Grammar Lessons

Dans

The preposition dans usually means "in," but as always there are exceptions. Dans can't be followed directly by a noun - it's always followed by some kind of determiner, such as an article or possessive adjective.

  A1 - Beginning French • prepositions 

Expressions

Il y a quelque chose qui cloche

There's nothing wrong with this lesson on the French expression il y a quelque chose qui cloche.

Grammar Lessons

Inversion with Nouns

Inversion is not limited to pronouns - it can also be done with nouns and proper names, though this is a bit more complicated.

  formalities • nouns • verbs • word order 

Expressions

Passer Expressions

The French verb passer, "to pass," is found in many idiomatic expressions, including to slip into, be on TV, and miss one's turn. Learn these and dozens of other French expressions featuring passer.

Linguistics

Circumflex: â, ê, î, ô, û

The circumflex, aka "little hat," is the only French accent that may be found on any of the five vowels. In any given word, the circumflex may serve one or more purposes.

  accents • spelling 

Expressions

Catty French Expressions

Idiomatic expressions can add color to your French - or in this case, a cute animal. Click the links for detailed lessons including sound files and usage examples.

Expressions

Faire un froid de canard

Try not to get too cold with the French idiom faire un froid de canard.

  informalities 

Listening Practice

Informations personnelles

Easy video featuring essential vocabulary and grammar for describing oneself - name, age, phone number, marital status, etc.

  A2 - Low-Intermediate French 

Linguistics

Accents régionaux et discrimination linguistique

Like every language, French is spoken in a variety of different ways across the country (and around the world). Learn about the discrimination speakers of "non standard" French may face in this video with interactive subtitles.

  C1 - Advanced French 

Vocabulary Lists

Love Language

Love is in the air, and there's no better way to express it than in French, the language of love. Learn how to talk about love and friendship in French.

  A2 - Low-Intermediate French 

Expressions

Tomber amoureux

Fall in love with the French expression tomber amoureux.

Expressions

Yes – oui, ouais, ouah …

Saying yes in French is pretty simple, but there are quite a few synonyms and precisions to be aware of. Check out this lesson to learn how to say yes, yeah, sure, and more.

  informalities • synonyms 

Fun with French

Premier rendez-vous

Very fun and funny video about a young man hoping for a perfect first date.

  C1 - Advanced French 

Grammar Lessons

Adjective Position

French adjectives may be found before or after the nouns they modify, depending on various factors. Generally speaking, descriptive adjectives follow nouns, while limiting adjectives precede nouns.

  A2 - Low-Intermediate French • word order 

Reading Practice

Abbaye du Thoronet

Dans l'arrière-pays de Provence, à 30 kilomètres au sud-ouest de Draguignan, l'Abbaye du Thoronet est un chef-d'œuvre de l'art roman provençal.

  B1 - Intermediate French