

French Intermediate

Module 1: Narrating the Past — Imparfait vs. Passé Composé

Level: B1 (Intermediate) | Duration: Weeks 1–2 | Focus: Writing & storytelling

1. Module Introduction

Welcome to your first Intermediate French module! You already know how to talk about the present. You can say Je mange (I eat), Je suis content (I am happy), and J'aime le riz (I like rice). That is wonderful.

Now it is time to talk about the past — things that already happened.

Imagine you want to tell your friend about your holiday in Lagos. You want to say: "The sun was shining. I was walking on the beach. Suddenly, I saw a big ship."

In French, you cannot use just one past tense for all of that. You need two past tenses working together, like two hands playing a piano.

Those two tenses are:

L'imparfait (lam-pahr-FEH) — the "was doing / used to do" tense
Le passé composé (pah-SAY kom-po-ZAY) — the "did / have done" tense

In this module, you will learn what each one does, when to use it, and how to mix them together so your stories sound natural and beautiful — just like a real French person telling a story.

Do not worry if this sounds hard at first. We will go slowly. We will use stories, pictures, and lots of examples. By the end, you will be telling past stories in French with confidence.

2. Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Explain in your own words what the imparfait is and what the passé composé is.
Form the imparfait for regular verbs (like parler, finir, vendre).
Form the imparfait for the irregular verb être.
Recognise when a sentence needs the imparfait and when it needs the passé composé.
Mix both tenses in one short story.
Use time markers like quand, pendant que, tout à coup, and soudain.
Write a 10–12 sentence story about your childhood.
Spot and fix the most common mistakes learners make with these two tenses.

3. Warm-up Story

Amaka's Rainy Day

Amaka is a 13-year-old girl who lives in Enugu, Nigeria. One Saturday morning, she decided to write in her diary about something funny that happened the week before.

Here is what she wrote in English:

"Last Tuesday, it was raining very hard. I was sitting in my classroom. The teacher was writing on the board. The other students were talking quietly. Suddenly, the door opened and a small goat walked in! Everyone screamed. The goat ran to the teacher's desk and ate her sandwich. Then it ran out again. We laughed for ten minutes."

Now look carefully at the words in bold. Notice something?

Some words describe what was happening in the "was happening" parts use l'imparfait.

The "sudden action" parts use le passé composé.

Keep Amaka's story in your mind. We will come back to it many times.

AMAKA'S STORY — TWO LAYERS
==========================

   Background (imparfait)        Action (passé composé)
   ----------------------        ----------------------
   It was raining                the door opened
   I was sitting                 a goat walked in
   Teacher was writing           everyone screamed
   Students were talking         goat ate sandwich

   Think of it like this:

        [ BACKGROUND ]  <- imparfait (soft, slow, ongoing)
        [ BACKGROUND ]
        [ BACKGROUND ]
        ~~~~~~ BOOM! ~~~~~~  <- passé composé (sudden, done)
        [ BACKGROUND ]
        ~~~~~~ BOOM! ~~~~~~
        [ BACKGROUND ]

4. Main Lessons

Lesson 1: What is the Past Tense?

Definition

The past tense is the way we talk about things that already happened. In English, we say "I walked," "I was walking," "I have walked." In French, there are different past tenses too.

Why It Is Important

You cannot tell a story without the past tense. If you only know the present, you can only talk about now. The past tense opens the door to memories, stories, news, and history.

Simple Explanation

Imagine time is a road. The present is where you are standing right now. The past is the road behind you. The future is the road in front of you. The past tense is how you describe what you saw on the road behind you.

Real-life Example

Your mother asks: "What did you do at school today?" You answer: "I learned about plants. I played football. I ate rice." All past tense.

School Example

In your English class, your teacher says: "Write about your last holiday." You write: "I went to Abuja. I saw the big mosque. I ate suya." Past tense again.

Home Example

At home, your father says: "Who finished the garri?" You answer: "Chidi ate it." Past tense.

Nigerian Example

Think about the story of how your grandparents met. Someone tells it like this: "Your grandfather was working in Kano. One day, he met your grandmother at the market. He bought her groundnuts. They talked for two hours." All past tense.

Illustration

TIME AS A ROAD
==============

   PAST                NOW                 FUTURE
   ....................|....................
     ^                  ^                   ^
   "I walked"        "I walk"            "I will walk"
   "I was walking"   "I am walking"      "I will be walking"

   You are standing at the middle point.
   The past tense lets you look behind you.

Mini Summary

The past tense describes things that already happened. In French, there are two main past tenses you need for storytelling: the imparfait and the passé composé. We will learn each one carefully.

Lesson 2: Meet the Two Past Tenses

Definition

L'imparfait and le passé composé are the two most common past tenses in French. They do different jobs, but they work together.

Why It Is Important

If you use only one, your story will sound strange. It is like cooking rice without salt — something is missing. French speakers always mix them.

Simple Explanation

Think of a football match on television.

The crowd noise and the green field are always there — that is the imparfait. It sets the scene.
The goals — those sudden, exciting moments — that is the passé composé. It moves the story forward.

Real-life Example

"I was watching TV (imparfait) when my brother shouted (passé composé)."

School Example

"The teacher was explaining the lesson (imparfait) when the bell rang (passé composé)."

Home Example

"Mum was cooking (imparfait) when the light went off (passé composé)."

Nigerian Example

"We were waiting at the bus stop in Onitsha (imparfait) when the rain started (passé composé)."

Illustration

TWO PAST TENSES — TWO JOBS
==========================

   IMPARFAIT                         PASSÉ COMPOSÉ
   ----------                        --------------
   Describes the scene               Tells what happened
   Feels soft and slow               Feels sharp and quick
   Ongoing, repeated, habitual       Finished, one-time, specific
   "was ...ing" / "used to ..."      "did" / "have done"

   EXAMPLE STORY:

   The sun was shining.              Suddenly, a bird flew in.
   Children were playing.            The bird landed on my head.
   Dogs were barking.                I screamed loudly.

   (imparfait = background)          (passé composé = action)

Mini Summary

The imparfait describes the background. The passé composé describes the action. Together, they make a story feel alive.

Lesson 3: How to Form the Imparfait

Definition

The imparfait is formed by taking the nous form of the present tense, removing -ons, and adding special endings.

Why It Is Important

Once you know this one rule, you can form the imparfait for almost every French verb. It is one of the most useful rules in the whole language.

Simple Explanation

Imagine a train. The engine is the nous form of the verb. You remove the last wagon (-ons). Then you attach six new wagons — one for each subject pronoun.

The Endings

Subject	Ending	Example with parler
je	-ais	je parlais
tu	-ais	tu parlais
il / elle / on	-ait	il parlait
nous	-ions	nous parlions
vous	-iez	vous parliez
ils / elles	-aient	ils parlaient

Step-by-Step

Start with the present tense nous form. Example: nous parlons.
Remove -ons. You get parl-. This is called the stem.
Add the ending for your subject. Example: je + parl- + -ais = je parlais.

Real-life Example

When you were small, you used to play in the compound every evening. In French: Quand j'étais petit, je jouais dans la cour tous les soirs.

School Example

"Every Monday, the teacher used to give us a test." → Chaque lundi, le professeur nous donnait un test.

Home Example

"My mum used to cook jollof rice on Sundays." → Ma mère cuisinait du riz jollof le dimanche.

Nigerian Example

"When we lived in Kaduna, we used to visit our cousins every month." → Quand nous habitions à Kaduna, nous visitions nos cousins chaque mois.

Illustration

HOW TO BUILD THE IMPARFAIT
==========================

   STEP 1: Take "nous" form of present
   ------------------------------------
   nous parlons     nous finissons     nous vendons

   STEP 2: Remove "-ons" to get the stem
   ------------------------------------
   parl-            finiss-            vend-

   STEP 3: Add the imparfait ending
   ------------------------------------
   je     parl + ais     =  je parlais
   tu     parl + ais     =  tu parlais
   il     parl + ait     =  il parlait
   nous   parl + ions    =  nous parlions
   vous   parl + iez     =  vous parliez
   ils    parl + aient   =  ils parlaient

Mini Summary

The imparfait is built from the nous present form. Remove -ons, add the endings -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient. That's it!

Lesson 4: The Imparfait of Être (To Be)

Definition

Être is the only verb in French whose imparfait does not follow the nous stem rule. You must memorise it. But do not worry — it is short.

Why It Is Important

Être is the most common verb in French. You use it to describe people, feelings, and places in the past. Without it, you cannot say "I was happy" or "She was tired."

Simple Explanation

Most verbs follow the rule. Être is like a naughty child who does not follow the rules — but in a cute way. Just memorise its form like a song.

The Form

Subject	Imparfait of être	English
j'	étais	I was
tu	étais	you were
il / elle / on	était	he / she was
nous	étions	we were
vous	étiez	you were
ils / elles	étaient	they were

Real-life Example

Quand j'étais petit, j'étais très timide. → "When I was small, I was very shy."

School Example

Les élèves étaient contents parce qu'il n'y avait pas de devoirs. → "The students were happy because there was no homework."

Home Example

Ma sœur était fatiguée après le marché. → "My sister was tired after the market."

Nigerian Example

Nous étions à Lagos pendant les vacances. → "We were in Lagos during the holidays."

Illustration

ÊTRE IN THE IMPARFAIT
=====================

   j'  étais    [ay-TEH]     I was
   tu  étais    [ay-TEH]     you were
   il  était    [ay-TEH]     he was
   nous étions  [ay-TYON]    we were
   vous étiez   [ay-TYAY]    you were
   ils étaient  [ay-TEH]     they were

   Memory trick: All forms start with "ét-"

Mini Summary

Être in the imparfait is étais, étais, était, étions, étiez, étaient. Memorise it like a song. You will use it every day.

Lesson 5: How to Form the Passé Composé

Definition

The passé composé is a past tense made of two parts: a helping verb (called an auxiliary) and a past participle.

Why It Is Important

You already learned the passé composé in your beginner course. We are reviewing it here because you need it to tell stories. It is the tense of actions.

Simple Explanation

Think of a bicycle. A bicycle has two wheels. Without one wheel, it cannot move. The passé composé is the same: it needs both the auxiliary and the participle to work.

The Formula

PASSÉ COMPOSÉ FORMULA ===================== Subject + Auxiliary (avoir OR être) + Past Participle ------- ------------------------- ---------------- Je ai mangé Tu as fini Il est allé

Which Auxiliary?

Auxiliary Used with Example

avoir Most verbs J'ai mangé (I ate)

être Movement verbs (DR MRS VANDERTRAMP) Je suis allé (I went)

Real-life Example

Hier, j'ai mangé du riz et j'ai bu de l'eau. → "Yesterday, I ate rice and drank water."

School Example

J'ai fini mes devoirs avant le dîner. → "I finished my homework before dinner."

Home Example

Ma mère est allée au marché ce matin. → "My mother went to the market this morning."

Nigerian Example

Nous sommes allés à Abuja en bus. → "We went to Abuja by bus."

Mini Summary

The passé composé = auxiliary + past participle. Most verbs use avoir. A small group uses être. It describes completed actions.

Auxiliary	Used with	Example
avoir	Most verbs	J'ai mangé (I ate)
être	Movement verbs (DR MRS VANDERTRAMP)	Je suis allé (I went)

Lesson 6: Past Participles — Regular Verbs

Definition

The past participle is the second part of the passé composé. It is the word that carries the meaning (like mangé, fini, vendu).

Why It Is Important

Without the past participle, the passé composé has no meaning. You cannot say J'ai and stop — you must finish with a participle.

Simple Explanation

Past participles are like the "finished" version of a verb. Regular verbs change in predictable ways.

The Rules

Verb type Rule Example

-ER verbs Replace -er with -é parler → parlé

-IR verbs Replace -ir with -i finir → fini

-RE verbs Replace -re with -u vendre → vendu

Real-life Example

J'ai parlé à ma tante au téléphone. → "I spoke to my aunt on the phone."

School Example

Nous avons fini le projet de science. → "We finished the science project."

Home Example

Elle a vendu son vieux vélo. → "She sold her old bicycle."

Nigerian Example

Ils ont acheté des oranges au marché. → "They bought oranges at the market."

Illustration

REGULAR PAST PARTICIPLES ======================== -ER --> -é parler --> parlé (spoken) manger --> mangé (eaten) jouer --> joué (played) -IR --> -i finir --> fini (finished) choisir --> choisi (chosen) -RE --> -u vendre --> vendu (sold) attendre--> attendu (waited)

Mini Summary

Regular past participles end in -é, -i, or -u. Learn these three patterns and you can form the passé composé for most verbs.

Lesson 7: Irregular Past Participles

Definition

Some verbs do not follow the regular patterns. Their past participles must be memorised. These are called irregular past participles.

Why It Is Important

These verbs are very common. You cannot avoid them. The good news is that there are only about fifteen you need at this level.

Simple Explanation

Think of them as special guests at a party — they do not follow the same dress code as everyone else. You just have to remember each one.

The Common Ones

Verb Past Participle Meaning

avoir eu had

être été been

faire fait done / made

prendre pris taken

voir vu seen

boire bu drunk

lire lu read

écrire écrit written

dire dit said

mettre mis put

ouvrir ouvert opened

venir venu come

partir parti left

naître né born

mourir mort died

Real-life Example

J'ai fait mes devoirs. → "I did my homework."

School Example

Nous avons pris le bus. → "We took the bus."

Home Example

Ma sœur a lu un livre. → "My sister read a book."

Nigerian Example

Ils ont vu un film à Nollywood. → "They saw a Nollywood film."

Illustration

IRREGULAR PAST PARTICIPLES — MEMORY MAP ======================================= VERB PAST PART. SOUND-ALIKE TIP ---- ---------- --------------- avoir -> eu "u" être -> été "ay-TAY" faire -> fait "feh" prendre -> pris "pree" voir -> vu "vu" boire -> bu "bu" lire -> lu "lu" écrire -> écrit "ay-KREE" dire -> dit "dee" ouvrir -> ouvert "oo-VAIR"

Mini Summary

Irregular past participles must be memorised. There are about fifteen to learn. Make flashcards. Test yourself. They will become easy with practice.

Lesson 8: Which Verbs Use Être?

Definition

Most French verbs use avoir in the passé composé. But a small group of movement verbs use être instead.

Why It Is Important

If you use avoir with an être verb, a French person will notice immediately. It is one of the clearest signs of a beginner.

Simple Explanation

These are verbs about going from one place to another, or changing state. They are like travellers — and travellers need a different helper.

The Famous List: DR MRS VANDERTRAMP

Letter Verb Meaning

D devenir to become

R revenir to come back

M monter to go up

R rester to stay

S sortir to go out

V venir to come

A aller to go

N naître to be born

D descendre to go down

E entrer to enter

R retourner to return

T tomber to fall

R rentrer to go home

A arriver to arrive

M mourir to die

P partir to leave

Real-life Example

Je suis allé au marché. → "I went to the market."

School Example

Elle est arrivée en retard. → "She arrived late."

Home Example

Mon frère est sorti avec ses amis. → "My brother went out with his friends."

Nigerian Example

Nous sommes partis de Kano très tôt. → "We left Kano very early."

Illustration

ÊTRE VERBS — THE TRAVELLERS =========================== Imagine a bus station: aller (to go) venir (to come) arriver (to arrive) partir (to leave) entrer (to enter) sortir (to go out) monter (to go up) descendre (to go down) rester (to stay) tomber (to fall) naître (to be born) mourir (to die) devenir (to become) revenir (to come back) retourner (to return) rentrer (to go home) All of these use ÊTRE, not avoir.

Mini Summary

Movement and change-of-state verbs use être. The DR MRS VANDERTRAMP list helps you remember them. All other verbs use avoir.

Lesson 9: Agreement with Être Verbs

Definition

When a verb uses être in the passé composé, the past participle must agree with the subject. This means adding -e for feminine and -s for plural.

Why It Is Important

Agreement shows that you understand French grammar deeply. Without it, your writing looks careless.

Simple Explanation

Think of the past participle as a mirror. It reflects the subject. If the subject is feminine, the participle becomes feminine. If the subject is plural, it becomes plural.

The Agreement Rules

Subject Add Example Meaning

Masculine singular nothing Il est allé He went

Feminine singular -e Elle est allée She went

Masculine plural -s Ils sont allés They went (m.)

Feminine plural -es Elles sont allées They went (f.)

Real-life Example

Ma mère est allée au marché. → "My mother went to the market." (Note the -e.)

School Example

Les filles sont arrivées en retard. → "The girls arrived late." (Note the -es.)

Home Example

Mes frères sont sortis. → "My brothers went out." (Note the -s.)

Nigerian Example

Amina et Fatima sont venues à la fête. → "Amina and Fatima came to the party." (Note the -es.)

Illustration

AGREEMENT — THE MIRROR RULE =========================== Subject Participle Result ------- ---------- ------ Il (m. sing.) + allé = Il est allé Elle (f. sing.) + allé + e = Elle est allée Ils (m. plural) + allé + s = Ils sont allés Elles (f. plural) + allé + es = Elles sont allées The participle "mirrors" the subject.

Mini Summary

With être verbs, the past participle agrees with the subject. Add -e for feminine, -s for plural, -es for feminine plural.

Lesson 10: When to Use Imparfait vs. Passé Composé

Definition

This is the most important lesson in the module. The imparfait describes background and habits. The passé composé describes specific, completed actions.

Why It Is Important

Choosing the wrong tense changes the meaning of your story. It is like putting salt in tea instead of sugar — the ingredients are right, but the result is wrong.

Simple Explanation — The Camera Analogy

Imagine you are making a film.

The imparfait is the wide shot — it shows the whole scene, the weather, the mood, the background.

The passé composé is the close-up — it shows the specific action, the moment when something happened.

Comparison Table

Situation Tense Example

Describing weather in the past Imparfait Il pleuvait. (It was raining.)

Describing feelings in the past Imparfait J'étais triste. (I was sad.)

Habits in the past Imparfait Je jouais au foot chaque samedi. (I used to play football every Saturday.)

Describing a scene Imparfait Les enfants chantaient. (The children were singing.)

A single completed action Passé composé J'ai mangé une pomme. (I ate an apple.)

A sudden event Passé composé Tout à coup, il est tombé. (Suddenly, he fell.)

A sequence of actions Passé composé Je me suis levé, j'ai mangé, je suis parti.

An action with a clear duration Passé composé J'ai vécu à Paris pendant deux ans.

Real-life Example

Quand je suis arrivé à la maison, ma mère préparait le dîner. → "When I arrived home, my mother was preparing dinner."

School Example

Le professeur expliquait la leçon quand le directeur est entré. → "The teacher was explaining the lesson when the principal entered."

Home Example

Je regardais la télé quand le courant est parti. → "I was watching TV when the power went off."

Nigerian Example

Nous marchions vers le marché quand nous avons vu un accident. → "We were walking to the market when we saw an accident."

Illustration

IMPARFAIT vs PASSÉ COMPOSÉ — A STORY ==================================== (imparfait) Il faisait beau. The weather was nice. (imparfait) Les oiseaux chantaient. The birds were singing. (imparfait) Je marchais tranquillement. I was walking calmly. | V (p.c.) Soudain, j'ai vu un serpent. Suddenly, I saw a snake. | V (p.c.) J'ai crié. I screamed. (p.c.) J'ai couru. I ran. (p.c.) Je suis rentré chez moi. I went home. Background = imparfait. Action = passé composé.

Mini Summary

Use the imparfait for background, description, feelings, weather, and habits. Use the passé composé for specific actions, sudden events, and sequences of completed events.

Lesson 11: Time Markers That Signal Each Tense

Definition

Certain words and phrases act as signals. When you see them, you know which tense to use.

Why It Is Important

Time markers help you write faster and more accurately. They are like signposts on a road — they tell you where you are going.

Simple Explanation

Some words are like a clock showing a specific time (they go with passé composé). Other words describe a general period (they go with imparfait).

Signal Words for the Imparfait

French English

souvent often

toujours always

chaque jour / chaque semaine every day / every week

le lundi on Mondays

d'habitude usually

pendant que while

tous les matins every morning

Signal Words for the Passé Composé

French English

hier yesterday

avant-hier the day before yesterday

la semaine dernière last week

tout à coup suddenly

soudain suddenly

d'abord first

ensuite then / next

enfin finally

ce jour-là that day

Real-life Example

D'habitude, je prenais le bus. Mais hier, j'ai pris le taxi. → "Usually, I took the bus. But yesterday, I took a taxi."

School Example

Chaque lundi, nous avions un test. La semaine dernière, j'ai eu 18/20. → "Every Monday, we had a test. Last week, I got 18/20."

Nigerian Example

Pendant que nous attendions le bus, tout à coup, il a commencé à pleuvoir. → "While we were waiting for the bus, suddenly it started to rain."

Illustration

TIME MARKERS — SIGNPOSTS ======================== IMPARFAIT SIGNALS PASSÉ COMPOSÉ SIGNALS ----------------- --------------------- souvent hier toujours avant-hier chaque jour la semaine dernière d'habitude tout à coup pendant que soudain tous les matins d'abord / ensuite / enfin Read the signal -> choose the tense -> write with confidence.

Mini Summary

Time markers are like signposts. Learn which tense each one signals, and your writing will become more accurate automatically.

Lesson 12: Combining Both Tenses in One Story

Definition

Real stories mix the imparfait and the passé composé. The imparfait sets the scene, and the passé composé moves the action forward.

Why It Is Important

If you use only one tense, your story sounds flat. Mixing them makes your writing rich, natural, and interesting.

Simple Explanation

Think of a Nigerian film. The imparfait is the background music and the setting. The passé composé is the dramatic scene where something happens.

The Pattern

MIXING TENSES IN A STORY ======================== [imparfait] Set the scene | V [imparfait] Describe background | V [passé composé] Something happens! | V [passé composé] More actions | V [imparfait] Back to description

Example Story

Hier, il faisait très chaud. Je marchais dans la rue. Les gens bavardaient devant leurs boutiques. Soudain, j'ai vu mon ami Tunde. Il portait un grand chapeau rouge. Je l'ai appelé. Il s'est retourné et il a souri. Nous avons parlé pendant une heure.

English: "Yesterday, it was very hot. I was walking in the street. People were chatting in front of their shops. Suddenly, I saw my friend Tunde. He was wearing a big red hat. I called him. He turned around and smiled. We talked for an hour."

Real-life Example

You are telling a story about a power cut. 'avais six ans, j'habitais à Ibadan. Ma maison était près d'un grand marché. Chaque matin, ma mère allait au marché. Un jour, je l'ai suivie sans permission. Je me suis perdu. J'ai pleuré. Une vieille dame m'a aidé. Elle m'a ramené à la maison. Ma mère était fâchée, mais contente de me voir.

English: "When I was six, I lived in Ibadan. My house was near a big market. Every morning, my mother went to the market. One day, I followed her without permission. I got lost. I cried. An old woman helped me. She brought me home. My mother was angry, but happy to see me."

Illustration

CHILDHOOD MEMORY — STORY MAP ============================ [SET THE SCENE — imparfait] | V "Quand j'avais six ans, j'habitais à Ibadan." [DESCRIBE MOOD — imparfait] | V "Ma maison était près d'un marché." [THE ACTION — passé composé] | V "Un jour, je l'ai suivie. Je me suis perdu." [MORE ACTIONS — passé composé] | V "J'ai pleuré. Une dame m'a aidé." [ENDING — mix] | V "Ma mère était fâchée, mais contente."

Mini Summary

Childhood memories are the perfect way to practise both past tenses. Set the scene with the imparfait, tell the action with the passé composé, and mix them to make your story feel real.

Lesson 14: Common Traps and How to Avoid Them

Definition

A trap is a mistake that many learners make. Knowing the traps helps you avoid them.

Why It Is Important

Learning a language is not just about adding new knowledge — it is also about avoiding common errors. Knowing the traps saves you time and frustration.

Simple Explanation

Think of these traps as potholes on a road. If you know where they are, you can drive around them.

Trap 1: Using the Passé Composé for Everything

Many beginners use the passé composé for every past sentence. But this makes the story sound strange — as if every sentence is an explosion.

Wrong: Il faisait beau → Il a fait beau. (Sounds like the weather happened once and stopped.)

Right: Il faisait beau. (Describes the background.)

Trap 2: Forgetting Agreement with Être

When using être, the past participle must agree with the subject.

Wrong: Elle est allé.

Right: Elle est allée.

Trap 3: Using Avoir with Movement Verbs

Verbs like aller, venir, partir, arriver use être, not avoir.

Wrong: J'ai allé au marché.

Right: Je suis allé au marché.

Trap 4: Mixing Up the Two Tenses in the Same Story

Do not switch tenses randomly. Each tense has a job. Keep the background in imparfait and the action in passé composé.

Wrong: Il pleuvait. Je suis sorti. Je marchais. J'ai vu un ami. Je parlais.

Right: Il pleuvait. Je suis sorti. Je marchais quand j'ai vu un ami. Nous avons parlé.

Trap 5: Forgetting the Silent Endings

In the imparfait, endings like -ais, -ait, -aient are often silent, but they must still be written.

Wrong: Il parlai.

Right: Il parlait.

Comparison Table

Wrong Right Why

Il a fait beau. Il faisait beau. Weather description uses imparfait

Elle est allé. Elle est allée. Agreement with être

J'ai allé. Je suis allé. Aller uses être

Il parlai. Il parlait. Silent endings must be written

Mini Summary

The main traps are: using passé composé for everything, forgetting agreement, using the wrong auxiliary, mixing tenses randomly, and forgetting silent endings. Learn these and you will write much better.

Lesson 15: Putting It All Together — A Full Model Story

Definition

This lesson shows a complete story using everything you have learned.

Why It Is Important

Seeing a full example helps you understand how the pieces fit together. It is like looking at a finished puzzle before building your own.

The Story

Quand j'avais douze ans, j'habitais à Enugu avec ma famille. Notre maison était petite mais confortable. Chaque samedi, ma sœur et moi allions au marché avec notre mère. Un samedi, il faisait très chaud. Nous marchions lentement. Tout à coup, nous avons entendu un grand bruit. Un camion s'était arrêté devant nous. Le chauffeur est descendu et il a demandé de l'aide. Mon père est venu. Ils ont poussé le camion ensemble. Finalement, le camion a démarré. Le chauffeur était très content. Il nous a donné des mangues. Nous sommes rentrés à la maison avec un grand sourire.

English: "When I was twelve, I lived in Enugu with my family. Our house was small but comfortable. Every Saturday, my sister and I went to the market with our mother. One Saturday, it was very hot. We were walking slowly. Suddenly, we heard a loud noise. A truck had stopped in front of us. The driver got down and asked for help. My father came. They pushed the truck together. Finally, the truck started. The driver was very happy. He gave us mangoes. We returned home with a big smile."

Breaking It Down

Sentence Tense Job

Quand j'avais douze ans… Imparfait Set the scene

Notre maison était petite… Imparfait Describe

Chaque samedi, nous allions… Imparfait Habit

Il faisait très chaud. Imparfait Weather

Nous marchions lentement. Imparfait Ongoing action

Tout à coup, nous avons entendu… Passé composé Sudden event

Un camion s'était arrêté… Plus-que-parfait Earlier event (bonus)

Le chauffeur est descendu… Passé composé Action

Ils ont poussé… Passé composé Action

Le camion a démarré. Passé composé Action

Le chauffeur était très content. Imparfait Feeling

Il nous a donné des mangues. Passé composé Action

Nous sommes rentrés… Passé composé Action

Mini Summary

A full story mixes both tenses. The imparfait sets the scene and describes feelings. The passé composé moves the action forward. When you write your own stories, follow this pattern.

Verb type	Rule	Example
-ER verbs	Replace -er with -é	parler → parlé
-IR verbs	Replace -ir with -i	finir → fini
-RE verbs	Replace -re with -u	vendre → vendu

Verb	Past Participle	Meaning
avoir	eu	had
être	été	been
faire	fait	done / made
prendre	pris	taken
voir	vu	seen
boire	bu	drunk
lire	lu	read
écrire	écrit	written
dire	dit	said
mettre	mis	put
ouvrir	ouvert	opened
venir	venu	come
partir	parti	left
naître	né	born
mourir	mort	died

Letter	Verb	Meaning
D	devenir	to become
R	revenir	to come back
M	monter	to go up
R	rester	to stay
S	sortir	to go out
V	venir	to come
A	aller	to go
N	naître	to be born
D	descendre	to go down
E	entrer	to enter
R	retourner	to return
T	tomber	to fall
R	rentrer	to go home
A	arriver	to arrive
M	mourir	to die
P	partir	to leave

Subject	Add	Example	Meaning
Masculine singular	nothing	Il est allé	He went
Feminine singular	-e	Elle est allée	She went
Masculine plural	-s	Ils sont allés	They went (m.)
Feminine plural	-es	Elles sont allées	They went (f.)

Situation	Tense	Example
Describing weather in the past	Imparfait	Il pleuvait. (It was raining.)
Describing feelings in the past	Imparfait	J'étais triste. (I was sad.)
Habits in the past	Imparfait	Je jouais au foot chaque samedi. (I used to play football every Saturday.)
Describing a scene	Imparfait	Les enfants chantaient. (The children were singing.)
A single completed action	Passé composé	J'ai mangé une pomme. (I ate an apple.)
A sudden event	Passé composé	Tout à coup, il est tombé. (Suddenly, he fell.)
A sequence of actions	Passé composé	Je me suis levé, j'ai mangé, je suis parti.
An action with a clear duration	Passé composé	J'ai vécu à Paris pendant deux ans.

French	English
souvent	often
toujours	always
chaque jour / chaque semaine	every day / every week
le lundi	on Mondays
d'habitude	usually
pendant que	while
tous les matins	every morning

French	English
hier	yesterday
avant-hier	the day before yesterday
la semaine dernière	last week
tout à coup	suddenly
soudain	suddenly
d'abord	first
ensuite	then / next
enfin	finally
ce jour-là	that day

Wrong	Right	Why
Il a fait beau.	Il faisait beau.	Weather description uses imparfait
Elle est allé.	Elle est allée.	Agreement with être
J'ai allé.	Je suis allé.	Aller uses être
Il parlai.	Il parlait.	Silent endings must be written

Sentence	Tense	Job
Quand j'avais douze ans…	Imparfait	Set the scene
Notre maison était petite…	Imparfait	Describe
Chaque samedi, nous allions…	Imparfait	Habit
Il faisait très chaud.	Imparfait	Weather
Nous marchions lentement.	Imparfait	Ongoing action
Tout à coup, nous avons entendu…	Passé composé	Sudden event
Un camion s'était arrêté…	Plus-que-parfait	Earlier event (bonus)
Le chauffeur est descendu…	Passé composé	Action
Ils ont poussé…	Passé composé	Action
Le camion a démarré.	Passé composé	Action
Le chauffeur était très content.	Imparfait	Feeling
Il nous a donné des mangues.	Passé composé	Action
Nous sommes rentrés…	Passé composé	Action

5. Key Vocabulary

Here are the important words from this module. Read them. Say them out loud. Write them in your notebook.

French English Simple Definition

l'imparfait the imperfect tense The past tense for background and habits

le passé composé the compound past The past tense for completed actions

un auxiliaire an auxiliary A helping verb (avoir or être)

un participe passé a past participle The verb form used after the auxiliary

un radical a stem The base part of a verb

une terminaison an ending The letters added to the stem

l'accord agreement When the participle matches the subject

soudain suddenly Used for a surprise action

tout à coup suddenly Same meaning as soudain

pendant que while Shows two things happening at once

d'habitude usually Shows a habit

chaque each / every Signals a habit

hier yesterday Signals a specific past time

une mémoire a memory Something you remember

une scène a scene Part of a story

6. Important Concepts

Concept 1: The Two-Layer Story

Every good past story has two layers: the background and the action. The imparfait paints the background. The passé composé shows the action.

Concept 2: The Camera Rule

Use the imparfait for wide shots (scenes, mood, weather). Use the passé composé for close-ups (specific events).

Concept 3: The Auxiliary Rule

Most verbs use avoir. Movement verbs use être. Memorise the DR MRS VANDERTRAMP list.

Concept 4: The Agreement Rule

With être, the past participle agrees with the subject. With avoir, there is no agreement with the subject.

Concept 5: The Signal Words Rule

Time markers tell you which tense to use. Learn them, and you will choose the right tense more easily.

7. Step-by-Step Explanations

How to Write a Past Story in French

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS ==================== STEP 1: Choose a memory or event. | V STEP 2: Set the scene with imparfait. (Where? When? Weather? Mood?) | V STEP 3: Introduce an action with passé composé. (What happened?) | V STEP 4: Add more actions with passé composé. | V STEP 5: Add feelings or description with imparfait. | V STEP 6: End with a final action or feeling. | V STEP 7: Read your story aloud. | V STEP 8: Check agreements, auxiliaries, and endings. | V FINISH

How to Choose the Right Tense

Ask: "Is this a background or an action?"

If it is background (weather, mood, description, habit), use the imparfait.

If it is an action (specific event, one-time thing, sudden event), use the passé composé.

If you are not sure, look for signal words.

Read the sentence aloud. Does it sound like a background or an action?

8. Real-life Examples

Example 1: A Trip to the Market

Samedi dernier, je suis allé au marché avec ma mère. Il faisait très chaud. Les vendeurs criaient. Ma mère a acheté des tomates et du poisson. J'ai porté le sac. Nous sommes rentrés à la maison fatigués mais contents.

English: "Last Saturday, I went to the market with my mother. It was very hot. The sellers were shouting. My mother bought tomatoes and fish. I carried the bag. We returned home tired but happy."

Example 2: A Football Match

Hier, j'ai joué au football avec mes amis. Le ciel était bleu. Nous jouions depuis une heure quand il a commencé à pleuvoir. Nous avons continué quand même. J'ai marqué un but. Tout le monde a crié.

English: "Yesterday, I played football with my friends. The sky was blue. We had been playing for an hour when it started to rain. We continued anyway. I scored a goal. Everyone shouted."

Example 3: A School Day

Lundi matin, je suis arrivé à l'école en retard. Le professeur écrivait au tableau. Les élèves écoutaient. Je suis entré doucement. Le professeur m'a regardé. Il n'était pas content.

English: "Monday morning, I arrived at school late. The teacher was writing on the board. The students were listening. I entered quietly. The teacher looked at me. He was not happy."

9. Nigerian Examples

Example 1: A Wedding in Lagos

L'année dernière, je suis allé à un mariage à Lagos. La mariée portait une belle robe. Les invités chantaient et dansaient. Le marié a prononcé un discours. Tout le monde a applaudi. C'était magnifique.

English: "Last year, I went to a wedding in Lagos. The bride was wearing a beautiful dress. The guests were singing and dancing. The groom gave a speech. Everyone clapped. It was beautiful."

Example 2: A Rainy Day in Enugu

Quand j'habitais à Enugu, il pleuvait souvent. Un jour, il pleuvait très fort. Je rentrais de l'école. Je n'avais pas de parapluie. Je me suis mouillé. Ma mère m'a donné une serviette.

English: "When I lived in Enugu, it often rained. One day, it was raining very hard. I was coming home from school. I didn't have an umbrella. I got wet. My mother gave me a towel."

Example 3: A Visit to Abuja

Nous sommes allés à Abuja en famille. Nous avons visité la grande mosquée. Le guide parlait anglais et français. J'ai pris beaucoup de photos. Le soir, nous avons mangé du riz et du poulet.

English: "We went to Abuja as a family. We visited the big mosque. The guide spoke English and French. I took many photos. In the evening, we ate rice and chicken."

10. Fun Examples Children Can Relate To

Example 1: The Stolen Meat

Ma mère cuisinait du ragoût. Je regardais la télé. Soudain, mon petit frère a pris un morceau de viande. Ma mère l'a vu. Elle a crié. Il a couru.

English: "My mother was cooking stew. I was watching TV. Suddenly, my little brother took a piece of meat. My mother saw him. She shouted. He ran."

Example 2: The Missing Homework

Hier, je faisais mes devoirs. Mon chien jouait à côté de moi. Tout à coup, il a pris mon cahier. Il l'a déchiré. J'ai pleuré.

English: "Yesterday, I was doing my homework. My dog was playing next to me. Suddenly, he took my notebook. He tore it. I cried."

Example 3: The Surprise Party

C'était mon anniversaire. Je rentrais de l'école. La maison était silencieuse. J'ai ouvert la porte. Tout à coup, mes amis ont crié : "Joyeux anniversaire !"

English: "It was my birthday. I was coming home from school. The house was silent. I opened the door. Suddenly, my friends shouted: 'Happy birthday!'"

11. Everyday Examples

Example 1: Morning Routine

Ce matin, je me suis levé à six heures. Je me suis lavé. J'ai mangé du pain. Je suis parti à l'école.

English: "This morning, I got up at six. I washed. I ate bread. I left for school."

Example 2: Evening at Home

Hier soir, ma famille regardait un film. Ma sœur lisait un livre. Mon père préparait du thé. Soudain, l'électricité est partie. Nous avons allumé une bougie.

English: "Last night, my family was watching a film. My sister was reading a book. My father was making tea. Suddenly, the electricity went off. We lit a candle."

Example 3: A Phone Call

Je dînais quand mon téléphone a sonné. C'était ma grand-mère. Elle m'a demandé comment j'allais. J'ai dit que j'allais bien.

English: "I was eating dinner when my phone rang. It was my grandmother. She asked how I was. I said I was fine."

12. Parent Tips

Parents, here are some simple ways to support your child as they learn this module:

Ask your child to tell you a story from their past in English first, then help them translate a few sentences into French.

Use the "camera rule" as a family game. When watching TV, ask: "Is this a wide shot or a close-up?" Connect it to the imparfait and passé composé.

Encourage daily journaling in French, even if it is only two or three sentences.

Celebrate small wins. When your child uses both tenses correctly in one sentence, praise them.

Do not correct every mistake. Focus on one thing at a time. This week, focus on the two tenses.

Watch French cartoons or videos with subtitles. Ask your child to spot the past tense.

Make flashcards together for irregular past participles.

Read simple French storybooks and ask your child to guess which tense is used.

13. Interesting Facts

The imparfait is one of the easiest French tenses to form. There is only one irregular verb: être.

The passé composé literally means "compound past" because it is made of two parts.

The list "DR MRS VANDERTRAMP" was invented by American teachers to help students remember the être verbs.

In spoken French, many people use the passé composé even for things English would put in the simple past.

The imparfait is used more in writing than in speech.

French children learn these tenses around age 8 or 9 in school.

The word "imparfait" means "not finished" — because it describes things that were ongoing.

Some French verbs have different meanings in the imparfait and the passé composé. For example, savoir means "knew" in imparfait but "found out" in passé composé.

14. Did You Know?

Did you know that French has more past tenses than English? There are at least five!

Did you know that the imparfait endings are the same for -er, -ir, and -re verbs?

Did you know that the passé composé is used in everyday speech, while the passé simple (another past tense) is used mostly in books?

Did you know that in some French-speaking countries, people use the passé composé almost exclusively for the past?

Did you know that the word "imparfait" is also used in baking? A French "imparfait" is a type of imperfect cookie.

15. Remember This

The imparfait = background, description, habits, feelings, weather.

The passé composé = specific actions, sudden events, sequences.

The imparfait stem comes from the nous present form, minus -ons.

The imparfait endings are: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient.

Être in the imparfait: étais, étais, était, étions, étiez, étaient.

The passé composé = auxiliary + past participle.

Most verbs use avoir. Movement verbs use être.

With être, the past participle agrees with the subject.

16. Common Mistakes

Mistake Why It Is Wrong Correct Version

Il a fait beau. Weather should use imparfait Il faisait beau.

Elle est allé. Missing agreement Elle est allée.

J'ai allé. Aller uses être Je suis allé.

Il parlai. Missing silent ending Il parlait.

Je suis mangé. Manger uses avoir J'ai mangé.

Nous avons allés. Wrong auxiliary and agreement Nous sommes allés.

Mixing tenses randomly Each tense has a job Keep background in imparfait, action in passé composé

17. Best Practices

Read your story aloud. Your ear will catch mistakes your eye misses.

Use signal words. They guide your choice of tense.

Write every day. Even three sentences a day helps.

Check agreements after writing, especially with être verbs.

Keep a list of irregular past participles and review it weekly.

Do not translate word-for-word from English. French and English use past tenses differently.

Ask a teacher or friend to read your work and give feedback.

Reread your old stories. You will see your progress.

18. Comparison Tables

Imparfait vs. Passé Composé — Full Comparison

Feature Imparfait Passé Composé

Main job Background, description Actions, events

Feeling Soft, ongoing Sharp, completed

English equivalent was doing / used to do did / have done

Formation nous stem + endings auxiliary + participle

Irregular verbs Only être Many

Agreement None Only with être

Common signal words souvent, chaque, pendant que hier, soudain, tout à coup

Used in speech? Yes, but less than in writing Yes, very common

Avoir vs. Être — Which Auxiliary?

Avoir Être

Most verbs Movement verbs

manger, parler, finir aller, venir, partir

No agreement with subject Agreement with subject

Example: J'ai mangé Example: Je suis allé(e)

19. End-of-Module Summary

Congratulations! You have completed Module 1 of the Intermediate French course. Let us review what you learned.

What You Learned

The two main past tenses: imparfait and passé composé.

How to form the imparfait from the nous present form.

How to form the passé composé with avoir and être.

How to choose the right tense using the camera rule.

How to mix both tenses in a story.

Common traps and how to avoid them.

How to write a childhood memory in French.

The Big Picture

THE BIG PICTURE =============== PAST STORY = BACKGROUND (imparfait) + ACTION (passé composé) Think of it like a Nigerian film: [ Background music + scenery ] <- imparfait [ The main action scene ] <- passé composé [ More scenery ] <- imparfait [ More action ] <- passé composé [ The happy ending ] <- mix

20. Frequently Asked Questions (10 Questions)

Question 1: Why does French have two past tenses?

Because French likes to separate background from action. English does this too, but less clearly. In French, the imparfait describes what was happening, and the passé composé tells what happened.

Question 2: Which one should I use more?

Both are important. In everyday speech, the passé composé is more common. In writing and storytelling, the imparfait is very important.

Question 3: How do I know which one to use?

Ask yourself: "Is this a background or an action?" Background goes with the imparfait. Action goes with the passé composé.

Question 4: What if I get it wrong?

Do not worry. French people will still understand you. Just keep practising. Mistakes are part of learning.

Question 5: Do I need to memorise all the irregular past participles?

You need the most common ones. Start with about fifteen. Add more as you go.

Question 6: Why do some verbs use être?

These are mostly movement verbs. There is no deep reason — it is just how French works. Learn the list and you will be fine.

Question 7: Is the imparfait harder than the passé composé?

Actually, the imparfait is easier to form. But choosing when to use it can be tricky. With practice, it becomes natural.

Question 8: Can I use only one tense if I want?

You can, but your stories will sound strange. Native speakers always mix them. Try to use both from the start.

Question 9: How long will it take to master this?

It depends on how much you practise. With daily practice, you can feel comfortable in a few weeks.

Question 10: What is the best way to practise?

Write short stories every day. Read French books. Listen to French audio. Ask for feedback. And do not be afraid to make mistakes.

21. Matching Exercises

Exercise 1: Match the French with the English

French English

1. Il pleuvait. A. Suddenly, I saw a bird.

2. J'ai mangé. B. I used to play every day.

3. Tout à coup, j'ai vu un oiseau. C. It was raining.

4. Je jouais chaque jour. D. She was tired.

5. Elle était fatiguée. E. I ate.

Answers: 1-C, 2-E, 3-A, 4-B, 5-D.

Exercise 2: Match the Auxiliary

Verb Auxiliary

1. aller A. avoir

2. manger B. être

3. partir C. avoir

4. finir D. être

5. venir E. être

Answers: 1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-C, 5-E.

22. Scenario-based Exercises

Scenario 1: A Rainy Day

Imagine it was raining yesterday. You were at home. Suddenly, the electricity went off. Write 4 sentences in French. Use the imparfait for the weather and the passé composé for the power cut.

Scenario 2: A School Event

Last week, your school had a cultural day. Describe what was happening (imparfait) and what happened (passé composé). Write 5 sentences.

Scenario 3: A Trip to the Market

You went to the market with your mother. Describe the scene and what you bought. Write 5 sentences.

Scenario 4: A Football Match

Your favourite team played last weekend. Describe the atmosphere (imparfait) and what happened in the match (passé composé). Write 5 sentences.

23. Group Activity

Activity: Story Chain

Work in groups of four. Each person adds one sentence to a story.

Person 1: Sets the scene with the imparfait. Example: Il faisait beau.

Person 2: Adds a background detail with the imparfait. Example: Les oiseaux chantaient.

Person 3: Introduces an action with the passé composé. Example: Tout à coup, un chien a couru dans la cour.

Person 4: Adds more action with the passé composé. Example: Il a pris le ballon et il est parti.

Repeat the cycle until the story has 12 sentences.

Read the full story aloud to the class.

24. Individual Activity

Activity: My Childhood Memory

Write a story about a childhood memory. It should be 10–12 sentences long. Follow these rules:

At least 4 sentences must use the imparfait.

At least 4 sentences must use the passé composé.

Include one être verb with correct agreement.

Include the time markers soudain and hier or quand j'avais… ans.

25. Mini Project

Project: My Story Book Page

Create a small "story book page" in French. It should contain:

A title in French.

A short story of 8–10 sentences about a past event.

At least one small drawing or ASCII illustration.

Both past tenses used correctly.

A vocabulary list of 5 new words with English meanings.

MINI PROJECT — STORY BOOK PAGE ============================== +----------------------------------+ | Mon Souvenir | | --------------------------------| | | | [ Drawing or ASCII illustration ]| | | | Quand j'avais huit ans… | | Il faisait chaud. | | Je jouais dehors. | | Soudain, j'ai vu un serpent. | | J'ai couru. | | Ma mère m'a consolé. | | | | Vocabulaire: | | - dehors = outside | | - un serpent = a snake | +----------------------------------+

26. Practical Assignment

Assignment: Write a 150-Word Story

Write a story in French about a real or imaginary event from your past. It must be 150 words. Your story should include:

At least 6 sentences with the imparfait.

At least 6 sentences with the passé composé.

At least 3 être verbs with correct agreement.

At least 2 irregular past participles.

Time markers like soudain, d'abord, ensuite.

A clear beginning, middle, and end.

When you finish, read your story aloud. Then check for common mistakes using the checklist in Section 16.

27. Key Takeaways

The imparfait and the passé composé are the two main past tenses in French.

The imparfait describes background, feelings, weather, and habits.

The passé composé describes specific actions and completed events.

Both tenses work together to tell a story.

Most verbs use avoir. Movement verbs use être.

With être, the past participle agrees with the subject.

Time markers help you choose the right tense.

Practice every day to build confidence.

28. Classroom Discussion Questions

Why do you think French uses two past tenses instead of one?

Can you think of a time when you told a story in English? Which parts would use the imparfait in French?

What is your favourite childhood memory? How would you start it in French?

Why is it important to describe the background before telling an action?

How do films use background music and action scenes? How is that similar to the two past tenses?

What happens if you use only one past tense in a story?

Do you think the DR MRS VANDERTRAMP list is helpful? Why or why not?

How can you practise the two past tenses at home?

29. Preparation for the Next Module

In Module 2, you will learn about the future tenses. You will learn how to talk about your plans, your dreams, and your predictions. You will also learn the conditional, which is used for polite requests and hypothetical situations.

Before Moving On, Make Sure You Can:

Form the imparfait for any regular verb.

Form the imparfait of être without hesitation.

Use the passé composé with both avoir and être.

Agree past participles with être verbs.

Write a 10–12 sentence past story in French.

A Sneak Peek at Module 2

MODULE 2 PREVIEW ================ You will learn: * Le futur proche (aller + infinitive) * Le futur simple (the future tense) * Le conditionnel (for polite requests) * Si clauses (if... then...) Example: Si j'avais de l'argent, je voyagerais en France. (If I had money, I would travel to France.) Get ready to talk about your dreams!

Take a short break. Review this module. When you feel ready, move on to Module 2. You are doing great!

French Intermediate — Module 1: Narrating the Past

End of Module 1. Well done!

Félicitations — vous avez terminé le Module 1 !

French	English	Simple Definition
l'imparfait	the imperfect tense	The past tense for background and habits
le passé composé	the compound past	The past tense for completed actions
un auxiliaire	an auxiliary	A helping verb (avoir or être)
un participe passé	a past participle	The verb form used after the auxiliary
un radical	a stem	The base part of a verb
une terminaison	an ending	The letters added to the stem
l'accord	agreement	When the participle matches the subject
soudain	suddenly	Used for a surprise action
tout à coup	suddenly	Same meaning as soudain
pendant que	while	Shows two things happening at once
d'habitude	usually	Shows a habit
chaque	each / every	Signals a habit
hier	yesterday	Signals a specific past time
une mémoire	a memory	Something you remember
une scène	a scene	Part of a story

Mistake	Why It Is Wrong	Correct Version
Il a fait beau.	Weather should use imparfait	Il faisait beau.
Elle est allé.	Missing agreement	Elle est allée.
J'ai allé.	Aller uses être	Je suis allé.
Il parlai.	Missing silent ending	Il parlait.
Je suis mangé.	Manger uses avoir	J'ai mangé.
Nous avons allés.	Wrong auxiliary and agreement	Nous sommes allés.
Mixing tenses randomly	Each tense has a job	Keep background in imparfait, action in passé composé

Feature	Imparfait	Passé Composé
Main job	Background, description	Actions, events
Feeling	Soft, ongoing	Sharp, completed
English equivalent	was doing / used to do	did / have done
Formation	nous stem + endings	auxiliary + participle
Irregular verbs	Only être	Many
Agreement	None	Only with être
Common signal words	souvent, chaque, pendant que	hier, soudain, tout à coup
Used in speech?	Yes, but less than in writing	Yes, very common

Avoir	Être
Most verbs	Movement verbs
manger, parler, finir	aller, venir, partir
No agreement with subject	Agreement with subject
Example: J'ai mangé	Example: Je suis allé(e)

French	English
1. Il pleuvait.	A. Suddenly, I saw a bird.
2. J'ai mangé.	B. I used to play every day.
3. Tout à coup, j'ai vu un oiseau.	C. It was raining.
4. Je jouais chaque jour.	D. She was tired.
5. Elle était fatiguée.	E. I ate.

Verb	Auxiliary
1. aller	A. avoir
2. manger	B. être
3. partir	C. avoir
4. finir	D. être
5. venir	E. être

3
Module Two

French Intermediate — Module 2: Looking Forward

French Intermediate

Module 2: Looking Forward — Future Tenses & Hypotheticals

Level: B1 (Intermediate) | Duration: Weeks 3–4 | Focus: Writing & planning

1. Module Introduction

Welcome back! In Module 1, you learned how to talk about the past. You can now tell stories about things that already happened. You can say J'ai mangé (I ate) and Il pleuvait (It was raining). That is a big achievement.

Now it is time to look forward. In this module, you will learn how to talk about the future.

Imagine you want to tell your friend about your plans for the holidays. You want to say: "Next month, I will travel to Abuja. I am going to visit my cousin. If I have time, I would also like to see the museum."

In French, you need several tools to say all of that:

Le futur proche (few-TOOR prosh) — the "going to" future

Le futur simple (few-TOOR SAM-pl) — the "will" future

Le conditionnel (kon-dee-syon-NEL) — the "would" form

Les phrases avec "si" — sentences with "if"

These four tools work together. They let you talk about plans, dreams, wishes, and imaginary situations. By the end of this module, you will be able to write about your future in clear, correct French.

Do not worry if this sounds like a lot. We will go slowly, step by step. You already did something harder in Module 1. You are ready for this.

2. Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Explain in your own words what the futur proche is.

Form the futur proche using aller + infinitive.

Form the futur simple for regular verbs.

Recognise the most common irregular future stems.

Explain what the conditionnel is and when to use it.

Write polite requests using the conditional.

Write si clauses correctly.

Choose between the futur proche and the futur simple depending on context.

Write a 150-word text about your future plans.

Spot and fix the most common mistakes with future tenses.

3. Warm-up Story

Chidi's Big Plan

Chidi is a 13-year-old boy who lives in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. One evening, he sat down with his father to talk about his dreams.

"Papa," Chidi said, "I have been thinking about my future."

"Tell me, my son," his father replied.

"Well, next year, I am going to study harder at school. I will finish my exams with good grades. Then, I will apply to a university in Lagos. If I get in, I will study engineering. I would like to build bridges one day. And if I had enough money, I would travel to France to study there too."

His father smiled. "That is a wonderful plan, Chidi. And you know what? You will achieve it if you work hard."

Now look carefully at the words in bold. Notice something?

Some talk about the near future: am going to study.

Some talk about the simple future: will finish, will apply, will study.

Some talk about imagined situations: would like, would travel.

And some use if: If I get in…, If I had enough money…

In French, each of these uses a different tool. Keep Chidi's story in your mind. We will come back to it many times.

CHIDI'S STORY — FOUR TOOLS ========================== NEAR FUTURE SIMPLE FUTURE ----------- ------------- am going to study will finish (futur proche) will apply will study (futur simple) IMAGINED SITUATION "IF" SENTENCES ------------------ -------------- would like If I get in… would travel If I had enough money… (conditionnel) (si clauses) Think of it like this: NOW ---- going to ---- will ---- would ---- if | | | | | today tomorrow someday a dream a condition

4. Main Lessons

Lesson 1: What is the Future Tense?

Definition

The future tense is the way we talk about things that have not happened yet. In English, we say "I will walk," "I am going to walk," or "I would walk." In French, there are different future forms too.

Why It Is Important

You cannot talk about plans, dreams, or hopes without the future tense. If you only know the present and the past, you can only talk about now and then. The future tense opens the door to tomorrow.

Simple Explanation

Remember the road from Module 1? The present is where you stand. The past is behind you. The future is in front of you. The future tense is how you describe what you hope to see on the road ahead.

Real-life Example

Your mother asks: "What are you doing next week?" You answer: "I will visit my grandmother. I am going to help her in the shop." Future tense.

School Example

In your English class, your teacher says: "Write about your plans for next term." You write: "I will study harder. I am going to join the debate club." Future tense.

Home Example

At home, your father says: "What will you do when you finish school?" You answer: "I will go to university. I am going to become a doctor."

Nigerian Example

Think about your future plans for your country. You might say: "One day, I will build a school in my village. I am going to help children who cannot afford school fees."

Illustration

TIME AS A ROAD — PART 2 ======================= PAST NOW FUTURE ....................|.................... ^ ^ ^ "I walked" "I walk" "I will walk" "I was walking" "I am walking" "I am going to walk" You are standing at the middle point. The future tense lets you look ahead.

Mini Summary

The future tense describes things that have not happened yet. In French, there are two main future tenses: the futur proche and the futur simple. We will learn each one carefully.

Lesson 2: Meet the Two Future Tenses

Definition

Le futur proche and le futur simple are the two most common future tenses in French. They do slightly different jobs.

Why It Is Important

If you use only one, your writing will sound less natural. French speakers use both, depending on how near or how certain the future event is.

Simple Explanation

Think of a bus journey.

The futur proche is the next stop — it is very near, and you are almost there. "I am going to get off at the next stop."

The futur simple is the final destination — it is further away, and you will reach it later. "I will arrive in Abuja at 6 p.m."

Real-life Example

"I am going to eat now (futur proche) because I will be hungry later (futur simple)."

School Example

"We are going to have a test tomorrow (futur proche). Next year, we will study chemistry (futur simple)."

Home Example

"Mum is going to cook rice tonight (futur proche). Next Sunday, she will make jollof (futur simple)."

Nigerian Example

"We are going to visit Lekki next week (futur proche). In five years, we will live in our own house (futur simple)."

Illustration

TWO FUTURE TENSES — TWO JOBS ============================ FUTUR PROCHE FUTUR SIMPLE ------------ ------------ Very near future Further future "going to" "will" Certain, planned Predictions, promises Uses aller + infinitive Uses a new set of endings EXAMPLE TIMELINE: NOW ---> [next hour] ---> [tomorrow] ---> [next year] ---> [someday] | | | | futur proche futur proche futur simple futur simple "vais manger" "vais partir" "partirai" "serai"

Mini Summary

The futur proche describes the near future ("going to"). The futur simple describes the further future ("will"). Both are important in writing.

Lesson 3: How to Form the Futur Proche

Definition

The futur proche is formed by using the verb aller in the present tense, followed by the infinitive of the main verb.

Why It Is Important

This is the easiest future tense in French. Once you know aller, you can talk about the future immediately. It is also very common in everyday speech.

Simple Explanation

Imagine two dancers. The first dancer is aller (to go). The second dancer is the verb you want to use. They always dance together, one after the other.

The Formula

FUTUR PROCHE FORMULA ==================== Subject + aller (present) + infinitive ------- --------------- ---------- Je vais manger Tu vas finir Il va partir

Conjugating Aller in the Present

Subject Aller Example

je vais je vais manger

tu vas tu vas manger

il / elle / on va il va manger

nous allons nous allons manger

vous allez vous allez manger

ils / elles vont ils vont manger

Step-by-Step

Decide who the subject is: je, tu, il, nous, vous, ils.

Conjugate aller in the present for that subject.

Add the infinitive of the main verb. The infinitive never changes.

Example: Je + vais + voyager = Je vais voyager (I am going to travel).

Real-life Example

Ce soir, je vais regarder un film. → "Tonight, I am going to watch a film."

School Example

Demain, nous allons faire un test de maths. → "Tomorrow, we are going to take a maths test."

Home Example

Ma sœur va préparer le dîner. → "My sister is going to prepare dinner."

Nigerian Example

Nous allons visiter Lagos le mois prochain. → "We are going to visit Lagos next month."

Illustration

HOW TO BUILD THE FUTUR PROCHE ============================= STEP 1: Choose your subject. ---------------------------- je tu il nous vous ils STEP 2: Conjugate "aller" in the present. ----------------------------------------- vais vas va allons allez vont STEP 3: Add the infinitive (unchanged). --------------------------------------- manger finir partir voyager étudier RESULT: Je vais manger I am going to eat Tu vas finir You are going to finish Il va partir He is going to leave Nous allons voyager We are going to travel Vous allez étudier You are going to study Ils vont danser They are going to dance

Mini Summary

The futur proche = aller (present) + infinitive. It describes the near future. It is the easiest future tense in French.

Lesson 4: How to Form the Futur Simple — Regular Verbs

Definition

The futur simple is formed by adding a special set of endings to the infinitive (or a modified stem) of the verb.

Why It Is Important

The futur simple is used in formal writing, in predictions, and for events in the further future. It appears often in books, news, and letters.

Simple Explanation

Think of the infinitive as the base of a tree. You attach six branches (the endings) to it. Each branch is for one subject pronoun.

The Endings

Subject Ending Example with parler

je -ai je parlerai

tu -as tu parleras

il / elle / on -a il parlera

nous -ons nous parlerons

vous -ez vous parlerez

ils / elles -ont ils parleront

Very important: For -er and -ir verbs, the stem is the infinitive. For -re verbs, you drop the final -e first.

Step-by-Step

Take the infinitive: parler.

For -er and -ir verbs, keep the infinitive. For -re verbs, drop the final -e: vendre → vendr-.

Add the ending for your subject: je + parler + -ai = je parlerai.

Examples

Infinitive Stem Example (je) Meaning

parler parler- je parlerai I will speak

finir finir- je finirai I will finish

vendre vendr- je vendrai I will sell

étudier étudier- j'étudierai I will study

Real-life Example

L'année prochaine, je voyagerai au Ghana. → "Next year, I will travel to Ghana."

School Example

En terminale, nous étudierons la philosophie. → "In final year, we will study philosophy."

Home Example

Ma mère préparera le repas ce soir. → "My mother will prepare the meal tonight."

Nigerian Example

Dans dix ans, notre pays changera beaucoup. → "In ten years, our country will change a lot."

Illustration

HOW TO BUILD THE FUTUR SIMPLE ============================= INFINITIVE STEM ENDINGS ---------- ---- ------- parler --> parler + -ai -as -a -ons -ez -ont finir --> finir + -ai -as -a -ons -ez -ont vendre --> vendr + -ai -as -a -ons -ez -ont FULL CONJUGATION OF "PARLER" IN FUTUR SIMPLE -------------------------------------------- je parlerai tu parleras il / elle parlera nous parlerons vous parlerez ils / elles parleront Note: The endings are the same for all regular verbs.

Mini Summary

The futur simple for regular verbs = infinitive (or stem) + endings -ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont. It describes the further future.

Lesson 5: Irregular Stems in the Futur Simple

Definition

Some verbs do not use the infinitive as their future stem. They have irregular stems, but the endings are always the same.

Why It Is Important

These verbs are very common. You must learn their stems. The good news is that there are only about fifteen.

Simple Explanation

Think of these verbs as having a special nickname. Their future stem is a short, sometimes strange-looking form, but the endings never change.

The Common Irregular Future Stems

Verb Future Stem Example (je) Meaning

être ser- je serai I will be

avoir aur- j'aurai I will have

aller ir- j'irai I will go

faire fer- je ferai I will do

venir viendr- je viendrai I will come

voir verr- je verrai I will see

pouvoir pourr- je pourrai I will be able to

vouloir voudr- je voudrai I will want

savoir saur- je saurai I will know

devoir devr- je devrai I will have to

envoyer enverr- j'enverrai I will send

recevoir recevr- je recevrai I will receive

prendre prendr- je prendrai I will take

mettre mettr- je mettrai I will put

courir courr- je courrai I will run

Real-life Example

Demain, il fera beau. → "Tomorrow, the weather will be nice."

School Example

J'aurai mon diplôme l'année prochaine. → "I will have my diploma next year."

Home Example

Nous irons au village pendant les vacances. → "We will go to the village during the holidays."

Nigerian Example

Mes parents viendront me voir à l'université. → "My parents will come to see me at university."

Illustration

IRREGULAR FUTURE STEMS — MEMORY MAP =================================== VERB STEM SOUND-ALIKE TIP ---- ---- --------------- être -> ser- "sair" avoir -> aur- "or" aller -> ir- "eer" faire -> fer- "fair" venir -> viendr- "vyen-druh" voir -> verr- "vair" pouvoir-> pourr- "poor" vouloir-> voudr- "voo-druh" savoir -> saur- "sor" devoir -> devr- "duh-vruh" All of these use the SAME endings: -ai -as -a -ons -ez -ont

Mini Summary

Irregular future stems must be memorised. The endings stay the same. There are about fifteen to learn. Practise them with flashcards.

Lesson 6: Futur Proche vs. Futur Simple

Definition

Both tenses describe the future, but they have different feelings. The futur proche feels near and certain. The futur simple feels further away, more formal, or more like a prediction.

Why It Is Important

Choosing the right future tense makes your French sound natural. Using only one tense is correct, but it feels flat.

Simple Explanation

Think of two types of weather forecasts.

The futur proche is like saying "Look at those clouds — it is going to rain in five minutes." You can see it.

The futur simple is like saying "In July, it will rain a lot in this region." It is a prediction.

Comparison Table

Situation Tense Example

Very near future Futur proche Je vais manger. (I am going to eat.)

Plans already decided Futur proche Nous allons partir demain.

Predictions Futur simple Il pleuvra demain.

Promises Futur simple Je t'aiderai. (I will help you.)

Formal writing Futur simple Le président parlera demain.

Far future Futur simple Dans vingt ans, tout changera.

Everyday speech Futur proche Je vais appeler ma mère.

Real-life Example

Ce soir, je vais regarder un film. L'année prochaine, je regarderai beaucoup de films français. → "Tonight, I am going to watch a film. Next year, I will watch many French films."

School Example

Demain, nous allons faire un exercice. À la fin du trimestre, nous ferons un examen. → "Tomorrow, we are going to do an exercise. At the end of term, we will do an exam."

Nigerian Example

Ce week-end, nous allons visiter le musée. Dans quelques années, nous visiterons Paris. → "This weekend, we are going to visit the museum. In a few years, we will visit Paris."

Illustration

CHOOSING BETWEEN THE TWO FUTURES ================================ Question: How near? How certain? How formal? NEAR + CERTAIN FAR + PREDICTION -------------- ---------------- futur proche futur simple aller + infinitive stem + endings EXAMPLE TIMELINE: NOW ---> [tonight] ---> [next week] ---> [next year] ---> [someday] | | | | "vais manger" "vais partir" "partirai" "serai" futur proche futur proche futur simple futur simple RULE OF THUMB: If you could say "going to" in English, use futur proche. If you would say "will", use futur simple.

Mini Summary

The futur proche is for the near, certain future. The futur simple is for predictions, promises, and the further future. Choose based on distance and feeling.

Lesson 7: Meet the Conditional

Definition

The conditionnel is a verb form that means "would." It is used for polite requests, wishes, and imaginary situations.

Why It Is Important

Without the conditional, you cannot be truly polite in French. You also cannot talk about dreams and imaginary situations. It is essential for B1 writing.

Simple Explanation

Imagine you are at a shop. Instead of saying "Give me bread," you say "I would like some bread, please." That "would" is the conditional.

How to Form It

Here is the good news: the conditional uses the same stem as the futur simple, and adds the same endings as the imparfait. It is a mix of two things you already know.

Subject Ending Example with parler

je -ais je parlerais

tu -ais tu parlerais

il / elle / on -ait il parlerait

nous -ions nous parlerions

vous -iez vous parleriez

ils / elles -aient ils parleraient

Remember: The stem is the same as the futur simple stem. The endings are the same as the imparfait. If you know both, you already know the conditional.

Real-life Example

Je voudrais un kilo de riz, s'il vous plaît. → "I would like a kilo of rice, please."

School Example

Pourriez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ? → "Could you repeat, please?"

Home Example

J'aimerais regarder la télé ce soir. → "I would like to watch TV tonight."

Nigerian Example

Nous aimerions visiter le musée de Lagos. → "We would like to visit the Lagos museum."

Illustration

THE CONDITIONAL — A MIX OF TWO TENSES ===================================== FUTUR SIMPLE STEM + IMPARFAIT ENDINGS ------------------ ----------------- parler -ais -ais -ait finir -ions -iez -aient vendr ser aur RESULT: je parlerais tu parlerais il / elle parlerait nous parlerions vous parleriez ils / elles parleraient Think of it as a "would" tense.

Mini Summary

The conditional uses the futur simple stem and the imparfait endings. It means "would." Use it for polite requests, wishes, and imaginary situations.

Lesson 8: Using the Conditional for Politeness

Definition

In French, the conditional is used to be polite. Instead of giving a direct order, you use "would" to soften your request.

Why It Is Important

French culture values politeness, especially in shops, restaurants, and formal letters. Using the conditional shows respect.

Simple Explanation

Compare these two sentences in English:

"Give me water." (Direct, slightly rude.)

"I would like some water, please." (Polite.)

In French, the second uses the conditional.

Common Polite Phrases

French English

Je voudrais… I would like…

J'aimerais… I would love…

Pourriez-vous… ? Could you… ?

Pourrais-tu… ? Could you… ? (informal)

Est-ce que je pourrais… ? Could I… ?

Ce serait bien. That would be nice.

Real-life Example

Bonjour, je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît. → "Hello, I would like a coffee, please."

School Example

Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous m'aider avec cet exercice ? → "Excuse me, could you help me with this exercise?"

Home Example

Papa, j'aimerais sortir avec mes amis ce samedi. → "Dad, I would like to go out with my friends this Saturday."

Nigerian Example

Madame, je voudrais deux kilos de tomates, s'il vous plaît. → "Madam, I would like two kilos of tomatoes, please."

Illustration

POLITENESS LADDER ================= Direct (rude) Polite (good) Very polite (best) ------------- ------------- ------------------ "Donne-moi" "Je voudrais" "Pourriez-vous me donner" Give me I would like Could you give me The more "would" you use, the more polite you sound.

Mini Summary

The conditional softens requests. Phrases like je voudrais and pourriez-vous are essential for polite French. Use them in shops, letters, and formal situations.

Lesson 9: The Conditional for Imaginary Situations

Definition

The conditional is also used to talk about imaginary situations — things that are not real but that you imagine.

Why It Is Important

Dreams, wishes, and "what if" questions all use the conditional. Without it, you cannot express hopes and imagination in French.

Simple Explanation

Imagine you find a magic lamp. The genie says: "What would you wish for?" You answer using the conditional: "I would wish for a big house. I would travel the world. I would help my family."

Examples

French English

Je voyagerais autour du monde. I would travel around the world.

J'achèterais une grande maison. I would buy a big house.

Nous aiderions les pauvres. We would help the poor.

Il serait très content. He would be very happy.

Elles feraient un grand voyage. They would take a big trip.

Real-life Example

Si j'avais un million de nairas, je donnerais la moitié à ma mère. → "If I had a million naira, I would give half to my mother."

School Example

Si j'étais professeur, je donnerais moins de devoirs. → "If I were a teacher, I would give less homework."

Home Example

Si nous habitions à la campagne, nous aurions un grand jardin. → "If we lived in the countryside, we would have a big garden."

Nigerian Example

Si j'étais président, je construirais plus d'écoles. → "If I were president, I would build more schools."

Illustration

THE MAGIC LAMP ============== You find a lamp. | V A genie appears. | V "What would you wish for?" | V You answer in the conditional: "Je voudrais…" I would like… "Je voyagerais…" I would travel… "J'aiderais…" I would help… "Je serais…" I would be… | V Your wishes come true (in your imagination!)

Mini Summary

The conditional describes imaginary situations and wishes. It is often used with si clauses (if-sentences). Use it to dream in French.

Lesson 10: "Si" Clauses — The "If" Sentences

Definition

A si clause is a sentence with "if" in it. In French, si means "if." There are different patterns depending on whether the situation is likely, unlikely, or impossible.

Why It Is Important

Si clauses are very common in everyday speech and writing. They let you talk about conditions, possibilities, and dreams.

Simple Explanation

Think about a game of football. "If we score one more goal, we will win." That is a si clause. The "if" part gives the condition. The other part gives the result.

The Three Main Patterns

Pattern 1: Likely situation (real condition)

Use this when the condition is possible and realistic.

Si clause (condition) Main clause (result)

Si + présent futur simple / futur proche / impératif

Example: Si j'étudie bien, je réussirai mon examen. → "If I study well, I will pass my exam."

Pattern 2: Unlikely situation (hypothetical)

Use this when the condition is imaginary or unlikely.

Si clause (condition) Main clause (result)

Si + imparfait conditionnel présent

Example: Si j'avais beaucoup d'argent, je voyagerais en France. → "If I had a lot of money, I would travel to France."

Pattern 3: Impossible situation (past regret)

Use this when the condition can no longer happen.

Si clause (condition) Main clause (result)

Si + plus-que-parfait conditionnel passé

Example: Si j'avais étudié, j'aurais réussi. → "If I had studied, I would have succeeded."

For now: Focus on patterns 1 and 2. Pattern 3 is for later.

Real-life Example

Si je finis mes devoirs, je sortirai avec mes amis. → "If I finish my homework, I will go out with my friends."

School Example

Si tu écoutes en classe, tu comprendras mieux. → "If you listen in class, you will understand better."

Home Example

Si ma mère rentre tôt, nous mangerons ensemble. → "If my mother comes home early, we will eat together."

Nigerian Example

Si nous partons tôt, nous éviterons la circulation. → "If we leave early, we will avoid traffic."

Illustration

SI CLAUSES — THREE PATTERNS =========================== PATTERN 1: LIKELY ----------------- Si + présent -----> futur / impératif "Si j'étudie, je réussirai." (If I study, I will pass.) PATTERN 2: UNLIKELY ------------------ Si + imparfait -----> conditionnel "Si j'avais de l'argent, je voyagerais." (If I had money, I would travel.) PATTERN 3: IMPOSSIBLE -------------------- Si + plus-que-parfait -----> conditionnel passé "Si j'avais étudié, j'aurais réussi." (If I had studied, I would have passed.) Visual: CONDITION RESULT --------- ------ "Si…" ----------------> "…" (the cause) (the effect)

Mini Summary

Si clauses have three patterns. Pattern 1: si + présent → futur. Pattern 2: si + imparfait → conditionnel. Pattern 3 is for impossible situations. Learn patterns 1 and 2 first.

Lesson 11: Writing a Future Plan

Definition

A future plan is a short text about what you intend to do in the coming days, months, or years.

Why It Is Important

Writing about your future is a common task in French exams and in real life. It combines everything you learned: the future tenses, the conditional, and si clauses.

Simple Explanation

A future plan is like a roadmap. You write down where you want to go and how you plan to get there.

Step-by-Step

Start with the near future. What are you going to do this week or this month? (Use futur proche.)

Add your goals for the year. What will you achieve? (Use futur simple.)

Add a wish or dream. What would you like to do? (Use conditionnel.)

Add a condition. What will you do if certain things happen? (Use a si clause.)

End with a feeling or hope. How do you feel about the future?

Example Future Plan

Cette semaine, je vais étudier pour mon examen de français. Le mois prochain, je vais rendre mon projet de science. L'année prochaine, je passerai mon examen final et je choisirai une université. J'aimerais étudier l'ingénierie à Lagos. Si je réussis, mes parents seront très fiers. Je voudrais aussi voyager à Paris un jour. Ce serait un rêve merveilleux.

English: "This week, I am going to study for my French exam. Next month, I am going to hand in my science project. Next year, I will take my final exam and choose a university. I would like to study engineering in Lagos. If I succeed, my parents will be very proud. I would also like to travel to Paris one day. That would be a wonderful dream."

Real-life Example

You might write a future plan for yourself at the start of the school year. This helps you stay focused.

School Example

Your teacher might ask you to write Mes projets pour l'année prochaine as a class assignment.

Home Example

Your parents might ask you what you want to become. You can write your answer as a future plan.

Nigerian Example

Imagine you want to help your community. You might write: Je construirai une bibliothèque dans mon village. J'aiderai les enfants à lire. Si j'ai de l'argent, je donnerai des livres gratuits.

Illustration

FUTURE PLAN — STORY MAP ======================= [NEAR FUTURE — futur proche] | V "Cette semaine, je vais étudier…" [FURTHER FUTURE — futur simple] | V "L'année prochaine, je passerai…" [WISH / DREAM — conditionnel] | V "J'aimerais étudier…" [CONDITION — si clause] | V "Si je réussis, mes parents seront fiers." [HOPE] | V "Ce serait un rêve merveilleux."

Mini Summary

A future plan combines the futur proche, the futur simple, the conditional, and si clauses. It is the perfect way to practise everything in this module.

Lesson 12: Common Traps and How to Avoid Them

Definition

A trap is a mistake that many learners make. Knowing the traps helps you avoid them.

Why It Is Important

Learning is not just about adding new knowledge — it is also about avoiding common errors. Knowing the traps saves you time and frustration.

Simple Explanation

Think of these traps as potholes on a road. If you know where they are, you can drive around them.

Trap 1: Using the Futur Simple for Everything

Many beginners use the futur simple for all future sentences. But in everyday speech, the futur proche is more natural for near events.

Awkward: Ce soir, je regarderai un film. (Correct, but stiff in speech.)

Natural: Ce soir, je vais regarder un film.

Trap 2: Forgetting to Use Si + Imparfait + Conditionnel

In English, we sometimes say "If I would have…" In French, you must never use the conditional right after si. Use imparfait instead.

Wrong: Si j'aurais de l'argent…

Right: Si j'avais de l'argent…

Trap 3: Forgetting the -r in the Future Stem

Some future stems add a double r or a d. Watch out for verbs like voir → verrai, être → serai, aller → irai.

Wrong: je serai written as je serai (this is fine) — but be careful with je verrai, not je verai.

Trap 4: Confusing the Future and the Conditional

The future and conditional have similar stems but different endings.

Future: je parlerai (I will speak)

Conditional: je parlerais (I would speak)

Listen carefully: the future -ai sounds like "ay." The conditional -ais sounds like "eh." In writing, they look almost identical. Always check.

Trap 5: Using Aller Twice in a Row

Some students write je vais aller for "I will go." That is correct, but it means "I am going to go." For "I will go," use j'irai.

OK: Je vais aller au marché. (I am going to go to the market.)

Also OK: J'irai au marché. (I will go to the market.)

Comparison Table

Wrong Right Why

Si j'aurais de l'argent… Si j'avais de l'argent… Never use conditional after si

Je verai Je verrai Voir has a double r in the future stem

Je parlerai (when "would" is meant) Je parlerais Future vs conditional endings

Si j'étais toi, je ferais… (correct) Si j'étais toi, je ferais… Both verbs must match the pattern

Mini Summary

The main traps are: using only one future tense, forgetting the si + imparfait + conditionnel pattern, missing future stem changes, confusing the future and conditional, and overusing aller + aller. Learn these and your writing will be much better.

Lesson 13: Putting It All Together — A Full Model Text

Definition

This lesson shows a complete text using everything you have learned: futur proche, futur simple, conditional, and si clauses.

Why It Is Important

Seeing a full example helps you understand how the pieces fit together. It is like looking at a finished puzzle before building your own.

The Text

Cette semaine, je vais me préparer pour mes examens. Je vais étudier tous les jours et je vais dormir tôt. Le mois prochain, je passerai mes examens. Si je réussis, je fêterai avec ma famille. Après, je choisirai une université. J'aimerais étudier la médecine à Ibadan. Ce serait un grand honneur pour ma famille. Je voudrais aussi voyager à Paris un jour et visiter la Tour Eiffel. Si j'avais assez d'argent, je voyagerais chaque année. Mais pour l'instant, je vais me concentrer sur mes études. Je travaillerai dur, et je réussirai.

English: "This week, I am going to prepare for my exams. I am going to study every day and I am going to sleep early. Next month, I will take my exams. If I succeed, I will celebrate with my family. After that, I will choose a university. I would like to study medicine in Ibadan. That would be a great honour for my family. I would also like to travel to Paris one day and visit the Eiffel Tower. If I had enough money, I would travel every year. But for now, I am going to focus on my studies. I will work hard, and I will succeed."

Breaking It Down

Sentence Tense / Structure Job

Cette semaine, je vais me préparer… Futur proche Near future plan

Je vais étudier tous les jours… Futur proche Near future plan

Le mois prochain, je passerai… Futur simple Further future

Si je réussis, je fêterai… Si + présent + futur Likely condition

J'aimerais étudier… Conditionnel Wish

Ce serait un grand honneur… Conditionnel Imagined situation

Si j'avais assez d'argent, je voyagerais… Si + imparfait + conditionnel Unlikely condition

Je travaillerai dur, et je réussirai. Futur simple Promise

Mini Summary

A full text mixes the futur proche, the futur simple, the conditional, and si clauses. The futur proche handles near events. The futur simple handles further events and promises. The conditional handles wishes and imagination. Si clauses connect conditions to results.

Lesson 14: Writing About Wishes and Dreams

Definition

Wishes and dreams are things you want but do not yet have. In French, they use the conditional and often start with j'aimerais or je voudrais.

Why It Is Important

Wishes and dreams are a big part of everyday conversation. They let you share your hopes and connect with people.

Simple Explanation

Think about your birthday. When you blow out the candles, what do you wish for? That is exactly what this lesson is about.

Common Phrases

French English

J'aimerais… I would love…

Je voudrais… I would like…

Je rêve de… I dream of…

Mon rêve est de… My dream is to…

Un jour, je… One day, I will…

Example Wishes

J'aimerais devenir médecin. Je voudrais aider les enfants malades. Je rêve de voyager en Europe. Un jour, j'achèterai une grande maison pour ma famille.

English: "I would like to become a doctor. I would like to help sick children. I dream of travelling to Europe. One day, I will buy a big house for my family."

Real-life Example

You might write in a letter: J'aimerais te voir bientôt. → "I would like to see you soon."

School Example

Your teacher might ask: "What would you like to become?" You answer: Je voudrais être ingénieur.

Home Example

You might tell your parents: J'aimerais avoir un vélo pour mon anniversaire. → "I would like a bicycle for my birthday."

Nigerian Example

J'aimerais que mon pays devienne plus fort et plus uni. → "I would like my country to become stronger and more united."

Illustration

WISHES AND DREAMS — A LADDER ============================ Small wish Big wish Lifelong dream ---------- -------- -------------- J'aimerais un J'aimerais Je rêve de devenir nouveau livre. voyager en médecin et aider France. les autres. All use the conditional: "would."

Mini Summary

Wishes and dreams use the conditional. Start with j'aimerais or je voudrais. Add un jour for future dreams. This is a beautiful way to express yourself in French.

Lesson 15: Writing a Letter About the Future

Definition

A letter about the future is a short text where you write to someone about your plans and hopes. It can be formal or informal.

Why It Is Important

Writing letters is a real-life skill. You might write to a friend, a pen pal, or even a future version of yourself.

Simple Explanation

Imagine you are writing a letter to yourself five years from now. What would you say? What do you hope to have achieved? That is the kind of letter we are learning to write.

Sample Letter

Cher futur moi,

J'espère que tu vas bien. Aujourd'hui, j'ai treize ans. Je vais travailler dur à l'école. L'année prochaine, je passerai mes examens. Si je réussis, j'irai à l'université. J'aimerais étudier l'informatique. Je voudrais aussi voyager et voir le monde. J'espère que tu es heureux et que tu as réalisé tous tes rêves.

À bientôt,

Ton ami,
Chidi

English:

Dear future me,

I hope you are well. Today, I am thirteen years old. I am going to work hard at school. Next year, I will take my exams. If I succeed, I will go to university. I would like to study computer science. I would also like to travel and see the world. I hope you are happy and that you have achieved all your dreams.

See you soon,

Your friend,
Chidi

Real-life Example

You could write a letter like this to yourself at the start of the school year and open it at the end.

School Example

Your teacher might ask the class to write a letter to their future selves. This is a fun writing exercise.

Home Example

You could write to a grandparent who lives far away, telling them about your plans.

Nigerian Example

You might write a letter to a pen pal in France, telling them about your dreams for Nigeria and for yourself.

Illustration

LETTER TO THE FUTURE ==================== +----------------------------------+ | Cher futur moi, | | | | Aujourd'hui, j'ai 13 ans. | | Je vais travailler dur. | | L'année prochaine, je | | passerai mes examens. | | Si je réussis, j'irai à | | l'université. | | J'aimerais étudier… | | | | À bientôt, | | Ton ami, | | Chidi | +----------------------------------+

Mini Summary

A letter about the future combines all four tools: futur proche, futur simple, conditional, and si clauses. It is a wonderful way to practise and reflect on your dreams.

5. Key Vocabulary

Here are the important words from this module. Read them. Say them out loud. Write them in your notebook.

French English Simple Definition

le futur proche the near future The "going to" future

le futur simple the simple future The "will" future

le conditionnel the conditional The "would" form

un infinitif an infinitive The base form of a verb (e.g. parler)

un radical a stem The base part of a verb

une terminaison an ending The letters added to the stem

un projet a plan Something you intend to do

un rêve a dream Something you wish for

un souhait a wish Something you hope for

l'avenir the future Time that has not yet come

un jour one day At some point in the future

bientôt soon In a short time

prochain next Coming after this one

dernier last Coming before this one

si if Introduces a condition

6. Important Concepts

Concept 1: The Two Futures

French has two common futures. The futur proche is for near, certain events. The futur simple is for further events and predictions.

Concept 2: The "Would" Form

The conditional means "would." It is used for politeness, wishes, and imaginary situations. It shares its stem with the futur simple and its endings with the imparfait.

Concept 3: The Si-Clause Pattern

Si clauses connect a condition to a result. Pattern 1: si + présent → futur. Pattern 2: si + imparfait → conditionnel. Never use the conditional right after si.

Concept 4: The Certainty Scale

Use the futur proche for very certain events. Use the futur simple for predictions and promises. Use the conditional for imaginary things.

Concept 5: The Plan Structure

A good future plan starts near, then moves further away. It adds a wish, then a condition, then ends with a feeling or promise.

7. Step-by-Step Explanations

How to Write About the Future in French

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS ==================== STEP 1: Choose a time frame. | V STEP 2: Is it near? Use futur proche. Is it further? Use futur simple. | V STEP 3: Add a wish with the conditional. | V STEP 4: Add a condition with "si". | V STEP 5: End with a feeling or promise. | V STEP 6: Read your text aloud. | V STEP 7: Check stems, endings, and agreements. | V FINISH

How to Choose the Right Future Form

Ask: "Is this happening soon?" If yes, use the futur proche.

Ask: "Is this a prediction or a promise?" If yes, use the futur simple.

Ask: "Is this imaginary?" If yes, use the conditional.

Ask: "Is there a condition?" If yes, use a si clause.

Read the sentence aloud. Does it sound natural?

8. Real-life Examples

Example 1: Planning a Trip

Le mois prochain, nous allons visiter le village de ma grand-mère. Nous partirons le vendredi matin. Si le temps est bon, nous resterons deux jours. J'aimerais prendre beaucoup de photos.

English: "Next month, we are going to visit my grandmother's village. We will leave on Friday morning. If the weather is good, we will stay two days. I would like to take many photos."

Example 2: A Student's Goal

Cette année, je vais travailler plus dur. Je vais faire mes devoirs chaque jour. À la fin de l'année, je passerai mon examen. J'aimerais avoir de bonnes notes. Si je réussis, mes parents seront fiers.

English: "This year, I am going to work harder. I am going to do my homework every day. At the end of the year, I will take my exam. I would like to have good grades. If I succeed, my parents will be proud."

Example 3: A Family Event

Samedi prochain, ma cousine se mariera. Nous irons à la fête. Ma mère préparera un grand plat de riz. Tout le monde dansera. Ce sera une belle journée.

English: "Next Saturday, my cousin will get married. We will go to the party. My mother will prepare a big dish of rice. Everyone will dance. It will be a beautiful day."

9. Nigerian Examples

Example 1: A Trip to Abuja

L'année prochaine, nous irons à Abuja. Nous visiterons la mosquée nationale. Si nous avons le temps, nous verrons aussi le rocher d'Aso. J'aimerais prendre beaucoup de photos.

English: "Next year, we will go to Abuja. We will visit the national mosque. If we have time, we will also see Aso Rock. I would like to take many photos."

Example 2: A Business Dream

Un jour, je créerai ma propre entreprise. Je vendrai des vêtements en ligne. Si j'ai de l'argent, j'embaucherai mes amis. J'aimerais aider ma communauté.

English: "One day, I will start my own business. I will sell clothes online. If I have money, I will hire my friends. I would like to help my community."

Example 3: A School Event

La semaine prochaine, notre école organisera une journée culturelle. Nous porterons nos vêtements traditionnels. Nous danserons et nous chanterons. Ce sera amusant.

English: "Next week, our school will organise a cultural day. We will wear our traditional clothes. We will dance and sing. It will be fun."

10. Fun Examples Children Can Relate To

Example 1: The Football Match

Samedi, je vais jouer au football. Mon équipe va gagner. Si nous gagnons, nous fêterons avec de la glace.

English: "On Saturday, I am going to play football. My team is going to win. If we win, we will celebrate with ice cream."

Example 2: The Birthday Party

Mon anniversaire sera dans deux semaines. Ma mère préparera un gâteau au chocolat. J'inviterai mes amis. J'aimerais avoir un nouveau vélo.

English: "My birthday will be in two weeks. My mother will prepare a chocolate cake. I will invite my friends. I would like a new bicycle."

Example 3: The School Trip

Le mois prochain, nous allons visiter un musée. Le bus partira à 8h. Si je suis en retard, je raterai le bus !

English: "Next month, we are going to visit a museum. The bus will leave at 8 a.m. If I am late, I will miss the bus!"

11. Everyday Examples

Example 1: Morning Plans

Demain matin, je vais me lever à six heures. Je vais prendre mon petit-déjeuner. Ensuite, j'irai à l'école.

English: "Tomorrow morning, I am going to get up at six. I am going to have my breakfast. Then, I will go to school."

Example 2: Weekend Plans

Ce week-end, nous allons regarder un film. Si nous avons le temps, nous visiterons aussi le parc. J'aimerais faire un pique-nique.

English: "This weekend, we are going to watch a film. If we have time, we will also visit the park. I would like to have a picnic."

Example 3: Evening Plans

Ce soir, je vais faire mes devoirs. Après, je lirai un livre. Puis, je dormirai tôt.

English: "Tonight, I am going to do my homework. After that, I will read a book. Then, I will sleep early."

12. Parent Tips

Parents, here are some simple ways to support your child as they learn this module:

Ask your child about their plans in French each evening. Even one sentence helps.

Play the "if" game. Ask: "What would you do if you had a million naira?" Encourage them to answer in French.

Encourage daily journaling in French. Ask them to write three sentences about tomorrow.

Celebrate small wins. When your child uses the conditional correctly, praise them.

Do not correct every mistake. Focus on one thing at a time. This week, focus on the future tenses.

Watch French cartoons or videos with subtitles. Ask your child to spot the future tense.

Make flashcards together for irregular future stems.

Write a letter to the future together. You can both write one and open them in a year.

13. Interesting Facts

The futur proche is one of the easiest tenses in French. It only needs aller and an infinitive.

The futur simple is actually very old — it comes from Latin, over two thousand years ago.

The conditional is sometimes called the "polite tense" because it is used so often in shops and restaurants.

In English, "will" and "would" are separate words. In French, they are forms of the same verb.

French children learn the futur simple around age 8 or 9 in school.

The word "conditionnel" comes from the word "condition" — because it is used in "if" sentences.

Some French verbs have future stems so irregular that they look like completely different words. For example, être → ser-.

In everyday speech, the futur proche is used more than the futur simple.

14. Did You Know?

Did you know that the futur simple endings -ai, -as, -a look like the present tense of avoir?

Did you know that the conditional and the futur simple share the same stem?

Did you know that in some French-speaking regions, people almost never use the futur simple in speech?

Did you know that si clauses have three patterns, and each one expresses a different level of possibility?

Did you know that in French, you cannot use the conditional right after si? This is a rule that even many English speakers find strange at first.

15. Remember This

The futur proche = aller (present) + infinitive.

The futur simple = infinitive (or stem) + endings -ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont.

Irregular future stems include ser-, aur-, ir-, fer-, viendr-, verr-, pourr-, voudr-, saur-, devr-.

The conditional = futur simple stem + imparfait endings.

The conditional means "would." It is used for politeness, wishes, and imagination.

Si + présent → futur (likely).

Si + imparfait → conditionnel (unlikely).

Never use the conditional right after si.

16. Common Mistakes

Mistake Why It Is Wrong Correct Version

Si j'aurais de l'argent… Never use conditional after si Si j'avais de l'argent…

Je verai Missing the double r in the stem Je verrai

Je parlerai (when "would" is meant) Future vs conditional endings Je parlerais

Je vais aller (for "I will go") Means "I am going to go," not "I will go" J'irai

Nous allons partirons Double future form Nous allons partir OR Nous partirons

Je serai (when "would be" is meant) Future vs conditional endings Je serais

17. Best Practices

Read your text aloud. Your ear will catch mistakes your eye misses.

Decide first whether the future is near or far. That tells you which tense to use.

Write every day. Even three sentences a day helps.

Check future stems for irregular verbs before you write.

Practise the si-clause patterns until they feel automatic.

Do not translate word-for-word from English. French and English use future forms differently.

Ask a teacher or friend to read your work and give feedback.

Reread your old plans. You will see how far you have come.

18. Comparison Tables

Futur Proche vs. Futur Simple — Full Comparison

Feature Futur Proche Futur Simple

Main use Near, certain future Further future, predictions

English equivalent going to will

Formation aller (present) + infinitive stem + endings

Irregular verbs Only aller (in present) Many irregular stems

Register Everyday speech Formal writing, predictions

Common signal words ce soir, demain, bientôt un jour, dans dix ans, l'année prochaine

Example Je vais manger. Je mangerai.

Future vs. Conditional — Similar but Different

Futur Simple Conditionnel

Meaning will would

Stem futur stem same futur stem

Endings -ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient

Example (je) je parlerai je parlerais

Use Future events, promises Politeness, wishes, hypotheticals

Si Clause Patterns

Pattern Si clause Main clause Example

Likely si + présent futur Si j'étudie, je réussirai.

Unlikely si + imparfait conditionnel Si j'avais de l'argent, je voyagerais.

Impossible si + plus-que-parfait conditionnel passé Si j'avais étudié, j'aurais réussi.

19. End-of-Module Summary

Congratulations! You have completed Module 2 of the Intermediate French course. Let us review what you learned.

What You Learned

The two future tenses: futur proche and futur simple.

How to form the futur proche using aller + infinitive.

How to form the futur simple for regular and irregular verbs.

What the conditional is and how to form it.

How to use the conditional for politeness.

How to use the conditional for imaginary situations.

How to write si clauses in the three main patterns.

Common traps and how to avoid them.

How to write a future plan.

The Big Picture

THE BIG PICTURE =============== FUTURE WRITING = NEAR (futur proche) + FURTHER (futur simple) + WISHES (conditionnel) + CONDITIONS (si clauses) Think of it like planning a journey: [ Today: I am going to pack ] <- futur proche [ Tomorrow: I will leave ] <- futur simple [ I would like to travel far ] <- conditionnel [ If I have money, I will go ] <- si clause Put them together and you can write about any future!

20. Frequently Asked Questions (10 Questions)

Question 1: Why does French have two future tenses?

Because French likes to separate the near future from the further future. English does this too — "going to" and "will" — but less strictly.

Question 2: Which future tense should I use more?

In everyday speech, the futur proche is more common. In writing, both are used. Learn both from the start.

Question 3: How do I know which one to use?

Ask yourself: "Is it near or far? Is it certain or a prediction?" Near and certain → futur proche. Far or a prediction → futur simple.

Question 4: What if I get it wrong?

Do not worry. French people will still understand you. Just keep practising. Mistakes are part of learning.

Question 5: Do I need to memorise all the irregular future stems?

You need the most common ones. Start with about fifteen. Add more as you go.

Question 6: Why do we need the conditional?

The conditional is used for politeness, wishes, and imaginary situations. Without it, you cannot express hopes and dreams in French.

Question 7: Is the conditional hard to learn?

Not at all. The conditional uses the futur simple stem and the imparfait endings. If you know both, you already know the conditional.

Question 8: Can I use only one future tense if I want?

You can, but your writing will sound less natural. Native speakers use both. Try to use both from the start.

Question 9: How long will it take to master this?

It depends on how much you practise. With daily practice, you can feel comfortable in a few weeks.

Question 10: What is the best way to practise?

Write short plans every day. Read French books. Listen to French audio. Ask for feedback. And do not be afraid to make mistakes.

21. Matching Exercises

Exercise 1: Match the French with the English

French English

1. Je vais manger. A. I would travel.

2. Je mangerai. B. If I had money…

3. Je mangerais. C. I am going to eat.

4. Si j'avais de l'argent… D. I will eat.

5. Je voyagerais. E. I would eat.

Answers: 1-C, 2-D, 3-E, 4-B, 5-A.

Exercise 2: Match the Future Stem

Verb Future Stem

1. être A. ir-

2. avoir B. ser-

3. aller C. fer-

4. faire D. aur-

5. voir E. verr-

Answers: 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C, 5-E.

22. Scenario-based Exercises

Scenario 1: A Trip Next Month

Imagine you are going on a trip next month. Write 5 sentences about your plans. Use both the futur proche and the futur simple.

Scenario 2: A Wish

Imagine you find a magic lamp. Write 4 sentences about what you would wish for. Use the conditional.

Scenario 3: A School Goal

Write 5 sentences about your goals for the school year. Include one si clause.

Scenario 4: A Family Event

Describe a family event that will happen next month. Use the futur simple for predictions and the futur proche for near events.

23. Group Activity

Activity: Future Chain

Work in groups of four. Each person adds one sentence to a story about the future.

Person 1: Start with the futur proche. Example: Demain, je vais partir en voyage.

Person 2: Add a futur simple sentence. Example: Je prendrai le bus de 8h.

Person 3: Add a conditional sentence. Example: J'aimerais voir la mer.

Person 4: Add a si clause. Example: Si j'ai le temps, je visiterai le musée.

Repeat the cycle until the story has 12 sentences.

Read the full story aloud to the class.

24. Individual Activity

Activity: My Future Plan

Write a plan for your future. It should be 10–12 sentences long. Follow these rules:

At least 3 sentences must use the futur proche.

At least 3 sentences must use the futur simple.

At least 1 sentence must use the conditional.

At least 1 sentence must use a si clause.

Include one irregular future stem.

25. Mini Project

Project: A Letter to My Future Self

Write a short letter to yourself, five years from now. It should contain:

A greeting in French.

6–8 sentences about your plans and dreams.

At least one futur proche, one futur simple, one conditional, and one si clause.

A closing in French.

A small drawing or ASCII illustration of your dream.

MINI PROJECT — LETTER TO THE FUTURE =================================== +----------------------------------+ | Cher futur moi, | | | | J'espère que tu vas bien. | | Aujourd'hui, j'ai 13 ans. | | Je vais travailler dur. | | Je passerai mes examens. | | J'aimerais étudier… | | Si je réussis, je… | | | | [ Drawing of your dream ] | | | | À bientôt, | | Ton ami, | | [Ton nom] | +----------------------------------+

26. Practical Assignment

Assignment: Write a 150-Word Future Plan

Write a text in French about your plans for the future. It must be 150 words. Your text should include:

At least 4 sentences with the futur proche.

At least 4 sentences with the futur simple.

At least 2 sentences with the conditional.

At least 2 si clauses (one likely, one unlikely).

At least 3 irregular future stems.

A clear structure: near future, further future, wish, condition, hope.

When you finish, read your text aloud. Then check for common mistakes using the checklist in Section 16.

27. Key Takeaways

The futur proche and the futur simple are the two main future tenses in French.

The futur proche = aller + infinitive. It describes the near, certain future.

The futur simple = stem + endings. It describes predictions, promises, and the further future.

The conditional means "would." It uses the futur simple stem and imparfait endings.

The conditional is used for politeness, wishes, and imaginary situations.

Si clauses connect a condition to a result. Si + présent → futur. Si + imparfait → conditionnel.

Never use the conditional right after si.

Practice every day to build confidence.

28. Classroom Discussion Questions

Why do you think French uses two future tenses instead of one?

Can you think of a time when you made a plan in English? Which parts would use the futur proche in French?

What is your biggest dream? How would you express it in French?

Why is politeness important in French culture?

How do films use music and action to show the future? How is that similar to the future tenses?

What happens if you use only one future tense in a text?

Do you think si clauses are useful? Why or why not?

How can you practise the future tenses at home?

29. Preparation for the Next Module

In Module 3, you will learn about object pronouns. These are small words like le, la, les, lui, leur, y, and en. They help you avoid repeating yourself in French.

Before Moving On, Make Sure You Can:

Form the futur proche for any verb.

Form the futur simple for regular verbs.

Recognise the most common irregular future stems.

Use the conditional for polite requests.

Write at least two types of si clauses.

Write a 10–12 sentence text about the future.

A Sneak Peek at Module 3

MODULE 3 PREVIEW ================ You will learn: * Direct object pronouns (le, la, les) * Indirect object pronouns (lui, leur) * The pronouns Y and EN * Word order with two pronouns Example: Tu vois le film ? Oui, je le vois. (Do you see the film? Yes, I see it.) Tu parles à Marie ? Oui, je lui parle. (Do you speak to Marie? Yes, I speak to her.) Get ready to make your French less repetitive!

Take a short break. Review this module. When you feel ready, move on to Module 3. You are doing great!

French Intermediate — Module 2: Looking Forward

End of Module 2. Well done!

Félicitations — vous avez terminé le Module 2 !

4
Module Three

French Intermediate — Module 3: Object Pronouns

French Intermediate

Module 3: Object Pronouns — Avoiding Repetition

Level: B1 (Intermediate) | Duration: Weeks 5–6 | Focus: Writing & fluency

1. Module Introduction

Welcome back! In Module 1, you learned to tell stories about the past. In Module 2, you learned to talk about the future. Now, in Module 3, you will learn something that makes your French sound much more natural: object pronouns.

Let us start with a simple problem. Imagine you are telling your friend about a film you watched. You say:

"J'ai regardé le film. J'ai aimé le film. Je vais recommander le film à ma sœur."

That means: "I watched the film. I liked the film. I am going to recommend the film to my sister."

Do you see the problem? You said "the film" three times! In English, you would say: "I watched the film. I liked it. I am going to recommend it to her."

French does the same thing. It uses small words — pronouns — to replace repeated nouns. These pronouns are le, la, les, lui, leur, y, and en.

By the end of this module, you will know exactly how to use them. Your writing will be shorter, smoother, and much more elegant — like a real French writer.

Do not worry. We will go step by step. You are ready for this.

2. Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Explain what an object pronoun is.

Use the direct object pronouns le, la, les correctly.

Use the indirect object pronouns lui and leur correctly.

Use the pronouns y and en.

Place pronouns in the correct position in a sentence.

Use pronouns with the passé composé and agreement.

Combine two pronouns in one sentence.

Rewrite a repetitive paragraph using pronouns.

Write a dialogue rich in pronouns.

Spot and fix common pronoun mistakes.

3. Warm-up Story

Tunde and the Missing Book

Tunde is a 13-year-old boy who loves reading. One morning, he could not find his favourite book. He asked his sister Amina about it.

"Amina, have you seen my book? I have looked everywhere. I cannot find my book."

"Which book?" Amina asked. "The one about football?"

"Yes, that one. I want to read my book before school."

Amina smiled. "I saw your book on the table. I picked your book up and I put your book in your bag. Look in your bag."

Tunde looked. "Ah! You are right! You saw my book and you put it in my bag. Thank you!"

Notice how Amina could have said "your book" three times, but instead she used "it." In French, the word "it" (for a masculine noun like livre) is le.

Now imagine the same story in French:

Amina a vu mon livre. Elle l'a pris et elle l'a mis dans mon sac.

Do you see the small word l' before a pris and a mis? That is the pronoun. It replaces le livre. In this module, you will learn how to use all these little words.

PRONOUNS — THE SHORTCUT WORDS ============================= WITHOUT PRONOUNS: "I saw the book. I picked the book up. I put the book in the bag." ^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ (book repeated three times) WITH PRONOUNS: "I saw the book. I picked it up. I put it in the bag." ^^ ^^ (it replaces "the book") In French: "J'ai vu le livre. Je l'ai pris. Je l'ai mis dans le sac." ^^ ^^ (le becomes l' before a vowel)

4. Main Lessons

Lesson 1: What is an Object Pronoun?

Definition

An object pronoun is a small word that replaces a noun that is the object of a verb. In English, these are words like "it," "him," "her," "them," "me," "you," "us."

Why It Is Important

Without pronouns, your writing becomes repetitive and boring. Pronouns make your French smoother and more natural. They are one of the clearest signs of an intermediate speaker.

Simple Explanation

Think of pronouns as "shortcut words." Instead of saying the full noun again, you use a small word to point back to it. It is like saying "that thing I mentioned before" without saying it.

The Two Main Types

Type What It Replaces Examples

Direct object pronoun The thing or person receiving the action directly le, la, les

Indirect object pronoun The person receiving the action indirectly (to whom?) lui, leur

Real-life Example

"I bought the mango. I ate it." → "I ate the mango." → In French: J'ai acheté la mangue. Je l'ai mangée.

School Example

"The teacher asked the students. The teacher praised them." → In French: Le professeur a interrogé les élèves. Il les a félicités.

Home Example

"Where is my phone? I cannot find it." → In French: Où est mon téléphone ? Je ne le trouve pas.

Nigerian Example

"Have you seen the new Nollywood film? I watched it last night." → In French: Tu as vu le nouveau film de Nollywood ? Je l'ai regardé hier soir.

Illustration

PRONOUNS — A SIMPLE PICTURE =========================== WITHOUT PRONOUN: "I see the dog." ---> "I see the dog again." ---> "I see the dog daily." WITH PRONOUN: "I see the dog." ---> "I see it again." ---> "I see it daily." ^^ ^^ The pronoun "it" points back to "the dog." In French: "Je vois le chien." ---> "Je le vois." ^^ (le = the dog)

Mini Summary

An object pronoun replaces a noun that receives the action. It makes your French smoother. There are direct object pronouns and indirect object pronouns. We will learn both.

Lesson 2: Direct Object Pronouns — le, la, les

Definition

Direct object pronouns replace the noun that directly receives the action of the verb. In French, they are le (masculine singular), la (feminine singular), and les (plural).

Why It Is Important

These are the most common pronouns. You will use them constantly. Learning them is essential for intermediate writing.

Simple Explanation

Imagine you are pointing at something. If it is masculine, you point with le. If it is feminine, you point with la. If it is plural, you point with les.

The Three Forms

Pronoun Replaces Example Meaning

le Masculine singular noun Je le vois. I see him / it.

la Feminine singular noun Je la vois. I see her / it.

les Plural noun (any gender) Je les vois. I see them.

l' Before a vowel or silent h Je l'aime. I love him / her / it.

Where Does the Pronoun Go?

The pronoun goes before the verb, not after it. This is different from English.

DIRECT OBJECT PRONOUN — POSITION ================================ English: I see the film ---> I see IT. (after the verb) French: Je vois le film ---> Je LE vois. (before the verb)

Step-by-Step

Find the noun that is being replaced.

Check its gender and number (masculine? feminine? plural?).

Choose the matching pronoun: le, la, or les.

Place the pronoun before the verb.

Example: Je vois la fille. → Je la vois.

Real-life Example

Tu aimes le riz ? Oui, je l'aime. → "Do you like rice? Yes, I like it."

School Example

Tu fais tes devoirs ? Oui, je les fais. → "Are you doing your homework? Yes, I am doing it."

Home Example

Tu vois ta mère ? Oui, je la vois. → "Do you see your mother? Yes, I see her."

Nigerian Example

Tu connais Lagos ? Oui, je la connais. → "Do you know Lagos? Yes, I know it." (Note: ville is feminine, so la.)

Illustration

DIRECT OBJECT PRONOUNS — CHOOSING THE RIGHT Noun Gender/Number Pronoun ---- ------------- ------- le livre masculine sing. le la table feminine sing. la les enfants plural les l'école before vowel l' l'ami before vowel l' EXAMPLES: Je vois le livre. ---> Je le vois. Je vois la table. ---> Je la vois. Je vois les enfants. ---> Je les vois. Je vois l'école. ---> Je l'ai vue. (in passé composé)

Mini Summary

Direct object pronouns replace the noun that directly receives the action. They are le, la, les, and l' (before a vowel). They go before the verb. This is different from English.

Lesson 3: Indirect Object Pronouns — lui and leur

Definition

Indirect object pronouns replace a person who receives the action indirectly. In English, they usually follow the word "to" or "for." In French, they are lui (singular) and leur (plural).

Why It Is Important

These pronouns are used with verbs like parler à (to speak to), donner à (to give to), écrire à (to write to), envoyer à (to send to), and téléphoner à (to call).

Simple Explanation

Think of direct object pronouns as replacing the thing (the book, the film). Indirect object pronouns replace the person who receives the thing.

The Two Forms

Pronoun Replaces Example Meaning

lui à + singular person Je lui parle. I speak to him / her.

leur à + plural people Je leur parle. I speak to them.

Important: lui means both "to him" and "to her." It is used for both genders in the singular. leur means "to them" for both genders in the plural.

Step-by-Step

Find the person who receives the action indirectly (the "to whom?" person).

Check if the person is singular or plural.

Choose lui (singular) or leur (plural).

Place the pronoun before the verb.

Example: Je parle à Marie. → Je lui parle.

Real-life Example

Tu téléphones à ta mère ? Oui, je lui téléphone. → "Are you calling your mother? Yes, I am calling her."

School Example

Le professeur parle aux élèves. Il leur parle. → "The teacher speaks to the students. He speaks to them."

Home Example

J'écris à ma grand-mère. Je lui écris. → "I am writing to my grandmother. I am writing to her."

Nigerian Example

Nous donnons des cadeaux à nos cousins. Nous leur donnons des cadeaux. → "We give gifts to our cousins. We give them gifts."

Illustration

INDIRECT OBJECT PRONOUNS — THE "TO WHOM?" PRONOUNS ================================================= Direct Object Indirect Object -------------- ----------------- Receives the thing Receives "to" or "for" Question: What? Question: To whom? Example: "I give the book to Marie." | | | | | | subject direct indirect object object (le livre) (à Marie) French: "Je donne le livre à Marie." "Je LE lui donne." ^^ ^^^^ | | | +---- lui = to Marie (indirect) +--------- le = the book (direct) Order: direct object first, then indirect.

Mini Summary

Indirect object pronouns replace the person who receives the action indirectly. They are lui (singular) and leur (plural). They go before the verb. They are used with verbs like parler à, donner à, écrire à.

Lesson 4: The Pronoun y

Definition

The pronoun y usually replaces a place or a thing introduced by à. It means "there" or "to it."

Why It Is Important

Y is very common. It replaces places and things so you do not have to repeat them. Without it, your French will sound clunky.

Simple Explanation

Think of y as a small arrow that points to a place you already mentioned. It means "there."

The Rule

Use y to replace:

A place introduced by à, dans, sur, en, chez.

A thing introduced by à (like penser à, réfléchir à).

Examples

Original sentence With y Meaning

Je vais à Paris. J'y vais. I am going there.

Je pense à mes vacances. J'y pense. I think about them (my holidays).

Nous habitons dans cette maison. Nous y habitons. We live there.

Step-by-Step

Find the place or thing introduced by à.

Replace it with y.

Place y before the verb.

Example: Je vais au marché. → J'y vais.

Real-life Example

Tu vas à l'école ? Oui, j'y vais. → "Are you going to school? Yes, I am going there."

School Example

Nous sommes dans la salle de classe. Nous y sommes. → "We are in the classroom. We are there."

Home Example

Tu es chez toi ? Oui, j'y suis. → "Are you at home? Yes, I am there."

Nigerian Example

Je vais à Lagos chaque mois. J'y vais souvent. → "I go to Lagos every month. I go there often."

Illustration

THE PRONOUN "Y" =============== Y = "there" or "to it" QUESTION: "Tu vas au marché ?" ANSWER: "Oui, j'y vais." ^^ (y = au marché) Think of "y" as a pin on a map. [ Y ] <---- points to a place already mentioned Examples: Je vais à Paris. ---> J'y vais. Nous habitons à Enugu. ---> Nous y habitons. Il pense à son avenir. ---> Il y pense.

Mini Summary

The pronoun y replaces a place or a thing introduced by à. It means "there." It goes before the verb. Use it to avoid repeating places.

Lesson 5: The Pronoun en

Definition

The pronoun en usually replaces a noun introduced by de or a noun with a quantity. It means "of it," "of them," "some," or "any."

Why It Is Important

En is used constantly with quantities and with verbs that use de. It is one of the trickiest pronouns for English speakers, so we will go slowly.

Simple Explanation

Think of en as a word that replaces "some" or "of it." If you have said what you are talking about, en replaces it.

The Two Main Uses

Use 1: With a quantity or number.

Original sentence With en Meaning

J'ai trois livres. J'en ai trois. I have three of them.

Je veux du riz. J'en veux. I want some.

Tu manges des fruits ? Tu en manges ? Do you eat some?

Use 2: With verbs or expressions that use de.

Original sentence With en Meaning

Je parle de mon projet. J'en parle. I speak about it.

Il a peur des chiens. Il en a peur. He is afraid of them.

Nous avons besoin d'aide. Nous en avons besoin. We need some.

Step-by-Step

Find the noun introduced by de or with a quantity.

Replace it with en.

Place en before the verb.

Keep the quantity word after the verb.

Example: J'ai beaucoup de livres. → J'en ai beaucoup.

Real-life Example

Tu veux du café ? Oui, j'en veux. → "Do you want coffee? Yes, I want some."

School Example

Combien de stylos as-tu ? J'en ai cinq. → "How many pens do you have? I have five."

Home Example

Il y a du pain ? Oui, il y en a. → "Is there bread? Yes, there is some."

Nigerian Example

Nous avons acheté beaucoup d'oranges. Nous en avons acheté beaucoup. → "We bought a lot of oranges. We bought a lot of them."

Illustration

THE PRONOUN "EN" ================ EN = "some" or "of it / of them" QUESTION: "Tu veux du riz ?" ANSWER: "Oui, j'en veux." ^^^ (en = du riz) EN also keeps quantities: "J'ai trois livres." ---> "J'en ai trois." ^^^ (three OF THEM) Visual: Quantity word + EN + Verb ------------- + -- + ---- trois + en + ai beaucoup + en + ai assez + en + ai

Mini Summary

The pronoun en replaces a noun introduced by de or with a quantity. It means "some" or "of it / of them." It goes before the verb, and quantity words stay after the verb.

Lesson 6: Where Do Pronouns Go? — Position Rules

Definition

In French, object pronouns go before the verb. In the passé composé, they go before the auxiliary verb, not before the past participle.

Why It Is Important

If you put pronouns in the wrong place, the sentence sounds broken. Knowing the position rules is essential for correct writing.

Simple Explanation

Think of the pronoun as a small magnet that sticks to the front of the verb. It never goes after.

The Position Rules

Tense Position Example

Present Before the verb Je le vois.

Passé composé Before the auxiliary Je l'ai vu.

Futur proche Before the infinitive Je vais le voir.

Futur simple Before the verb Je le verrai.

Negation Between ne and the verb Je ne le vois pas.

Step-by-Step

Identify the verb.

If the verb is in the passé composé, find the auxiliary.

Place the pronoun directly before the auxiliary.

If the sentence is negative, place the pronoun after ne and before the verb.

Examples: Je le vois. Je l'ai vu. Je vais le voir. Je ne le vois pas.

Real-life Example

Tu as acheté le journal ? Oui, je l'ai acheté. → "Did you buy the newspaper? Yes, I bought it."

School Example

Tu vas faire tes devoirs ? Oui, je vais les faire. → "Are you going to do your homework? Yes, I am going to do it."

Home Example

Tu as vu ma sœur ? Non, je ne l'ai pas vue. → "Have you seen my sister? No, I have not seen her."

Nigerian Example

Nous allons visiter Lagos ? Oui, nous allons la visiter. → "Are we going to visit Lagos? Yes, we are going to visit it."

Illustration

PRONOUN POSITION — THE MAGNET RULE ================================== PRESENT: Je [le] vois. ^^^^ pronoun before verb PASSÉ COMPOSÉ: Je [l'] ai vu. ^^^^ pronoun before auxiliary (ai), not before vu FUTUR PROCHE: Je vais [le] voir. ^^^^ pronoun before infinitive NEGATIVE: Je ne [le] vois pas. ^^^^ pronoun between ne and verb

Mini Summary

Object pronouns go before the verb. In the passé composé, they go before the auxiliary. In the futur proche, they go before the infinitive. In negative sentences, they go between ne and the verb.

Lesson 7: Pronouns in the Passé Composé

Definition

When you use object pronouns with the passé composé, there is one extra rule: if the direct object pronoun comes before the verb, the past participle must agree with it.

Why It Is Important

This agreement rule is a hallmark of intermediate French. It shows that you understand the deep structure of the language.

Simple Explanation

Remember how the past participle agrees with the subject when you use être? Well, when a direct object pronoun comes before the verb, the past participle agrees with that pronoun instead.

The Agreement Rule

Direct Object Pronoun Participle Agreement Example

le (masc. sing.) no change Je l'ai vu.

la (fem. sing.) add -e Je l'ai vue.

les (masc. plural) add -s Je les ai vus.

les (fem. plural) add -es Je les ai vues.

Important: This rule only applies to direct object pronouns. Indirect object pronouns (lui, leur) do not trigger agreement.

Step-by-Step

Identify the direct object pronoun.

Check its gender and number.

Make the past participle agree.

Example: J'ai vu la fille. → Je l'ai vue. (add -e for feminine).

Real-life Example

Tu as mangé les mangues ? Oui, je les ai mangées. → "Did you eat the mangoes? Yes, I ate them." (Note the -es.)

School Example

Les élèves ? Le professeur les a vus. → "The students? The teacher saw them." (Note the -s.)

Home Example

Ma sœur ? Je l'ai appelée hier. → "My sister? I called her yesterday." (Note the -e.)

Nigerian Example

Les photos ? Je les ai prises à Abuja. → "The photos? I took them in Abuja." (Note the -es.)

Illustration

AGREEMENT WITH DIRECT OBJECT PRONOUNS ===================================== Sentence in present: Je vois la fille. Sentence in passé composé: J'ai vu la fille. Replace "la fille" with "la" (or "l'" before vowel): Je l'ai vue. ^^^ "vue" has an extra "-e" because "la fille" is feminine. RULE TABLE: Pronoun Agreement Example ------- --------- ------- le none Je l'ai vu. la + e Je l'ai vue. les (m.) + s Je les ai vus. les (f.) + es Je les ai vues. REMEMBER: Direct object pronoun = agreement Indirect object pronoun = no agreement

Mini Summary

In the passé composé, when a direct object pronoun comes before the verb, the past participle must agree with it. Add -e for feminine, -s for masculine plural, -es for feminine plural. Indirect object pronouns do not trigger agreement.

Lesson 8: Double Pronouns — Two in One Sentence

Definition

Sometimes you need two pronouns in one sentence: one direct, one indirect. French has a specific order for them.

Why It Is Important

Double pronouns are common in real French. If you know the order, you can say things like "I gave it to him" without repeating the nouns.

Simple Explanation

Think of two friends walking. One always walks first, and the other always follows. In French, direct object pronouns come before indirect object pronouns in most cases.

The Order

ORDER OF DOUBLE PRONOUNS ======================== 1. me / te / se / nous / vous 2. le / la / les 3. lui / leur 4. y 5. en Example: Je donne le livre à Marie. --> Je le lui donne. ^^^ ^^^^ | | | +--- lui (indirect = to Marie) +-------- le (direct = the book)

Step-by-Step

Identify the direct object and the indirect object.

Choose the pronoun for each.

Put them in the order: direct first, then indirect (for le/la/les + lui/leur).

Place both pronouns before the verb.

Example: Je donne les livres à mes amis. → Je les leur donne.

Common Combinations

Direct Indirect Combined Meaning

le lui le lui it to him / her

la lui la lui it (f.) to him / her

les lui les lui them to him / her

le leur le leur it to them

les leur les leur them to them

Real-life Example

Tu as donné le cadeau à ta mère ? Oui, je le lui ai donné. → "Did you give the gift to your mother? Yes, I gave it to her."

School Example

Le professeur a expliqué la leçon aux élèves. Il la leur a expliquée. → "The teacher explained the lesson to the students. He explained it to them."

Home Example

J'ai prêté mon vélo à mon frère. Je le lui ai prêté. → "I lent my bicycle to my brother. I lent it to him."

Nigerian Example

Nous avons envoyé les photos à nos cousins. Nous les leur avons envoyées. → "We sent the photos to our cousins. We sent them to them." (Note the -es agreement.)

Illustration

DOUBLE PRONOUNS — ORDER MATTERS =============================== Sentence: Je donne le livre à Marie. | | | | | | direct indirect | | (le livre) (à Marie) | | subject verb STEP 1: Replace "le livre" with "le". STEP 2: Replace "à Marie" with "lui". STEP 3: Put them in order: le + lui. STEP 4: Place before the verb. RESULT: Je le lui donne. ORDER CHART: me / te / se / nous / vous | V le / la / les | V lui / leur | V y | V en

Mini Summary

When you have two pronouns, direct object pronouns come before indirect object pronouns. The order is: me/te/se/nous/vous, then le/la/les, then lui/leur, then y, then en. Practise this order until it feels natural.

Lesson 9: Pronouns with y and en Together

Definition

You can use y and en together in one sentence. When you do, y always comes before en.

Why It Is Important

This combination appears often in real French. Knowing the order helps you sound fluent.

Simple Explanation

Think of y as the place and en as the thing. If you are going to a place to get a thing, y comes first.

The Order

Always: y before en.

Examples

Original sentence With y and en Meaning

Je vais au marché pour acheter des fruits. J'y en achète. I buy some there.

Il y a des livres dans la bibliothèque. Il y en a. There are some there.

Nous allons à la fête et nous apportons des gâteaux. Nous y en apportons. We bring some there.

Step-by-Step

Identify the place (use y) and the thing (use en).

Put y first, then en.

Place both before the verb.

Example: Je vais au marché pour acheter des fruits. → J'y en achète.

Real-life Example

Tu vas au supermarché ? Oui, j'y vais. Tu veux du pain ? Oui, j'y en achète. → "Are you going to the supermarket? Yes, I am going there. Do you want bread? Yes, I am buying some there."

School Example

Il y a des chaises dans la classe. Il y en a douze. → "There are chairs in the classroom. There are twelve of them there."

Home Example

Je vais à la cuisine pour prendre du jus. J'y en prends. → "I am going to the kitchen to get some juice. I am getting some there."

Nigerian Example

Nous allons au marché pour acheter du poisson. Nous y en achetons. → "We are going to the market to buy fish. We are buying some there."

Illustration

Y AND EN TOGETHER ================= Rule: Y comes BEFORE EN. Y = place EN = thing Example: "We are going to the market and buying some fish." Nous allons au marché ---> y (place) Nous achetons du poisson ---> en (thing) Combined: "Nous y en achetons." ^^ ^^ | | | +--- en = du poisson +------ y = au marché ORDER: Y first, EN second. Always.

Mini Summary

When you combine y and en, y always comes first. It is used for a place, and en for a thing. This combination is very common in real French.

Lesson 10: Pronouns with Negation

Definition

In negative sentences, object pronouns stay before the verb, but they sit between ne and the verb.

Why It Is Important

Negative sentences are very common. Knowing where the pronoun goes in a negative sentence is essential.

Simple Explanation

Think of the negation as a sandwich. ne is the top bread, the pronoun and verb are the filling, and pas is the bottom bread.

The Structure

NEGATION SANDWICH ================= ne + pronoun + verb + pas -- ------- ---- --- bread filling filling bread Example: Je ne le vois pas. ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^ ne le vois pas

Examples

Affirmative Negative Meaning

Je le vois. Je ne le vois pas. I do not see him.

Je lui parle. Je ne lui parle pas. I do not speak to him.

J'y vais. Je n'y vais pas. I am not going there.

J'en veux. Je n'en veux pas. I do not want any.

Je l'ai vu. Je ne l'ai pas vu. I did not see him.

Step-by-Step

Write the affirmative sentence first.

Add ne before the pronoun.

Add pas after the verb (or after the auxiliary in the passé composé).

Example: Je le vois. → Je ne le vois pas.

Real-life Example

Tu connais ce restaurant ? Non, je ne le connais pas. → "Do you know this restaurant? No, I do not know it."

School Example

Tu as fait tes devoirs ? Non, je ne les ai pas faits. → "Did you do your homework? No, I did not do it." (Note the -s agreement.)

Home Example

Tu as vu ta sœur ? Non, je ne l'ai pas vue. → "Have you seen your sister? No, I have not seen her."

Nigerian Example

Tu as mangé le riz ? Non, je ne l'ai pas mangé. → "Did you eat the rice? No, I did not eat it."

Illustration

NEGATION — PRONOUN POSITION ============================ AFFIRMATIVE: Je le vois. | | | subject | verb | pronoun NEGATIVE: Je ne le vois pas. | | | | | subject | pronoun verb | | | "ne" "pas" The pronoun stays close to the verb, inside the "ne...pas" sandwich.

Mini Summary

In negative sentences, the object pronoun goes between ne and the verb. Pas comes after the verb (or after the auxiliary in the passé composé). This is a simple rule to remember.

Lesson 11: Rewriting a Paragraph Using Pronouns

Definition

Rewriting means taking a repetitive paragraph and replacing repeated nouns with pronouns.

Why It Is Important

This is a real writing skill. When you write in French, you will often need to shorten and improve your text by using pronouns. Teachers love this.

Simple Explanation

Imagine a paragraph where the word "book" appears ten times. It sounds strange. Now imagine the same paragraph where "book" appears twice and "it" appears eight times. Much better!

Example Paragraph (Repetitive)

J'ai acheté le livre. J'ai lu le livre hier. J'ai aimé le livre. J'ai prêté le livre à ma sœur. Ma sœur a lu le livre. Ma sœur a aimé le livre.

English: "I bought the book. I read the book yesterday. I liked the book. I lent the book to my sister. My sister read the book. My sister liked the book."

Example Paragraph (With Pronouns)

J'ai acheté le livre. Je l'ai lu hier. Je l'ai aimé. Je l'ai prêté à ma sœur. Elle l'a lu. Elle l'a aimé aussi.

English: "I bought the book. I read it yesterday. I liked it. I lent it to my sister. She read it. She liked it too."

Step-by-Step

Read your paragraph aloud.

Look for repeated nouns.

Replace the second occurrence (and later ones) with the right pronoun.

Check the gender and number of the noun.

Read the new paragraph aloud. Does it sound smoother?

Real-life Example

When writing a letter to a friend, you can avoid repeating names and nouns by using pronouns. This makes your letter sound more natural.

School Example

Your teacher might give you a paragraph and ask you to rewrite it using pronouns. This shows that you understand the concept.

Home Example

If you are writing a story for your family, using pronouns will make it more enjoyable to read.

Nigerian Example

J'ai visité le musée de Lagos. Je l'ai beaucoup aimé. Je l'ai recommandé à mes amis. Ils l'ont visité et ils l'ont adoré. → "I visited the Lagos museum. I liked it a lot. I recommended it to my friends. They visited it and they loved it."

Illustration

REWRITING WITH PRONOUNS ======================= BEFORE: "J'ai acheté le livre." "J'ai lu le livre." "J'ai aimé le livre." "J'ai prêté le livre à ma sœur." ^^^^^^^^^^ repeated 4 times AFTER: "J'ai acheté le livre." "Je l'ai lu." "Je l'ai aimé." "Je l'ai prêté à ma sœur." ^^ pronoun replaces "le livre" The paragraph is now smoother and shorter.

Mini Summary

Rewriting a paragraph with pronouns is a real skill. Replace repeated nouns with the right pronoun. This makes your French smoother and more elegant.

Lesson 12: Writing a Dialogue with Pronouns

Definition

A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. Writing a dialogue lets you practise pronouns in a natural way.

Why It Is Important

Dialogues use pronouns constantly. People naturally say "I saw it," "I gave it to him," "I am going there." Writing dialogues helps you internalise these patterns.

Simple Explanation

Think of a phone conversation. You and your friend use pronouns all the time. Writing a dialogue captures that natural speech.

Example Dialogue

Amina: Tu as vu le nouveau film ?

Tunde: Oui, je l'ai vu hier.

Amina: Tu l'as aimé ?

Tunde: Oui, je l'ai adoré ! Je vais le regarder encore.

Amina: Tu peux me le prêter ?

Tunde: Bien sûr, je te le donnerai demain.

English:

Amina: "Have you seen the new film?"

Tunde: "Yes, I saw it yesterday."

Amina: "Did you like it?"

Tunde: "Yes, I loved it! I am going to watch it again."

Amina: "Can you lend it to me?"

Tunde: "Of course, I will give it to you tomorrow."

Step-by-Step

Choose two characters.

Choose a simple topic: a film, a book, a place, food.

Have one character mention a noun.

Have the other character use a pronoun to refer back to it.

Add a double pronoun somewhere.

Add a negation with a pronoun.

Read the dialogue aloud with a friend.

Real-life Example

You might write a dialogue between you and a shopkeeper. Vous avez des mangues ? Oui, j'en ai. Combien en voulez-vous ? J'en veux trois.

School Example

Your teacher might ask you to write a dialogue between two students discussing homework. Tu as fait les exercices ? Oui, je les ai faits.

Home Example

You might write a dialogue with your sibling about a lost item. Tu as vu mon téléphone ? Non, je ne l'ai pas vu.

Nigerian Example

Tu as acheté le riz ? Oui, j'en ai acheté deux kilos. Tu peux me le donner ? Oui, je vais te le donner.

Illustration

DIALOGUE WITH PRONOUNS — EXAMPLE MAP ==================================== AMINA: "Tu as vu le film ?" | V TUNDE: "Oui, je l'ai vu." <-- l' = le film | V AMINA: "Tu l'as aimé ?" <-- l' = le film | V TUNDE: "Oui, je l'ai adoré !" <-- l' = le film | V AMINA: "Tu peux me le prêter ?" <-- me le = double pronoun | V TUNDE: "Je te le donnerai." <-- te le = double pronoun In one short dialogue, we used: * single pronouns (l') * double pronouns (me le, te le) * future tense (donnerai)

Mini Summary

Writing a dialogue is a great way to practise pronouns. Dialogues use single pronouns, double pronouns, and even pronouns with the future tense. Try writing a short dialogue every day.

Lesson 13: Common Traps and How to Avoid Them

Definition

A trap is a mistake that many learners make. Knowing the traps helps you avoid them.

Why It Is Important

Learning is not just about adding new knowledge — it is also about avoiding common errors. Knowing the traps saves you time and frustration.

Simple Explanation

Think of these traps as potholes on a road. If you know where they are, you can drive around them.

Trap 1: Putting the Pronoun After the Verb

English puts pronouns after the verb: "I see it." French puts them before: Je le vois.

Wrong: Je vois le.

Right: Je le vois.

Trap 2: Confusing le and lui

Le is a direct object pronoun. Lui is an indirect object pronoun.

Wrong: Je lui vois. (if you mean "I see him")

Right: Je le vois.

Trap 3: Forgetting Agreement in the Passé Composé

When the direct object pronoun comes before the verb, the past participle must agree.

Wrong: Je l'ai vu (for "la fille").

Right: Je l'ai vue.

Trap 4: Using the Wrong Pronoun with de Verbs

Verbs that use de need en, not le.

Wrong: Je parle de mon projet. Je le parle.

Right: J'en parle.

Trap 5: Forgetting the Negative Position

In negative sentences, the pronoun stays before the verb, inside ne...pas.

Wrong: Je ne vois le pas.

Right: Je ne le vois pas.

Comparison Table

Wrong Right Why

Je vois le. Je le vois. Pronoun goes before the verb

Je lui vois. Je le vois. Direct object, not indirect

Je l'ai vu (for la fille) Je l'ai vue. Agreement with direct object

Je le parle (with de) J'en parle. Verbs with de use en

Je ne vois le pas. Je ne le vois pas. Pronoun inside negation sandwich

Mini Summary

The main traps are: putting pronouns in the wrong place, confusing le and lui, forgetting agreement, using the wrong pronoun with de verbs, and getting the negative position wrong. Learn these and your French will improve dramatically.

Lesson 14: Putting It All Together — A Full Model Text

Definition

This lesson shows a complete text using all the pronouns you have learned.

Why It Is Important

Seeing a full example helps you understand how the pieces fit together. It is like looking at a finished puzzle before building your own.

The Text

Hier, j'ai vu un beau vélo dans un magasin. Je l'ai regardé longtemps. Le vendeur m'a dit : "Tu veux l'essayer ?" Je lui ai répondu : "Oui, j'aimerais bien." Il me l'a prêté. Je l'ai essayé et je l'ai adoré. J'ai demandé le prix. Il m'a dit qu'il coûtait cinquante mille nairas. Je n'avais pas assez d'argent, alors je ne l'ai pas acheté. Mais j'y pense encore. Je vais y retourner samedi. Si j'économise bien, je vais l'acheter. J'en parle à mes parents ce soir.

English: "Yesterday, I saw a beautiful bicycle in a shop. I looked at it for a long time. The seller said to me: 'Do you want to try it?' I answered him: 'Yes, I would like to.' He lent it to me. I tried it and I loved it. I asked the price. He told me it cost fifty thousand naira. I did not have enough money, so I did not buy it. But I am still thinking about it. I am going back there on Saturday. If I save well, I am going to buy it. I am talking to my parents about it tonight."

Breaking It Down

Sentence Pronoun Type What It Replaces

Je l'ai regardé… Direct object (l') le vélo

Je lui ai répondu… Indirect object (lui) au vendeur

Il me l'a prêté. Double pronoun (me + l') à moi + le vélo

Je l'ai essayé… Direct object (l') le vélo

Je ne l'ai pas acheté. Direct object with negation le vélo

J'y pense… Y (à + thing) au vélo

Je vais y retourner… Y with futur proche au magasin

J'en parle… En (de + thing) du vélo

Mini Summary

A full text uses many pronouns: le, la, les, lui, leur, y, and en. It also combines pronouns, uses negation, and places pronouns correctly with different tenses. When you can write a text like this, you have mastered the module.

Lesson 15: A Final Review — Pronouns at a Glance

Definition

This lesson gathers all the pronouns into one clear table for quick reference.

Why It Is Important

Having one page with all the pronouns helps you review quickly and spot the ones you need to practise more.

The Master Table

Pronoun Type Replaces Example Meaning

le Direct object masc. sing. noun Je le vois. I see it / him.

la Direct object fem. sing. noun Je la vois. I see it / her.

les Direct object plural noun Je les vois. I see them.

l' Direct object before a vowel Je l'aime. I love him / her / it.

lui Indirect object à + sing. person Je lui parle. I speak to him / her.

leur Indirect object à + plural people Je leur parle. I speak to them.

y Adverbial pronoun place or à + thing J'y vais. I am going there.

en Adverbial pronoun de + noun or quantity J'en veux. I want some.

The Order Rule

PRONOUN ORDER (WHEN COMBINING) ============================== 1. me / te / se / nous / vous 2. le / la / les 3. lui / leur 4. y 5. en Example: Je le lui donne. (I give it to him.) ^^ ^^^^ le lui Example: Nous y en avons. (We have some there.) ^^ ^^ y en

Mini Summary

You now know eight French pronouns. They are le, la, les, l', lui, leur, y, en. They replace nouns and places so you do not have to repeat yourself. Learn the order rule for combining them.

5. Key Vocabulary

Here are the important words from this module. Read them. Say them out loud. Write them in your notebook.

French English Simple Definition

un pronom a pronoun A small word that replaces a noun

un objet direct a direct object The thing receiving the action directly

un objet indirect an indirect object The person receiving the action indirectly

le, la, les it, him, her, them Direct object pronouns

lui, leur to him / her, to them Indirect object pronouns

y there Replaces a place or thing with à

en some / of it Replaces a thing with de or a quantity

l'accord agreement When the participle matches the pronoun

l'ordre the order The position of pronouns in a sentence

répéter to repeat To say the same thing again

remplacer to replace To put one thing in place of another

une phrase a sentence A group of words that makes sense

un dialogue a dialogue A conversation between people

prêter to lend To give something for a while

donner to give To hand something to someone

6. Important Concepts

Concept 1: The Shortcut Rule

Pronouns replace nouns. They are shortcut words that prevent repetition. Learn them once, and your French becomes smoother forever.

Concept 2: The Two Types of Objects

Direct objects receive the action directly. Indirect objects receive the action through "to" or "for." French uses different pronouns for each type.

Concept 3: The "Before the Verb" Rule

In French, object pronouns go before the verb. In the passé composé, they go before the auxiliary. This is different from English.

Concept 4: The Agreement Rule

When a direct object pronoun comes before the verb in the passé composé, the past participle must agree with it.

Concept 5: The Order Rule

When combining pronouns, the order is: me/te/se/nous/vous, then le/la/les, then lui/leur, then y, then en.

7. Step-by-Step Explanations

How to Use a Pronoun in a Sentence

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS ==================== STEP 1: Write your sentence with the full noun. | V STEP 2: Identify the noun you want to replace. Is it direct or indirect? | V STEP 3: Check its gender and number. | V STEP 4: Choose the correct pronoun. | V STEP 5: Place the pronoun BEFORE the verb. | V STEP 6: Read the sentence aloud. | V STEP 7: Check agreement (in passé composé). | V FINISH

How to Choose the Right Pronoun

Ask: "Is this a direct object or an indirect object?"

If direct, use le, la, les.

If indirect and a person, use lui or leur.

If it is a place or a thing with à, use y.

If it is a thing with de or a quantity, use en.

Place the pronoun before the verb.

8. Real-life Examples

Example 1: At the Market

Vous avez des tomates ? Oui, j'en ai. Combien en voulez-vous ? J'en veux trois kilos. Je vais vous les donner.

English: "Do you have tomatoes? Yes, I have some. How many do you want? I want three kilos. I am going to give them to you."

Example 2: At School

Le professeur nous a donné un exercice. Nous l'avons fait. Il nous l'a corrigé.

English: "The teacher gave us an exercise. We did it. He corrected it for us."

Example 3: At Home

Où est mon téléphone ? Je ne le trouve pas. Tu l'as vu ? Oui, il est sur la table. Je vais te le donner.

English: "Where is my phone? I cannot find it. Have you seen it? Yes, it is on the table. I am going to give it to you."

9. Nigerian Examples

Example 1: A Market Scene in Onitsha

Nous sommes allés au marché d'Onitsha. Nous avons vu des tissus magnifiques. Nous en avons acheté beaucoup. Ma mère les a aimés tout de suite. Elle les a montrés à ses amies.

English: "We went to Onitsha market. We saw beautiful fabrics. We bought a lot of them. My mother liked them right away. She showed them to her friends."

Example 2: A Family Reunion

Mes cousins sont venus de Kano. Je les ai accueillis à la maison. Nous leur avons préparé un grand repas. Ils l'ont beaucoup aimé.

English: "My cousins came from Kano. I welcomed them at home. We prepared a big meal for them. They liked it very much."

Example 3: A School Trip

Nous sommes allés à Abuja. Nous y avons visité le musée. Nous en avons pris beaucoup de photos. Nous les avons montrées à nos amis.

English: "We went to Abuja. We visited the museum there. We took many photos of it. We showed them to our friends."

10. Fun Examples Children Can Relate To

Example 1: The Missing Cake

Maman a préparé un gâteau. Elle l'a mis sur la table. Je l'ai vu. Je l'ai pris. Je l'ai mangé ! Elle ne l'a pas trouvé.

English: "Mum made a cake. She put it on the table. I saw it. I took it. I ate it! She did not find it."

Example 2: The New Video Game

Mon ami a un nouveau jeu. Il me l'a prêté. Je l'ai essayé hier. Je l'ai adoré. Je vais lui rendre demain.

English: "My friend has a new game. He lent it to me. I tried it yesterday. I loved it. I am going to give it back to him tomorrow."

Example 3: The Lost Football

Où est le ballon ? Je ne le vois pas. Tu l'as vu ? Oui, il est dans le jardin. Va le chercher !

English: "Where is the ball? I cannot see it. Have you seen it? Yes, it is in the garden. Go and get it!"

11. Everyday Examples

Example 1: Morning Routine

J'ai pris mon petit-déjeuner. Je l'ai pris rapidement. Ensuite, j'ai cherché mes chaussures. Je les ai trouvées sous le lit.

English: "I had my breakfast. I had it quickly. Then, I looked for my shoes. I found them under the bed."

Example 2: Helping a Friend

Mon ami a besoin d'aide. Je vais l'aider. Je lui donnerai mes notes. Il en a besoin.

English: "My friend needs help. I am going to help him. I will give him my notes. He needs them."

Example 3: Evening Plans

Tu as vu ma sœur ? Oui, je l'ai vue. Elle est dans la cuisine. Elle prépare le dîner. Je vais l'aider.

English: "Have you seen my sister? Yes, I have seen her. She is in the kitchen. She is preparing dinner. I am going to help her."

12. Parent Tips

Parents, here are some simple ways to support your child as they learn this module:

Play the "replace it" game. Say a sentence in English with a repeated noun. Ask your child to replace the noun with "it." Then do it in French.

Encourage daily journaling in French. Ask your child to use at least two pronouns per entry.

Celebrate small wins. When your child uses le or lui correctly, praise them.

Do not correct every mistake. Focus on one thing at a time. This week, focus on position.

Watch French cartoons or videos with subtitles. Ask your child to spot pronouns in the subtitles.

Make flashcards together for the pronouns and their meanings.

Ask your child to rewrite a short paragraph using pronouns. Compare the two versions.

Read simple French storybooks and ask your child to point out pronouns.

13. Interesting Facts

French has more pronouns than English. English has "it," "him," "her," but French has different words for direct and indirect objects.

The pronoun y is very short, but it can replace entire phrases like à Paris or dans cette maison.

The pronoun en is used constantly in French, especially when talking about food and quantities.

In French, the pronoun always comes before the verb. This is one of the most distinctive features of the language.

The agreement rule with the passé composé is one of the trickiest parts of French grammar, even for native speakers learning to write.

The pronoun y appears in the famous French phrase il y a, meaning "there is" or "there are."

Some French dialects have slightly different pronoun rules, but standard French follows the pattern taught here.

Learning pronouns is one of the clearest signs that a learner is moving from beginner to intermediate.

14. Did You Know?

Did you know that the pronoun y is one of the shortest words in French? It is just one letter!

Did you know that the phrase il y a (there is / there are) uses the pronoun y?

Did you know that in the passé composé, the past participle agrees with a direct object pronoun but not an indirect one?

Did you know that some French learners find en and y harder than all the other pronouns?

Did you know that pronouns can appear in almost every sentence in real French conversation?

15. Remember This

Object pronouns replace nouns to avoid repetition.

Direct object pronouns: le, la, les, l'.

Indirect object pronouns: lui, leur.

The pronoun y replaces a place or a thing with à.

The pronoun en replaces a thing with de or a quantity.

Pronouns go before the verb.

In the passé composé, they go before the auxiliary.

With direct object pronouns, the participle agrees.

Order when combining: me/te/se/nous/vous → le/la/les → lui/leur → y → en.

16. Common Mistakes

Mistake Why It Is Wrong Correct Version

Je vois le. Pronoun must come before verb Je le vois.

Je lui vois. Direct object, not indirect Je le vois.

Je l'ai vu (for feminine) Missing agreement Je l'ai vue.

Je le parle (with de) Should use en J'en parle.

Je ne vois le pas. Wrong negation position Je ne le vois pas.

Je le lui ai donné (if word order is wrong) Order: direct first, then indirect Je le lui ai donné. (correct order)

17. Best Practices

Read your sentences aloud. Your ear will catch mistakes your eye misses.

Identify the object type first. Direct or indirect? Then choose the pronoun.

Write every day. Even three sentences a day helps.

Check agreement after writing, especially with direct object pronouns in the passé composé.

Practise combining pronouns until the order feels automatic.

Do not translate word-for-word from English. French and English use pronouns differently.

Ask a teacher or friend to read your work and give feedback.

Reread your old sentences. You will see how far you have come.

18. Comparison Tables

Direct vs. Indirect Object Pronouns

Feature Direct Object Pronouns Indirect Object Pronouns

Pronouns le, la, les, l' lui, leur

Replaces The thing or person receiving the action directly The person receiving the action through "to"

Question answered What? Whom? To whom?

Agreement in passé composé Yes No

Example Je le vois. Je lui parle.

Y vs. En

Feature Y En

Replaces Place or thing with à Thing with de or a quantity

Meaning there some / of it / of them

Example J'y vais. J'en veux.

Position Before the verb Before the verb

Order when combined First Second

Pronoun Position Across Tenses

Tense Position Example

Present Before the verb Je le vois.

Passé composé Before the auxiliary Je l'ai vu.

Futur proche Before the infinitive Je vais le voir.

Futur simple Before the verb Je le verrai.

Negative Between ne and the verb Je ne le vois pas.

19. End-of-Module Summary

Congratulations! You have completed Module 3 of the Intermediate French course. Let us review what you learned.

What You Learned

What object pronouns are and why they matter.

The direct object pronouns le, la, les, l'.

The indirect object pronouns lui and leur.

The pronouns y and en.

Where to place pronouns in a sentence.

How to use pronouns with the passé composé and agreement.

How to combine two pronouns in one sentence.

How to rewrite a repetitive paragraph using pronouns.

How to write a dialogue rich in pronouns.

Common traps and how to avoid them.

The Big Picture

THE BIG PICTURE =============== PRONOUNS = SHORTCUT WORDS DIRECT INDIRECT PLACE/THING le la les lui leur y en \ | / / \ | / / \ | / / \ | / / V V V V BEFORE THE VERB (always) In the passé composé: pronoun + AUXILIARY + participle With agreement (direct only): participle mirrors the pronoun Put them together and your French becomes smooth and natural.

20. Frequently Asked Questions (10 Questions)

Question 1: What is an object pronoun?

It is a small word that replaces a noun receiving the action. In English: "it," "him," "her," "them." In French: le, la, les, lui, leur, y, en.

Question 2: Why does French put pronouns before the verb?

That is just how French works. It is different from English. Learn the pattern and you will get used to it.

Question 3: How do I know if a verb is direct or indirect?

Check the verb. If it uses à after it (like parler à, donner à), it needs an indirect object pronoun. If it does not use à (like voir, manger), it needs a direct object pronoun.

Question 4: When do I use y and when do I use en?

Use y for places and things with à. Use en for things with de or quantities.

Question 5: Do pronouns always agree in the passé composé?

Only direct object pronouns trigger agreement. Indirect object pronouns do not.

Question 6: What is the order when I have two pronouns?

me/te/se/nous/vous → le/la/les → lui/leur → y → en.

Question 7: Can I use a pronoun with the future tense?

Yes. With the futur proche, the pronoun goes before the infinitive. With the futur simple, it goes before the verb.

Question 8: What if I get it wrong?

Do not worry. French people will still understand you. Just keep practising. Mistakes are part of learning.

Question 9: How long will it take to master this?

It depends on how much you practise. With daily practice, you can feel comfortable in a few weeks.

Question 10: What is the best way to practise?

Rewrite short paragraphs using pronouns. Write dialogues. Read French books and look for pronouns. And do not be afraid to make mistakes.

21. Matching Exercises

Exercise 1: Match the French with the English

French English

1. Je le vois. A. I speak to them.

2. Je la vois. B. I am going there.

3. Je lui parle. C. I see it (masculine).

4. Je leur parle. D. I want some.

5. J'y vais. E. I speak to him.

6. J'en veux. F. I see it (feminine).

Answers: 1-C, 2-F, 3-E, 4-A, 5-B, 6-D.

Exercise 2: Match the Pronoun with Its Type

Pronoun Type

1. le A. Indirect object (plural)

2. lui B. Adverbial (place)

3. leur C. Direct object (masc. sing.)

4. y D. Adverbial (quantity / de)

5. en E. Indirect object (singular)

Answers: 1-C, 2-E, 3-A, 4-B, 5-D.

22. Scenario-based Exercises

Scenario 1: The Lost Book

Imagine you have lost a book. Write 4 sentences in French using pronouns to talk about it. Use le, l', and ne...pas.

Scenario 2: A Gift for a Friend

You bought a gift for your friend. Write 5 sentences in French. Use le, lui, and one double pronoun.

Scenario 3: A Trip to the Market

You went to the market. Write 5 sentences in French using y and en.

Scenario 4: A Conversation with a Teacher

Write a short dialogue (6 lines) between you and a teacher. Use at least three different pronouns.

23. Group Activity

Activity: Pronoun Chain

Work in groups of four. Each person adds one sentence to a story, using a pronoun in every sentence.

Person 1: Start with a sentence using le or la. Example: J'ai vu un chien. Je l'ai aimé tout de suite.

Person 2: Add a sentence with lui or leur. Example: J'ai donné du pain au chien. Je lui ai donné du pain.

Person 3: Add a sentence with y. Example: Je vais au parc. J'y vais souvent.

Person 4: Add a sentence with en. Example: J'ai acheté des fruits. J'en ai acheté beaucoup.

Repeat until the story has 12 sentences.

Read the full story aloud to the class.

24. Individual Activity

Activity: Rewrite the Paragraph

Read the following paragraph. Rewrite it using pronouns to avoid repetition.

J'ai acheté le journal. J'ai lu le journal. J'ai aimé le journal. J'ai donné le journal à mon père. Mon père a lu le journal. Mon père a aimé le journal.

Your task: Rewrite the paragraph using le, l', lui, and any other pronouns you need. Aim for 4–5 sentences instead of 6.

25. Mini Project

Project: A Mini Story with Pronouns

Write a short story (8–10 sentences) in French that uses at least five different pronouns.

Use at least one direct object pronoun (le, la, les, l').

Use at least one indirect object pronoun (lui or leur).

Use y.

Use en.

Use one double pronoun.

Add a small drawing or ASCII illustration.

MINI PROJECT — STORY MAP ======================== +----------------------------------+ | Mon Histoire avec des Pronoms | | --------------------------------| | | | [ Drawing or ASCII illustration ]| | | | J'ai vu un chat. | | Je l'ai caressé. | | Je lui ai donné du lait. | | Il était dans le jardin. | | J'y suis retourné. | | J'en ai pris une photo. | | Je l'ai montrée à ma mère. | | Elle l'a aimée aussi. | | | +----------------------------------+

26. Practical Assignment

Assignment: Write a 150-Word Story Using Pronouns

Write a story in French of about 150 words. It must include:

At least 4 direct object pronouns.

At least 2 indirect object pronouns.

At least 2 uses of y.

At least 2 uses of en.

At least 2 double pronouns.

At least 1 negative sentence with a pronoun.

At least 1 sentence with agreement in the passé composé.

When you finish, read your story aloud. Then check for common mistakes using the checklist in Section 16.

27. Key Takeaways

Pronouns replace nouns to avoid repetition.

Direct object pronouns: le, la, les, l'.

Indirect object pronouns: lui, leur.

Y replaces places and things with à.

En replaces things with de or quantities.

Pronouns always go before the verb.

In the passé composé, they go before the auxiliary.

With direct object pronouns, the past participle agrees.

Order when combining: me/te/se/nous/vous → le/la/les → lui/leur → y → en.

Practice every day to build confidence.

28. Classroom Discussion Questions

Why do you think French uses pronouns before the verb, while English uses them after?

Can you think of a time you told a story with repetitive words? How would pronouns help?

What is the hardest pronoun to remember, and why?

Why is it important to avoid repetition in writing?

How do pronouns make a text sound more professional?

Do you think y and en are useful? Why or why not?

What strategies can help you remember the order of pronouns?

How can you practise pronouns at home?

29. Preparation for the Next Module

In Module 4, you will learn about relative pronouns. These are words like qui, que, dont, and où. They connect two ideas into one sentence and make your writing more sophisticated.

Before Moving On, Make Sure You Can:

Use le, la, les, l' correctly.

Use lui and leur correctly.

Use y and en correctly.

Place pronouns before the verb.

Use pronouns with the passé composé and agreement.

Combine two pronouns in the correct order.

Write a short text using at least five different pronouns.

A Sneak Peek at Module 4

MODULE 4 PREVIEW ================ You will learn: * Qui (who / which / that) * Que (whom / which / that) * Dont (of whom / of which) * Où (where / when) * Ce qui (what) * Ce que (what) Example: L'homme qui parle est mon oncle. (The man who is speaking is my uncle.) Le livre que je lis est intéressant. (The book that I am reading is interesting.) La ville où j'habite est belle. (The city where I live is beautiful.) Get ready to connect your ideas more smoothly!

Take a short break. Review this module. When you feel ready, move on to Module 4. You are doing great!

French Intermediate — Module 3: Object Pronouns

End of Module 3. Well done!

Félicitations — vous avez terminé le Module 3 !

5
Module Four

French Intermediate — Module 4: Relative Pronouns & Complex Sentences

French Intermediate

Module 4: Relative Pronouns & Complex Sentences

Level: B1 (Intermediate) | Duration: Weeks 7–8 | Focus: Writing & connecting ideas

1. Module Introduction

Welcome back! In Module 1, you learned to tell stories about the past. In Module 2, you learned to talk about the future. In Module 3, you learned to use object pronouns to avoid repeating yourself. Now, in Module 4, you will learn something that makes your French sound much more grown-up: relative pronouns.

Let us start with a simple problem. Imagine you want to describe your friend. You say:

"J'ai un ami. Mon ami habite à Lagos. Mon ami est très drôle."

That means: "I have a friend. My friend lives in Lagos. My friend is very funny."

Do you see the problem? You said "my friend" three times! In English, you would say: "I have a friend who lives in Lagos and who is very funny."

French does the same thing. It uses small connecting words — relative pronouns — to join two ideas into one sentence. These words are qui, que, dont, où, ce qui, and ce que.

By the end of this module, you will know exactly how to use them. Your writing will be longer, smoother, and much more interesting. You will be able to write like a real French student.

Do not worry. We will go step by step. You are ready for this.

2. Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Explain what a relative pronoun is.

Use qui correctly to refer to a subject.

Use que correctly to refer to a direct object.

Use dont correctly after verbs or expressions with de.

Use où correctly to refer to a place or time.

Use ce qui and ce que to say "what."

Combine two short sentences into one long sentence.

Write a descriptive portrait of a person using relative pronouns.

Write a paragraph with a mix of simple and complex sentences.

Spot and fix common mistakes with relative pronouns.

3. Warm-up Story

Ngozi's Photo Album

Ngozi is a 13-year-old girl who lives in Abuja. One rainy afternoon, she sat with her grandmother looking at an old photo album.

"Grandma, who is this woman in the blue dress?" Ngozi asked.

"That is your great-aunt. She is the woman who taught me to cook. She is also the woman whom everyone loved. She lived in a house where we all gathered every Sunday. The stories that she told us were wonderful."

Ngozi looked at the photo. "She looks kind."

"Yes," her grandmother said. "She was the kind of person whose smile could light up a room. And this is the dress that she wore on her wedding day. This is the day when she married your great-uncle."

Ngozi smiled. "Grandma, you just used so many little words — who, whom, where, that, whose, when. What are they called?"

Her grandmother laughed. "In English, we call them relative pronouns. In French, we call them les pronoms relatifs. They join ideas together. Without them, our stories would be broken and dull."

Ngozi thought about this. She wanted to tell stories like her grandmother — stories with long, beautiful sentences that flowed from one idea to the next. That day, she decided to learn relative pronouns in French.

In this module, you will learn what Ngozi learned. You will learn to connect ideas, describe people, and tell longer stories. By the end, your French will be richer and more natural.

RELATIVE PRONOUNS — THE CONNECTORS ================================== WITHOUT RELATIVE PRONOUNS: "I have a friend." "My friend lives in Lagos." "My friend is funny." ^^^^^^^^^ (my friend repeated three times) WITH RELATIVE PRONOUNS: "I have a friend WHO lives in Lagos and WHO is funny." ^^^ ^^^ (who connects the ideas) In French: "J'ai un ami QUI habite à Lagos et QUI est drôle." ^^^ ^^^ (qui connects the ideas) Think of relative pronouns as bridges between ideas.

4. Main Lessons

Lesson 1: What is a Relative Pronoun?

Definition

A relative pronoun is a small word that connects two ideas and refers back to a noun in the first idea. In English, these are words like "who," "whom," "which," "that," "where," "when," and "whose."

Why It Is Important

Without relative pronouns, your sentences stay short and choppy. Relative pronouns let you build longer, richer sentences. They are one of the clearest signs of an intermediate writer.

Simple Explanation

Think of relative pronouns as bridges. They connect two separate islands (ideas) into one big island. Instead of saying two short sentences, you build one beautiful sentence.

Real-life Example

Instead of saying: "I have a dog. The dog is black." You say: "I have a dog that is black."

School Example

Instead of: "The teacher is strict. The teacher teaches maths." You say: "The teacher who teaches maths is strict."

Home Example

Instead of: "This is the pot. Mum uses the pot for soup." You say: "This is the pot that Mum uses for soup."

Nigerian Example

Instead of: "This is the market. I buy yams at the market." You say: "This is the market where I buy yams."

The Six Main French Relative Pronouns

Pronoun English Used for

qui who / which / that The subject of the clause

que whom / which / that The direct object of the clause

dont of whom / of which / whose After verbs or expressions with de

où where / when Places and times

ce qui what (subject) An unknown thing as subject

ce que what (object) An unknown thing as object

Illustration

RELATIVE PRONOUNS — THE BRIDGE PICTURE ====================================== ISLAND 1 ISLAND 2 -------- -------- "I have a friend." "He lives in Lagos." \ / \ / \ / [ BRIDGE ] [ QUI ] / \ / \ V V ONE SENTENCE: "J'ai un ami QUI habite à Lagos." The bridge (qui) joins the two ideas into one.

Mini Summary

A relative pronoun connects two ideas and refers back to a noun. The six main French relative pronouns are qui, que, dont, où, ce qui, and ce que. They make your writing smoother and richer.

Lesson 2: Qui — The Subject Pronoun

Definition

Qui is a relative pronoun that replaces the subject of the second clause. In English, it means "who," "which," or "that."

Why It Is Important

Qui is the most common relative pronoun in French. You will use it constantly to describe people and things.

Simple Explanation

Use qui when the word after it is a verb. In other words, the pronoun itself does the action.

The Rule

Use qui when the relative pronoun is the subject of the verb that follows. In English, this is "who" or "which" followed by a verb.

Examples

Two sentences One sentence with qui

J'ai un ami. Il habite à Lagos. J'ai un ami qui habite à Lagos.

Voici la maison. Elle est grande. Voici la maison qui est grande.

J'aime le livre. Il est intéressant. J'aime le livre qui est intéressant.

Real-life Example

La femme qui parle est ma tante. → "The woman who is speaking is my aunt."

School Example

L'élève qui étudie réussit. → "The student who studies succeeds."

Home Example

Le chien qui aboie est à nous. → "The dog that is barking is ours."

Nigerian Example

La femme qui vend des légumes est très gentille. → "The woman who sells vegetables is very kind."

Illustration

QUI — THE SUBJECT BRIDGE ======================== Sentence 1: "J'ai un ami." Sentence 2: "Il habite à Lagos." The subject of sentence 2 is "il" (he). We replace it with QUI. Result: "J'ai un ami QUI habite à Lagos." ^^^ qui = il (the subject) RULE: If a VERB comes right after the pronoun, use QUI. QUI + VERB --- ---- qui habite qui parle qui mange qui est Think of it like this: QUI always stands in front of a verb.

Mini Summary

Qui replaces the subject of the second clause. It is always followed by a verb. In English, it means "who," "which," or "that."

Lesson 3: Que — The Direct Object Pronoun

Definition

Que is a relative pronoun that replaces the direct object of the second clause. In English, it means "whom," "which," or "that."

Why It Is Important

Que is the second most common relative pronoun. You will use it when the word after it is a subject (a noun or pronoun), not a verb.

Simple Explanation

Use que when the word after it is a subject + verb. The pronoun itself receives the action.

The Rule

Use que when the relative pronoun is the direct object of the verb that follows. In English, this is "that" or "which" followed by a subject.

Examples

Two sentences One sentence with que

J'ai un livre. Je lis le livre. Le livre que je lis est intéressant.

Voici la maison. Nous avons acheté la maison. Voici la maison que nous avons achetée.

J'aime le film. Tu as vu le film. J'aime le film que tu as vu.

Real-life Example

Le gâteau que ma mère prépare est délicieux. → "The cake that my mother is preparing is delicious."

School Example

L'exercice que le professeur nous a donné est difficile. → "The exercise that the teacher gave us is difficult."

Home Example

La chanson que tu écoutes est belle. → "The song that you are listening to is beautiful."

Nigerian Example

Le film que nous avons regardé hier était amusant. → "The film that we watched yesterday was funny."

Illustration

QUE — THE OBJECT BRIDGE ======================= Sentence 1: "J'ai un livre." Sentence 2: "Je lis le livre." The direct object of sentence 2 is "le livre". We replace it with QUE. Result: "Le livre QUE je lis est intéressant." ^^^ que = le livre (the object) RULE: If a SUBJECT comes right after the pronoun, use QUE. QUE + SUBJECT + VERB --- ------- ---- que je lis que tu vois que nous avons que elle a Think of it like this: QUE always stands in front of a subject.

Comparison: Qui vs. Que

Pronoun Followed by Example

qui A VERB L'homme qui parle…

que A SUBJECT + VERB L'homme que je vois…

Mini Summary

Que replaces the direct object of the second clause. It is always followed by a subject and then a verb. In English, it means "that," "which," or "whom."

Lesson 4: Dont — The "Of Which" Pronoun

Definition

Dont is a relative pronoun that replaces a noun introduced by de. In English, it means "whose," "of whom," "of which," or "that."

Why It Is Important

Dont is used with many common expressions. Without it, you cannot express ideas like "the book I am talking about" or "the friend whose father is a doctor."

Simple Explanation

Think of dont as the "de" pronoun. Whenever the verb or expression uses de, you use dont to connect.

The Rule

Use dont when the verb or expression in the second clause uses de.

Common Expressions with de

Expression Meaning

parler de to speak about

avoir besoin de to need

avoir peur de to be afraid of

rêver de to dream of

se souvenir de to remember

être fier de to be proud of

avoir envie de to feel like

Examples

Two sentences One sentence with dont

Voici le livre. Je parle du livre. Voici le livre dont je parle.

J'ai un ami. J'ai besoin de cet ami. J'ai un ami dont j'ai besoin.

C'est la fille. Son père est médecin. C'est la fille dont le père est médecin.

Real-life Example

Le projet dont je rêve est de voyager. → "The project I dream of is to travel."

School Example

Le sujet dont nous parlons est important. → "The topic we are talking about is important."

Home Example

La voiture dont mon père a besoin est chère. → "The car my father needs is expensive."

Nigerian Example

Le joueur dont tout le monde est fier est Victor Osimhen. → "The player everyone is proud of is Victor Osimhen."

Illustration

DONT — THE "DE" BRIDGE ====================== DONT replaces a noun introduced by "de". Sentence 1: "Voici le livre." Sentence 2: "Je parle DE ce livre." Replace "DE ce livre" with DONT: "Voici le livre DONT je parle." ^^^^ dont = de ce livre RULE: Use DONT when the verb uses DE. VERB + DE --> DONT --------- ---- parler de --> dont avoir besoin de --> dont avoir peur de --> dont rêver de --> dont se souvenir de --> dont DONT also means "whose": "La fille DONT le père est médecin." (The girl WHOSE father is a doctor.)

Mini Summary

Dont replaces a noun introduced by de. It is used with expressions like parler de, avoir besoin de, avoir peur de. It also means "whose" when talking about possession.

Lesson 5: Où — The Place and Time Pronoun

Definition

Où is a relative pronoun that replaces a place or a time. In English, it means "where" or "when."

Why It Is Important

Où is very common. You use it to describe places (the house where I live) and times (the day when we met).

Simple Explanation

Think of où as a small pointer. It points to a place or a moment in time.

The Rule

Use où to replace a place or a time expression.

Examples

Two sentences One sentence with où

Voici la maison. J'habite dans cette maison. Voici la maison où j'habite.

C'est le jour. Nous nous sommes rencontrés ce jour. C'est le jour où nous nous sommes rencontrés.

La ville est belle. Je suis né dans cette ville. La ville où je suis né est belle.

Real-life Example

La maison où j'habite est grande. → "The house where I live is big."

School Example

La salle où nous étudions est propre. → "The classroom where we study is clean."

Home Example

Le jour où ma sœur est née était très chaud. → "The day when my sister was born was very hot."

Nigerian Example

Le marché où j'achète des fruits est à côté de l'école. → "The market where I buy fruit is next to the school."

Illustration

OÙ — THE PLACE AND TIME POINTER =============================== OÙ replaces a PLACE or a TIME. PLACE: "Voici la maison OÙ j'habite." ^^ où = dans cette maison TIME: "C'est le jour OÙ nous nous sommes rencontrés." ^^ où = ce jour Two uses of OÙ: PLACE: la maison où… (the house where…) la ville où… (the city where…) le pays où… (the country where…) TIME: le jour où… (the day when…) le moment où… (the moment when…) l'année où… (the year when…) OÙ always refers back to a place or a time.

Mini Summary

Où replaces a place or a time. It means "where" or "when." It is used with places like la maison, la ville, and with times like le jour, le moment.

Lesson 6: Ce qui and Ce que — Saying "What"

Definition

Ce qui and ce que both mean "what." They are used when the "thing" being described is unknown or general.

Why It Is Important

Sometimes you do not have a specific noun in mind. You just want to say "what." That is when you use ce qui or ce que.

Simple Explanation

Think of ce qui and ce que as "the thing that." Ce qui is used when the thing is the subject. Ce que is used when the thing is the object.

The Difference

Pronoun Use Followed by Example

ce qui Subject A verb Ce qui me plaît, c'est la musique.

ce que Direct object A subject + verb Ce que j'aime, c'est la musique.

Examples

French English

Ce qui est important, c'est la famille. What is important is family.

Ce que je veux, c'est un vélo. What I want is a bicycle.

Ce qui me surprend, c'est son talent. What surprises me is his talent.

Ce que tu dis est vrai. What you are saying is true.

Real-life Example

Ce qui me plaît à Lagos, c'est l'énergie de la ville. → "What I like about Lagos is the energy of the city."

School Example

Ce que le professeur explique est difficile. → "What the teacher is explaining is difficult."

Home Example

Ce que ma mère prépare sent très bon. → "What my mother is preparing smells very good."

Nigerian Example

Ce qui est important pour moi, c'est de réussir mes examens. → "What is important to me is to pass my exams."

Illustration

CE QUI vs. CE QUE ================= CE QUI + VERB ------ ---- ce qui est ce qui plaît ce qui surprend CE QUE + SUBJECT + VERB ------ ------- ---- ce que je veux ce que tu dis ce que nous aimons TIP: Just like QUI and QUE: CE QUI is followed by a VERB. CE QUE is followed by a SUBJECT + VERB. Example: "Ce QUI me plaît, c'est la musique." ^^^^ (followed by "me plaît" — verb phrase) "Ce QUE j'aime, c'est la musique." ^^^^ (followed by "j'aime" — subject + verb)

Mini Summary

Ce qui and ce que both mean "what." Use ce qui when it is the subject of the verb (followed by a verb). Use ce que when it is the direct object (followed by a subject + verb).

Lesson 7: Combining Two Sentences into One

Definition

Combining sentences means joining two short sentences into one longer sentence using a relative pronoun.

Why It Is Important

Real French writing uses longer sentences. Knowing how to combine sentences is a key skill for B1 writing.

Simple Explanation

Think of it like building with Lego bricks. Each short sentence is one brick. A relative pronoun is the glue that holds two bricks together to make a bigger, stronger structure.

Step-by-Step

Read the two sentences carefully.

Find the noun that appears in both sentences.

Decide if the pronoun should be qui, que, dont, or où.

Replace the repeated noun in the second sentence with the pronoun.

Attach the second sentence to the first one.

Examples

Two sentences Combined Why

J'ai un ami. Il est médecin. J'ai un ami qui est médecin. Subject (followed by verb)

Voici le livre. Tu m'as donné le livre. Voici le livre que tu m'as donné. Direct object

Voici la maison. Je parle de cette maison. Voici la maison dont je parle. Verb with de

Voici l'école. J'étudie dans cette école. Voici l'école où j'étudie. Place

Real-life Example

Instead of: "J'ai une sœur. Elle habite à Kano. Elle est infirmière." You can write: "J'ai une sœur qui habite à Kano et qui est infirmière."

School Example

Instead of: "Le devoir est difficile. Le professeur a donné le devoir." You can write: "Le devoir que le professeur a donné est difficile."

Home Example

Instead of: "Voici le plat. Ma mère prépare le plat." You can write: "Voici le plat que ma mère prépare."

Nigerian Example

Instead of: "Voici la ville. Je suis né dans cette ville." You can write: "Voici la ville où je suis né."

Illustration

COMBINING SENTENCES — THE PROCESS ================================= STEP 1: Two short sentences --------------------------- "J'ai un ami." + "Il est médecin." STEP 2: Find the repeated noun ------------------------------ The word "ami" in sentence 1 = "il" in sentence 2. STEP 3: Choose the right pronoun -------------------------------- Is it the subject? Yes. So use QUI. STEP 4: Combine --------------- "J'ai un ami QUI est médecin." STEP 5: Read aloud ------------------ Does it sound smooth? Yes! RESULT: One beautiful sentence instead of two short ones.

Mini Summary

Combining sentences means joining two short sentences using a relative pronoun. First find the repeated noun, then choose the right pronoun (qui, que, dont, or où), then attach the clauses.

Lesson 8: Describing a Person — A Portrait

Definition

A portrait is a written description of a person. You describe how they look, how they act, and what they mean to you.

Why It Is Important

Describing a person is a common writing task. It combines all the relative pronouns you have learned.

Simple Explanation

Think of a portrait like a photograph made of words. You start with the outside (appearance), then go to the inside (character), then end with your feelings.

Step-by-Step

Who is the person? Introduce them with a simple sentence.

What do they look like? Use adjectives.

What do they do? Use verbs and relative pronouns.

Why are they special? Use qui and que.

How do you feel about them? End with a feeling.

Model Portrait

Ma mère est la personne qui compte le plus pour moi. Elle est grande et elle a un sourire qui réchauffe le cœur. C'est une femme qui travaille dur. La chose que j'admire le plus chez elle, c'est sa patience. Elle cuisine des plats dont tout le monde parle. La maison où elle vit est toujours remplie de rires. Je suis fier de la personne que je deviens grâce à elle.

English: "My mother is the person who matters most to me. She is tall and she has a smile that warms the heart. She is a woman who works hard. The thing I admire most about her is her patience. She cooks dishes that everyone talks about. The house where she lives is always full of laughter. I am proud of the person I am becoming thanks to her."

Real-life Example

You might describe a friend: Mon amie Aisha est une personne qui rit toujours. → "My friend Aisha is a person who always laughs."

School Example

You might describe a teacher: Le professeur que j'aime le plus enseigne les maths. → "The teacher I like the most teaches maths."

Nigerian Example

You might describe a grandparent: Mon grand-père est l'homme dont je suis le plus fier. Il vit dans un village où tout le monde le connaît. → "My grandfather is the man I am proudest of. He lives in a village where everyone knows him."

Illustration

PORTRAIT — STORY MAP ==================== [ WHO IS THIS PERSON? ] | V "Ma mère est la personne qui compte le plus." [ APPEARANCE ] | V "Elle est grande. Elle a un sourire qui réchauffe." [ CHARACTER / ACTIONS ] | V "C'est une femme qui travaille dur." [ WHAT YOU ADMIRE ] | V "La chose que j'admire, c'est sa patience." [ PLACE ] | V "La maison où elle vit est pleine de rires." [ YOUR FEELING ] | V "Je suis fier de la personne que je deviens."

Mini Summary

A portrait is a written description of a person. It uses all the relative pronouns. Start with who the person is, describe their appearance, their character, why they matter, and end with your feeling.

Lesson 9: Relative Pronouns in Different Tenses

Definition

Relative pronouns work with all tenses: present, passé composé, imparfait, futur simple, and conditional.

Why It Is Important

If you only know relative pronouns in the present, you cannot tell complex stories about the past or the future. Using them with all tenses opens up your writing.

Simple Explanation

Think of relative pronouns as neutral tools. They do not change with tense. Only the verb changes. Once you know the pronoun, you can use it with any tense.

Examples in Different Tenses

Tense Example Meaning

Présent L'homme qui parle est mon oncle. The man who is speaking is my uncle.

Passé composé L'homme qui a parlé est mon oncle. The man who spoke is my uncle.

Imparfait L'homme qui parlait est mon oncle. The man who was speaking is my uncle.

Futur simple L'homme qui parlera est mon oncle. The man who will speak is my uncle.

Conditionnel L'homme qui parlerait est mon oncle. The man who would speak is my uncle.

Real-life Example

Le film que j'ai vu hier était passionnant. → "The film I saw yesterday was exciting."

School Example

Le projet dont nous parlions est fini. → "The project we were talking about is finished."

Home Example

La maison où nous habiterons est en construction. → "The house where we will live is under construction."

Nigerian Example

Le marché où j'achetais des fruits a fermé. → "The market where I used to buy fruit has closed."

Illustration

RELATIVE PRONOUNS ACROSS TENSES =============================== PRONOUN stays the same. VERB changes. Present: L'homme QUI parle Passé composé: L'homme QUI a parlé Imparfait: L'homme QUI parlait Futur simple: L'homme QUI parlera Conditionnel: L'homme QUI parlerait The pronoun QUI never changes. The pronoun QUE never changes either: Present: Le livre QUE je lis Passé composé: Le livre QUE j'ai lu Imparfait: Le livre QUE je lisais Futur simple: Le livre QUE je lirai Conditionnel: Le livre QUE je lirais Just change the verb. The pronoun stays.

Mini Summary

Relative pronouns stay the same across all tenses. Only the verb changes. This means once you know how to use them in one tense, you can use them in every tense.

Lesson 10: Building a Full Paragraph with Relative Pronouns

Definition

A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. Using relative pronouns makes a paragraph flow smoothly.

Why It Is Important

Writing a paragraph is a core skill. In exams and in real life, you will need to write paragraphs that are clear and connected.

Simple Explanation

Think of a paragraph as a necklace. Each sentence is a bead. Relative pronouns are the thread that holds the beads together.

Step-by-Step

Start with a topic sentence.

Add three or four sentences with relative pronouns.

Use a variety: qui, que, dont, où.

End with a closing sentence.

Read the paragraph aloud to hear how it flows.

Model Paragraph

Ma ville est un endroit qui me plaît beaucoup. Elle est située dans une région où il fait chaud. Les marchés que je visite le samedi sont pleins de vie. J'aime surtout les vendeuses qui vendent des fruits frais. La chose que j'apprécie le plus est l'hospitalité des gens. C'est une ville dont je suis fier.

English: "My city is a place that I like very much. It is located in a region where it is hot. The markets that I visit on Saturdays are full of life. I especially like the sellers who sell fresh fruit. The thing I appreciate most is the hospitality of the people. It is a city I am proud of."

Real-life Example

Writing a letter to a friend, you might describe your town: Ma ville est un endroit qui est calme.

School Example

In a school essay, you might write: Mon école est un endroit où j'apprends beaucoup.

Nigerian Example

Lagos est une ville qui ne dort jamais. Les marchés que je visite sont très animés. Les gens qui y vivent travaillent dur. La chose dont je suis le plus fier, c'est la culture de ma ville.

Illustration

PARAGRAPH BUILDING — THE NECKLACE ================================= TOPIC SENTENCE | V "Ma ville est un endroit QUI me plaît." | V + QUI sentence (subject) | V + OÙ sentence (place) | V + QUE sentence (object) | V + DONT sentence (de) | V CLOSING SENTENCE The thread of the necklace = relative pronouns.

Mini Summary

A good paragraph uses a mix of relative pronouns. Start with a topic sentence, add supporting sentences with qui, que, dont, and où, then close. Read it aloud to check the flow.

Lesson 11: Complex Sentences with Two Relative Pronouns

Definition

A complex sentence can contain two or more relative pronouns, each joining a different idea.

Why It Is Important

Complex sentences make your writing richer and more sophisticated. They are a hallmark of B1 level French.

Simple Explanation

Think of a long train with several carriages. Each relative pronoun is a connection between two carriages. The train keeps going and going, with ideas linked one after another.

Examples

Simple version Complex version

J'ai un ami. Il habite à Lagos. Il est médecin. J'ai un ami qui habite à Lagos et qui est médecin.

Voici la maison. Ma mère a acheté la maison. Elle est grande. Voici la maison que ma mère a achetée et qui est grande.

Voici le livre. Je parle du livre. Tu m'as donné le livre. Voici le livre dont je parle et que tu m'as donné.

Real-life Example

La personne qui m'a aidé et dont je parle est mon voisin. → "The person who helped me and whom I am talking about is my neighbour."

School Example

Le devoir que j'ai fini et qui était difficile a reçu une bonne note. → "The homework that I finished and that was difficult received a good grade."

Home Example

Le plat que ma mère prépare et dont tout le monde parle est le jollof. → "The dish that my mother prepares and that everyone talks about is jollof."

Nigerian Example

La ville où je suis né et que j'aime est très belle. → "The city where I was born and that I love is very beautiful."

Illustration

TWO RELATIVE PRONOUNS IN ONE SENTENCE ===================================== "J'ai un ami QUI habite à Lagos et QUI est médecin." ^^^ ^^^ | | first relative second relative pronoun pronoun Visual: [ Idea 1 ]---QUI---[ Idea 2 ]---ET---QUI---[ Idea 3 ] The sentence links three ideas. Instead of three short sentences, you have one complex sentence.

Mini Summary

Complex sentences can contain two or more relative pronouns. They join multiple ideas into one flowing sentence. This makes your writing richer and more sophisticated.

Lesson 12: Common Traps and How to Avoid Them

Definition

A trap is a mistake that many learners make. Knowing the traps helps you avoid them.

Why It Is Important

Learning is not just about adding new knowledge — it is also about avoiding common errors. Knowing the traps saves you time and frustration.

Simple Explanation

Think of these traps as potholes on a road. If you know where they are, you can drive around them.

Trap 1: Confusing Qui and Que

Remember: qui is followed by a verb. que is followed by a subject and then a verb.

Wrong: L'homme que parle est mon oncle.

Right: L'homme qui parle est mon oncle.

Trap 2: Using Que Instead of Dont

If the verb uses de, you must use dont, not que.

Wrong: Voici le livre que je parle.

Right: Voici le livre dont je parle.

Trap 3: Forgetting the Agreement in the Passé Composé

With que as the direct object, the past participle must agree.

Wrong: La maison que j'ai acheté.

Right: La maison que j'ai achetée.

Trap 4: Mixing Up Où and Que

Où refers to places and times. Que refers to things as objects.

Wrong: La maison que j'habite.

Right: La maison où j'habite.

Trap 5: Using Qui Instead of Ce qui

When there is no specific noun, use ce qui or ce que, not qui or que.

Wrong: Qui me plaît, c'est la musique.

Right: Ce qui me plaît, c'est la musique.

Comparison Table

Wrong Right Why

L'homme que parle… L'homme qui parle… Qui is followed by a verb

Le livre que je parle… Le livre dont je parle… Parler de needs dont

La maison que j'ai acheté… La maison que j'ai achetée… Agreement with direct object

La maison que j'habite… La maison où j'habite… Où is for places

Qui me plaît… Ce qui me plaît… No specific noun

Mini Summary

The main traps are: confusing qui and que, using que instead of dont, forgetting agreement, mixing up où and que, and using qui where ce qui is needed. Learn these and your writing will improve dramatically.

Lesson 13: Relative Pronouns in Everyday Writing

Definition

Relative pronouns appear in all kinds of everyday writing: emails, letters, journal entries, and stories.

Why It Is Important

Once you know relative pronouns, you can use them anywhere. They make your everyday French sound natural and fluent.

Simple Explanation

Think of your daily writing — a text to a friend, a note to your parents, a message to a teacher. Every one of these can use relative pronouns to sound better.

Examples in Different Contexts

Email to a Friend

Salut Amina !

Je t'écris pour te parler du film que j'ai vu hier. C'est un film qui m'a beaucoup plu. L'acteur qui joue le rôle principal est très talentueux. La scène dont je me souviens le mieux est la fin. Le cinéma où je l'ai vu est près de chez moi. Si tu veux, nous pouvons y aller ensemble.

English: "Hi Amina! I am writing to tell you about the film I saw yesterday. It is a film that I really liked. The actor who plays the main role is very talented. The scene I remember best is the ending. The cinema where I saw it is near my house. If you want, we can go there together."

Journal Entry

Aujourd'hui, j'ai rencontré une personne qui m'a beaucoup inspiré. C'est un professeur dont les élèves parlent avec respect. La chose que j'ai apprise de lui, c'est l'importance du travail. La salle où nous avons parlé était calme.

English: "Today, I met a person who inspired me a lot. He is a teacher whose students speak of him with respect. The thing I learned from him is the importance of work. The room where we spoke was calm."

Letter to a Grandparent

Cher grand-père,

Je pense souvent à la maison où nous passions nos vacances. Je me souviens des histoires que tu racontais. Les plats dont tu parlais me manquent. J'espère te voir bientôt.

English: "Dear grandfather, I often think of the house where we spent our holidays. I remember the stories you used to tell. The dishes you talked about — I miss them. I hope to see you soon."

Real-life Example

In a text message: Je vais au marché qui est près de la gare. → "I am going to the market that is near the station."

School Example

In a school assignment: Le sujet dont je veux parler est l'environnement. → "The topic I want to talk about is the environment."

Nigerian Example

In a message to a friend: La fête dont je t'ai parlé aura lieu samedi. → "The party I told you about will take place on Saturday."

Illustration

RELATIVE PRONOUNS IN EVERYDAY WRITING ===================================== EMAIL: film QUE j'ai vu acteur QUI joue scène DONT je me souviens cinéma OÙ je l'ai vu JOURNAL: personne QUI m'a inspiré professeur DONT les élèves parlent chose QUE j'ai apprise salle OÙ nous avons parlé LETTER: maison OÙ nous passions histoires QUE tu racontais plats DONT tu parlais Relative pronouns are everywhere in real French writing.

Mini Summary

Relative pronouns appear in all everyday writing: emails, journals, letters, and messages. Using them makes your French sound natural and fluent.

Lesson 14: Putting It All Together — A Full Model Text

Definition

This lesson shows a complete text using all six relative pronouns.

Why It Is Important

Seeing a full example helps you understand how the pieces fit together. It is like looking at a finished puzzle before building your own.

The Text

Je voudrais te parler d'une personne qui compte beaucoup pour moi. C'est mon grand-père. Il vit dans un village où tout le monde se connaît. La maison où il habite est petite mais chaleureuse. Il raconte souvent des histoires que personne d'autre ne connaît. La chose que j'admire le plus chez lui, c'est sa sagesse. C'est un homme dont je suis très fier. Ce qui me plaît le plus, c'est passer du temps avec lui. Ce que je préfère, c'est écouter ses conseils.

English: "I would like to tell you about a person who means a lot to me. It is my grandfather. He lives in a village where everyone knows each other. The house where he lives is small but warm. He often tells stories that no one else knows. The thing I admire most about him is his wisdom. He is a man I am very proud of. What I like most is spending time with him. What I prefer is listening to his advice."

Breaking It Down

Pronoun Sentence Job

qui une personne qui compte… Subject of the verb

où un village où tout le monde… Place

où la maison où il habite… Place

que des histoires que personne ne connaît… Direct object

que la chose que j'admire… Direct object

dont un homme dont je suis fier… Expression with de

ce qui ce qui me plaît le plus… Unknown subject

ce que ce que je préfère… Unknown object

Mini Summary

A full text uses all six relative pronouns: qui, que, dont, où, ce qui, and ce que. Each one connects ideas in a different way. When you can write a text like this, you have mastered the module.

Lesson 15: A Final Review — Relative Pronouns at a Glance

Definition

This lesson gathers all the relative pronouns into one clear table for quick reference.

Why It Is Important

Having one page with all the pronouns helps you review quickly and spot the ones you need to practise more.

The Master Table

Pronoun English Used for Followed by Example

qui who / which / that Subject A verb L'homme qui parle…

que whom / which / that Direct object Subject + verb L'homme que je vois…

dont whose / of which With de Subject + verb L'homme dont je parle…

où where / when Place or time Subject + verb La maison où j'habite…

ce qui what Unknown subject A verb Ce qui me plaît…

ce que what Unknown object Subject + verb Ce que j'aime…

The Key Decision Flowchart

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RELATIVE PRONOUN =================================== Do you have a specific noun in mind? | +--- YES ---+ | | | V | Is it a PLACE or TIME? | | | +--- YES --> OÙ | | | +--- NO --> Does the verb use DE? | | | +--- YES --> DONT | | | +--- NO --> Is it the SUBJECT? | | | +--- YES --> QUI | | | +--- NO --> QUE | +--- NO ---+ | V Is it the SUBJECT of the verb? | +--- YES --> CE QUI | +--- NO --> CE QUE

Mini Summary

You now know six French relative pronouns: qui, que, dont, où, ce qui, and ce que. Each one has a specific job. Use the flowchart to choose the right one.

5. Key Vocabulary

Here are the important words from this module. Read them. Say them out loud. Write them in your notebook.

French English Simple Definition

un pronom relatif a relative pronoun A word that connects two ideas

qui who / which / that Replaces the subject

que whom / which / that Replaces the direct object

dont whose / of which Replaces a noun with de

où where / when Replaces a place or time

ce qui what (subject) Unknown thing as subject

ce que what (object) Unknown thing as object

une phrase complexe a complex sentence A sentence with two or more ideas

un portrait a portrait A written description of a person

combiner to combine To join two things together

relier to connect To join ideas

décrire to describe To say what something is like

le sujet the subject The person or thing doing the action

l'objet direct the direct object The thing receiving the action

une idée an idea A thought

6. Important Concepts

Concept 1: The Bridge Rule

Relative pronouns connect two ideas into one sentence. They are bridges between clauses.

Concept 2: The Verb Test

If a verb follows the pronoun, use qui. If a subject follows, use que. This is the simplest way to choose between the two.

Concept 3: The "De" Rule

If the verb or expression uses de, use dont. Never use que after a de verb.

Concept 4: The Place and Time Rule

Use où for places and times. It replaces expressions like dans cette maison or ce jour-là.

Concept 5: The "What" Rule

Use ce qui and ce que when there is no specific noun. Ce qui is for subjects; ce que is for objects.

7. Step-by-Step Explanations

How to Combine Two Sentences

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS ==================== STEP 1: Read the two sentences. | V STEP 2: Find the repeated noun. | V STEP 3: Ask: What role does it play in the second sentence? - Subject? --> QUI - Direct object? --> QUE - With DE? --> DONT - Place or time? --> OÙ | V STEP 4: Replace the noun with the pronoun. | V STEP 5: Attach the clauses. | V STEP 6: Read aloud. | V STEP 7: Check agreement. | V FINISH

How to Choose the Right Relative Pronoun

Ask: "Do I have a specific noun?" If yes, go to step 2. If no, use ce qui or ce que.

Ask: "Is it a place or a time?" If yes, use où.

Ask: "Does the verb use de?" If yes, use dont.

Ask: "Is it the subject of the verb?" If yes, use qui.

Otherwise, use que.

8. Real-life Examples

Example 1: Describing a Person

Mon professeur est une personne qui inspire ses élèves. Il a une méthode dont tout le monde parle. La salle où il enseigne est toujours pleine.

English: "My teacher is a person who inspires his students. He has a method that everyone talks about. The room where he teaches is always full."

Example 2: Describing a Place

Le marché que je visite chaque samedi est animé. Il y a des vendeurs qui crient et des clients qui négocient. C'est un endroit où on trouve tout.

English: "The market that I visit every Saturday is lively. There are sellers who shout and customers who negotiate. It is a place where you find everything."

Example 3: A Memory

Le jour où j'ai reçu mon prix était spécial. La personne qui m'a félicité était ma mère. La chose dont je me souviens le mieux est son sourire.

English: "The day I received my prize was special. The person who congratulated me was my mother. The thing I remember best is her smile."

9. Nigerian Examples

Example 1: A Market in Onitsha

Le marché d'Onitsha, qui est très grand, est un endroit où on trouve tout. Les femmes qui vendent des tissus sont habiles. La chose dont je me souviens le mieux est la couleur des tissus.

English: "Onitsha market, which is very big, is a place where you find everything. The women who sell fabrics are skilled. The thing I remember best is the colour of the fabrics."

Example 2: A Nigerian Hero

Chinua Achebe est un écrivain dont le monde entier parle. Il a écrit des livres qui racontent l'histoire du Nigeria. La chose que j'admire le plus chez lui, c'est son courage.

English: "Chinua Achebe is a writer the whole world talks about. He wrote books that tell the story of Nigeria. The thing I admire most about him is his courage."

Example 3: A Family Story

Ma grand-mère est une femme dont la sagesse est connue. Elle vit dans un village où tout le monde la respecte. Les histoires qu'elle raconte sont merveilleuses.

English: "My grandmother is a woman whose wisdom is known. She lives in a village where everyone respects her. The stories she tells are wonderful."

10. Fun Examples Children Can Relate To

Example 1: The Best Friend

Mon meilleur ami est une personne qui me fait rire. Il a un humour dont tout le monde parle. La chose que j'aime le plus, c'est passer du temps avec lui.

English: "My best friend is a person who makes me laugh. He has a sense of humour that everyone talks about. The thing I like most is spending time with him."

Example 2: The Favourite Game

Le jeu que je préfère est le football. C'est un sport qui demande de l'énergie. Le terrain où je joue est près de chez moi.

English: "The game I prefer is football. It is a sport that requires energy. The field where I play is near my house."

Example 3: The Favourite Food

Le plat dont je raffole est le jollof rice. C'est un plat qui sent bon. La chose que j'aime le plus, c'est quand ma mère le prépare.

English: "The dish I love is jollof rice. It is a dish that smells good. The thing I like most is when my mother prepares it."

11. Everyday Examples

Example 1: Getting Ready

La chemise que je porte est neuve. Le pantalon que j'ai choisi est bleu. Le miroir où je me regarde est dans ma chambre.

English: "The shirt I am wearing is new. The trousers I chose are blue. The mirror where I look at myself is in my room."

Example 2: Going to School

Le bus que je prends chaque matin est souvent plein. L'arrêt où j'attends est devant chez moi. Les amis avec qui je voyage sont drôles.

English: "The bus I take every morning is often full. The stop where I wait is in front of my house. The friends I travel with are funny."

Example 3: Evening at Home

Le film que nous avons regardé hier était amusant. Les personnages dont je me souviens étaient drôles. Le salon où nous étions était confortable.

English: "The film we watched yesterday was funny. The characters I remember were funny. The living room where we were was comfortable."

12. Parent Tips

Parents, here are some simple ways to support your child as they learn this module:

Play the "combine" game. Say two short sentences in English. Ask your child to combine them using "who," "which," or "that." Then try in French.

Encourage daily journaling in French. Ask your child to use at least two relative pronouns per entry.

Celebrate small wins. When your child uses qui or que correctly, praise them.

Do not correct every mistake. Focus on one pronoun at a time.

Watch French cartoons or videos with subtitles. Ask your child to spot relative pronouns.

Make flashcards together for the six relative pronouns.

Ask your child to describe a family member using at least two relative pronouns.

Read simple French storybooks and ask your child to point out relative pronouns.

13. Interesting Facts

Relative pronouns exist in many languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German.

French qui and que come from Latin, over two thousand years ago.

The pronoun dont is very common in French but does not have a direct equivalent in English.

French writers love using relative pronouns to make their sentences flow smoothly.

The word où is used for both places and times in French. In English, we use "where" for places and "when" for times.

The ce qui and ce que pair is unique to French. English just uses "what" for both.

Relative pronouns are one of the clearest signs that a learner is moving from beginner to intermediate.

In spoken French, people often drop que in informal speech, but in writing it must always be included.

14. Did You Know?

Did you know that the pronoun qui is one of the most used words in the entire French language?

Did you know that in English, "who" can also be "whom," but in French qui stays the same?

Did you know that the word dont is often used in formal writing but less in everyday speech?

Did you know that où is used for both places and times, making it one of the most flexible relative pronouns?

Did you know that combining sentences with relative pronouns is a key skill tested in the DELF B1 exam?

15. Remember This

Qui replaces the subject. It is followed by a verb.

Que replaces the direct object. It is followed by a subject and verb.

Dont replaces a noun with de. It is used after verbs like parler de.

Où replaces a place or a time.

Ce qui means "what" as a subject.

Ce que means "what" as a direct object.

Relative pronouns connect two ideas into one sentence.

They stay the same across all tenses.

16. Common Mistakes

Mistake Why It Is Wrong Correct Version

L'homme que parle… Wrong pronoun for subject L'homme qui parle…

Le livre que je parle… Verb uses de Le livre dont je parle…

La maison que j'ai acheté… Missing agreement La maison que j'ai achetée…

La maison que j'habite… Needs où for place La maison où j'habite…

Qui me plaît… No specific noun Ce qui me plaît…

Ce que est important… Wrong form of "what" Ce qui est important…

17. Best Practices

Read your sentences aloud. Your ear will catch mistakes your eye misses.

Use the verb test to choose between qui and que.

Write every day. Even three sentences a day helps.

Check agreement when using que in the passé composé.

Practise combining sentences until it feels automatic.

Do not translate word-for-word from English. French uses relative pronouns differently.

Ask a teacher or friend to read your work and give feedback.

Reread your old sentences. You will see how far you have come.

18. Comparison Tables

Qui vs. Que — The Main Difference

Feature Qui Que

Job Subject Direct object

Followed by A verb A subject + verb

English who / which / that whom / which / that

Example L'homme qui parle… L'homme que je vois…

Agreement in passé composé No (it is subject) Yes (it is direct object)

Dont vs. Que

Feature Dont Que

Used with Verbs and expressions with de Verbs that take a direct object

English whose / of which whom / which / that

Example Le livre dont je parle… Le livre que je lis…

Ce qui vs. Ce que

Feature Ce qui Ce que

Job Subject Direct object

Followed by A verb A subject + verb

Example Ce qui me plaît… Ce que j'aime…

Qui vs. Où

Feature Qui Où

Used for People and things Places and times

English who / which where / when

Example L'homme qui parle… La maison où j'habite…

19. End-of-Module Summary

Congratulations! You have completed Module 4 of the Intermediate French course. Let us review what you learned.

What You Learned

What relative pronouns are and why they matter.

How to use qui as the subject pronoun.

How to use que as the direct object pronoun.

How to use dont after verbs with de.

How to use où for places and times.

How to use ce qui and ce que to say "what."

How to combine two sentences into one.

How to write a portrait of a person.

How to build a full paragraph with relative pronouns.

Common traps and how to avoid them.

The Big Picture

THE BIG PICTURE =============== RELATIVE PRONOUNS = BRIDGES BETWEEN IDEAS QUI --- subject --- followed by a verb QUE --- direct obj. --- followed by subject + verb DONT --- with DE --- after "parler de", etc. OÙ --- place/time --- "la maison où" CE QUI --- unknown subj --- "ce qui me plaît" CE QUE --- unknown obj. --- "ce que j'aime" Think of it like building with Lego: [ idea 1 ]---[ pronoun ]---[ idea 2 ] With relative pronouns, your French writing becomes longer, smoother, and more beautiful. You are now ready to write complex sentences!

20. Frequently Asked Questions (10 Questions)

Question 1: What is a relative pronoun?

It is a small word that connects two ideas and refers back to a noun. In English: "who," "which," "that." In French: qui, que, dont, où, ce qui, ce que.

Question 2: When do I use qui and when do I use que?

Use qui when a verb comes right after the pronoun. Use que when a subject comes right after the pronoun.

Question 3: What is dont for?

Dont replaces a noun introduced by de. It is used after verbs and expressions like parler de, avoir besoin de, avoir peur de.

Question 4: What is où for?

Où replaces a place or a time. It means "where" or "when."

Question 5: When do I use ce qui and ce que?

Use ce qui and ce que when there is no specific noun. Ce qui is the subject; ce que is the direct object.

Question 6: Do relative pronouns change with tense?

No. The pronoun stays the same. Only the verb changes.

Question 7: Do I need to worry about agreement with relative pronouns?

Yes, when the relative pronoun que is the direct object in the passé composé, the past participle must agree with the noun it refers to.

Question 8: What if I get it wrong?

Do not worry. French people will still understand you. Just keep practising. Mistakes are part of learning.

Question 9: How long will it take to master this?

It depends on how much you practise. With daily practice, you can feel comfortable in a few weeks.

Question 10: What is the best way to practise?

Combine short sentences every day. Describe people and places. Read French books and look for relative pronouns. And do not be afraid to make mistakes.

21. Matching Exercises

Exercise 1: Match the French with the English

French English

1. L'homme qui parle… A. The book that I am reading…

2. Le livre que je lis… B. The man who is speaking…

3. Le film dont je parle… C. The house where I live…

4. La maison où j'habite… D. The film I am talking about…

5. Ce qui me plaît… E. What I like…

6. Ce que j'aime… F. What pleases me…

Answers: 1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-C, 5-F, 6-E.

Exercise 2: Match the Pronoun with Its Job

Pronoun Job

1. qui A. Replaces a place or time

2. que B. Replaces a noun with de

3. dont C. Replaces the subject

4. où D. Replaces an unknown object

5. ce qui E. Replaces the direct object

6. ce que F. Replaces an unknown subject

Answers: 1-C, 2-E, 3-B, 4-A, 5-F, 6-D.

22. Scenario-based Exercises

Scenario 1: Describing a Friend

Write 5 sentences describing a friend. Use at least three different relative pronouns.

Scenario 2: Your Favourite Place

Describe your favourite place. Use qui, que, où, and dont at least once each.

Scenario 3: A Special Memory

Write 5 sentences about a special memory. Use que and où at least twice each.

Scenario 4: Combining Sentences

Here are four short sentences. Combine them into two longer ones using relative pronouns:

J'ai une sœur. Elle habite à Kano. Elle est infirmière. Je suis fier d'elle.

23. Group Activity

Activity: Relative Pronoun Chain

Work in groups of four. Each person adds one sentence to a story, using a relative pronoun in every sentence.

Person 1: Start with qui. Example: J'ai un voisin qui est très gentil.

Person 2: Add a sentence with que. Example: Il a un chien que tout le monde adore.

Person 3: Add a sentence with où. Example: Il vit dans une maison où il y a un grand jardin.

Person 4: Add a sentence with dont. Example: C'est un homme dont les histoires sont incroyables.

Repeat until the story has 12 sentences.

Read the full story aloud to the class.

24. Individual Activity

Activity: Combine the Sentences

Combine each pair of sentences into one using the correct relative pronoun.

J'ai un ami. Il habite à Lagos.

Voici le livre. Je lis le livre.

Voici la maison. Je parle de cette maison.

Voici l'école. J'étudie dans cette école.

La personne est gentille. Elle m'a aidé.

25. Mini Project

Project: A Portrait of Someone Special

Write a portrait of someone special in your life. It should be 8–10 sentences long and use at least four different relative pronouns.

Use qui at least twice.

Use que at least once.

Use dont at least once.

Use où at least once.

Add a small drawing or ASCII illustration.

MINI PROJECT — PORTRAIT MAP =========================== +----------------------------------+ | Mon Portrait | | --------------------------------| | | | [ Drawing or ASCII illustration ]| | | | Ma grand-mère est une | | personne QUI compte | | beaucoup pour moi. | | Elle a un sourire QUI | | réchauffe le cœur. | | Les histoires QUE elle | | raconte sont merveilleuses. | | La maison OÙ elle vit est | | pleine de vie. | | C'est une femme DONT je | | suis très fier. | | | +----------------------------------+

26. Practical Assignment

Assignment: Write a 180-Word Descriptive Text

Write a text in French of about 180 words describing a person or place that is important to you. Your text should include:

At least 2 uses of qui.

At least 2 uses of que.

At least 1 use of dont.

At least 1 use of où.

At least 1 use of ce qui or ce que.

A clear structure: introduction, description, and conclusion.

A small paragraph break between the introduction and description.

When you finish, read your text aloud. Then check for common mistakes using the checklist in Section 16.

27. Key Takeaways

Relative pronouns connect ideas into one sentence.

Qui replaces the subject and is followed by a verb.

Que replaces the direct object and is followed by a subject and verb.

Dont replaces a noun with de.

Où replaces places and times.

Ce qui and ce que mean "what."

Relative pronouns stay the same across tenses.

Combining sentences makes your writing smoother.

Practice every day to build confidence.

28. Classroom Discussion Questions

Why do you think languages have relative pronouns?

Can you think of a sentence in English that uses two relative pronouns?

What is the hardest pronoun to remember, and why?

Why is it important to combine short sentences into longer ones?

How do relative pronouns make your writing sound more professional?

Do you think dont is useful? Why or why not?

What strategies can help you remember the difference between qui and que?

How can you practise relative pronouns at home?

29. Preparation for the Next Module

In Module 5, you will learn about expressing opinion and argument. You will learn how to use the subjunctive after expressions of opinion, doubt, and necessity. You will also learn how to structure an argument in writing — thesis, evidence, conclusion.

Before Moving On, Make Sure You Can:

Use qui and que correctly.

Use dont after verbs with de.

Use où for places and times.

Use ce qui and ce que to say "what."

Combine two short sentences into one long sentence.

Write a portrait of a person using at least four relative pronouns.

A Sneak Peek at Module 5

MODULE 5 PREVIEW ================ You will learn: * The subjunctive (le subjonctif) * Expressions of opinion (je pense que, je crois que) * Impersonal expressions (il faut que, il est important que) * Argumentative structure (thesis, evidence, conclusion) Example: Il faut que je travaille dur. (I must work hard.) Je pense qu'il est important de lire. (I think it is important to read.) Get ready to express your opinions like a real French speaker!

Take a short break. Review this module. When you feel ready, move on to Module 5. You are doing great!

French Intermediate — Module 4: Relative Pronouns & Complex Sentences

End of Module 4. Well done!

Félicitations — vous avez terminé le Module 4 !

6
Module Five

French Intermediate — Module 5: Expressing Opinion & Argument

French Intermediate

Module 5: Expressing Opinion & Argument

Level: B1 (Intermediate) | Duration: Weeks 9–10 | Focus: Writing & opinion

1. Module Introduction

Welcome back! In Module 1, you learned to tell stories about the past. In Module 2, you learned to talk about the future. In Module 3, you learned to use pronouns. In Module 4, you learned to connect ideas with relative pronouns. Now, in Module 5, you will learn something truly powerful: how to express your opinion.

Let us start with a simple question. Imagine someone asks you: "Do you think school uniforms are a good idea?"

You could answer with one word: "Yes." But that would be boring. A real French speaker would say:

"Je pense que les uniformes sont une bonne idée parce qu'ils créent un sentiment d'égalité. Cependant, je crois qu'il faut aussi permettre aux élèves de s'exprimer."

That means: "I think uniforms are a good idea because they create a feeling of equality. However, I believe we should also allow students to express themselves."

Do you see how the writer gives an opinion, explains it, and then adds a small second opinion? That is what this module is about. You will learn to write essays, opinion paragraphs, and arguments in French.

You will also learn about the subjunctive. Do not be afraid of that word. It sounds difficult, but it is just a different verb form used after certain expressions. We will go slowly.

By the end of this module, you will be able to express your opinion in French with confidence. You will be able to write arguments that are clear, polite, and convincing.

2. Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Express an opinion in French using je pense que, je crois que, je trouve que.

Express agreement and disagreement politely.

Explain the difference between the indicative and the subjunctive.

Form the subjunctive for regular verbs.

Recognise the most common irregular subjunctive forms.

Use impersonal expressions like il faut que and il est important que.

Structure a short argument (thesis, evidence, conclusion).

Write a 200-word argumentative essay.

Use argumentative connectors like d'abord, ensuite, enfin, cependant, donc.

Spot and fix common mistakes in opinion writing.

3. Warm-up Story

The Debate in Mrs Adeyemi's Class

Mrs Adeyemi teaches French at a secondary school in Ibadan. One Friday, she gave her class a question to debate.

"The question is this," she said, writing on the board: "Les téléphones portables doivent-ils être interdits à l'école ?" — "Should mobile phones be banned in school?"

The class divided into two groups. Each group had to write a short argument in French.

Group A (in favour of banning phones) wrote:

"Nous pensons que les téléphones doivent être interdits à l'école. D'abord, ils distraient les élèves pendant les cours. Ensuite, ils peuvent être utilisés pour tricher. Enfin, ils créent des problèmes sociaux entre les élèves. Donc, il faut que l'école interdise les téléphones."

Group B (against banning phones) wrote:

"Nous ne sommes pas d'accord. Il est vrai que les téléphones peuvent distraire, mais ils sont aussi très utiles. Ils permettent aux élèves de faire des recherches. Ils aident les parents à contacter leurs enfants. Cependant, il faut que les élèves apprennent à les utiliser correctement. Donc, nous pensons qu'il ne faut pas les interdire, mais les réglementer."

Both groups used opinion phrases: nous pensons que, nous ne sommes pas d'accord, il est vrai que, cependant. Both groups used the subjunctive: il faut que l'école interdise, il faut que les élèves apprennent.

Mrs Adeyemi smiled. "Excellent work," she said. "You have just written your first argument in French."

In this module, you will learn to write arguments just like these students. By the end, you will be able to express any opinion clearly, politely, and convincingly.

THE TWO ARGUMENTS — A SIMPLE PICTURE ==================================== GROUP A (in favour): GROUP B (against): Opinion: Opinion: "Nous pensons que…" "Nous ne sommes pas d'accord…" Arguments: Arguments: 1. Ils distraient 1. Ils sont utiles 2. Ils permettent de tricher 2. Ils aident les parents 3. Ils créent des problèmes 3. Il faut apprendre à les utiliser Conclusion: Conclusion: "Donc, il faut interdire…" "Cependant, il faut réglementer…" Both use: * Opinion phrases * Argumentative connectors * The subjunctive after "il faut que"

4. Main Lessons

Lesson 1: What is an Opinion?

Definition

An opinion is what you think or believe about something. It is not a fact. A fact is true for everyone. An opinion is true for you.

Why It Is Important

Being able to express your opinion is a key life skill. It lets you share ideas, participate in discussions, and stand up for what you believe. In French, there are special phrases for this.

Simple Explanation

Think of a football match. If you say "The match was 2–1," that is a fact. If you say "The match was exciting," that is an opinion. Both are important. Both are useful. But they are different.

Fact vs. Opinion

Fact Opinion

Nigeria has 36 states. Nigeria is the best country in the world.

Water boils at 100°C. Water tastes better when it is cold.

Lagos is in Nigeria. Lagos is the most exciting city in Africa.

Real-life Example

Your friend asks: "Do you like jollof rice?" You answer: "Yes, I love it. In my opinion, it is the best food in the world."

School Example

Your teacher asks: "What do you think of the new timetable?" You answer: "I think it is better than the old one."

Home Example

Your father asks: "What do you think of this film?" You answer: "I think it is very interesting."

Nigerian Example

Someone asks: "What do you think of Nigerian music?" You answer: "I think Nigerian music is one of the best in the world. In my opinion, it deserves more international recognition."

Illustration

FACT vs. OPINION ================ FACT: OPINION: ----- -------- "The sky is blue." "The sky is beautiful." (true for everyone) (true for you) FACT: OPINION: "Lagos is big." "Lagos is the best city." (can be measured) (a personal view) When you express an opinion in French, use: Je pense que… (I think that…) Je crois que… (I believe that…) Je trouve que… (I find that…) À mon avis… (In my opinion…)

Mini Summary

An opinion is what you think or believe. It is different from a fact. In French, you use phrases like je pense que and à mon avis to express an opinion.

Lesson 2: Basic Opinion Phrases in French

Definition

Opinion phrases are the words you use to introduce your opinion.

Why It Is Important

Without these phrases, you cannot express your opinion politely. They are the doorway to any discussion or essay.

Simple Explanation

Think of opinion phrases as the opening of a door. They signal to the reader: "Here comes my opinion!"

The Most Common Phrases

French English Register

Je pense que… I think that… Standard

Je crois que… I believe that… Standard

Je trouve que… I find that… Standard

À mon avis… In my opinion… Standard

Selon moi… According to me… Formal

Pour moi… For me… Informal

Il me semble que… It seems to me that… Formal

Je suis convaincu(e) que… I am convinced that… Formal

Real-life Example

Je pense que le français est une belle langue. → "I think French is a beautiful language."

School Example

À mon avis, la lecture est très importante pour les élèves. → "In my opinion, reading is very important for students."

Home Example

Je trouve que le dîner était délicieux. → "I find that dinner was delicious."

Nigerian Example

Selon moi, l'éducation est la clé du développement du Nigeria. → "In my opinion, education is the key to Nigeria's development."

Illustration

OPINION PHRASES — THE DOOR ========================== You (the writer) | V [ Opinion phrase ] | V "Je pense que…" + your idea Examples: Je pense que… + le sport est bon pour la santé. Je crois que… + la musique aide les élèves. Je trouve que… + ce film est passionnant. À mon avis… + l'école est importante. The opinion phrase is the door. Your idea is what comes through the door.

Mini Summary

Opinion phrases introduce your opinion. The most common are je pense que, je crois que, je trouve que, and à mon avis. They are used everywhere in French writing.

Lesson 3: Agreement and Disagreement

Definition

Agreement means saying you share someone's opinion. Disagreement means saying you have a different opinion.

Why It Is Important

In discussions and debates, you need to agree and disagree politely. In French, there are many ways to do this without being rude.

Simple Explanation

Think of a football match. When a friend says "Our team is the best," you either say "Yes, absolutely!" or "I see it differently." Both are useful. Both must be polite.

Expressing Agreement

French English

Je suis d'accord. I agree.

Tout à fait d'accord. Absolutely agree.

Tu as raison. You are right.

C'est vrai. That is true.

Je partage ton avis. I share your opinion.

Exactement ! Exactly!

Expressing Disagreement

French English

Je ne suis pas d'accord. I do not agree.

Je ne pense pas. I do not think so.

Je vois les choses autrement. I see things differently.

Ce n'est pas mon avis. That is not my opinion.

Je comprends, mais… I understand, but…

Au contraire… On the contrary…

Real-life Example

Je suis d'accord avec toi. Le sport est très important. → "I agree with you. Sport is very important."

School Example

Je comprends ton point de vue, mais je pense que les devoirs sont utiles. → "I understand your point of view, but I think homework is useful."

Home Example

Je ne suis pas d'accord, maman. Je pense que je peux sortir après mes devoirs. → "I do not agree, Mum. I think I can go out after my homework."

Nigerian Example

Je suis d'accord que l'éducation est importante, mais je pense aussi que l'expérience pratique est nécessaire. → "I agree that education is important, but I also think that practical experience is necessary."

Illustration

AGREE OR DISAGREE — A SIMPLE CHOICE ==================================== Someone says: "Le football est le meilleur sport." | V Do you agree? | +--- YES ---> "Je suis d'accord." | "Tu as raison." | "Tout à fait !" | +--- NO ----> "Je ne suis pas d'accord." "Je vois les choses autrement." "Je comprends, mais…" Being polite is always important. You can disagree without being rude.

Mini Summary

Agreement means sharing an opinion. Disagreement means having a different opinion. In French, both can be expressed politely with phrases like je suis d'accord and je ne suis pas d'accord.

Lesson 4: What is the Subjunctive?

Definition

The subjunctive is a special verb form used after certain expressions — especially expressions of emotion, doubt, necessity, and will. It has a different ending from the normal verb form.

Why It Is Important

At the B1 level, you will start seeing the subjunctive often. It appears in formal writing, opinion essays, and everyday speech. Learning it well makes your French much stronger.

Simple Explanation

Think of the subjunctive as a "mood." It shows how the speaker feels about the action, not just what the action is. It appears after expressions like "I want that…" or "It is necessary that…"

The Two Forms

Form Used for Example

Indicative Facts, statements, beliefs Je pense qu'il est là.

Subjunctive Emotions, doubt, necessity, will Il faut qu'il soit là.

Real-life Example

Il faut que tu sois à l'heure. → "You must be on time." (Literally: "It is necessary that you be on time.")

School Example

Le professeur veut que nous fassions nos devoirs. → "The teacher wants us to do our homework."

Home Example

Ma mère veut que je range ma chambre. → "My mother wants me to tidy my room."

Nigerian Example

Il est important que les enfants aillent à l'école. → "It is important that children go to school."

Illustration

INDICATIVE vs. SUBJUNCTIVE ========================== INDICATIVE (normal form): SUBJUNCTIVE (special form): --------------------- -------------------------- "Je pense qu'il EST là." "Il faut qu'il SOIT là." (I think he is there.) (He must be there.) Normal form: Special form: Je pense que… Il faut que… Je crois que… Je veux que… Je sais que… Il est important que… J'espère que… Bien que… The subjunctive appears after expressions of: - Necessity (il faut que…) - Will (je veux que…) - Emotion (je suis content que…) - Doubt (je doute que…)

Mini Summary

The subjunctive is a special verb form used after certain expressions — especially necessity, will, emotion, and doubt. It is different from the normal indicative form.

Lesson 5: Forming the Subjunctive — Regular Verbs

Definition

The subjunctive for regular verbs is formed from the nous form of the present tense, minus -ons, plus a special set of endings.

Why It Is Important

Once you know the rule, you can form the subjunctive for most verbs. It is similar to how you learned the imparfait.

Simple Explanation

Remember the imparfait? The subjunctive works the same way. You take the nous form, remove -ons, and add endings. The endings are different, but the process is the same.

The Endings

Subject Ending Example with parler

je -e que je parle

tu -es que tu parles

il / elle / on -e qu'il parle

nous -ions que nous parlions

vous -iez que vous parliez

ils / elles -ent qu'ils parlent

Step-by-Step

Take the present tense nous form: nous parlons.

Remove -ons. You get parl-.

Add the subjunctive ending for your subject.

Example: il faut que je parle → "I must speak."

Examples with Different Verbs

Verb Nous form Stem Subjunctive (je)

parler nous parlons parl- que je parle

finir nous finissons finiss- que je finisse

vendre nous vendons vend- que je vende

attendre nous attendons attend- que j'attende

Real-life Example

Il faut que je finisse mes devoirs avant de sortir. → "I must finish my homework before going out."

School Example

Le professeur veut que nous parlions français en classe. → "The teacher wants us to speak French in class."

Home Example

Ma mère veut que je range ma chambre. → "My mother wants me to tidy my room."

Nigerian Example

Il est important que nous respections nos aînés. → "It is important that we respect our elders."

Illustration

HOW TO BUILD THE SUBJUNCTIVE ============================ STEP 1: Take "nous" form of present ------------------------------------ nous parlons nous finissons nous vendons STEP 2: Remove "-ons" to get the stem ------------------------------------ parl- finiss- vend- STEP 3: Add the subjunctive ending ------------------------------------ que je parl + e = que je parle que tu parl + es = que tu parles qu'il parl + e = qu'il parle que nous parl + ions = que nous parlions que vous parl + iez = que vous parliez qu'ils parl + ent = qu'ils parlent REMEMBER: It's just like the imparfait process, but with different endings.

Mini Summary

The subjunctive for regular verbs uses the nous present form, minus -ons, plus the endings -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent. It is similar to how you form the imparfait.

Lesson 6: Irregular Subjunctive Forms

Definition

Some verbs have irregular subjunctive forms. These must be memorised because they do not follow the regular rule.

Why It Is Important

These irregular forms are very common. You will meet them often in opinion writing, so you must know them.

Simple Explanation

Think of them as special guests at a party — they do not follow the same dress code as everyone else. Just memorise them one by one.

The Common Irregular Subjunctives

Verb Subjunctive (je) Subjunctive (nous) Meaning

être que je sois que nous soyons to be

avoir que j'aie que nous ayons to have

aller que j'aille que nous allions to go

faire que je fasse que nous fassions to do / make

pouvoir que je puisse que nous puissions to be able

savoir que je sache que nous sachions to know

vouloir que je veuille que nous voulions to want

venir que je vienne que nous venions to come

prendre que je prenne que nous prenions to take

voir que je voie que nous voyions to see

devoir que je doive que nous devions to have to

boire que je boive que nous buvions to drink

Real-life Example

Il faut que je sois là à huit heures. → "I must be there at eight o'clock."

School Example

Le professeur veut que nous sachions la réponse. → "The teacher wants us to know the answer."

Home Example

Il faut que tu aies ton passeport pour voyager. → "You must have your passport to travel."

Nigerian Example

Il est nécessaire que nous puissions aider les plus pauvres. → "It is necessary that we can help the poorest."

Illustration

IRREGULAR SUBJUNCTIVES — MEMORY MAP =================================== VERB SUBJUNCTIVE MEMORY TIP ---- ----------- ---------- être --> sois "swa" avoir --> aie "ay" aller --> aille "eye" faire --> fasse "fahs" pouvoir --> puisse "pweess" savoir --> sache "sash" vouloir --> veuille "vuh-yuh" venir --> vienne "vyen" prendre --> prenne "pren" voir --> voie "vwa" devoir --> doive "dwav" Practise these with flashcards. They will become easy with repetition.

Mini Summary

Some verbs have irregular subjunctive forms. The most common are être → sois, avoir → aie, aller → aille, and faire → fasse. Memorise them with flashcards.

Lesson 7: When to Use the Subjunctive

Definition

The subjunctive is used after certain expressions. Not every sentence needs it. Learning when to use it is as important as knowing how to form it.

Why It Is Important

Using the subjunctive in the wrong place sounds strange. Using it in the right place sounds elegant and correct.

Simple Explanation

Think of the subjunctive as a special tool for special jobs. It appears after expressions of necessity, will, emotion, and doubt.

The Four Main Categories

Category Common Expressions Example

Necessity il faut que, il est nécessaire que Il faut que tu viennes.

Will je veux que, je souhaite que, je préfère que Je veux que tu sois là.

Emotion je suis content que, je suis triste que Je suis content que tu réussisses.

Doubt je doute que, il est possible que Je doute qu'il vienne.

When NOT to Use the Subjunctive

After expressions of certainty or belief, use the indicative (the normal form).

Expression Form Example

Je pense que… Indicative Je pense qu'il est là.

Je crois que… Indicative Je crois qu'elle vient.

Je sais que… Indicative Je sais qu'il est intelligent.

Il est certain que… Indicative Il est certain qu'il réussira.

Real-life Example

Il faut que je parte maintenant. → "I must leave now." (Subjunctive after il faut que.)

School Example

Le professeur veut que nous fassions nos devoirs. → "The teacher wants us to do our homework."

Home Example

Je suis content que tu sois à la maison. → "I am happy that you are home."

Nigerian Example

Il est important que tous les enfants aillent à l'école. → "It is important that all children go to school."

Illustration

SUBJUNCTIVE TRIGGERS — A FLOWCHART ================================== Do you have an expression of… | +--- Necessity (il faut que…)? --> SUBJUNCTIVE | +--- Will (je veux que…)? --> SUBJUNCTIVE | +--- Emotion (je suis content que…)? --> SUBJUNCTIVE | +--- Doubt (je doute que…)? --> SUBJUNCTIVE | +--- Certainty (je pense que…)? --> INDICATIVE | +--- Belief (je crois que…)? --> INDICATIVE | +--- Knowledge (je sais que…)? --> INDICATIVE The trigger word decides the form.

Mini Summary

Use the subjunctive after expressions of necessity, will, emotion, and doubt. Use the indicative after expressions of certainty, belief, and knowledge.

Lesson 8: Impersonal Expressions with the Subjunctive

Definition

Impersonal expressions are phrases that start with il but do not refer to a specific person. Examples: il faut que, il est important que, il est possible que.

Why It Is Important

These expressions are very common in opinion writing. They let you express necessity and importance without saying who must do something.

Simple Explanation

Think of impersonal expressions as statements about the world, not about a specific person. They describe what is necessary, important, or possible.

Common Impersonal Expressions

French English Subjunctive?

Il faut que… It is necessary that… Yes

Il est important que… It is important that… Yes

Il est nécessaire que… It is necessary that… Yes

Il est possible que… It is possible that… Yes

Il est dommage que… It is a pity that… Yes

Il est surprenant que… It is surprising that… Yes

Il est évident que… It is obvious that… No (indicative)

Il est certain que… It is certain that… No (indicative)

Real-life Example

Il est important que tu écoutes tes parents. → "It is important that you listen to your parents."

School Example

Il est nécessaire que les élèves fassent leurs devoirs. → "It is necessary that students do their homework."

Home Example

Il est dommage que tu ne puisses pas venir. → "It is a pity that you cannot come."

Nigerian Example

Il est important que nous soutenions notre pays. → "It is important that we support our country."

Illustration

IMPERSONAL EXPRESSIONS — THE PATTERN ==================================== Il + est + [adjective] + que + SUBJUNCTIVE Example: Il est important que tu VIENNES. ^^^^^^^^^ subjunctive COMMON ADJECTIVES: important --> important nécessaire --> necessary possible --> possible dommage --> a pity surprenant --> surprising These all trigger the subjunctive.

Mini Summary

Impersonal expressions like il faut que, il est important que, and il est possible que are very common in opinion writing. They are followed by the subjunctive.

Lesson 9: Structuring an Argument

Definition

An argument is a piece of writing that presents an opinion and supports it with reasons. A good argument has three parts: thesis, evidence, and conclusion.

Why It Is Important

Arguments are the heart of opinion writing. Whether you are writing an essay, a letter, or a discussion post, the structure is the same.

Simple Explanation

Think of a good argument as a sandwich.

The top bread is the thesis — what you believe.

The filling is the evidence — why you believe it.

The bottom bread is the conclusion — what it all means.

The Three Parts

Part Job Example phrase

Thesis State your opinion Je pense que…

Evidence Give reasons D'abord… Ensuite… Enfin…

Conclusion Sum up and finish Donc… En conclusion…

Argumentative Connectors

French English Use

D'abord First First argument

Ensuite Then / Next Second argument

De plus Moreover Adds a point

Enfin Finally Last argument

Cependant However Contrast

Pourtant Yet Contrast

Donc Therefore Conclusion

En conclusion In conclusion Final summary

Real-life Example

An argument about sports: Je pense que le sport est important. D'abord, il garde le corps en bonne santé. Ensuite, il apprend la discipline. Enfin, il aide à faire des amis. Donc, tout le monde devrait faire du sport.

School Example

An argument about homework: À mon avis, les devoirs sont utiles. D'abord, ils renforcent ce qu'on apprend. Ensuite, ils préparent aux examens. En conclusion, ils sont nécessaires.

Home Example

An argument about chores: Je pense que les enfants doivent aider à la maison. D'abord, c'est une question de respect. Ensuite, cela prépare à la vie adulte. Donc, nous devrions tous participer.

Nigerian Example

À mon avis, l'éducation est essentielle. D'abord, elle ouvre des portes. Ensuite, elle aide le pays à se développer. Enfin, elle donne de l'espoir aux jeunes. Donc, nous devons investir dans l'éducation.

Illustration

ARGUMENT STRUCTURE — THE SANDWICH ================================= +-------------------------------+ | THESIS | | (your opinion) | +-------------------------------+ | EVIDENCE | | D'abord… Ensuite… Enfin… | +-------------------------------+ | CONCLUSION | | Donc… En conclusion… | +-------------------------------+ The sandwich: Top bread = thesis Filling = evidence Bottom = conclusion Every good argument has all three parts.

Mini Summary

A good argument has three parts: thesis, evidence, and conclusion. Use connectors like d'abord, ensuite, enfin, and donc to link your ideas.

Lesson 10: Writing an Opinion Paragraph

Definition

An opinion paragraph is a short piece of writing (5–8 sentences) that expresses a single opinion and supports it.

Why It Is Important

Opinion paragraphs are the building blocks of longer essays. If you can write a good opinion paragraph, you can write anything.

Simple Explanation

Think of a good opinion paragraph as a mini-sandwich: one thesis, two or three reasons, one conclusion.

Step-by-Step

Start with your thesis: Je pense que…

Give your first reason: D'abord…

Give your second reason: Ensuite…

Give your third reason (optional): De plus…

Add a contrast: Cependant…

End with a conclusion: Donc…

Read the paragraph aloud.

Model Opinion Paragraph

Je pense que la lecture est très importante pour les jeunes. D'abord, elle améliore le vocabulaire et l'orthographe. Ensuite, elle ouvre l'esprit et développe l'imagination. De plus, elle permet de voyager sans quitter sa chambre. Cependant, il faut choisir de bons livres. Donc, je crois que tous les jeunes devraient lire chaque jour.

English: "I think reading is very important for young people. First, it improves vocabulary and spelling. Then, it opens the mind and develops imagination. Moreover, it lets you travel without leaving your room. However, you must choose good books. Therefore, I believe all young people should read every day."

Real-life Example

Je pense que le petit-déjeuner est le repas le plus important. D'abord, il donne de l'énergie pour la journée. Ensuite, il aide à se concentrer à l'école. Donc, il faut toujours prendre un bon petit-déjeuner.

School Example

À mon avis, les uniformes scolaires sont une bonne idée. D'abord, ils créent un sentiment d'égalité. Ensuite, ils réduisent la pression sociale. Cependant, ils devraient être abordables. Donc, je suis pour les uniformes.

Home Example

Je pense que les enfants devraient aider à la maison. D'abord, cela leur apprend la responsabilité. Ensuite, cela soulage les parents. Donc, chacun devrait faire sa part.

Nigerian Example

À mon avis, l'agriculture est importante pour le Nigeria. D'abord, elle nourrit la population. Ensuite, elle crée des emplois. Enfin, elle réduit notre dépendance au pétrole. Donc, nous devons soutenir les agriculteurs.

Illustration

OPINION PARAGRAPH — STORY MAP ============================= [ THESIS ] | V "Je pense que la lecture est importante." [ REASON 1 ] | V "D'abord, elle améliore le vocabulaire." [ REASON 2 ] | V "Ensuite, elle développe l'imagination." [ REASON 3 ] | V "De plus, elle permet de voyager." [ CONTRAST ] | V "Cependant, il faut choisir de bons livres." [ CONCLUSION ] | V "Donc, tous les jeunes devraient lire."

Mini Summary

An opinion paragraph is a short piece of writing with a thesis, reasons, and a conclusion. Use connectors like d'abord, ensuite, de plus, cependant, and donc to link your ideas.

Lesson 11: Writing an Argumentative Essay

Definition

An argumentative essay is a longer piece of writing (150–250 words) that presents a clear opinion and defends it with several reasons.

Why It Is Important

Argumentative essays are a common task in French exams. Learning to write one will help you in school and beyond.

Simple Explanation

Think of an argumentative essay as three sandwiches stacked together: introduction, body, conclusion. Each one has its own internal structure.

The Structure

Part Job Length

Introduction Present the topic and your thesis 2–3 sentences

Argument 1 First reason with example 3–4 sentences

Argument 2 Second reason with example 3–4 sentences

Counter-argument Address the other side 2–3 sentences

Conclusion Restate and finish 2–3 sentences

Model Essay

De nos jours, beaucoup de gens discutent de l'importance des téléphones portables pour les jeunes. Je pense que les téléphones sont utiles, mais qu'ils doivent être utilisés avec modération.

D'abord, les téléphones permettent aux jeunes de rester en contact avec leur famille. Par exemple, si un élève rentre tard, il peut prévenir ses parents. Cela donne de la sécurité à tout le monde.

Ensuite, les téléphones aident pour les études. Les élèves peuvent faire des recherches et utiliser des applications éducatives. Ils peuvent aussi suivre des cours en ligne quand ils ne peuvent pas aller à l'école.

Cependant, il faut reconnaître que les téléphones peuvent distraire. Certains élèves passent trop de temps sur les réseaux sociaux au lieu d'étudier. Il est donc important que les parents fixent des règles claires.

En conclusion, je pense que les téléphones sont un outil précieux s'ils sont utilisés correctement. Il faut que les jeunes apprennent à les utiliser avec sagesse. Avec de bonnes règles, les téléphones peuvent être une bénédiction plutôt qu'un problème.

English: "Nowadays, many people discuss the importance of mobile phones for young people. I think phones are useful, but that they must be used in moderation.

First, phones allow young people to stay in contact with their family. For example, if a student comes home late, he can warn his parents. This gives everyone security.

Then, phones help with studies. Students can do research and use educational apps. They can also follow online courses when they cannot go to school.

However, we must recognise that phones can distract. Some students spend too much time on social media instead of studying. It is therefore important that parents set clear rules.

In conclusion, I think phones are a valuable tool if used correctly. Young people must learn to use them wisely. With good rules, phones can be a blessing rather than a problem."

Real-life Example

You might write an argumentative essay for a school competition about climate change, education, or technology.

School Example

Your teacher might ask: "Should students be allowed to choose their own subjects?" You would answer with a structured essay.

Home Example

You might write an argumentative essay to convince your parents to let you do something — like get a pet or join a club.

Nigerian Example

À mon avis, l'enseignement des langues étrangères devrait commencer tôt au Nigeria. D'abord, les jeunes apprennent plus vite. Ensuite, cela ouvre des opportunités internationales. Cependant, il faut que les professeurs soient bien formés. En conclusion, investir dans les langues est investir dans l'avenir.

Illustration

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY — THE FULL STRUCTURE ======================================== +----------------------------------------+ | INTRODUCTION | | (topic + thesis) | +----------------------------------------+ | V +----------------------------------------+ | ARGUMENT 1 | | (D'abord… + example) | +----------------------------------------+ | V +----------------------------------------+ | ARGUMENT 2 | | (Ensuite… + example) | +----------------------------------------+ | V +----------------------------------------+ | COUNTER-ARGUMENT | | (Cependant… + response) | +----------------------------------------+ | V +----------------------------------------+ | CONCLUSION | | (En conclusion… + final thought) | +----------------------------------------+ Each part is a mini-sandwich. Together, they make a full essay.

Mini Summary

An argumentative essay has five parts: introduction, two arguments, counter-argument, and conclusion. Each part uses connectors and clear structure. This is the format used in exams and formal writing.

Lesson 12: Polite Disagreement in Writing

Definition

Polite disagreement means saying you do not agree with someone without sounding rude or unkind.

Why It Is Important

In French culture, politeness is very important. You can disagree strongly but still be polite. Learning the right phrases helps you write respectfully.

Simple Explanation

Think of a cushion. When you sit on a hard chair, a cushion makes it soft. Polite disagreement is a cushion — it softens the blow of your disagreement.

Polite Disagreement Phrases

French English

Je comprends ton point de vue, mais… I understand your point of view, but…

C'est vrai, cependant… That is true, however…

Je vois les choses autrement. I see things differently.

Il est vrai que…, mais il ne faut pas oublier que… It is true that…, but we must not forget that…

Je ne suis pas tout à fait d'accord. I do not quite agree.

Avec tout le respect que je vous dois… With all due respect…

Real-life Example

Je comprends ton point de vue, mais je pense que les réseaux sociaux ont aussi des avantages. → "I understand your point of view, but I think social media also has advantages."

School Example

C'est vrai, cependant je crois que la discipline est plus importante que la liberté à l'école. → "That is true, however I believe discipline is more important than freedom at school."

Home Example

Je vois les choses autrement, papa. Je pense que je peux gérer mon temps moi-même. → "I see things differently, Dad. I think I can manage my own time."

Nigerian Example

Je comprends ton point de vue, mais je pense que nous devrions aussi écouter les jeunes. → "I understand your point of view, but I think we should also listen to young people."

Illustration

POLITE DISAGREEMENT — THE CUSHION ================================= HARD DISAGREEMENT: "Tu as tort." (You are wrong.) | V POLITE DISAGREEMENT: "Je comprends ton point de vue, mais je vois les choses autrement." (I understand your point of view, but I see things differently.) | V The disagreement is the same. But it is wrapped in a cushion of politeness. Formula: [Acknowledgement] + [But] + [Your opinion]

Mini Summary

Polite disagreement softens your message. Use phrases like je comprends ton point de vue, mais… and c'est vrai, cependant…. This shows respect and keeps the discussion friendly.

Lesson 13: Common Traps and How to Avoid Them

Definition

A trap is a mistake that many learners make. Knowing the traps helps you avoid them.

Why It Is Important

Learning is not just about adding new knowledge — it is also about avoiding common errors. Knowing the traps saves you time and frustration.

Simple Explanation

Think of these traps as potholes on a road. If you know where they are, you can drive around them.

Trap 1: Using the Subjunctive After Je pense que

After je pense que, use the indicative, not the subjunctive.

Wrong: Je pense qu'il soit intelligent.

Right: Je pense qu'il est intelligent.

Trap 2: Forgetting the Subjunctive After Il faut que

After il faut que, use the subjunctive.

Wrong: Il faut que tu viens.

Right: Il faut que tu viennes.

Trap 3: Using Only One Argument

A good argument has at least two reasons. One reason is not enough.

Weak: Je pense que le sport est important parce qu'il est bon pour la santé.

Strong: D'abord, il est bon pour la santé. Ensuite, il apprend la discipline. Enfin, il crée des amitiés.

Trap 4: Forgetting the Counter-Argument

A good essay shows that you understand the other side, even if you disagree.

Missing: An essay that only argues one side.

Better: Add a sentence like Cependant, certains pensent que…

Trap 5: Being Too Blunt in Disagreement

French culture values politeness. Never write Tu as tort in a formal essay. Use Je ne suis pas tout à fait d'accord instead.

Comparison Table

Wrong Right Why

Je pense qu'il soit… Je pense qu'il est… Indicative after je pense que

Il faut que tu viens. Il faut que tu viennes. Subjunctive after il faut que

Only one argument At least two arguments Better support for opinion

No counter-argument Include the other side Shows balance

Tu as tort. Je ne suis pas d'accord. Politeness

Mini Summary

The main traps are: using the subjunctive after je pense que, forgetting it after il faut que, using only one argument, omitting the counter-argument, and being too blunt. Learn these and your essay writing will improve dramatically.

Lesson 14: Putting It All Together — A Full Model Essay

Definition

This lesson shows a complete argumentative essay using everything you have learned.

Why It Is Important

Seeing a full example helps you understand how the pieces fit together. It is like looking at a finished puzzle before building your own.

The Essay

De nos jours, beaucoup de jeunes passent plusieurs heures par jour sur les réseaux sociaux. Est-ce une bonne chose ? À mon avis, les réseaux sociaux ont des avantages, mais ils doivent être utilisés avec prudence.

D'abord, les réseaux sociaux permettent de rester en contact avec des amis et de la famille. Par exemple, une personne qui voyage peut facilement donner de ses nouvelles. Cela maintient les liens importants.

Ensuite, les réseaux sociaux peuvent être éducatifs. De nombreux créateurs partagent des contenus utiles sur la science, l'histoire, et les langues. Un élève curieux peut apprendre beaucoup en ligne.

Cependant, il faut reconnaître les dangers. Certains jeunes passent trop de temps sur ces plateformes et négligent leurs études. Il est donc important que les parents et les écoles enseignent un usage responsable.

De plus, il faut que les jeunes apprennent à protéger leur vie privée. Il est essentiel qu'ils comprennent que tout ce qu'ils publient reste en ligne. C'est une responsabilité importante.

En conclusion, je pense que les réseaux sociaux sont un outil puissant. Ils peuvent être utiles ou dangereux, selon la façon dont on les utilise. Il faut que nous apprenions à les utiliser avec sagesse et modération.

English: "Nowadays, many young people spend several hours a day on social media. Is this a good thing? In my opinion, social media has advantages, but it must be used with caution.

First, social media allows you to stay in contact with friends and family. For example, a person who travels can easily share news. This maintains important ties.

Then, social media can be educational. Many creators share useful content about science, history, and languages. A curious student can learn a lot online.

However, we must recognise the dangers. Some young people spend too much time on these platforms and neglect their studies. It is therefore important that parents and schools teach responsible use.

Moreover, young people must learn to protect their privacy. It is essential that they understand that everything they post stays online. This is an important responsibility.

In conclusion, I think social media is a powerful tool. It can be useful or dangerous, depending on how we use it. We must learn to use it wisely and in moderation."

Breaking It Down

Section Content Grammar

Introduction Topic + thesis Opinion phrase: à mon avis

Argument 1 Contact with others Connector: d'abord

Argument 2 Educational value Connector: ensuite

Counter-argument Danger of distraction Connector: cependant; subjunctive: il est important que

Additional point Privacy Connector: de plus; subjunctive: il faut que

Conclusion Summary + final thought Connector: en conclusion; opinion phrase: je pense que

Mini Summary

A full argumentative essay uses opinion phrases, argumentative connectors, at least two arguments, a counter-argument, and a conclusion. It also uses the subjunctive after expressions like il faut que. When you can write an essay like this, you have mastered the module.

Lesson 15: A Final Review — Opinion Writing at a Glance

Definition

This lesson gathers all the key tools for opinion writing into one clear page for quick reference.

Why It Is Important

Having one page with all the tools helps you review quickly and spot the ones you need to practise more.

The Master Table — Opinion Tools

Tool Examples When to use

Opinion phrases Je pense que…, À mon avis…, Je trouve que… To introduce your opinion

Agreement phrases Je suis d'accord, Tu as raison To agree with someone

Disagreement phrases Je ne suis pas d'accord, Je vois les choses autrement To disagree politely

Argumentative connectors D'abord, Ensuite, De plus, Enfin To add reasons

Contrast connectors Cependant, Pourtant To introduce a counter-argument

Conclusion connectors Donc, En conclusion To sum up

Impersonal expressions Il faut que…, Il est important que… To state necessity (subjunctive)

The Essay Structure at a Glance

ESSAY STRUCTURE — QUICK REFERENCE ================================= 1. INTRODUCTION - Topic sentence - Thesis (opinion) Example: "À mon avis, …" 2. ARGUMENT 1 - "D'abord, …" - Example or detail 3. ARGUMENT 2 - "Ensuite, …" - Example or detail 4. COUNTER-ARGUMENT - "Cependant, …" - Show the other side 5. CONCLUSION - "En conclusion, …" - Restate your opinion The structure is the same for every topic.

Mini Summary

You now know all the tools for opinion writing: opinion phrases, agreement and disagreement phrases, argumentative connectors, impersonal expressions, and the essay structure. Use this page as a quick reference whenever you write.

5. Key Vocabulary

Here are the important words from this module. Read them. Say them out loud. Write them in your notebook.

French English Simple Definition

une opinion an opinion What you think about something

un avis a view Another word for opinion

un argument an argument A reason for your opinion

un débat a debate A discussion with two sides

le subjonctif the subjunctive A special verb form

l'indicatif the indicative The normal verb form

une thèse a thesis Your main opinion

une preuve evidence A reason that supports your opinion

une conclusion a conclusion The ending of an essay

un point de vue a point of view A way of seeing things

d'abord first First argument

ensuite then / next Second argument

cependant however Contrast

donc therefore Conclusion

il faut que it is necessary that Triggers the subjunctive

il est important que it is important that Triggers the subjunctive

je suis d'accord I agree Agreement

je ne suis pas d'accord I do not agree Disagreement

à mon avis in my opinion Opinion phrase

selon moi according to me Formal opinion phrase

6. Important Concepts

Concept 1: The Opinion Sandwich

Every opinion paragraph has a thesis (top bread), evidence (filling), and conclusion (bottom bread). This simple structure works for any topic.

Concept 2: The Trigger Rule for the Subjunctive

The subjunctive appears after expressions of necessity, will, emotion, and doubt. It does not appear after certainty, belief, or knowledge.

Concept 3: The Polite Cushion

Disagreement should always be polite. Wrap your disagreement in an acknowledgement, then state your view.

Concept 4: The Two-Argument Rule

Every argument needs at least two reasons. One reason is not enough. Add a counter-argument to show balance.

Concept 5: The Connector Chain

Use connectors to link your ideas: d'abord, ensuite, de plus, cependant, donc. They make your argument flow smoothly.

7. Step-by-Step Explanations

How to Write an Opinion Paragraph

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS ==================== STEP 1: Choose a topic. | V STEP 2: State your opinion. "Je pense que…" | V STEP 3: Add first reason. "D'abord, …" | V STEP 4: Add second reason. "Ensuite, …" | V STEP 5: Add contrast. "Cependant, …" | V STEP 6: Add conclusion. "Donc, …" | V STEP 7: Read aloud and check. | V FINISH

How to Choose Between Indicative and Subjunctive

Look at the expression before the verb.

Ask: Is it necessity, will, emotion, or doubt? Use the subjunctive.

Ask: Is it certainty, belief, or knowledge? Use the indicative.

Check the verb form. Does the ending match?

Read aloud. Does it sound right?

8. Real-life Examples

Example 1: At School

Je pense que les devoirs sont utiles. D'abord, ils renforcent ce qu'on apprend en classe. Ensuite, ils préparent aux examens. Cependant, il faut qu'ils ne soient pas trop longs. Donc, je suis pour les devoirs, mais avec modération.

English: "I think homework is useful. First, it reinforces what we learn in class. Then, it prepares us for exams. However, it must not be too long. Therefore, I am in favour of homework, but in moderation."

Example 2: At Home

À mon avis, les enfants devraient aider à la maison. D'abord, cela leur apprend la responsabilité. Ensuite, cela renforce la famille. Donc, chacun devrait participer aux tâches ménagères.

English: "In my opinion, children should help at home. First, it teaches them responsibility. Then, it strengthens the family. Therefore, everyone should take part in household chores."

Example 3: About Technology

Je pense que la technologie est très utile, mais qu'il faut l'utiliser avec sagesse. D'abord, elle facilite la communication. Ensuite, elle aide dans les études. Cependant, elle peut aussi distraire. Donc, il faut que nous apprenions à bien l'utiliser.

English: "I think technology is very useful, but it must be used wisely. First, it makes communication easier. Then, it helps with studies. However, it can also distract. Therefore, we must learn to use it well."

9. Nigerian Examples

Example 1: Education in Nigeria

À mon avis, l'éducation est la clé du développement du Nigeria. D'abord, elle forme les futurs dirigeants. Ensuite, elle réduit la pauvreté. Enfin, elle renforce la démocratie. Donc, il est essentiel que le gouvernement investisse dans les écoles.

English: "In my opinion, education is the key to Nigeria's development. First, it trains future leaders. Then, it reduces poverty. Finally, it strengthens democracy. Therefore, it is essential that the government invests in schools."

Example 2: Nigerian Music

Je pense que la musique nigériane est l'une des meilleures au monde. D'abord, elle mélange différents styles. Ensuite, elle porte un message positif. Cependant, il faut que les artistes restent de bons modèles. Donc, je suis fier de notre musique.

English: "I think Nigerian music is one of the best in the world. First, it mixes different styles. Then, it carries a positive message. However, artists must remain good role models. Therefore, I am proud of our music."

Example 3: Agriculture

À mon avis, l'agriculture devrait être une priorité au Nigeria. D'abord, elle nourrit la population. Ensuite, elle crée des emplois pour les jeunes. Enfin, elle réduit notre dépendance au pétrole. Donc, il faut que nous soutenions les agriculteurs.

English: "In my opinion, agriculture should be a priority in Nigeria. First, it feeds the population. Then, it creates jobs for young people. Finally, it reduces our dependence on oil. Therefore, we must support farmers."

10. Fun Examples Children Can Relate To

Example 1: Video Games

Je pense que les jeux vidéo peuvent être amusants, mais qu'il faut limiter le temps. D'abord, ils développent la réflexion. Ensuite, ils peuvent être éducatifs. Cependant, trop de jeux fatiguent les yeux et distraient. Donc, il faut que les enfants jouent avec modération.

English: "I think video games can be fun, but you must limit the time. First, they develop thinking. Then, they can be educational. However, too many games tire the eyes and distract. Therefore, children must play in moderation."

Example 2: Sweets and Snacks

À mon avis, les bonbons sont délicieux, mais il ne faut pas en manger trop. D'abord, ils donnent de l'énergie. Ensuite, ils rendent heureux. Cependant, trop de sucre est mauvais pour les dents. Donc, il faut en manger avec modération.

English: "In my opinion, sweets are delicious, but you should not eat too many. First, they give energy. Then, they make you happy. However, too much sugar is bad for the teeth. Therefore, you must eat them in moderation."

Example 3: School Uniforms

Je pense que les uniformes scolaires sont une bonne idée. D'abord, ils créent l'égalité entre les élèves. Ensuite, ils donnent un sentiment d'appartenance. Cependant, ils devraient être confortables. Donc, je suis pour les uniformes.

English: "I think school uniforms are a good idea. First, they create equality between students. Then, they give a feeling of belonging. However, they should be comfortable. Therefore, I am in favour of uniforms."

11. Everyday Examples

Example 1: Breakfast

Je pense que le petit-déjeuner est le repas le plus important. D'abord, il donne de l'énergie. Ensuite, il aide à mieux se concentrer. Donc, il faut que tous les élèves prennent un bon petit-déjeuner.

English: "I think breakfast is the most important meal. First, it gives energy. Then, it helps you concentrate better. Therefore, all students must have a good breakfast."

Example 2: Exercise

À mon avis, tout le monde devrait faire de l'exercice. D'abord, c'est bon pour la santé. Ensuite, cela réduit le stress. Enfin, cela améliore l'humeur. Donc, je pense qu'il faut faire du sport chaque semaine.

English: "In my opinion, everyone should exercise. First, it is good for health. Then, it reduces stress. Finally, it improves mood. Therefore, I think we must do sport every week."

Example 3: Reading

Je trouve que la lecture est importante. D'abord, elle développe le vocabulaire. Ensuite, elle ouvre l'esprit. De plus, elle permet de voyager. Donc, il faut que chaque jeune lise un peu chaque jour.

English: "I find that reading is important. First, it develops vocabulary. Then, it opens the mind. Moreover, it allows you to travel. Therefore, every young person must read a little every day."

12. Parent Tips

Parents, here are some simple ways to support your child as they learn this module:

Play the "opinion game." Ask your child's opinion on simple things and encourage them to give two reasons.

Encourage daily journaling in French. Ask your child to write one opinion paragraph each week.

Discuss current events. Ask what they think about news stories, then help them express it in French.

Celebrate small wins. When your child uses the subjunctive correctly, praise them.

Do not correct every mistake. Focus on one thing at a time — this week, focus on opinion phrases.

Watch French debates or news with subtitles. Ask your child to spot opinion phrases.

Make flashcards together for the subjunctive forms of common verbs.

Read opinion articles together in English and discuss the structure. This will help them understand argumentative writing in French.

13. Interesting Facts

The subjunctive is used in many languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.

English used to have a subjunctive too, and it still appears in phrases like "If I were you."

The French subjunctive is slowly disappearing from everyday speech, but it remains strong in writing.

The word subjonctif comes from Latin, meaning "joined under."

Some French writers use the subjunctive to add a formal, elegant tone to their work.

The argumentative essay structure is very old. It was first described by the Greek philosopher Aristotle over two thousand years ago.

In French schools, students learn to write argumentative essays around the same age you are now.

Politeness in French writing is considered a sign of education and good manners.

14. Did You Know?

Did you know that the subjunctive appears in some English phrases too? "I suggest that he be careful" uses the English subjunctive.

Did you know that the phrase il faut que is one of the most common triggers for the French subjunctive?

Did you know that the French use the subjunctive in polite formulas like que Dieu vous bénisse (may God bless you)?

Did you know that a good argument always includes a counter-argument? This shows that you understand the other side.

Did you know that argumentative essays are tested in the DELF B1 exam?

15. Remember This

Opinion phrases: je pense que, je crois que, je trouve que, à mon avis.

Agreement phrases: je suis d'accord, tu as raison.

Disagreement phrases: je ne suis pas d'accord, je vois les choses autrement.

The subjunctive appears after expressions of necessity, will, emotion, and doubt.

The indicative appears after expressions of certainty, belief, and knowledge.

Common subjunctive triggers: il faut que, il est important que, je veux que.

Argument structure: thesis, evidence, counter-argument, conclusion.

Connectors: d'abord, ensuite, de plus, cependant, donc, en conclusion.

16. Common Mistakes

Mistake Why It Is Wrong Correct Version

Je pense qu'il soit… Uses subjunctive after je pense que Je pense qu'il est…

Il faut que tu viens. Missing subjunctive Il faut que tu viennes.

Only one argument Not enough support Add at least two arguments

No counter-argument Shows lack of balance Include the other side briefly

Tu as tort. Too blunt Je ne suis pas d'accord.

Je suis d'accord pas. Wrong negative form Je ne suis pas d'accord.

17. Best Practices

Read your essay aloud. Your ear will catch mistakes your eye misses.

Use the sandwich structure. Thesis, evidence, conclusion.

Write every day. Even three sentences a day helps.

Use at least two arguments. One is not enough.

Include a counter-argument. It shows balance and depth.

Do not translate word-for-word from English. French uses the subjunctive differently.

Practise the subjunctive triggers. Learn which expressions take it and which do not.

Ask a teacher or friend to read your work and give feedback.

18. Comparison Tables

Indicative vs. Subjunctive

Feature Indicative Subjunctive

Used after Certainty, belief, knowledge Necessity, will, emotion, doubt

Example trigger Je pense que… Il faut que…

Example Je pense qu'il est là. Il faut qu'il soit là.

Regular endings -e, -es, -e, -ons, -ez, -ent -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent

Agreement vs. Disagreement Phrases

Agreement Disagreement

Je suis d'accord. Je ne suis pas d'accord.

Tu as raison. Je vois les choses autrement.

Tout à fait ! Ce n'est pas mon avis.

C'est vrai. Je comprends, mais…

Argumentative Connectors by Function

Function Connectors

Adding arguments D'abord, Ensuite, De plus, Enfin

Contrasting Cependant, Pourtant, Par contre

Concluding Donc, En conclusion, Pour conclure

Explaining Parce que, Car, En effet

Illustrating Par exemple, Comme

19. End-of-Module Summary

Congratulations! You have completed Module 5 of the Intermediate French course. Let us review what you learned.

What You Learned

What an opinion is and how it differs from a fact.

Opinion phrases like je pense que and à mon avis.

How to agree and disagree politely.

What the subjunctive is and when to use it.

How to form the subjunctive for regular verbs.

Common irregular subjunctive forms.

Impersonal expressions like il faut que and il est important que.

How to structure an argument (thesis, evidence, conclusion).

How to write an opinion paragraph and an argumentative essay.

Common traps and how to avoid them.

The Big Picture

THE BIG PICTURE =============== OPINION WRITING = THESIS + EVIDENCE + CONCLUSION THESIS: Je pense que… À mon avis… EVIDENCE: D'abord, … Ensuite, … De plus, … CONTRAST: Cependant, … Il est vrai que… mais… CONCLUSION: Donc, … En conclusion, … THE SUBJUNCTIVE appears after: - il faut que… - il est important que… - je veux que… - je suis content que… With these tools, you can write about any topic. You can express your opinion clearly and politely. You are now ready for the final module!

20. Frequently Asked Questions (10 Questions)

Question 1: What is the difference between an opinion and a fact?

A fact is true for everyone. An opinion is true for you. "Nigeria has 36 states" is a fact. "Nigeria is the best country" is an opinion.

Question 2: What are the most useful opinion phrases?

The most useful are je pense que, je crois que, je trouve que, and à mon avis.

Question 3: What is the subjunctive?

It is a special verb form used after expressions of necessity, will, emotion, and doubt. For example: Il faut que tu viennes.

Question 4: When do I use the subjunctive?

Use it after expressions like il faut que, je veux que, je suis content que, and je doute que.

Question 5: When do I NOT use the subjunctive?

Do not use it after expressions of certainty, belief, or knowledge, like je pense que, je crois que, and je sais que.

Question 6: How do I form the subjunctive?

Take the nous form of the present tense, remove -ons, and add the endings -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent. Some verbs are irregular.

Question 7: What is a good argument structure?

A good argument has a thesis, evidence (at least two reasons), a counter-argument, and a conclusion.

Question 8: How can I disagree politely in French?

Use phrases like je comprends ton point de vue, mais… or c'est vrai, cependant…. Never just say tu as tort.

Question 9: How long should my argumentative essay be?

For B1 level, aim for 150–250 words. Structure matters more than length.

Question 10: What is the best way to practise?

Write one opinion paragraph every week. Read French opinion articles. Practise the subjunctive with flashcards. And do not be afraid to make mistakes.

21. Matching Exercises

Exercise 1: Match the French with the English

French English

1. Je pense que… A. I do not agree.

2. À mon avis… B. I think that…

3. Je ne suis pas d'accord. C. In my opinion…

4. Il faut que… D. However…

5. Cependant… E. Therefore…

6. Donc… F. It is necessary that…

Answers: 1-B, 2-C, 3-A, 4-F, 5-D, 6-E.

Exercise 2: Match the Expression with the Correct Form

Expression Form

1. Je pense que… A. Subjunctive

2. Il faut que… B. Indicative

3. Je crois que… C. Subjunctive

4. Il est important que… D. Indicative

5. Je sais que… E. Subjunctive

Answers: 1-B, 2-A, 3-B, 4-A, 5-B.

22. Scenario-based Exercises

Scenario 1: Mobile Phones in School

Write a paragraph (6–8 sentences) giving your opinion on whether mobile phones should be banned in school. Use opinion phrases, two arguments, and one subjunctive.

Scenario 2: The Best Age to Start Learning French

Write a paragraph giving your opinion on the best age to start learning French. Use at least three connectors.

Scenario 3: The Importance of Sports

Write a short argument (150 words) on why sports are important for young people. Include a counter-argument.

Scenario 4: Education and the Future

Write an opinion paragraph on the future of education in Nigeria. Use at least two subjunctive expressions.

23. Group Activity

Activity: The Debate

Work in groups of four. Divide into two pairs: one pair argues in favour of the topic, the other argues against.

Choose a topic. Examples: Les uniformes à l'école, Les réseaux sociaux, Les devoirs.

Each pair prepares a short argument (5 sentences) with a thesis, two arguments, and a counter-argument.

Each pair writes their argument in French.

Each pair reads their argument aloud.

The class votes on which side was more convincing.

Discuss: What made the arguments strong?

24. Individual Activity

Activity: My Opinion on Three Topics

Write a short opinion paragraph (5 sentences) on each of these topics:

The importance of reading

Whether young people should have social media accounts

The value of learning foreign languages

For each paragraph, use:

One opinion phrase (je pense que, à mon avis).

Two arguments (d'abord, ensuite).

One conclusion (donc).

One subjunctive expression (il faut que).

25. Mini Project

Project: A Letter to the Editor

Write a short letter to the editor of a school newspaper in French. It should contain:

A greeting and a closing.

An opinion on a school-related topic (homework, uniforms, sports, etc.).

A thesis, two arguments, a counter-argument, and a conclusion.

At least two subjunctive expressions.

At least three argumentative connectors.

MINI PROJECT — LETTER TO THE EDITOR =================================== +----------------------------------+ | Lettre au Rédacteur en Chef | | --------------------------------| | | | Monsieur le Rédacteur, | | | | Je vous écris au sujet de… | | | | À mon avis, … | | | | D'abord, … | | Ensuite, … | | | | Cependant, il est vrai que… | | Il faut que… | | | | En conclusion, … | | | | Cordialement, | | [Votre nom] | +----------------------------------+

26. Practical Assignment

Assignment: Write a 200-Word Argumentative Essay

Write an argumentative essay in French on one of the following topics:

Should students have to wear school uniforms?

Should children have their own mobile phones?

Is it better to live in the city or in the countryside?

Should learning a foreign language be compulsory in schools?

Your essay must include:

An introduction with a thesis.

Two arguments with examples.

A counter-argument with a response.

A conclusion.

At least three connectors.

At least two subjunctive expressions.

At least two opinion phrases.

When you finish, read your essay aloud. Then check for common mistakes using the checklist in Section 16.

27. Key Takeaways

An opinion is what you think; a fact is true for everyone.

Opinion phrases: je pense que, je crois que, à mon avis.

The subjunctive is used after expressions of necessity, will, emotion, and doubt.

The indicative is used after expressions of certainty, belief, and knowledge.

Common subjunctive triggers: il faut que, il est important que, je veux que.

An argument has a thesis, evidence, counter-argument, and conclusion.

Use connectors: d'abord, ensuite, cependant, donc, en conclusion.

Polite disagreement uses phrases like je comprends, mais….

Practice every day to build confidence.

28. Classroom Discussion Questions

Why is it important to express your opinion politely?

Can you think of a time when you changed your opinion after listening to someone else?

What makes an argument convincing?

Why is it useful to include a counter-argument in your essay?

Do you find the subjunctive difficult? Why or why not?

How is French argumentative writing similar to argumentative writing in English?

What strategies help you remember the subjunctive forms?

How can you practise expressing opinions in French at home?

29. Preparation for the Next Module

In Module 6, you will learn about integrated writing, register, and the final project. You will learn how to shift your writing between formal, semi-formal, and informal registers. You will also learn how to revise and self-edit your work, and you will complete a final 300–350 word composition that combines narration, description, and argument.

Before Moving On, Make Sure You Can:

Express an opinion using at least three different phrases.

Agree and disagree politely in writing.

Form the subjunctive for regular verbs.

Recognise common irregular subjunctive forms.

Use il faut que and il est important que correctly.

Structure an argument with a thesis, two arguments, a counter-argument, and a conclusion.

Use argumentative connectors like d'abord, ensuite, cependant, and donc.

Write a 200-word argumentative essay.

A Sneak Peek at Module 6

MODULE 6 PREVIEW ================ You will learn: * Formal, semi-formal, and informal registers * How to rewrite a message in a different register * Revision techniques (self-editing) * Common intermediate errors and how to fix them * How to structure a multi-paragraph composition * The final project: a 300–350 word composition Example: Informal: "Salut ! Ça va ? Tu viens samedi ?" Formal: "Bonjour, j'espère que vous allez bien. Je vous invite à me rejoindre samedi." Get ready to write like a real French speaker!

Take a short break. Review this module. When you feel ready, move on to Module 6. You are almost there — you are doing great!

French Intermediate — Module 5: Expressing Opinion & Argument

End of Module 5. Well done!

Félicitations — vous avez terminé le Module 5 !

7
Module Six

French Intermediate — Module 6: Integrated Writing

French Intermediate

Module 6: Integrated Writing — Register, Style & the Final Project

Level: B1 (Intermediate) | Duration: Weeks 11–12 | Focus: Final project & revision

1. Module Introduction

Welcome to the final module of your Intermediate French course! You have come a long way. In Module 1, you learned to tell stories about the past. In Module 2, you learned to talk about the future. In Module 3, you learned pronouns. In Module 4, you learned to connect ideas. In Module 5, you learned to express opinions.

Now, in this final module, you will put everything together. You will learn three important skills:

Register — how to change your writing style depending on who you are writing to.

Revision — how to improve your own writing by checking and rewriting.

Integration — how to combine narration, description, and argument in one text.

Think of a musician. She has learned to play many different pieces. But now she must learn to perform them all together in one beautiful concert. That is what this module is about. You are the musician. French writing is your concert.

By the end of this module, you will be ready to write a 300–350 word composition that combines everything you have learned. You will be writing like a real French student.

2. Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Explain what register is and why it matters.

Recognise formal, semi-formal, and informal registers.

Rewrite a message in a different register.

Use revision techniques to improve your own writing.

Spot and fix common intermediate errors.

Structure a multi-paragraph composition.

Combine narration, description, and argument in one text.

Self-edit using a checklist.

Write a 300–350 word final composition.

Give and receive constructive feedback on writing.

3. Warm-up Story

Two Letters from Amara

Amara is a 13-year-old girl who lives in Enugu. One Saturday, she needed to write two letters. She sat at her desk with a pen and paper.

The first letter was to her best friend, Chidinma. She wrote:

"Salut Chidinma ! Comment ça va ? Je t'écris parce que je veux t'inviter à ma fête samedi. Ça va être super ! Il y aura de la musique et du jollof rice. Tu viens ? Dis-moi vite ! Bisous, Amara."

That means: "Hi Chidinma! How are you? I am writing because I want to invite you to my party on Saturday. It is going to be great! There will be music and jollof rice. Are you coming? Let me know quickly! Kisses, Amara."

The second letter was to her school principal, Mr Okonkwo. She wrote:

"Monsieur le Directeur, Je me permets de vous écrire afin de solliciter votre autorisation pour organiser une fête d'anniversaire dans la salle polyvalente samedi prochain. Je vous remercie par avance pour votre compréhension. Veuillez agréer, Monsieur le Directeur, l'expression de mon profond respect. Amara Nwosu, élève de 3e."

That means: "Mr Principal, I take the liberty of writing to you in order to request your authorisation to organise a birthday party in the multi-purpose hall next Saturday. I thank you in advance for your understanding. Please accept, Mr Principal, the expression of my deep respect. Amara Nwosu, Year 10 student."

Amara looked at both letters. They were about the same thing — a birthday party. But they sounded completely different!

Her mother smiled. "You just used two different registers, Amara. That is one of the most important skills in writing."

In this module, you will learn what registers are, how to use them, and how to write like Amara did — adapting your French to the situation.

TWO LETTERS — TWO REGISTERS =========================== TO A FRIEND: TO THE PRINCIPAL: ------------- ----------------- "Salut Chidinma !" "Monsieur le Directeur," "Ça va ?" "Je me permets de vous écrire…" "Tu viens ?" "Je sollicite votre autorisation…" "Bisous," "Veuillez agréer…" INFORMAL FORMAL Same message. Different register. That is what this module is about.

4. Main Lessons

Lesson 1: What is Register?

Definition

Register is the style of language you use in a particular situation. It changes depending on who you are writing to and why.

Why It Is Important

Using the wrong register can sound strange, rude, or too informal. In French culture especially, register matters a lot. Knowing how to change your register shows respect and good manners.

Simple Explanation

Think about the clothes you wear. You would not wear the same outfit to a football match and to a wedding. Language is the same. You choose your "language outfit" based on the situation.

The Three Registers

Register Used with Example

Informal (familier) Friends, family, close peers Salut ! Ça va ?

Semi-formal (courant) Classmates, colleagues, acquaintances Bonjour, comment vas-tu ?

Formal (soutenu) Teachers, officials, strangers Bonjour, comment allez-vous ?

Real-life Example

You would say Salut, ça va ? to a friend. You would say Bonjour, comment allez-vous ? to a teacher.

School Example

In a text to a classmate, you might write Tu peux me passer les devoirs ? In an email to a teacher, you would write Pourriez-vous m'envoyer les devoirs, s'il vous plaît ?

Home Example

To your little brother: Passe-moi le sel ! To a guest: Pourriez-vous me passer le sel, s'il vous plaît ?

Nigerian Example

To a friend in Lagos: Salut ! On se voit samedi ? To the school principal: Monsieur, je sollicite votre permission pour m'absenter vendredi.

Illustration

THE THREE REGISTERS — A LADDER ============================== FORMAL ---------> Monsieur, je vous prie de bien vouloir… (Teachers, officials, strangers) SEMI-FORMAL ---------> Bonjour, comment allez-vous ? (Classmates, colleagues) INFORMAL ---------> Salut ! Ça va ? (Friends, family) The higher you go, the more polite and structured the language.

Mini Summary

Register is the style of language you use in a situation. There are three main registers: informal, semi-formal, and formal. Choose the right register by thinking about who you are writing to.

Lesson 2: The Informal Register

Definition

The informal register is the language you use with friends, family, and close peers. It is relaxed, warm, and uses tu.

Why It Is Important

Most of your daily communication is informal. Learning to write informally helps you connect with people you know well.

Simple Explanation

Think of chatting with your best friend. You use short words, casual greetings, and you do not worry about being perfect. That is the informal register.

Features of the Informal Register

Uses tu and toi

Short, simple sentences

Casual greetings: Salut, Coucou, Ça va ?

Casual closings: Bisous, À plus, Bises

Uses questions directly: Tu viens ?

Informal Phrases

Informal French English

Salut ! Hi!

Ça va ? How's it going?

Quoi de neuf ? What's new?

Tu peux… ? Can you… ?

Ça te dit de… ? Do you fancy… ?

À plus ! See you!

Bisous Kisses

À bientôt See you soon

Real-life Example

A text to a friend: Salut ! Tu es libre samedi ? On va au ciné ? À plus !

School Example

A note to a classmate: Coucou ! Tu peux me prêter ton stylo ? Merci !

Home Example

A note to your sibling: Je suis sorti. À plus tard !

Nigerian Example

A text to your cousin in Abuja: Salut ! Comment ça va ? On se parle ce soir ? Bisous !

Illustration

INFORMAL REGISTER — FEATURES ============================ GREETINGS: Salut ! Coucou ! Ça va ? PRONOUNS: tu, toi, ton, ta SENTENCES: short, direct CLOSINGS: Bisous, À plus, À bientôt EXAMPLE MESSAGE: "Salut Amina ! Ça va ? Je t'écris pour te dire que la fête est samedi. Tu viens ? Ça va être super ! Bisous, Amara" Warm, short, relaxed.

Mini Summary

The informal register is for friends and family. It uses tu, short sentences, and casual phrases like Salut and Bisous.

Lesson 3: The Semi-Formal Register

Definition

The semi-formal register is the language you use with classmates, colleagues, or acquaintances. It is polite but not stiff. It can use tu or vous depending on the relationship.

Why It Is Important

Many everyday situations call for the semi-formal register — emails to a classmate, messages to a new friend, or letters to a club secretary.

Simple Explanation

Think of talking to a new friend at school. You are friendly, but you are not yet using inside jokes. Your language is polite and clear.

Features of the Semi-Formal Register

Uses vous or tu depending on the person

Polite but warm

Greetings: Bonjour, Bonsoir

Closings: Cordialement, Bien à vous, À bientôt

Sentences are medium length

Semi-Formal Phrases

Semi-formal French English

Bonjour, comment allez-vous ? Hello, how are you?

Je vous écris pour… I am writing to you to…

Pourriez-vous… ? Could you… ?

Merci d'avance Thanks in advance

Cordialement Kind regards

Bien à vous Best wishes

Real-life Example

An email to a club president: Bonjour, je vous écris pour vous informer que je participerai à la réunion de samedi. Cordialement, Amara.

School Example

An email to a new classmate: Bonjour, je m'appelle Tunde. Pourrions-nous étudier ensemble pour l'examen ? Merci d'avance.

Home Example

An email to a neighbour: Bonjour Madame, je vous écris pour vous remercier de votre aide. Bien à vous.

Nigerian Example

An email to a school club: Bonjour, je voudrais m'inscrire au club de débat. Pourriez-vous m'envoyer les détails ? Cordialement, Chidi.

Illustration

SEMI-FORMAL REGISTER — FEATURES =============================== GREETINGS: Bonjour, Bonsoir PRONOUNS: vous or tu SENTENCES: medium length, polite CLOSINGS: Cordialement, Bien à vous, À bientôt EXAMPLE MESSAGE: "Bonjour, Je vous écris pour savoir si vous organisez une réunion cette semaine. Pourriez-vous me confirmer la date ? Merci d'avance. Cordialement, Amara" Polite, warm, professional.

Mini Summary

The semi-formal register is for classmates, colleagues, and acquaintances. It is polite but friendly, using phrases like Bonjour, Pourriez-vous, and Cordialement.

Lesson 4: The Formal Register

Definition

The formal register is the language you use with teachers, officials, strangers, or anyone you want to show special respect to. It uses vous, longer sentences, and special polite formulas.

Why It Is Important

In French culture, the formal register shows respect and good education. Using it correctly opens doors in professional and academic life.

Simple Explanation

Think of writing a letter to someone very important — like the Minister of Education. You want to sound respectful and serious. That is the formal register.

Features of the Formal Register

Uses vous always

Longer, more complex sentences

Formal greetings: Madame, Monsieur,

Formal closings: Je vous prie d'agréer…, Veuillez agréer…

Uses the conditional for politeness: Je souhaiterais…

Formal Phrases

Formal French English

Madame, Monsieur, Dear Sir or Madam,

Je me permets de vous écrire… I take the liberty of writing to you…

Je souhaiterais… I would like…

Je vous prie de bien vouloir… I kindly ask you to…

Veuillez agréer, Madame, mes salutations distinguées. Please accept, Madam, my distinguished greetings.

Je vous remercie par avance. I thank you in advance.

Real-life Example

A letter to a university: Madame, Monsieur, Je me permets de vous écrire afin de solliciter des informations sur votre programme de bourses. Je vous remercie par avance. Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.

School Example

A letter to the school principal: Monsieur le Directeur, Je souhaiterais vous rencontrer pour discuter de mon projet d'orientation. Je vous remercie par avance.

Home Example

A letter to a bank: Madame, Monsieur, Je souhaiterais ouvrir un compte d'épargne. Veuillez trouver ci-joint les documents nécessaires.

Nigerian Example

A letter to a ministry: Monsieur le Ministre, Je me permets de vous écrire au sujet de l'éducation dans notre région. Je vous prie de bien vouloir considérer ma proposition.

Illustration

FORMAL REGISTER — FEATURES ========================== GREETINGS: Madame, Monsieur, / Monsieur le Directeur, PRONOUNS: vous (always) SENTENCES: long, structured, polite CLOSINGS: Je vous prie d'agréer… Veuillez agréer… EXAMPLE LETTER: "Madame, Monsieur, Je me permets de vous écrire afin de solliciter des informations sur votre programme. Je vous remercie par avance pour votre réponse. Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées. Amara Nwosu" Respectful, structured, professional.

Mini Summary

The formal register is for teachers, officials, and strangers. It always uses vous, longer sentences, and formal formulas like Je vous prie d'agréer.

Lesson 5: Comparing the Three Registers

Definition

This lesson puts all three registers side by side so you can see the difference clearly.

Why It Is Important

Seeing the registers together helps you choose the right one quickly. It also helps you shift between them when needed.

Simple Explanation

Imagine the same message — a birthday invitation — written three ways. Each version is correct, but each sounds different.

The Same Message in Three Registers

Register Version

Informal Salut ! C'est mon anniversaire samedi. Tu viens ? Ça va être génial ! Bisous.

Semi-formal Bonjour, je t'invite à ma fête d'anniversaire samedi. J'espère que tu pourras venir. À bientôt.

Formal Madame, Monsieur, Je me permets de vous convier à une réception donnée à l'occasion de mon anniversaire le samedi 15. Je vous prie de bien vouloir me confirmer votre présence. Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.

Comparison Table

Feature Informal Semi-formal Formal

Greeting Salut ! Bonjour Madame, Monsieur,

Pronoun tu tu / vous vous

Sentence length Short Medium Long

Closing Bisous Cordialement Veuillez agréer…

Used with Friends Classmates Officials

Feeling Warm, relaxed Polite, warm Respectful, structured

Real-life Example

If you need to invite a friend and a teacher to the same event, you would write two different messages — one informal, one formal.

School Example

When writing about the same school event, you might use informal language in a group chat with classmates, but formal language in an email to the principal.

Nigerian Example

Inviting your cousin to a party: informal. Inviting your aunt's friend whom you do not know well: formal.

Illustration

THE SAME MESSAGE — THREE REGISTERS ================================== INFORMAL: "Salut ! Tu viens samedi ?" ^^ ^^ SEMI-FORMAL: "Bonjour, j'espère que tu pourras venir samedi." ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ FORMAL: "Madame, Monsieur, je vous prie de bien vouloir me confirmer votre présence samedi." ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Same message. Different "language clothes."

Mini Summary

The three registers differ in greetings, pronouns, sentence length, and closings. Choose the register that matches your reader.

Lesson 6: Rewriting a Message in a Different Register

Definition

Rewriting in a different register means taking a message and changing its style without changing its meaning.

Why It Is Important

This is a very useful skill. You might write a casual message to a friend, then need to send the same information to a teacher. Being able to shift register is a sign of a skilled writer.

Simple Explanation

Think of translating the same message into three different "moods." The words change; the meaning stays.

Step-by-Step

Read the original message carefully.

Identify the main information (what needs to be communicated).

Decide the new register (formal, semi-formal, or informal).

Change the greeting, pronoun, and closing.

Adjust sentence length and add polite phrases if needed.

Read both versions to check that the meaning is the same.

Example: From Informal to Formal

Informal original: Salut ! Je peux pas venir demain. Désolé ! À plus.

Formal rewrite: Madame, Monsieur, Je vous prie de m'excuser, mais il me sera impossible d'être présent demain. Je vous remercie de votre compréhension. Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.

Real-life Example

You cancel plans with a friend informally. Later, you need to cancel a meeting with a teacher. You use a formal register.

School Example

Rewriting a classmate's note as an email to the school secretary.

Home Example

Rewriting a note to your sibling as a letter to a family friend.

Nigerian Example

Rewriting a text to your friend about a delayed visit as a formal letter to your school principal about being late.

Illustration

REWRITING — THE SAME MESSAGE, NEW CLOTHES ========================================= INFORMAL VERSION: "Salut ! Je peux pas venir demain. Désolé ! À plus." | V SAME MESSAGE, NEW REGISTER: | V FORMAL VERSION: "Madame, Monsieur, Je vous prie de m'excuser, mais il me sera impossible d'être présent demain. Je vous remercie de votre compréhension." Meaning: the same. Feeling: completely different.

Mini Summary

Rewriting in a different register means changing the style but keeping the meaning. Change the greeting, pronoun, closing, and sentence length to match the new register.

Lesson 7: Why Revision Matters

Definition

Revision means reading your own writing carefully and improving it. It is not just fixing mistakes; it is making your writing better.

Why It Is Important

Good writers revise. Even famous French authors rewrite their work many times. Revision turns a first draft into a polished piece.

Simple Explanation

Think of a sculptor. She starts with a rough block of stone, then chips away until a beautiful statue appears. Revision is like that — chipping away the rough parts of your writing.

The Revision Process

Stage Job Question to ask

Content Check ideas and structure Does my text make sense?

Organization Check paragraph order Is the order logical?

Grammar Check verbs, agreement, tenses Are the verbs correct?

Spelling Check accents and spelling Did I forget any accents?

Punctuation Check commas, periods, capitals Is the punctuation right?

Style Check flow and register Does it sound natural?

Real-life Example

Before sending an email to a teacher, you revise it once to check for mistakes.

School Example

Before submitting an essay, you revise it three times — once for content, once for grammar, once for style.

Home Example

Before sending a message to a relative, you revise to make sure the tone is right.

Nigerian Example

Before sending an application letter to a university, you revise carefully and ask a teacher to check it.

Illustration

THE REVISION PROCESS ==================== FIRST DRAFT | V Content check ---> Is the meaning clear? | V Organization check ---> Is the order logical? | V Grammar check ---> Are the verbs correct? | V Spelling check ---> Are accents and words right? | V Style check ---> Does it flow well? | V FINAL VERSION Good writing is rewriting.

Mini Summary

Revision is the process of improving your writing. Check content, organization, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. Good writing is rewriting.

Lesson 8: Common Intermediate Errors and How to Fix Them

Definition

At the B1 level, certain mistakes appear often. Learning them helps you catch them in your own writing.

Why It Is Important

Knowing your typical mistakes is the fastest way to improve. You stop making the same errors over and over.

Simple Explanation

Think of these errors as weeds in a garden. If you pull them out regularly, the garden stays beautiful.

The Top Ten Intermediate Errors

# Mistake Correction

1 Missing accents: ecole école

2 Wrong auxiliary: J'ai allé Je suis allé

3 Missing agreement: Elle est allé Elle est allée

4 Subjunctive missing: Il faut que tu viens Il faut que tu viennes

5 Wrong relative pronoun: L'homme que parle L'homme qui parle

6 Pronoun in wrong place: Je vois le Je le vois

7 Mixing tenses: Hier, je vais au marché Hier, je suis allé au marché

8 Wrong register: Salut, Monsieur le Directeur Bonjour, Monsieur le Directeur

9 Missing ne: Je parle pas Je ne parle pas

10 Confusing le and lui Je le vois / Je lui parle

Real-life Example

When writing an email, you catch a missing accent on école and correct it.

School Example

Your teacher points out that you wrote Il faut que tu viens instead of Il faut que tu viennes. You correct it.

Home Example

You notice that your text message to a friend used vous instead of tu. You revise it before sending.

Nigerian Example

You revise a letter to a school principal and notice you started with Salut instead of Bonjour, Monsieur le Directeur. You fix it.

Illustration

COMMON ERROR — A VISUAL ======================= WRONG: "J'ai allé au marché hier." ^^^ (avoir with aller) RIGHT: "Je suis allé au marché hier." ^^^^^ (être with aller) Think of "aller" as a traveller. Travellers use ÊTRE, not AVOIR. Another common pair: WRONG: "L'homme que parle est mon oncle." ^^^ RIGHT: "L'homme qui parle est mon oncle." ^^^ (qui before a verb; que before a subject)

Mini Summary

The most common intermediate errors involve accents, auxiliaries, agreement, the subjunctive, relative pronouns, pronoun position, tenses, register, missing ne, and confusing le and lui. Learn them and check your writing for them.

Lesson 9: Self-Editing with a Checklist

Definition

Self-editing means using a checklist to review your own writing systematically.

Why It Is Important

A checklist makes sure you do not miss anything. It is like a pilot's pre-flight list — every item matters.

Simple Explanation

Think of a shopping list. Without it, you forget things. With it, you remember everything. A self-editing checklist works the same way for writing.

The Self-Editing Checklist

Item Question

Register Is my register correct for the reader?

Structure Does my text have a clear beginning, middle, and end?

Verbs Are all my verbs in the right tense?

Auxiliaries Have I used avoir and être correctly?

Agreement Do my adjectives and participles agree?

Pronouns Are all pronouns in the right place?

Accents Have I written all accents?

Spelling Are my words spelled correctly?

Punctuation Are capitals, commas, and periods in the right place?

Flow Does my text read smoothly?

Real-life Example

Before sending any important email in French, run through the checklist once.

School Example

Before submitting an essay, apply the checklist twice — once on screen and once on paper.

Home Example

Before sending a message to a relative in French, use the checklist to avoid embarrassing mistakes.

Nigerian Example

Before sending a scholarship application in French, apply the checklist line by line.

Illustration

SELF-EDITING CHECKLIST ====================== [ ] Register correct? [ ] Clear beginning, middle, end? [ ] Verbs in the right tense? [ ] Auxiliaries correct? [ ] Agreement correct? [ ] Pronouns in the right place? [ ] Accents written? [ ] Spelling correct? [ ] Punctuation correct? [ ] Reads smoothly? Run through this list every time you write.

Mini Summary

Self-editing with a checklist makes sure you catch your own mistakes. Go through it every time you write, and your French will keep improving.

Lesson 10: Structuring a Multi-Paragraph Composition

Definition

A multi-paragraph composition is a piece of writing with several paragraphs, each with its own focus.

Why It Is Important

At B1 level, you need to write longer texts. Multi-paragraph writing lets you develop ideas fully.

Simple Explanation

Think of a story with chapters. Each chapter has its own job. A composition is the same — each paragraph has its own job.

The Structure

Paragraph Job

Paragraph 1 — Introduction Introduce the topic and your main idea

Paragraph 2 — Development Develop your first main point

Paragraph 3 — Development Develop your second main point

Paragraph 4 — Conclusion Summarize and end

Real-life Example

A letter to a school explaining why you want to join the debate club — with three paragraphs: introduction, reasons, closing.

School Example

An essay on "My future career" — one paragraph on the career, one on the reasons, one on the steps needed.

Home Example

A letter to a grandparent telling them about your year — one paragraph on school, one on hobbies, one on hopes.

Nigerian Example

An essay on "Why Nigeria needs more engineers" — one paragraph introducing, one giving reasons, one suggesting solutions.

Illustration

MULTI-PARAGRAPH COMPOSITION =========================== +----------------------------------+ | PARAGRAPH 1 — INTRODUCTION | | (topic + main idea) | +----------------------------------+ | V +----------------------------------+ | PARAGRAPH 2 — DEVELOPMENT 1 | | (first point) | +----------------------------------+ | V +----------------------------------+ | PARAGRAPH 3 — DEVELOPMENT 2 | | (second point) | +----------------------------------+ | V +----------------------------------+ | PARAGRAPH 4 — CONCLUSION | | (summary + final thought) | +----------------------------------+ Each paragraph has ONE job.

Mini Summary

A multi-paragraph composition has an introduction, two development paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has one clear job.

Lesson 11: Combining Narration, Description, and Argument

Definition

Integrated writing means combining three types of writing in one text: narration (telling what happened), description (saying what it is like), and argument (giving an opinion).

Why It Is Important

This is the highest-level skill in writing. It is what the final project requires. Combining these three types lets you write about anything.

Simple Explanation

Think of a Nigerian film. It has:

Narration — the story of what happens.

Description — the scenery, the characters, the mood.

Argument — the message the film is trying to make.

Your writing can do the same.

The Three Types Compared

Type Job Tenses Used

Narration Tells what happened Passé composé, imparfait

Description Describes people, places, feelings Imparfait, present

Argument Gives opinions and reasons Present, subjunctive

Real-life Example

A blog post about a trip: it narrates the journey, describes the scenery, and argues that travel is important.

School Example

An essay about a historical event: it narrates what happened, describes the era, and argues why the event mattered.

Home Example

A letter to a relative about your year: it narrates your activities, describes your feelings, and argues why it was a good year.

Nigerian Example

An essay on Nigeria's future: it narrates a story about a young student, describes her dreams and challenges, and argues for investment in education.

Illustration

INTEGRATED WRITING — THREE LAYERS ================================= NARRATION: "Hier, je suis allé à l'école." (what happened) DESCRIPTION: "La cour était pleine d'élèves joyeux." (what it was like) ARGUMENT: "À mon avis, il faut que les écoles offrent plus d'activités." (what I think) Combine them, and you have a rich, powerful text.

Mini Summary

Integrated writing combines narration, description, and argument. Each has its own job and its own tenses. When you can combine them, you can write about anything in French.

Lesson 12: Giving and Receiving Feedback

Definition

Feedback is what someone tells you about your writing to help you improve. It can also mean the comments you give to someone else.

Why It Is Important

Feedback helps you see what you cannot see yourself. It is one of the fastest ways to improve.

Simple Explanation

Think of a mirror. Without it, you cannot see your own face. Feedback is a mirror for your writing.

How to Give Useful Feedback

Start with something positive.

Be specific. Say exactly what is good or needs work.

Give suggestions, not orders.

Use the register rules and grammar you have learned.

End on an encouraging note.

How to Receive Feedback

Listen carefully without interrupting.

Ask questions if something is unclear.

Say thank you.

Choose which suggestions to follow.

Remember: feedback is about your writing, not about you.

Real-life Example

You write an email. A friend says: "The register is too informal for a teacher. Try Bonjour, Monsieur instead of Salut." You change it.

School Example

Your teacher writes: "Good structure, but check agreement in the passé composé." You review and correct.

Home Example

Your parent reads a letter and suggests adding a closing line. You add Cordialement.

Nigerian Example

A classmate reads your argument essay and says: "Your arguments are good, but the register is too informal for a formal essay." You adjust.

Illustration

FEEDBACK — THE MIRROR ===================== Your writing Feedback | | V V (you cannot see (someone else it clearly) helps you see) GOOD FEEDBACK: 1. Positive point first 2. Specific suggestion 3. Encouraging ending RECEIVING FEEDBACK: 1. Listen 2. Ask questions 3. Say thank you 4. Choose what to apply 5. Revise

Mini Summary

Feedback is a mirror for your writing. Give specific, positive, and useful feedback. Receive it with an open mind and use it to improve.

Lesson 13: Preparing the Final Project

Definition

The final project is a 300–350 word composition that combines narration, description, and argument.

Why It Is Important

This project tests everything you have learned across all six modules. It is the crowning piece of your course.

Simple Explanation

Think of the final project as a concert where you play every song you have learned. Narration, description, argument — all in one beautiful performance.

Step-by-Step Plan

Choose a topic. Something you care about — your school, your town, your family, your dreams.

Plan your structure. Introduction, narration, description, argument, conclusion.

Write the first draft. Do not worry about perfection.

Revise. Content, organization, grammar, spelling, style.

Ask for feedback. From a teacher, parent, or friend.

Write the final version. Apply what you learned.

Read aloud. Check flow and rhythm.

Suggested Structure for the Final Project

Part Words Content

Introduction ~40 Present the topic and your thesis

Narration ~80 Tell a story related to the topic (past tenses)

Description ~80 Describe the people, place, or feeling

Argument ~90 Give your opinion with reasons and a counter-argument

Conclusion ~40 Summarize and end with a strong closing

Real-life Example

You might write about "My town" — narrating a memory, describing the market, and arguing that it needs better roads.

School Example

You might write about "My school" — narrating a school event, describing the classrooms, and arguing for more clubs.

Home Example

You might write about "My family" — narrating a family meal, describing the family members, and arguing for more family time.

Nigerian Example

You might write about "The future of Nigeria" — narrating a story about a young Nigerian, describing her dreams, and arguing for investment in education.

Illustration

FINAL PROJECT — PLANNING MAP ============================ [ CHOOSE TOPIC ] | V [ INTRODUCTION ] | V [ NARRATION — past tenses ] | V [ DESCRIPTION — imparfait ] | V [ ARGUMENT — present + subjunctive ] | V [ CONCLUSION ] | V [ REVISE — 3 times ] | V [ FINAL VERSION 🎉 ] This is your graduation piece. Take your time. Enjoy it.

Mini Summary

The final project is a 300–350 word composition. Plan it carefully: introduction, narration, description, argument, conclusion. Write, revise, and polish. This is your chance to shine.

Lesson 14: Common Traps in Integrated Writing

Definition

A trap is a mistake that many learners make. This lesson focuses on traps in longer writing.

Why It Is Important

Longer writing has more chances for errors. Knowing these traps helps you avoid them.

Simple Explanation

Think of these traps as potholes on a longer road. On a short road, you might miss them. On a longer road, you will find them.

Trap 1: Losing the Thread

In long texts, writers forget their main idea. Keep your thesis in mind the whole time.

Trap 2: Mixing Registers

Do not use Salut in a formal letter. Stay consistent.

Trap 3: Repeating the Same Word

Use pronouns, synonyms, and relative pronouns to avoid repetition.

Trap 4: Forgetting the Counter-Argument

Strong arguments include the other side. Do not skip it.

Trap 5: Ignoring Agreement

Longer sentences make it easier to miss agreement errors. Check carefully.

Comparison Table

Trap How to Avoid It

Losing the thread Write your thesis on a separate paper

Mixing registers Choose your register before writing

Repeating words Use pronouns and relative pronouns

No counter-argument Add one paragraph for the other side

Missing agreement Use the self-editing checklist

Mini Summary

The main traps in longer writing are: losing the thread, mixing registers, repeating words, forgetting the counter-argument, and missing agreement. Use your checklist to catch them.

Lesson 15: Final Review — Everything You Have Learned

Definition

This lesson gathers all the key skills from the entire course into one place.

Why It Is Important

Before starting the final project, take a moment to review everything. It will help you write your best piece yet.

The Complete Course Skills

Module Skill Use in Writing

Module 1 Past narration (imparfait + passé composé) Telling what happened

Module 2 Future (futur proche + futur simple) Talking about plans

Module 3 Object pronouns Avoiding repetition

Module 4 Relative pronouns Connecting ideas

Module 5 Opinion + subjunctive Expressing views

Module 6 Register + revision Polishing the final piece

The Final Skills Checklist

FINAL SKILLS CHECKLIST ====================== Can I… [ ] Tell a story using imparfait and passé composé? [ ] Talk about the future using both future tenses? [ ] Use object pronouns correctly? [ ] Use relative pronouns to connect ideas? [ ] Express an opinion with reasons? [ ] Use the subjunctive after il faut que? [ ] Choose the right register for the reader? [ ] Revise and improve my own writing? If you can tick every box, you are ready for the final project.

Mini Summary

You have learned six major skills across the course. Use this final review to remind yourself before beginning the final project.

5. Key Vocabulary

Here are the important words from this module. Read them. Say them out loud. Write them in your notebook.

French English Simple Definition

le registre register The style of language used

familier informal Relaxed, for friends and family

courant semi-formal Neutral, polite but warm

soutenu formal Very polite, for officials

réviser to revise To review and improve writing

relire to reread To read again

corriger to correct To fix mistakes

améliorer to improve To make better

un brouillon a draft A first version

un paragraphe a paragraph A group of sentences

une introduction an introduction The opening paragraph

une conclusion a conclusion The closing paragraph

la narration narration Telling what happened

la description description Describing what something is like

l'argumentation argument Giving opinions and reasons

un retour feedback Comments on your work

une critique a critique An evaluation of writing

le ton tone The feeling of the writing

le style style The way something is written

cohérent coherent Making sense as a whole

6. Important Concepts

Concept 1: Register is Context

Register is not right or wrong. It is appropriate or inappropriate. Choose based on the reader.

Concept 2: Revision is Creation

Revision is not just fixing mistakes. It is where good writing is truly made.

Concept 3: The Three Layers of Writing

Good writing combines narration, description, and argument. Each has its own job.

Concept 4: The Checklist Rule

Use a checklist every time you write. It catches mistakes your eyes miss.

Concept 5: The Feedback Loop

Give feedback to others. Receive feedback from others. This loop makes everyone better.

7. Step-by-Step Explanations

How to Prepare the Final Project

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS ==================== STEP 1: Choose a topic you care about. | V STEP 2: Plan your structure. (Introduction, narration, description, argument, conclusion) | V STEP 3: Write the first draft. | V STEP 4: Revise — content, organization, grammar, spelling, style. | V STEP 5: Ask for feedback. | V STEP 6: Write the final version. | V STEP 7: Read aloud and polish. | V CELEBRATE 🎉

How to Choose the Right Register

Ask: Who is my reader?

If it is a friend or family member, use the informal register.

If it is a classmate or colleague, use the semi-formal register.

If it is a teacher, official, or stranger, use the formal register.

Check your greeting and closing. Do they match the register?

Read aloud. Does the tone feel right?

8. Real-life Examples

Example 1: An Email to a Teacher

Madame,

Je me permets de vous écrire pour vous informer que je ne pourrai pas assister au cours demain. Je vous remercie de votre compréhension.

Veuillez agréer, Madame, l'expression de mes salutations respectueuses.

Chidi Okeke, élève de 3e B

English: "Madam, I take the liberty of writing to inform you that I will not be able to attend class tomorrow. I thank you for your understanding. Please accept, Madam, the expression of my respectful greetings. Chidi Okeke, Year 10B student."

Example 2: A Message to a Friend

Salut Tunde !

Je peux pas venir demain, j'ai trop de devoirs. On se voit samedi ? Dis-moi ! À plus !

English: "Hi Tunde! I can't come tomorrow, I have too much homework. See you Saturday? Let me know! See you!"

Example 3: An Opinion Piece

À mon avis, la lecture est essentielle pour les jeunes. D'abord, elle développe le vocabulaire. Ensuite, elle ouvre l'esprit. Cependant, il faut que les jeunes choisissent des livres qui les intéressent. Donc, je crois que chaque jeune devrait lire un peu chaque jour.

English: "In my opinion, reading is essential for young people. First, it develops vocabulary. Then, it opens the mind. However, young people must choose books that interest them. Therefore, I believe every young person should read a little every day."

9. Nigerian Examples

Example 1: A Letter to a University

Madame, Monsieur,

Je me permets de vous écrire afin de solliciter des informations sur votre programme de génie civil. Je souhaiterais connaître les conditions d'admission et les frais de scolarité.

Je vous remercie par avance pour votre réponse.

Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.

Amara Nwosu

English: "Dear Sir or Madam, I take the liberty of writing to request information about your civil engineering programme. I would like to know the admission requirements and tuition fees. I thank you in advance for your reply. Please accept, Sir or Madam, the expression of my distinguished greetings. Amara Nwosu."

Example 2: An Essay on Nigerian Youth

À mon avis, les jeunes Nigérians sont l'avenir du pays. D'abord, ils sont pleins d'énergie et d'idées. Ensuite, ils maîtrisent la technologie. Cependant, il faut que le gouvernement leur donne des opportunités. Donc, il est essentiel que nous investissions dans la jeunesse.

English: "In my opinion, young Nigerians are the future of the country. First, they are full of energy and ideas. Then, they master technology. However, the government must give them opportunities. Therefore, it is essential that we invest in youth."

Example 3: A Story about Lagos

Quand j'avais dix ans, je suis allé à Lagos pour la première fois. La ville était immense et bruyante. Les voitures klaxonnaient. Les gens criaient. Soudain, j'ai vu la mer. C'était magnifique. Je n'oublierai jamais ce jour.

English: "When I was ten, I went to Lagos for the first time. The city was huge and noisy. Cars were honking. People were shouting. Suddenly, I saw the sea. It was beautiful. I will never forget that day."

10. Fun Examples Children Can Relate To

Example 1: An Invitation to a Birthday Party

Informal: Salut ! C'est mon anniversaire samedi. Tu viens ? Il y aura du gâteau et de la musique. Bisous !

Formal: Madame, Monsieur, Je me permets de vous convier à une petite fête d'anniversaire samedi. Votre présence me ferait très plaisir. Veuillez agréer mes salutations distinguées.

Example 2: A Note About Lost Homework

Informal: Oups ! J'ai oublié mes devoirs. Tu peux me les envoyer ? Merci !

Formal: Madame, Je vous prie de m'excuser, mais j'ai oublié mes devoirs à la maison. Puis-je vous les apporter demain ? Je vous remercie.

Example 3: A Story About a Pet

Quand j'avais huit ans, nous avions un chien qui s'appelait Bingo. Il était petit et brun. Chaque matin, il courait dans le jardin. Un jour, il a volé mon petit-déjeuner. J'ai couru après lui. Ma mère a ri. Bingo était vraiment drôle.

English: "When I was eight, we had a dog called Bingo. He was small and brown. Every morning, he ran in the garden. One day, he stole my breakfast. I ran after him. My mother laughed. Bingo was really funny."

11. Everyday Examples

Example 1: A Text to a Friend

Salut ! Tu es libre ce soir ? On pourrait regarder un film. Dis-moi ! À plus.

English: "Hi! Are you free tonight? We could watch a film. Let me know! See you."

Example 2: An Email to a Club

Bonjour, je souhaiterais m'inscrire au club d'échecs. Pourriez-vous m'indiquer les jours de réunion ? Merci d'avance. Cordialement, Tunde.

English: "Hello, I would like to join the chess club. Could you tell me the meeting days? Thanks in advance. Kind regards, Tunde."

Example 3: A Letter to a Relative

Chère tante, Comment allez-vous ? Je vous écris pour vous dire que j'ai bien reçu votre cadeau. Je vous remercie beaucoup. J'espère vous voir bientôt. Affectueusement, Amara.

English: "Dear aunt, How are you? I am writing to tell you that I received your gift. Thank you very much. I hope to see you soon. With love, Amara."

12. Parent Tips

Parents, here are some simple ways to support your child as they finish this course:

Ask to see your child's writing. Give one positive comment and one suggestion.

Read drafts aloud together. This helps catch mistakes your child's eye might miss.

Encourage daily journaling in French. Even three sentences help.

Celebrate completion. The final project is a big achievement — recognise it.

Do not correct every mistake. Focus on one thing at a time. This week, focus on register.

Read French books or articles together. Discuss the register used.

Help your child organise their writing. A simple outline on paper can help.

Encourage them to keep writing after the course. A journal, a blog, or letters to a pen pal.

13. Interesting Facts

French has three main registers, while English is often described as having two (formal and informal).

The formal register in French is called soutenu, which means "sustained" or "elevated."

Famous French writers like Victor Hugo and Marcel Proust revised their work many times before publishing.

French schoolchildren learn to write multi-paragraph compositions (rédactions) from an early age.

The DELF B1 exam includes a written production section that tests integrated writing.

Self-editing is one of the most reliable ways to improve writing quickly.

Peer feedback is now used in many French schools to help students learn from each other.

The final project in French courses often mirrors the format of the DELF B1 writing task.

14. Did You Know?

Did you know that register changes not just the words you use but also the rhythm of your sentences?

Did you know that in French, using the wrong register with an older person can be considered rude?

Did you know that vous is used both for one person (formal) and for more than one person (any register)?

Did you know that Cordialement is one of the most common email closings in French?

Did you know that good writers often write three or four drafts before they are satisfied?

15. Remember This

Register is the style of language used in a situation.

Three registers: informal (familier), semi-formal (courant), formal (soutenu).

Choose register based on the reader.

Revision makes good writing great.

Use a self-editing checklist every time you write.

Multi-paragraph writing has an introduction, development, and conclusion.

Integrated writing combines narration, description, and argument.

Feedback is a mirror for your writing.

The final project is 300–350 words and combines everything you have learned.

16. Common Mistakes

Mistake Why It Is Wrong Correct Version

Salut, Monsieur le Directeur Mixed registers Bonjour, Monsieur le Directeur

One long paragraph No structure Break into introduction, development, conclusion

Only one argument Not strong enough Add at least two arguments

No counter-argument Lacks balance Add one sentence for the other side

Missing accents Grammar error école, élève, français

Wrong auxiliary Grammar error Je suis allé (not j'ai allé)

17. Best Practices

Plan before writing. A quick outline saves time later.

Write a first draft without worrying. Do not try to be perfect on the first try.

Revise at least twice. Once for content, once for grammar and style.

Use a self-editing checklist. Go through it every time.

Read aloud. Your ear catches what your eye misses.

Ask for feedback. From a teacher, parent, or friend.

Choose the right register. Match your reader.

Keep writing after the course. The best writers are those who write regularly.

18. Comparison Tables

The Three Registers at a Glance

Feature Informal Semi-formal Formal

Greeting Salut ! Bonjour Madame, Monsieur,

Pronoun tu tu / vous vous

Sentence length Short Medium Long

Closing Bisous Cordialement Veuillez agréer…

Used with Friends Classmates Officials

Feeling Warm, relaxed Polite, warm Respectful

The Three Types of Writing

Type Job Tenses Example phrase

Narration Tells what happened Passé composé, imparfait Hier, je suis allé…

Description Describes what it was like Imparfait La ville était belle…

Argument Gives opinions Present, subjunctive À mon avis, il faut que…

First Draft vs. Final Version

Feature First Draft Final Version

Ideas All included Chosen and organized

Grammar May have errors Checked and corrected

Spelling May have errors Checked and corrected

Register Sometimes inconsistent Consistent throughout

Flow Sometimes rough Smooth and polished

19. End-of-Module Summary

Congratulations! You have completed Module 6 and the entire Intermediate French course. Let us review what you learned.

What You Learned

What register is and how it shapes your writing.

The three registers: informal, semi-formal, and formal.

How to rewrite a message in a different register.

Why revision matters and how to revise.

The most common intermediate errors and how to fix them.

How to use a self-editing checklist.

How to structure a multi-paragraph composition.

How to combine narration, description, and argument.

How to give and receive feedback.

How to prepare the final project.

The Big Picture

THE BIG PICTURE — THE WHOLE COURSE ================================== MODULE 1: Past narration | V MODULE 2: The future | V MODULE 3: Object pronouns | V MODULE 4: Relative pronouns | V MODULE 5: Opinion + subjunctive | V MODULE 6: Register + revision | V FINAL PROJECT: 300–350 words | V YOU ARE A WRITER OF FRENCH! 🎉 You have built a complete toolbox. Use it every day. Keep writing. Keep growing.

A Letter to the Learner

Dear learner,

You began this course as a beginner. You could write a few simple sentences. Now you can tell stories, talk about the future, express opinions, and write in different registers. You can write a 300-word composition in French.

That is an incredible achievement.

Language learning never stops. The more you write, the better you become. Keep a journal. Write letters. Read French books. Listen to French music. Talk to French speakers.

You are no longer just learning French. You are using French.

Well done. And keep going.

Félicitations — vous êtes maintenant un écrivain francophone !

20. Frequently Asked Questions (10 Questions)

Question 1: What is register?

Register is the style of language you use in a situation. It changes depending on who you are writing to. There are three main registers: informal, semi-formal, and formal.

Question 2: How do I know which register to use?

Ask yourself: Who is my reader? A friend? Use informal. A classmate? Semi-formal. A teacher? Formal.

Question 3: Why is revision important?

Good writing is rewriting. Revision catches mistakes and makes your text clearer, smoother, and more elegant.

Question 4: What is a self-editing checklist?

It is a list of things to check in your writing — register, structure, verbs, agreement, accents, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Question 5: What is a multi-paragraph composition?

It is a piece of writing with several paragraphs: an introduction, two or more development paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Question 6: What is integrated writing?

It is writing that combines narration, description, and argument in one text. It is the highest-level writing skill in this course.

Question 7: How long should the final project be?

300–350 words. This is enough to develop your ideas fully without being too long.

Question 8: How do I give good feedback?

Start with something positive. Be specific. Give suggestions, not orders. End on an encouraging note.

Question 9: What if I make mistakes in the final project?

You will — everyone does. That is what revision is for. Read your work aloud, use your checklist, and ask for feedback.

Question 10: What should I do after this course?

Keep writing. Start a French journal. Write letters to a pen pal. Read French books. Listen to French radio. Consider preparing for the DELF B1 exam.

21. Matching Exercises

Exercise 1: Match the French with the English

French English

1. Salut ! A. Kind regards

2. Bonjour, comment allez-vous ? B. Please accept my distinguished greetings

3. Cordialement C. Hi!

4. Veuillez agréer mes salutations distinguées. D. Hello, how are you? (formal)

5. Bisous E. I would like…

6. Je souhaiterais… F. Kisses

Answers: 1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B, 5-F, 6-E.

Exercise 2: Match the Register with Its Greeting

Register Greeting

1. Informal A. Madame, Monsieur,

2. Semi-formal B. Salut !

3. Formal C. Bonjour, comment allez-vous ?

Answers: 1-B, 2-C, 3-A.

22. Scenario-based Exercises

Scenario 1: Rewriting in a New Register

Here is an informal message: Salut ! Je peux pas venir demain. Désolé ! Rewrite it in the formal register.

Scenario 2: Self-Editing Practice

Here is a paragraph with mistakes. Find and correct them.

Hier, j'ai allé au marché avec ma mere. La ville etait pleine. J'ai achete des fruits. C'etait bon.

Check for: accents, auxiliary, agreement, spelling.

Scenario 3: Structuring a Composition

Choose a topic — "My town" or "My school." Write a 4-paragraph plan: introduction, narration, description, argument.

Scenario 4: Giving Feedback

A friend writes: Salut, Monsieur le Directeur. Je peux avoir plus de temps pour mon projet ? Give two pieces of feedback, one positive and one suggesting improvement.

23. Group Activity

Activity: Register Workshop

Work in groups of four. Each group receives a topic (a party, a school event, a request).

Each member writes the same message in a different register (informal, semi-formal, formal, and one of choice).

Groups share their versions and compare.

Discuss: What changed? What stayed the same? Why?

Vote on the best version in each register.

Present the strongest example to the class.

24. Individual Activity

Activity: Rewrite in Three Registers

Choose one of these messages and rewrite it in three registers — informal, semi-formal, and formal:

"I cannot come to school tomorrow because I am sick."

"I want to invite you to my birthday party."

"I need help with my homework."

Each version should have:

A greeting appropriate to the register.

The main message.

A closing appropriate to the register.

25. Mini Project

Project: A Register Portfolio

Create a small portfolio with the same message written in all three registers. It should contain:

A cover page with your name and the title "Mon Portfolio de Registres."

The informal version (with a friendly greeting and closing).

The semi-formal version (polite but warm).

The formal version (structured and respectful).

A short note explaining when you would use each version.

A small drawing or ASCII illustration.

MINI PROJECT — REGISTER PORTFOLIO ================================= +----------------------------------+ | MON PORTFOLIO DE REGISTRES | | --------------------------------| | | | Nom : [Votre nom] | | | | 1. INFORMAL: | | "Salut ! …" | | | | 2. SEMI-FORMAL: | | "Bonjour, …" | | | | 3. FORMAL: | | "Madame, Monsieur, …" | | | | [ Small drawing ] | +----------------------------------+

26. Practical Assignment

Assignment: The Final Project

Write a 300–350 word composition in French. Choose one of these topics or one of your own:

My town and its future

An important day in my life

Why education matters

My dreams for my country

A person who inspires me

Your composition must include:

Narration: at least 5 sentences using past tenses (imparfait and passé composé).

Description: at least 3 sentences describing a person, place, or feeling.

Argument: at least 4 sentences expressing an opinion, with a thesis, reasons, and a counter-argument.

Register: consistent throughout.

Grammar: correct auxiliaries, agreement, pronouns, and at least one use of the subjunctive.

Structure: introduction, development (2+ paragraphs), and conclusion.

After writing, apply the self-editing checklist. Then ask a teacher, parent, or friend to read it and give feedback. Revise and submit the final version.

27. Key Takeaways

Register is the style of language used in a situation.

The three registers are informal, semi-formal, and formal.

Choose register based on the reader.

Revision is where good writing becomes great.

Use a self-editing checklist every time.

A multi-paragraph composition has an introduction, development, and conclusion.

Integrated writing combines narration, description, and argument.

Feedback is a mirror — give and receive it well.

The final project combines everything you have learned.

Keep writing after this course. That is how you grow.

28. Classroom Discussion Questions

Why does French have three registers instead of two?

Can you think of a time when you used the wrong register in writing? What happened?

Why is revision so important for good writing?

Which register do you find easiest to write in? Which is hardest?

How does the register change the rhythm of a sentence?

Why do you think the final project combines narration, description, and argument?

What was the most useful thing you learned in this course?

What will you keep practising after the course ends?

29. Preparation for the Next Course

You have completed the Intermediate French course. What comes next?

Where to Go From Here

Path Focus

Upper-Intermediate French (B2) Literary tenses, debate, nuance, sustained argumentation

DELF B1 exam preparation All four skills, exam format, timed writing

Specialised writing courses Business French, academic writing, creative writing

Independent practice Journals, pen pals, reading French books and news

A Sneak Peek at B2

WHAT COMES NEXT — B2 PREVIEW ============================ In the Upper-Intermediate course, you will learn: * Le passé simple (literary past tense) * Le plus-que-parfait (past before past) * Le subjonctif passé (past subjunctive) * Le discours rapporté (reported speech) * Nuanced argumentation (debate, concession) Example: "Bien qu'il ait étudié, il a échoué." (Although he had studied, he failed.) Get ready for the next level!

Final Words

Take a moment to celebrate. You have finished a full intermediate French course. You can write in French. You can tell stories, describe, and argue. You can adapt your register. You can revise your own work.

These skills will serve you for the rest of your life — in school, at work, and in your personal life.

Keep a journal in French. Write to a pen pal. Read French stories. Watch French films. Talk to French speakers when you can.

The best way to keep a language is to keep using it. And you are ready to use yours.

Bravo, et bonne continuation !

French Intermediate — Module 6: Integrated Writing

End of Module 6 and End of the Intermediate French Course. Well done!

Félicitations — vous avez terminé le cours de français intermédiaire !

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Subject	Aller	Example
je	vais	je vais manger
tu	vas	tu vas manger
il / elle / on	va	il va manger
nous	allons	nous allons manger
vous	allez	vous allez manger
ils / elles	vont	ils vont manger

Subject	Ending	Example with parler
je	-ai	je parlerai
tu	-as	tu parleras
il / elle / on	-a	il parlera
nous	-ons	nous parlerons
vous	-ez	vous parlerez
ils / elles	-ont	ils parleront

Infinitive	Stem	Example (je)	Meaning
parler	parler-	je parlerai	I will speak
finir	finir-	je finirai	I will finish
vendre	vendr-	je vendrai	I will sell
étudier	étudier-	j'étudierai	I will study

Verb	Future Stem	Example (je)	Meaning
être	ser-	je serai	I will be
avoir	aur-	j'aurai	I will have
aller	ir-	j'irai	I will go
faire	fer-	je ferai	I will do
venir	viendr-	je viendrai	I will come
voir	verr-	je verrai	I will see
pouvoir	pourr-	je pourrai	I will be able to
vouloir	voudr-	je voudrai	I will want
savoir	saur-	je saurai	I will know
devoir	devr-	je devrai	I will have to
envoyer	enverr-	j'enverrai	I will send
recevoir	recevr-	je recevrai	I will receive
prendre	prendr-	je prendrai	I will take
mettre	mettr-	je mettrai	I will put
courir	courr-	je courrai	I will run

Situation	Tense	Example
Very near future	Futur proche	Je vais manger. (I am going to eat.)
Plans already decided	Futur proche	Nous allons partir demain.
Predictions	Futur simple	Il pleuvra demain.
Promises	Futur simple	Je t'aiderai. (I will help you.)
Formal writing	Futur simple	Le président parlera demain.
Far future	Futur simple	Dans vingt ans, tout changera.
Everyday speech	Futur proche	Je vais appeler ma mère.

Subject	Ending	Example with parler
je	-ais	je parlerais
tu	-ais	tu parlerais
il / elle / on	-ait	il parlerait
nous	-ions	nous parlerions
vous	-iez	vous parleriez
ils / elles	-aient	ils parleraient

French	English
Je voudrais…	I would like…
J'aimerais…	I would love…
Pourriez-vous… ?	Could you… ?
Pourrais-tu… ?	Could you… ? (informal)
Est-ce que je pourrais… ?	Could I… ?
Ce serait bien.	That would be nice.

French	English
Je voyagerais autour du monde.	I would travel around the world.
J'achèterais une grande maison.	I would buy a big house.
Nous aiderions les pauvres.	We would help the poor.
Il serait très content.	He would be very happy.
Elles feraient un grand voyage.	They would take a big trip.

Si clause (condition)	Main clause (result)
Si + présent	futur simple / futur proche / impératif

Si clause (condition)	Main clause (result)
Si + imparfait	conditionnel présent

Si clause (condition)	Main clause (result)
Si + plus-que-parfait	conditionnel passé

Wrong	Right	Why
Si j'aurais de l'argent…	Si j'avais de l'argent…	Never use conditional after si
Je verai	Je verrai	Voir has a double r in the future stem
Je parlerai (when "would" is meant)	Je parlerais	Future vs conditional endings
Si j'étais toi, je ferais… (correct)	Si j'étais toi, je ferais…	Both verbs must match the pattern

Sentence	Tense / Structure	Job
Cette semaine, je vais me préparer…	Futur proche	Near future plan
Je vais étudier tous les jours…	Futur proche	Near future plan
Le mois prochain, je passerai…	Futur simple	Further future
Si je réussis, je fêterai…	Si + présent + futur	Likely condition
J'aimerais étudier…	Conditionnel	Wish
Ce serait un grand honneur…	Conditionnel	Imagined situation
Si j'avais assez d'argent, je voyagerais…	Si + imparfait + conditionnel	Unlikely condition
Je travaillerai dur, et je réussirai.	Futur simple	Promise

French	English
J'aimerais…	I would love…
Je voudrais…	I would like…
Je rêve de…	I dream of…
Mon rêve est de…	My dream is to…
Un jour, je…	One day, I will…

French	English	Simple Definition
le futur proche	the near future	The "going to" future
le futur simple	the simple future	The "will" future
le conditionnel	the conditional	The "would" form
un infinitif	an infinitive	The base form of a verb (e.g. parler)
un radical	a stem	The base part of a verb
une terminaison	an ending	The letters added to the stem
un projet	a plan	Something you intend to do
un rêve	a dream	Something you wish for
un souhait	a wish	Something you hope for
l'avenir	the future	Time that has not yet come
un jour	one day	At some point in the future
bientôt	soon	In a short time
prochain	next	Coming after this one
dernier	last	Coming before this one
si	if	Introduces a condition

Mistake	Why It Is Wrong	Correct Version
Si j'aurais de l'argent…	Never use conditional after si	Si j'avais de l'argent…
Je verai	Missing the double r in the stem	Je verrai
Je parlerai (when "would" is meant)	Future vs conditional endings	Je parlerais
Je vais aller (for "I will go")	Means "I am going to go," not "I will go"	J'irai
Nous allons partirons	Double future form	Nous allons partir OR Nous partirons
Je serai (when "would be" is meant)	Future vs conditional endings	Je serais

Feature	Futur Proche	Futur Simple
Main use	Near, certain future	Further future, predictions
English equivalent	going to	will
Formation	aller (present) + infinitive	stem + endings
Irregular verbs	Only aller (in present)	Many irregular stems
Register	Everyday speech	Formal writing, predictions
Common signal words	ce soir, demain, bientôt	un jour, dans dix ans, l'année prochaine
Example	Je vais manger.	Je mangerai.

	Futur Simple	Conditionnel
Meaning	will	would
Stem	futur stem	same futur stem
Endings	-ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont	-ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient
Example (je)	je parlerai	je parlerais
Use	Future events, promises	Politeness, wishes, hypotheticals

Pattern	Si clause	Main clause	Example
Likely	si + présent	futur	Si j'étudie, je réussirai.
Unlikely	si + imparfait	conditionnel	Si j'avais de l'argent, je voyagerais.
Impossible	si + plus-que-parfait	conditionnel passé	Si j'avais étudié, j'aurais réussi.

French	English
1. Je vais manger.	A. I would travel.
2. Je mangerai.	B. If I had money…
3. Je mangerais.	C. I am going to eat.
4. Si j'avais de l'argent…	D. I will eat.
5. Je voyagerais.	E. I would eat.

Verb	Future Stem
1. être	A. ir-
2. avoir	B. ser-
3. aller	C. fer-
4. faire	D. aur-
5. voir	E. verr-

Type	What It Replaces	Examples
Direct object pronoun	The thing or person receiving the action directly	le, la, les
Indirect object pronoun	The person receiving the action indirectly (to whom?)	lui, leur

Pronoun	Replaces	Example	Meaning
le	Masculine singular noun	Je le vois.	I see him / it.
la	Feminine singular noun	Je la vois.	I see her / it.
les	Plural noun (any gender)	Je les vois.	I see them.
l'	Before a vowel or silent h	Je l'aime.	I love him / her / it.

Pronoun	Replaces	Example	Meaning
lui	à + singular person	Je lui parle.	I speak to him / her.
leur	à + plural people	Je leur parle.	I speak to them.

Original sentence	With y	Meaning
Je vais à Paris.	J'y vais.	I am going there.
Je pense à mes vacances.	J'y pense.	I think about them (my holidays).
Nous habitons dans cette maison.	Nous y habitons.	We live there.

Original sentence	With en	Meaning
J'ai trois livres.	J'en ai trois.	I have three of them.
Je veux du riz.	J'en veux.	I want some.
Tu manges des fruits ?	Tu en manges ?	Do you eat some?

French language Intermediary

1

Course Outline

2

Module One

3

Module Two

4

Module Three

5

Module Four

6

Module Five

7

Module Six

Original sentence	With en	Meaning
Je parle de mon projet.	J'en parle.	I speak about it.
Il a peur des chiens.	Il en a peur.	He is afraid of them.
Nous avons besoin d'aide.	Nous en avons besoin.	We need some.

Tense	Position	Example
Present	Before the verb	Je le vois.
Passé composé	Before the auxiliary	Je l'ai vu.
Futur proche	Before the infinitive	Je vais le voir.
Futur simple	Before the verb	Je le verrai.
Negation	Between ne and the verb	Je ne le vois pas.

Direct Object Pronoun	Participle Agreement	Example
le (masc. sing.)	no change	Je l'ai vu.
la (fem. sing.)	add -e	Je l'ai vue.
les (masc. plural)	add -s	Je les ai vus.
les (fem. plural)	add -es	Je les ai vues.

Direct	Indirect	Combined	Meaning
le	lui	le lui	it to him / her
la	lui	la lui	it (f.) to him / her
les	lui	les lui	them to him / her
le	leur	le leur	it to them
les	leur	les leur	them to them

Original sentence	With y and en	Meaning
Je vais au marché pour acheter des fruits.	J'y en achète.	I buy some there.
Il y a des livres dans la bibliothèque.	Il y en a.	There are some there.
Nous allons à la fête et nous apportons des gâteaux.	Nous y en apportons.	We bring some there.

Affirmative	Negative	Meaning
Je le vois.	Je ne le vois pas.	I do not see him.
Je lui parle.	Je ne lui parle pas.	I do not speak to him.
J'y vais.	Je n'y vais pas.	I am not going there.
J'en veux.	Je n'en veux pas.	I do not want any.
Je l'ai vu.	Je ne l'ai pas vu.	I did not see him.

Wrong	Right	Why
Je vois le.	Je le vois.	Pronoun goes before the verb
Je lui vois.	Je le vois.	Direct object, not indirect
Je l'ai vu (for la fille)	Je l'ai vue.	Agreement with direct object
Je le parle (with de)	J'en parle.	Verbs with de use en
Je ne vois le pas.	Je ne le vois pas.	Pronoun inside negation sandwich

Sentence	Pronoun Type	What It Replaces
Je l'ai regardé…	Direct object (l')	le vélo
Je lui ai répondu…	Indirect object (lui)	au vendeur
Il me l'a prêté.	Double pronoun (me + l')	à moi + le vélo
Je l'ai essayé…	Direct object (l')	le vélo
Je ne l'ai pas acheté.	Direct object with negation	le vélo
J'y pense…	Y (à + thing)	au vélo
Je vais y retourner…	Y with futur proche	au magasin
J'en parle…	En (de + thing)	du vélo

Pronoun	Type	Replaces	Example	Meaning
le	Direct object	masc. sing. noun	Je le vois.	I see it / him.
la	Direct object	fem. sing. noun	Je la vois.	I see it / her.
les	Direct object	plural noun	Je les vois.	I see them.
l'	Direct object	before a vowel	Je l'aime.	I love him / her / it.
lui	Indirect object	à + sing. person	Je lui parle.	I speak to him / her.
leur	Indirect object	à + plural people	Je leur parle.	I speak to them.
y	Adverbial pronoun	place or à + thing	J'y vais.	I am going there.
en	Adverbial pronoun	de + noun or quantity	J'en veux.	I want some.

French	English	Simple Definition
un pronom	a pronoun	A small word that replaces a noun
un objet direct	a direct object	The thing receiving the action directly
un objet indirect	an indirect object	The person receiving the action indirectly
le, la, les	it, him, her, them	Direct object pronouns
lui, leur	to him / her, to them	Indirect object pronouns
y	there	Replaces a place or thing with à
en	some / of it	Replaces a thing with de or a quantity
l'accord	agreement	When the participle matches the pronoun
l'ordre	the order	The position of pronouns in a sentence
répéter	to repeat	To say the same thing again
remplacer	to replace	To put one thing in place of another
une phrase	a sentence	A group of words that makes sense
un dialogue	a dialogue	A conversation between people
prêter	to lend	To give something for a while
donner	to give	To hand something to someone

Mistake	Why It Is Wrong	Correct Version
Je vois le.	Pronoun must come before verb	Je le vois.
Je lui vois.	Direct object, not indirect	Je le vois.
Je l'ai vu (for feminine)	Missing agreement	Je l'ai vue.
Je le parle (with de)	Should use en	J'en parle.
Je ne vois le pas.	Wrong negation position	Je ne le vois pas.
Je le lui ai donné (if word order is wrong)	Order: direct first, then indirect	Je le lui ai donné. (correct order)

Feature	Direct Object Pronouns	Indirect Object Pronouns
Pronouns	le, la, les, l'	lui, leur
Replaces	The thing or person receiving the action directly	The person receiving the action through "to"
Question answered	What? Whom?	To whom?
Agreement in passé composé	Yes	No
Example	Je le vois.	Je lui parle.

Feature	Y	En
Replaces	Place or thing with à	Thing with de or a quantity
Meaning	there	some / of it / of them
Example	J'y vais.	J'en veux.
Position	Before the verb	Before the verb
Order when combined	First	Second

French	English
1. Je le vois.	A. I speak to them.
2. Je la vois.	B. I am going there.
3. Je lui parle.	C. I see it (masculine).
4. Je leur parle.	D. I want some.
5. J'y vais.	E. I speak to him.
6. J'en veux.	F. I see it (feminine).

Pronoun	Type
1. le	A. Indirect object (plural)
2. lui	B. Adverbial (place)
3. leur	C. Direct object (masc. sing.)
4. y	D. Adverbial (quantity / de)
5. en	E. Indirect object (singular)

Pronoun	English	Used for
qui	who / which / that	The subject of the clause
que	whom / which / that	The direct object of the clause
dont	of whom / of which / whose	After verbs or expressions with de
où	where / when	Places and times
ce qui	what (subject)	An unknown thing as subject
ce que	what (object)	An unknown thing as object

Two sentences	One sentence with qui
J'ai un ami. Il habite à Lagos.	J'ai un ami qui* habite à Lagos.*
Voici la maison. Elle est grande.	Voici la maison qui* est grande.*
J'aime le livre. Il est intéressant.	J'aime le livre qui* est intéressant.*

Two sentences	One sentence with que
J'ai un livre. Je lis le livre.	Le livre que* je lis est intéressant.*
Voici la maison. Nous avons acheté la maison.	Voici la maison que* nous avons achetée.*
J'aime le film. Tu as vu le film.	J'aime le film que* tu as vu.*

Pronoun	Followed by	Example
qui	A VERB	L'homme qui* parle…*
que	A SUBJECT + VERB	L'homme que* je vois…*

Expression	Meaning
parler de	to speak about
avoir besoin de	to need
avoir peur de	to be afraid of
rêver de	to dream of
se souvenir de	to remember
être fier de	to be proud of
avoir envie de	to feel like

Two sentences	One sentence with dont
Voici le livre. Je parle du livre.	Voici le livre dont* je parle.*
J'ai un ami. J'ai besoin de cet ami.	J'ai un ami dont* j'ai besoin.*
C'est la fille. Son père est médecin.	C'est la fille dont* le père est médecin.*

Two sentences	One sentence with où
Voici la maison. J'habite dans cette maison.	Voici la maison où j'habite.
C'est le jour. Nous nous sommes rencontrés ce jour.	C'est le jour où nous nous sommes rencontrés.
La ville est belle. Je suis né dans cette ville.	La ville où je suis né est belle.

French	English
Ce qui est important, c'est la famille.	What is important is family.
Ce que je veux, c'est un vélo.	What I want is a bicycle.
Ce qui me surprend, c'est son talent.	What surprises me is his talent.
Ce que tu dis est vrai.	What you are saying is true.

Two sentences	Combined	Why
J'ai un ami. Il est médecin.	J'ai un ami qui* est médecin.*	Subject (followed by verb)
Voici le livre. Tu m'as donné le livre.	Voici le livre que* tu m'as donné.*	Direct object
Voici la maison. Je parle de cette maison.	Voici la maison dont* je parle.*	Verb with de
Voici l'école. J'étudie dans cette école.	Voici l'école où j'étudie.	Place

Tense	Example	Meaning
Présent	L'homme qui parle est mon oncle.	The man who is speaking is my uncle.
Passé composé	L'homme qui a parlé est mon oncle.	The man who spoke is my uncle.
Imparfait	L'homme qui parlait est mon oncle.	The man who was speaking is my uncle.
Futur simple	L'homme qui parlera est mon oncle.	The man who will speak is my uncle.
Conditionnel	L'homme qui parlerait est mon oncle.	The man who would speak is my uncle.

Simple version	Complex version
J'ai un ami. Il habite à Lagos. Il est médecin.	J'ai un ami qui* habite à Lagos et qui est médecin.*
Voici la maison. Ma mère a acheté la maison. Elle est grande.	Voici la maison que* ma mère a achetée et qui est grande.*
Voici le livre. Je parle du livre. Tu m'as donné le livre.	Voici le livre dont* je parle et que tu m'as donné.*

Wrong	Right	Why
L'homme que parle…	L'homme qui parle…	Qui is followed by a verb
Le livre que je parle…	Le livre dont je parle…	Parler de needs dont
La maison que j'ai acheté…	La maison que j'ai achetée…	Agreement with direct object
La maison que j'habite…	La maison où j'habite…	Où is for places
Qui me plaît…	Ce qui me plaît…	No specific noun

Pronoun	Sentence	Job
qui	une personne qui compte…	Subject of the verb
où	un village où tout le monde…	Place
où	la maison où il habite…	Place
que	des histoires que personne ne connaît…	Direct object
que	la chose que j'admire…	Direct object
dont	un homme dont je suis fier…	Expression with de
ce qui	ce qui me plaît le plus…	Unknown subject
ce que	ce que je préfère…	Unknown object

French	English	Simple Definition
un pronom relatif	a relative pronoun	A word that connects two ideas
qui	who / which / that	Replaces the subject
que	whom / which / that	Replaces the direct object
dont	whose / of which	Replaces a noun with de
où	where / when	Replaces a place or time
ce qui	what (subject)	Unknown thing as subject
ce que	what (object)	Unknown thing as object
une phrase complexe	a complex sentence	A sentence with two or more ideas
un portrait	a portrait	A written description of a person
combiner	to combine	To join two things together
relier	to connect	To join ideas
décrire	to describe	To say what something is like
le sujet	the subject	The person or thing doing the action
l'objet direct	the direct object	The thing receiving the action
une idée	an idea	A thought

Mistake	Why It Is Wrong	Correct Version
L'homme que parle…	Wrong pronoun for subject	L'homme qui parle…
Le livre que je parle…	Verb uses de	Le livre dont je parle…
La maison que j'ai acheté…	Missing agreement	La maison que j'ai achetée…
La maison que j'habite…	Needs où for place	La maison où j'habite…
Qui me plaît…	No specific noun	Ce qui me plaît…
Ce que est important…	Wrong form of "what"	Ce qui est important…