formalities

Formal French

Français formel

This index includes a variety of French words, expressions, pronunciations, and grammatical and structures required in formal communciation.

For an explanation of the difference between formal and literary, see What is register?

Expressions

Bien entendu

Of course it must be understood that bien entendu is a formal expression.

  formalities 

Expressions

Bon gré mal gré

You really should read this lesson on the French expression bon gré mal gré, even if it's reluctantly.

  formalities 

Châtier (formal) – to chastise, punish; to polish, refine

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb châtier.

  conjugation tables • formalities 

Chérir (literary) – to cherish, treasure, hold dear

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -ir French verb chérir.

  conjugation tables • formalities 

Commettre – to commit (a crime), make (a mistake); (formal) to appoint, nominate

Simple and compound conjugations for the irregular French verb commettre.

  conjugation tables • formalities 

Grammar Lessons

Conditional Perfect, Second Form

The second form of the conditional perfect is the literary equivalent of the conditional perfect.

  conjugation lessons • formalities • tenses moods voices 

Consumer – to consume, devour; to burn; (literary) to expend, squander

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb consumer.

  conjugation tables • formalities 

Expressions

Croire Expressions

The French verb croire, "to believe," is found in many idiomatic expressions, including to think so, to make no mistake, and to take someone's word for it. Learn these and dozens of other French expressions featuring croire.

  formalities • informalities 

Décéder – (formal) to die, pass away

Décéder is a stem-changing French verb that requires être in the compound tenses.

  conjugation tables • formalities 

Dévorer – to devour, consume; (formal) to hide, choke back

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb dévorer.

  conjugation tables • formalities 

Mistakes and Difficulties

E instable

In many words the letter e is potentially silent, a characteristic which has three French names: e caduc, e instable, and e muet. Though e muet is the most common term, e instable is the most accurate.

  C1 French Lessons and Practice - Advanced French • formalities • informalities 

Enfreindre (formal) – to infringe, to break

Simple and compound conjugations for the irregular French verb enfreindre.

  conjugation tables • formalities 

Enjoindre (formal) – to enjoin, charge (s.o. to do s.t.)

Simple and compound conjugations for the irregular French verb enjoindre.

  conjugation tables • formalities 

Étreindre (formal) – to embrace, hug; to clutch, seize, grasp

Simple and compound conjugations for the irregular French verb étreindre.

  conjugation tables • formalities 

Expressions

Falloir Expressions

The impersonal French verb falloir literally means "to be necessary" or "to need" and is used in many idiomatic expressions. Learn how to say far from it, that's more than we need, it takes all kinds, and more with this list of expressions with falloir.

  formalities • informalities