PHRASES FRANCAISE POSITION MOTS DES UNES DANS
POSITION DES MOTS DANS UNE PHRASE FRANCAISE
If you follow the next rules, youll never get the words in the wrong place.
RULE 1 Unlike the English language, in French adjectives go after the noun. Eg: a red car Une voiture rouge
EXCEPTIONS You didnt really think it would be that straight forward, did you?!
EXCEPTION TO RULE 1 Ancien Beau bon Gentil Grand Gros Haut Jeune Joli Long Mauvais Nouveau Propre Petit Premier Cher Vieux vilain Rule 1 does not apply to the following adjectives. They come before the noun
EXERCISE (Answers on the next slide) Its a French car, isnt it? Its a small brown animal. I live in a very pretty house in the surbubs. Theyve planted new trees. I think they are very intelligent pupils.
ANSWERS Cest une voiture française, nest-ce pas? Cest un petit animal marron. Jhabite une belle maison dans la banlieue. Ils ont planté de nouveaux arbres. Je pense que ce sont des élèves très intelligents.
RULE 2 Some adjectives will change the meaning of the sentence according to whether they are put before or after the noun. See next slide for a list.
Before the nounAfter the noun Ancienformerold BraveGood/nicebrave Certainundefinedsure Cherbelovedexpensive DernierLast (of series)previous GrandGreatBig/tall PauvrePoor (to be pitied)Poor (not rich) PropreOwnclean prochainNext (in series)Next (following)
POSITION OF ADVERBS Adverbs go after the verb. Eg: I eat a lot Je mange beaucoup
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE VERB IS MADE OF 2 BITS? Well, it depends on the length of the adverb. If the adverb is short, it goes between the 2 parts of the verb. Eg: She left quickly Elle est vite partie If the adverb is too long, it goes after the second part of the verb. Eg: She explained slowly Elle a expliqué lentement
Got it?! Have a go yourselves
EXERCISE I received a long and interesting letter from an old friend. Ive moved into a new flat. Its a clean and bright place. Ive talked to her enough. Shes a very boring person. She speaks French perfectly. You must work hard to get good grades.
ANSWERS Jai reçu une longue lettre intéressante dun vieil ami. Jai emmenagé dans un nouvel appartement. Cest un endroit propre et ensoleillé. Je lui ai assez parlé. Cest une personne très ennuyeuse. Elle parle parfaitement français. Vous devez travailler dur pour avoir de bonnes notes.
And now, all youve got to do is learn all that by heart!