abbreviations

Learn the different ways to shorten words and phrases in French.

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Vocabulary Lists

Apocopes

French appocopes
Many French nouns and adjectives have shortened forms called apocopes, which are created by dropping one or more syllables at the end of the word. Some of these are further modified by adding o to the end.

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Grammar Lessons

Fractions

French fractions
In both French and English, there's a lot of overlap between fractions and ordinals: the vast majority of these two types of numbers share the same word. In English, they are identical from "third" on up, while in French they're the same starting with cinquième.

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Expressions

Jour J

Le jour J
The big day is here when you can learn about the French expression le jour J.

   

Vocabulary Lists

Ordinal Numbers

French ordinal numbers
Ordinal numbers are essential for lists: they denote the rank, position, or order of items in a group, whether that group is made up of people, objects, or things to do.

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Expressions

RSVP

RSVP
I invite you to read this lesson on the French acronym RSVP - please respond.

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Vocabulary Lists

Texting

French texting abbreviations
There are many varieties of French, but perhaps one of the most elusive is French texting: the bewildering assortment of abbreviations, acronyms, and even symbols used in email, text messaging (SMS), social media, chatrooms, and forums.

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Expressions

TTC

French receipt showing TTC
Learn how to read the alphabet soup (TTC, HT, TVA, CB) on a French receipt.