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.
Common French Mistakes Quiz
See if you get caught by dozens of common French mistakes.
See if you get caught by dozens of common French mistakes.
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.
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.
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.
Adjectives with special forms
Since French adjectives usually have to agree with the nouns they modify in gender and number, most of them have up to four forms. But there are several French adjectives that have an additional variation: a special form that is used when the adjective precedes a word that begins with a vowel or mute H.
Since French adjectives usually have to agree with the nouns they modify in gender and number, most of them have up to four forms. But there are several French adjectives that have an additional variation: a special form that is used when the adjective precedes a word that begins with a vowel or mute H.
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.
Fickle French Adjectives
There are a number of French adjectives which have different meanings depending on where they are placed. Generally speaking, when the adjective precedes the noun, it has a figurative or subjective meaning, whereas the adjective which follows the noun has a literal or objective meaning.
There are a number of French adjectives which have different meanings depending on where they are placed. Generally speaking, when the adjective precedes the noun, it has a figurative or subjective meaning, whereas the adjective which follows the noun has a literal or objective meaning.
Free - French Lesson
The English word free can be an adjective, adverb, verb, or noun and has a number of different meanings, which can make it difficult to translate free into French. Take a look at this lesson on how to say free in French.
The English word free can be an adjective, adverb, verb, or noun and has a number of different meanings, which can make it difficult to translate free into French. Take a look at this lesson on how to say free in French.
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.
H muet vs H aspiré
There are two different kinds of H's in French, and neither one is pronounced. However, one requires contractions and liaisons, while the other forbids them. Which is which?
There are two different kinds of H's in French, and neither one is pronounced. However, one requires contractions and liaisons, while the other forbids them. Which is which?
How to Pronounce the French R
The letter R is arguably the most difficult sound in the French language, but it doesn't have to be.
The letter R is arguably the most difficult sound in the French language, but it doesn't have to be.
How to Pronounce the French U
The letter U is another extremely difficult sound for many students - take a look at this step-by-step explanation.
The letter U is another extremely difficult sound for many students - take a look at this step-by-step explanation.
Indefinite Relative Pronouns (Ce qui, Ce que, Ce dont, Quoi)
Indefinite relative pronouns link relative clauses to a main clause when there is no specific antecedent.
Indefinite relative pronouns link relative clauses to a main clause when there is no specific antecedent.
Lequel
Lequel is arguably the most difficult French pronoun. In addition to the fact that it belongs to two different categories of pronouns, lequel has to agree with its antecedent and contract with certain prepositions. Learn everything you need to know about this troublesome pronoun with this lesson.
Lequel is arguably the most difficult French pronoun. In addition to the fact that it belongs to two different categories of pronouns, lequel has to agree with its antecedent and contract with certain prepositions. Learn everything you need to know about this troublesome pronoun with this lesson.
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.
French Nouns with Two Genders
There are a number of French nouns which have different meanings depending on whether they are masculine or feminine.
There are a number of French nouns which have different meanings depending on whether they are masculine or feminine.
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.
Relative Pronouns (Qui, Que, Dont, Où)
Just as in English, a relative pronoun links a dependent/relative clause to a main clause. There are no standard translations for these words; depending on context, the English equivalents are who, whom, that, which, whose, where, or when. In French, relative pronouns are required, whereas in English, they are sometimes optional.
Just as in English, a relative pronoun links a dependent/relative clause to a main clause. There are no standard translations for these words; depending on context, the English equivalents are who, whom, that, which, whose, where, or when. In French, relative pronouns are required, whereas in English, they are sometimes optional.
Se
Se is one of the most often misused French pronouns. It can only be used in two kinds of constructions, so check out this lesson to get "unconfused." :-)
Se is one of the most often misused French pronouns. It can only be used in two kinds of constructions, so check out this lesson to get "unconfused." :-)
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.
Silent Letters
One of the difficulties in French pronunciation is all of the silent letters. This lesson gives you some tips for memorizing which letters are silent... and why.
One of the difficulties in French pronunciation is all of the silent letters. This lesson gives you some tips for memorizing which letters are silent... and why.
Soi
Soi is another oft-confused French pronoun. It is used only for unspecified persons. Need more info? See the lesson!
Soi is another oft-confused French pronoun. It is used only for unspecified persons. Need more info? See the lesson!
Spanish is Easier than French... Not!
There is a common myth among English speakers that Spanish is much easier to learn than French. While it's true that some aspects of French pronunciation and spelling are more difficult than Spanish, there are also things in Spanish that are more difficult than French. This article is a detailed comparison of the two languages so that you can decide for yourself if one of them is more difficult.
There is a common myth among English speakers that Spanish is much easier to learn than French. While it's true that some aspects of French pronunciation and spelling are more difficult than Spanish, there are also things in Spanish that are more difficult than French. This article is a detailed comparison of the two languages so that you can decide for yourself if one of them is more difficult.
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.
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.
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.
Règles d'écriture
Just for fun - a list of French grammar rules whose descriptions break the very rule they are describing (en français).
Just for fun - a list of French grammar rules whose descriptions break the very rule they are describing (en français).