Common French Mistakes and Difficulties
There are numerous French characteristics that cause confusion for many if not most students of French. This page includes links to areas of common mistakes and difficulty to help you overcome these issues once and for all.
French Proofreading and Editing Tips
Whether re-checking homework, proofreading a paper, or verifying a translation, there are key problem areas to look at. This list indicates areas of confusion and common mistakes and has links to explanations. Before you turn it in, check your work.
Whether re-checking homework, proofreading a paper, or verifying a translation, there are key problem areas to look at. This list indicates areas of confusion and common mistakes and has links to explanations. Before you turn it in, check your work.
Confusing French Pairs Quiz
How well do you understand the difference between confusing French pairs like savoir/connaître, tu/vous, and passé composé/imparfait? This automatic-scoring quiz will ask up to 200 questions on 20 different confusing French topics to help you pinpoint your most common mistakes.
How well do you understand the difference between confusing French pairs like savoir/connaître, tu/vous, and passé composé/imparfait? This automatic-scoring quiz will ask up to 200 questions on 20 different confusing French topics to help you pinpoint your most common mistakes.
Beginning French Mistakes
Ten of the most common French mistakes made by beginners, so that you can fix these problems right from the beginning.
Ten of the most common French mistakes made by beginners, so that you can fix these problems right from the beginning.
Intermediate French Mistakes
After learning French for a while, you've probably found some things you just can't figure out how to say, or that people are always correcting you on. These may be issues that you haven't been taught yet, or concepts that you've studied but just don't get. As an intermediate French speaker, you still have plenty of time to fix these mistakes before they fossilize in your mind.
After learning French for a while, you've probably found some things you just can't figure out how to say, or that people are always correcting you on. These may be issues that you haven't been taught yet, or concepts that you've studied but just don't get. As an intermediate French speaker, you still have plenty of time to fix these mistakes before they fossilize in your mind.
High-Intermediate French Mistakes
High-intermediate means your French is pretty good - you excel in everyday situations, and can even hold your own in long discussions, but there are still some issues that you can't seem to get the hang of, or that you simply don't remember five minutes after looking them up. Here are ten of the most common high-intermediate French mistakes with links to lessons.
High-intermediate means your French is pretty good - you excel in everyday situations, and can even hold your own in long discussions, but there are still some issues that you can't seem to get the hang of, or that you simply don't remember five minutes after looking them up. Here are ten of the most common high-intermediate French mistakes with links to lessons.
Advanced French Mistakes
If you speak French at an advanced level, congratulations! You may not be fluent yet, but you're definitely on your way. Nonetheless, there are probably a few concepts you can use a bit of help with. Oftentimes these are small details that don't affect your listener's comprehension, but mistakes are mistakes and if you want to be fluent you need to avoid them.
If you speak French at an advanced level, congratulations! You may not be fluent yet, but you're definitely on your way. Nonetheless, there are probably a few concepts you can use a bit of help with. Oftentimes these are small details that don't affect your listener's comprehension, but mistakes are mistakes and if you want to be fluent you need to avoid them.
French Mistake of the Week
Mistakes will always be made in French, and now you can learn from them. In this feature, I analyze a different French mistake every week.
Mistakes will always be made in French, and now you can learn from them. In this feature, I analyze a different French mistake every week.
Pronunciation Mistakes and Difficulties
Many students find that pronunciation is the hardest part of learning French. The new sounds, the silent letters, the liaisons... they all combine to make speaking French very tricky. Here are the top French pronunciation difficulties and mistakes, with links to detailed lessons and sound files.
Many students find that pronunciation is the hardest part of learning French. The new sounds, the silent letters, the liaisons... they all combine to make speaking French very tricky. Here are the top French pronunciation difficulties and mistakes, with links to detailed lessons and sound files.
Accent Homographs
Think accents don't matter when writing or typing in French? Think again! There are dozens of French word pairs which are spelled (though not always pronounced) the same other than accents. To avoid confusion, you should always distinguish between these "accent homographs" by using the correct accents.
Think accents don't matter when writing or typing in French? Think again! There are dozens of French word pairs which are spelled (though not always pronounced) the same other than accents. To avoid confusion, you should always distinguish between these "accent homographs" by using the correct accents.
Agreement
Agreement is arguably one of the most difficult aspects of the French language. This summary of the different types of agreement includes links to detailed lessons on each grammatical point.
Agreement is arguably one of the most difficult aspects of the French language. This summary of the different types of agreement includes links to detailed lessons on each grammatical point.
En and Y - Adverbial Pronouns
The adverbial pronouns y and en are so tiny that one might think their role in a sentence is not very important, but in fact quite the opposite is true. They are both extremely important in French.
The adverbial pronouns y and en are so tiny that one might think their role in a sentence is not very important, but in fact quite the opposite is true. They are both extremely important in French.
False Cognates - Faux amis
False cognates are words that look similar (or even identical) in French and English, but that have different meanings.
False cognates are words that look similar (or even identical) in French and English, but that have different meanings.
Gender Patterns
French gender is a constant headache for many students of French. There are some patterns in suffixes and word endings - certain endings tend to indicate masculine nouns, while other endings favor feminine nouns. These gender patterns are not fool-proof, but they can help you to figure out the gender of many French nouns.
French gender is a constant headache for many students of French. There are some patterns in suffixes and word endings - certain endings tend to indicate masculine nouns, while other endings favor feminine nouns. These gender patterns are not fool-proof, but they can help you to figure out the gender of many French nouns.
To Make - Learn how to translate "to make" into French
To make is a very general, very useful verb in English. Its French translations vary wildly, so take a look at this lesson to learn how to translate various meanings of "make" into French.
To make is a very general, very useful verb in English. Its French translations vary wildly, so take a look at this lesson to learn how to translate various meanings of "make" into French.
Manquer - To Miss
Manquer means to miss, but can cause confusion because it is sometimes used in an unusual construction. Does "Tu me manques" mean I miss you or You miss me? The answer and explanation is here - don't miss this lesson on the confusing French verb "to miss."
Manquer means to miss, but can cause confusion because it is sometimes used in an unusual construction. Does "Tu me manques" mean I miss you or You miss me? The answer and explanation is here - don't miss this lesson on the confusing French verb "to miss."
Modal Verbs in French
Modal verbs, also called modal auxiliaries or simply modals, are unconjugated English verbs which express the mood of a verb, such as ability, possibility, condition, and necessity. French does not have modal verbs, which can make it difficult to translate them from English.
Modal verbs, also called modal auxiliaries or simply modals, are unconjugated English verbs which express the mood of a verb, such as ability, possibility, condition, and necessity. French does not have modal verbs, which can make it difficult to translate them from English.
Nouveau vs Neuf - The French words for "new"
English speakers sometimes find it difficult to translate "new" into French, due to confusion over the French words "nouveau" and "neuf." In fact, the French adjectives have distinctly different meanings; the problem is actually caused by the fact that the English "new" has more than one meaning. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to remedy.
English speakers sometimes find it difficult to translate "new" into French, due to confusion over the French words "nouveau" and "neuf." In fact, the French adjectives have distinctly different meanings; the problem is actually caused by the fact that the English "new" has more than one meaning. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to remedy.
Passé composé vs Imparfait - French Past Tense
The passé composé and imparfait are used in conjunction to talk about the past in French. Read this detailed lesson to understand the difference between them.
The passé composé and imparfait are used in conjunction to talk about the past in French. Read this detailed lesson to understand the difference between them.
Si Clauses - French If... Then Clauses
Si clauses (also known as conditionals or conditional sentences) explain what will or would or would have happened if something else happens or happened or had happened. Learn all about them here.
Si clauses (also known as conditionals or conditional sentences) explain what will or would or would have happened if something else happens or happened or had happened. Learn all about them here.
Subjunctive - Le Subjonctif
Students of French tend to agree that the subjunctive is the most difficult verb form. The subjunctive mood is used to express actions which are subjective: will/wanting, emotion, doubt, possibility, necessity, judgment, etc., and is is nearly always found in dependent clauses introduced by que. Take a look at this lesson for conjugations and uses of the tricky French subjunctive.
Students of French tend to agree that the subjunctive is the most difficult verb form. The subjunctive mood is used to express actions which are subjective: will/wanting, emotion, doubt, possibility, necessity, judgment, etc., and is is nearly always found in dependent clauses introduced by que. Take a look at this lesson for conjugations and uses of the tricky French subjunctive.
Then in French: Ainsi, Alors, Donc vs Après, Ensuite, Puis
The word "then" has two distinct meanings: one related to consequence and the other to time. These meanings translate differently into in French, and the various synonyms further complicate matters.
The word "then" has two distinct meanings: one related to consequence and the other to time. These meanings translate differently into in French, and the various synonyms further complicate matters.
Verb Conjugation for Difficult Subjects
When you understand subject pronouns, tenses, moods, and how to conjugate French verbs, you're in great shape. There are however some grammatical subjects which make conjugation a bit more difficult.
When you understand subject pronouns, tenses, moods, and how to conjugate French verbs, you're in great shape. There are however some grammatical subjects which make conjugation a bit more difficult.
Verbs with Prepositions
Many French verbs require a certain preposition in order for the meaning of the verb to be complete. Learn about verbs and their prepositions here.
Many French verbs require a certain preposition in order for the meaning of the verb to be complete. Learn about verbs and their prepositions here.
What in French - How to translate what into French
French learners often have trouble deciding how to translate "what" into French. Should it be que or quoi, or maybe that pesky quel? Understanding the difference between these terms is critical to knowing how to use them correctly.
French learners often have trouble deciding how to translate "what" into French. Should it be que or quoi, or maybe that pesky quel? Understanding the difference between these terms is critical to knowing how to use them correctly.
Word Order
The order of words in a French sentence can be very confusing, due to dual-verb constructions, object and adverbial pronouns, inversion, imperatives, adverbs, and negative structures. Learn how to string them all together.
The order of words in a French sentence can be very confusing, due to dual-verb constructions, object and adverbial pronouns, inversion, imperatives, adverbs, and negative structures. Learn how to string them all together.
Confusing Pairs
Lessons to help you distinguish between oft-confused groups of French verbs, expressions, and grammatical structures, including passé composé vs imparfait, jour vs journée, amener vs emmener vs apporter vs emporter, quand vs lorsque, c'est vs il est, and 19 more.
Lessons to help you distinguish between oft-confused groups of French verbs, expressions, and grammatical structures, including passé composé vs imparfait, jour vs journée, amener vs emmener vs apporter vs emporter, quand vs lorsque, c'est vs il est, and 19 more.
French Foes
Links to additional lessons on grammar and other language issues that are particularly difficult for students of French.
Links to additional lessons on grammar and other language issues that are particularly difficult for students of French.
Actuellement - French Mistake
What's wrong with "actuellement"?
What's wrong with "actuellement"?
Beaucoup d'entre vous êtes - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "beaucoup d'entre vous êtes"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "beaucoup d'entre vous êtes"? Learn about this French mistake.
Beaucoup des - French Mistake
What's wrong with "beaucoup des"?
What's wrong with "beaucoup des"?
Bienvenu - French Mistake
What's wrong with "Bienvenu"?
What's wrong with "Bienvenu"?
Bon matin - French Mistake
What's wrong with "bon matin"?
What's wrong with "bon matin"?
Ce hôpital - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "ce hôpital"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "ce hôpital"? Learn about this French mistake.
Ces vs Ses - French Mistake
When writing, it's easy to mix up ces and ses. Learn how to avoid this potential French mistake.
When writing, it's easy to mix up ces and ses. Learn how to avoid this potential French mistake.
C'est une fait - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "c'est une fait"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "c'est une fait"? Learn about this French mistake.
Cet jeune homme - French Mistake
What's wrong with "cet jeune homme"?
What's wrong with "cet jeune homme"?
Cettes filles - French Mistake
What's wrong with "cettes filles"?
What's wrong with "cettes filles"?
Chapître - French Mistake
What's wrong with the French word "chapître"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with the French word "chapître"? Learn about this French mistake.
Chercher pour quelque chose - French Mistake
What's wrong with "chercher pour quelque chose"?
What's wrong with "chercher pour quelque chose"?
Demander une question - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "demander une question"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "demander une question"? Learn about this French mistake.
Écouter à la radio - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "écouter à la radio"?
What's wrong with saying "écouter à la radio"?
Il faut lui faire attention - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "il faut lui faire attention"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "il faut lui faire attention"? Learn about this French mistake.
Il l'a fait soi-même - French Mistake
What's wrong saying with "il l'a fait soi-même"?
What's wrong saying with "il l'a fait soi-même"?
Il m'a dit de ne bouger pas - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "il m'a dit de ne bouger pas"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "il m'a dit de ne bouger pas"? Learn about this French mistake.
Il m'a dit du faire - French Mistake
What's wrong with "il m'a dit du faire"?
What's wrong with "il m'a dit du faire"?
Il n'y a pas du pain - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "il n'y a pas du pain"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "il n'y a pas du pain"? Learn about this French mistake.
Il s'est fait piqué - French Mistake
What's wrong with "Il s'est fait piqué"?
What's wrong with "Il s'est fait piqué"?
Il y sera - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "il y sera"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "il y sera"? Learn about this French mistake.
Ils se sont parlés - French Mistake
What's wrong with "ils se sont parlés"?
What's wrong with "ils se sont parlés"?
J'ai lui dit - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "j'ai lui dit"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "j'ai lui dit"? Learn about this French mistake.
Je habite - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "je habite"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "je habite"? Learn about this French mistake.
Je n'ai dit pas - French Mistake
What's wrong with "je n'ai dit pas"?
What's wrong with "je n'ai dit pas"?
Je sais pas - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "je sais pas"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "je sais pas"? Learn about this French mistake.
J'espère que tu sois - French Mistake
What's wrong with "j'espère que tu sois"?
What's wrong with "j'espère que tu sois"?
Je suis 25 ans - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "je suis 25 ans"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "je suis 25 ans"? Learn about this French mistake.
Je suis fini - French Mistake
What's wrong with "je suis fini"?
What's wrong with "je suis fini"?
Je suis intéressé dans - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "je suis intéressé dans"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "je suis intéressé dans"? Learn about this French mistake.
Je suis lisant - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "je suis lisant"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "je suis lisant"? Learn about this French mistake.
Je suis plein - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "je suis plein"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "je suis plein"? Learn about this French mistake.
Je te manque - French Mistake
What's wrong with "je te manque" to mean "I miss you"?
What's wrong with "je te manque" to mean "I miss you"?
Je vais - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "je vais"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "je vais"? Learn about this French mistake.
Je veux que j'aie- French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "je veux que j'aie"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "je veux que j'aie"? Learn about this French mistake.
Je vous avez dit - French Mistake
What's wrong with "je vous avez dit"?
What's wrong with "je vous avez dit"?
Le moment quand - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "le moment quand"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "le moment quand"? Learn about this French mistake.
Notre anniversaire - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "notre anniversaire"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "notre anniversaire"? Learn about this French mistake.
On est allés - French Mistake
Is it wrong to write "on est allés"? Learn about this potential French mistake.
Is it wrong to write "on est allés"? Learn about this potential French mistake.
Parlez-vous Français ? - French Mistake
What's wrong with "parlez-vous Français"?
What's wrong with "parlez-vous Français"?
Peut-être il a faim - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "peut-être il a faim"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "peut-être il a faim"? Learn about this French mistake.
Pour un an - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "pour un an"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "pour un an"? Learn about this French mistake.
Provençe - French Mistake
What's wrong with "Provençe"?
What's wrong with "Provençe"?
Que livre - Quoi livre - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "que livre" or "quoi livre"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "que livre" or "quoi livre"? Learn about this French mistake.
Si vous voudriez - French Mistake
What's wrong with "si vous voudriez"?
What's wrong with "si vous voudriez"?
Tomber en amour - French Mistake
What's wrong with "tomber en amour"?
What's wrong with "tomber en amour"?
Tu ne fais pas ça - French Mistake
What's wrong with saying "tu ne fais pas ça"? Learn about this French mistake.
What's wrong with saying "tu ne fais pas ça"? Learn about this French mistake.
Tu peux s'asseoir - French Mistake
What's wrong with "tu peux s'asseoir"?
What's wrong with "tu peux s'asseoir"?