Write an essay in French

Beyond the fact that writing an essay in French can be a good practice to improve your writing, you may also be asked to write one during your schooling. So, it is important to study the topic of French essay writing and get some useful tips..

» Tips and tricks for your French essay » The structure of a French essay » Sample French Essay

Tips and tricks for your French essay

When writing a French essay for school, you should always use a structured approach and good French skills to present your arguments in a focused way. Beyond French skills, there are also important formal requirements for a successful French essay. We will come back to this in detail later. First, you will find some useful tips and tricks that will help you write more compelling and better French essays in the future.

  • Have a clear thesis and structure
  • Do sufficient research and use reliable sources
  • Use examples and arguments to support your thesis
  • Avoid plagiarism and cite correctly
  • Always check structure, grammar and spelling

When you write your essay at school or university, you need to make sure that the general structure of your essay, the presentation of the arguments and, above all, your French language skills play a role in the mark you will get. This is why you should definitely take a closer look at the structure of an essay as well as the most important grammar rules and formulations for French essays.

The structure of a French essay

In an essay, you deal at length and in detail with a usually given topic. When you write an essay in French, you must follow a certain structure. Below we show you what this structure looks like and give you some tips for writing the most important parts of your essay.

french vocabulary for essays

The Introduction

The introduction prepares the main body of your essay. You think of a meaningful title for your essay, you describe your thesis or your question, you give general information on the subject and you prepare your argument by giving an overview of your most important arguments.

Below are examples and phrases that you can use to write the introduction to your essay in French.

The title should be meaningful, concise and reflect the content of the essay.

Introductory paragraph

The first paragraph of your French essay should briefly introduce the topic and engage the reader. Here are some examples to help you write your essay:

Proposal or question

The central proposition or question of your French essay should be a clear and concise definition of the purpose of the essay. Use these examples to get a clearer idea of ​​how to write theses in French:

Overview of Arguments and Structure

At the end of your introduction, describe the structure of the main part of your essay (your outline) and outline your argument. Here are some French expressions that will certainly help you write your essay:

The body of your essay

french vocabulary for essays

The main part of your French essay deals with the given topic in detail. The subject is studied from all angles. The main body of your essay follows a thread of argument and discusses in detail the main arguments of your thesis previously made in the introduction.

In the body of the text, you should discuss the subject of your essay in clear and concise language. To achieve this, we give you some wording aids as well as vocabulary and phrases that you can use to write your essay in French.

Formulation tools:

French vocabulary for essays.

In the conclusion of your French essay, you address the thesis of your essay, summarize the main points of your discussion in the main body, and draw a conclusion. On the basis of the arguments and the resulting conclusions, you formulate in the conclusion of your dissertation final thoughts and suggestions for the future. It is important that you do not add new information or new arguments. This should only be done in the body of your text.

Here are some wording guides to help you write your essay in French:

Sample French Essay

Les avantages des voyages linguistiques

Malgré les difficultés potentielles, les voyages linguistiques offrent aux apprenants une occasion unique d'améliorer leurs compétences linguistiques et de découvrir de nouvelles cultures, ce qui en fait un investissement précieux pour leur développement personnel et académique.

Les séjours linguistiques sont des voyages organisés dans le but d'améliorer les compétences linguistiques des participants. Ces voyages peuvent se dérouler dans le pays ou à l'étranger et durer d'un week-end à plusieurs semaines. L'un des principaux avantages des séjours linguistiques est l'immersion. Entourés de locuteurs natifs, les apprenants sont contraints de pratiquer et d'améliorer leurs compétences linguistiques dans des situations réelles.Il s'agit d'une méthode d'apprentissage beaucoup plus efficace que le simple fait d'étudier une langue dans une salle de classe.

Un autre avantage des séjours linguistiques est l'expérience culturelle. Voyager dans un nouveau pays permet aux apprenants de découvrir de nouvelles coutumes, traditions et modes de vie, et de se familiariser avec l'histoire et la culture du pays. Cela enrichit non seulement l'expérience d'apprentissage de la langue, mais contribue également à élargir les horizons et à accroître la sensibilisation culturelle.

Cependant, les séjours linguistiques peuvent également présenter des inconvénients. Par exemple, le coût du voyage et de l'hébergement peut être élevé, en particulier pour les séjours de longue durée. En outre, les apprenants peuvent être confrontés à la barrière de la langue ou à un choc culturel, ce qui peut être difficile à surmonter. Le coût et les difficultés potentielles des séjours linguistiques peuvent sembler décourageants, mais ils offrent des avantages précieux en termes d'épanouissement personnel et scolaire.

Les compétences linguistiques et les connaissances culturelles acquises peuvent déboucher sur de nouvelles opportunités d'emploi et améliorer la communication dans un cadre professionnel. Les bourses et les aides financières rendent les séjours linguistiques plus accessibles. Le fait d'être confronté à une barrière linguistique ou à un choc culturel peut également être l'occasion d'un développement personnel. Ces avantages l'emportent largement sur les inconvénients et font des séjours linguistiques un investissement qui en vaut la peine.

En conclusion, malgré les difficultés potentielles, les séjours linguistiques offrent aux apprenants une occasion unique d'améliorer leurs compétences linguistiques et de découvrir de nouvelles cultures, ce qui en fait un investissement précieux pour le développement personnel et académique. Qu'il s'agisse d'un débutant ou d'un apprenant avancé, un voyage linguistique est une expérience à ne pas manquer.

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French Vocabulary

One of the cornerstones of being fluent in French is to know a lot of French vocabulary.

In this section, you’ll find not only reliable lists of French vocabulary (many with audio recordings) but also explanations, relevant cultural advice, French pronunciation tips, etc… In other words, not just bullet lists of French vocabulary, but truly useful French vocabulary lists !

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Essential French Academic Vocabulary for Writing and Speaking

Do you want to take your French language skills to the next level? If so, then mastering academic vocabulary is essential. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or academic professional, having a strong academic vocabulary will give you a significant edge.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating world of French academic expressions and words. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to master this essential skill. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

The Significance of Academic Vocabulary:

Academic vocabulary plays a vital role in academic pursuits, facilitating comprehension, precision, and effective communication. Here are some reasons why it is essential:

Precision and Clarity: Academic vocabulary offers precise terms that allow for clear expression of complex ideas and concepts.

Comprehension and Critical Reading: Familiarity with academic words enhances understanding and facilitates in-depth analysis of scholarly texts.

Effective Writing: Using appropriate academic vocabulary demonstrates subject knowledge, adds credibility to your writing, and enables concise and persuasive articulation of ideas.

Presentations and Discussions: Employing academic vocabulary enriches participation in academic conversations, seminars, and conferences, fostering meaningful engagement and intellectual discourse.

Essential French Academic Vocabulary:

Below is a list of commonly used academic expressions and words, along with their English translations:

Analyser (Analyze) : Examine in detail to uncover patterns or insights.

French: “Analyser les données recueillies dans l’étude.”

English: “Analyze the data collected in the study.”

Critiquer (Critique) : Evaluate or assess by offering a detailed analysis or opinion.

French: “Critiquer les arguments présentés dans cet article.”

English: “Critique the arguments presented in this article.”

Évaluer (Evaluate) : Assess or judge the value, significance, or quality of something.

French: “Évaluer les performances des étudiants dans l’expérience.”

English: “Evaluate the students’ performance in the experiment.”

Hypothétiser (Hypothesize) : Formulate a tentative explanation or assumption based on limited evidence.

French: “Hypothétiser une relation entre ces deux variables.”

English: “Hypothesize a relationship between these two variables.”

Synthétiser (Synthesize) : Combine separate elements or information to form a coherent whole.

French: “Synthétiser les résultats de différentes études pour parvenir à une conclusion générale.”

English: “Synthesize the findings from different studies to arrive at a general conclusion.”

Méthodologie (Methodology) : The systematic approach used in a research study or investigation.

French: “Décrire en détail la méthodologie utilisée dans cette recherche.”

English: “Describe in detail the methodology used in this research.”

Empirique (Empirical) : Based on observation, experience, or experimental evidence.

French: “Appuyer les conclusions avec des preuves empiriques solides.”

English: “Support the conclusions with strong empirical evidence.”

Revue de la littérature (Literature Review) : A critical analysis and summary of existing research and literature on a specific topic.

French: “Réaliser une revue de la littérature pour identifier les lacunes dans les recherches précédentes.”

English: “Conduct a literature review to identify gaps in previous research.”

Paradigme (Paradigm) : A framework or model that serves as the basis for a particular theory or approach.

French: “Comprendre les différents paradigmes utilisés en psychologie.”

English: “Understand the different paradigms used in psychology.”

Concluant (Conclusive) : Providing a definitive result or settlement.

French: “Présenter des preuves concluantes pour étayer l’hypothèse.”

English: “Present conclusive evidence to support the hypothesis.”

Concept (Concept) : An abstract idea or fundamental principle.

French: “Comprendre le concept de développement durable.”

English: “Understand the concept of sustainable development.”

Déduire (Deduce) : Draw a logical conclusion from given information.

French: “Déduire les implications de cette théorie.”

English: “Deduce the implications of this theory.”

Étude de cas (Case study) : A detailed analysis of a specific subject, often used to illustrate theoretical concepts.

French: “Analyser une étude de cas en psychologie cognitive.”

English: “Analyze a case study in cognitive psychology.”

Expérience (Experiment) : A scientific activity conducted to test a hypothesis or verify a theory.

French: “Concevoir et mener une expérience sur la gravité.”

English: “Design and conduct an experiment on gravity.”

Thèse (Thesis) : An original research work presented to obtain an academic degree.

French: “Rédiger une thèse sur la littérature française du 19e siècle.”

English: “Write a thesis on 19th-century French literature.”

Source primaire (Primary source) : A document or testimony directly related to the event or subject being studied.

French: “Analyser des sources primaires pour comprendre la Révolution française.”

English: “Analyze primary sources to understand the French Revolution.”

Analyse de données (Data analysis) : The systematic examination of data to draw conclusions or identify patterns.

French: “Effectuer une analyse de données statistiques pour tester l’hypothèse.”

English: “Perform statistical data analysis to test the hypothesis.”

Variable indépendante (Independent variable) : A variable manipulated or controlled by the researcher to study its effect on another variable.

French: “Identifier la variable indépendante dans cette étude expérimentale.”

English: “Identify the independent variable in this experimental study.”

Référence bibliographique (Bibliographic reference) : A complete citation of a source used in an academic work.

French: “Citer les références bibliographiques selon les normes de l’APA.”

English: “Cite bibliographic references following APA guidelines.”

Méthode qualitative (Qualitative method) : A research approach focused on in-depth understanding of social phenomena through observations and interviews.

French: “Appliquer une méthode qualitative pour explorer les motivations des participants.”

English: “Apply a qualitative method to explore participants’ motivations.”

Remember, this list of essential French academic vocabulary is a selection, and there are many more terms specific to different fields of study. Regular exposure to academic texts and engagement in academic discussions will contribute to the expansion and refinement of your academic vocabulary.

How to Master Academic Vocabulary in French

Once exposed to these words and expressions and a lot more thanks to your research, you need to practise using academic vocabulary in your own writing and speaking. This will help you to solidify your knowledge and make sure that you can use the vocabulary correctly.

Mastering academic vocabulary in French opens doors to effective communication and comprehension within academic domains. By incorporating these essential expressions and words into your repertoire, you can engage in intellectual discussions confidently. 

To accelerate your learning journey, Albert-Learning offers a valuable online teaching platform. You can book a free session with their experienced teachers. By learning these French expressions in context, you can thrive in academic environments. Start your journey today and unlock the power of academic vocabulary in French.

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How to Write an Excellent French Essay (Resources Included)

Tips to write an excellent french essay.

Writing essays is challenging enough, but when you are asked to write a French essay, you are not only being asked to write in a foreign language, but to follow the conventions of another linguistic and literary tradition. Like essay-writing in any language, the essential part of writing a French essay is to convey your thoughts and observations on a certain topic in a clear and concise manner. French essays do come out of a certain tradition that is part of the training of all students who attend school in France – or at least secondary school – and when you are a French essay, it is important to be aware of this tradition.

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The French philosopher Michel de Montaigne is credited with popularizing the essay form as a literary genre. His work, Essais, first published in 1580, and undergoing several subsequent publications before his death in 1592, covers a wide breadth of topics, ranging from “amitié” to “philosopher c’est apprendre à mourir”, and includes many literary references, as well as personal anecdotes. The name for this genre, essai, is the nominal form of the verb essayer, “to attempt”. We have an archaic English verb essay, meaning the same thing. The limerick that includes the phrase, “... when she essayed to drink lemonade ...” indicates an attempt to drink a beverage and has nothing to do with writing about it. But the writing form does illustrate an attempt to describe a topic in depth with the purpose of developing new insights on a particular text or corpus.

French instructors are very specific about what they would like when they ask for an essay, meaning that they will probably specify whether they would like an explication de texte, commentaire composé, or dissertation. That last essay form should not be confused with the document completed for a doctorate in anglophone countries – this is called a thèse in French, by the way. There are different formats for each of these types of essay, and different objectives for each written form.

Types of Essay

1. l’explication de texte.

An explication de texte is a type of essay for which you complete a close reading. It is usually written about a poem or a short passage within a larger work. This close reading will elucidate different themes and stylistic devices within the text. When you are completing an explication de texte, make sure to follow the structure of the text as you complete a close examination of its form and content. The format for an explication de texte consists of:

i. An introduction, in which you situate the text within its genre and historical context. This is where you can point out to your readers the general themes of the text, its form, the trajectory of your reading, and your approach to the text.

ii. The body, in which you develop your ideas, following the structure of the text. Make sure you know all of the meanings of the words used, especially the key terms that point to the themes addressed by the author. It is a good idea to look words up in the dictionary to find out any second, third, and fourth meanings that could add to the themes and forms you describe. Like a student taking an oral examination based on this type of essay writing, you will be expected to have solid knowledge of the vocabulary and grammatical structures that appear in the text. Often the significance of the language used unfolds as you explain the different components of theme, style, and composition.

iii. A conclusion, in which you sum up the general meaning of the text and the significance of the figures and forms being used. You should also give the implications of what is being addressed, and the relevance of these within a larger literary, historical, or philosophical context.

NB: If you are writing about a poem, include observations on the verse, rhyme schemes, and meter. It is a good idea to refer to a reference work on versification. If you are writing about a philosophical work, be familiar with philosophical references and definitions of concepts.

Caveat: Refrain from paraphrasing. Instead show through careful analysis of theme, style, and composition the way in which the main ideas of the text are conveyed.

2. Le commentaire composé

A commentaire composé is a methodologically codified commentary that focuses on themes in a particular text. This type of essay develops different areas of reflection through analytical argument. Such argumentation should clarify the reading that you are approaching by presenting components of the text from different perspectives. In contrast to the explication de texte, it is organized thematically rather than following the structure of the text to which it refers. The format for a commentaire composé consists of:

i. An introduction, in which you present the question you have come up with, often in relation to a prompt commenting on a thematic or stylistic aspect of the text, such as “Montrez en quoi ce texte évoque l’amour courtois” or “Qu’apporte l’absence de la ponctuation dans ce texte ?” In this section, you will be expected to delineate your approach to the text and illustrate the trajectory of your ideas so that your readers will have a clear idea of the direction these ideas will take.

ii. A tripartite body, in which you explore the question you have come up with, citing specific examples in the text that are especially pertinent to the areas of reflection you wish to explore. These citations should be explained and connected to the broad themes of your commentary, all the while providing details that draw the readers’ attention to your areas of inquiry. These different areas of inquiry may initially seem disparate or even contradictory, but eventually come together to form a harmonious reading that addresses different aspects of the text. The more obvious characteristics of the text should illuminate its subtler aspects, which allows for acute insight into the question that you are in the process of exploring.

iii. A conclusion, in which you evaluate your reading and synthesize its different areas of inquiry. This is where you may include your own opinions, but make sure that the preceding sections of your commentaire remain analytical and supported by evidence that you find in the text.

NB: Looking at verb tenses, figures of speech, and other aspects that contribute to the form of the text will help situate your reader, as will commenting on the register of language, whether this language is ornate, plain, reflects a style soutenu, or less formal patterns of speech.

Caveat: Quotations do not replace observations or comments on the text. Explain your quotations and situate them well within your own text.

3. La dissertation

The dissertation is a personal, organized, and methodical reflection on a precise question that refers to a corpus of writing. Referring to this corpus, you may be asked questions along the lines of “Que pensez-vous de l’équivalence entre l’amour et la chanson exprimée dans ces textes ?” or “Est-ce que la sagesse et la folie ont les mêmes sources?” This type of essay allows for an exploration of a question through knowledge of a corpus as well as through an individual’s cultural knowledge. The format for a dissertation consists of:

i. An introduction, in which you present the topic addressed, the significance of your argument, and the trajectory of your ideas.

ii. The body which, like a commentaire composé, consists of a tripartite development of your argument. This can follow any one of the following structures: a dialectical schema, organized into thèse, antithèse, and synthèse – an argument, its counter-argument, and its rebuttal; an analytical schema, consisting of the description of a situation, an analysis of its causes, and commentary on its consequences; a thematic schema, which consists of a reflection on a topic which you proceed to examine from different angles in an orderly fashion.

iii. A conclusion, in which you address the different ways in which you have approached the question at hand and how this deepens your insights, while placing the question within a broader context that shows room for expansion. The conclusion can open up the topic addressed to show its placement within a literary movement, or in opposition to another literary movement that follows it, for example.

NB: Approach the question at hand with as few preconceptions as possible. If you are writing on a quotation, gather all of your knowledge about its author, the work in which it appears, and the body of literature with which it is associated.

Caveat: Even for a personal reflection, such as a dissertation, avoid using the first person pronoun je. Nous or on are preferable. It is advisable not to switch from one to the other, though.

For each of these essay forms, it is a good idea to make an outline to which you can refer as you write. As your writing progresses, things may shift a bit, but having a structure on which you can rely as you gather your various ideas and information into a coherent argument provides solid foundation for a clear and well-developed essay. This also facilitates smooth transitions from one section of your essay to the next.

During your reading, you may encounter a problem, a contradiction, or a surprising turn of phrase that is difficult to figure out. Such moments in a text give you the opportunity to delve into the unique characteristics of the text or corpus to which you are referring, to propose different solutions to the problems you encounter, and to describe their significance within a larger literary, philosophical, and historical context. Essay writing allows you to become more familiar with French works, with their cultural significance, and with the French language. You can refer to the following resources to guide you in this endeavor:

Auffret, Serge et Hélène. Le commentaire composé. Paris: Hachette, 1991. Dufau, Micheline et Ellen D'Alelio. Découverte du poème: Introduction à l'explication de textes. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, 1967. Grammont, Maurice. Petit traité de versification française. Paris: A. Colin, 2015. Huisman, Denis et L. R. Plazolles. L’art de la dissertation littéraire : du baccalauréat au C.A.P.E.S. Paris : Société d’édition d’enseignement supérieur, 1965.

The French newspaper Le Monde also has good articles on these essay forms that prepare French students for the baccalauréat exam: CLICK HERE

This is also a website with thorough information on essay writing techniques that prepare students for the baccalauréat exam: CLICK HERE

In addition, the University of Adelaide has tips for general essay writing in French: CLICK HERE

🇫🇷 Looking for More French Resources?

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french vocabulary for essays

Published on October 6th, 2023 | by Adrian Lomezzo

How to Write an Essay in French Without Giving Yourself Away as a Foreigner

french vocabulary for essays

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-quote-on-a-paper-5425603/

Bienvenue! Do you dream of unleashing your inner French literary genius, but worry that your writing might inadvertently reveal your foreign roots? Fret not, mes amis, as we have the ultimate guide to help you master the art of essay writing en Français!

Within these pages, we’ll navigate the intricate waters of linguistic nuances, cultural subtleties, and grammatical finesse, allowing you to exude the aura of a native French speaker effortlessly. Many students like you have embarked on this journey, seeking academic assistance from platforms like  https://paperwritten.com/  to conquer their writing pursuits.

From crafting a compelling introduction to fashioning impeccable conclusions, we’ll unveil the secrets that will leave your professors applauding your newfound linguistic prowess. So, bid adieu to those awkward linguistic giveaways and embrace the sheer elegance of French expression – all while keeping your foreign identity beautifully concealed! Let’s embark on this adventure together and unlock the true essence of writing like a native French virtuoso.

french vocabulary for essays

1.   Mastering French Grammar and Vocabulary: Building a Strong Foundation

To create a compelling French essay, it’s essential to lay a solid groundwork. Ensure that your French grammar is accurate and that you possess a rich vocabulary. Avoid relying on online translators, as they may yield awkward or incorrect sentences. Instead, embrace reputable dictionaries and language resources to enhance your language skills effectively.

2.   Mimic Sentence Structures: The Art of Authentic Expression

To truly immerse yourself in the French language, observe and mimic the sentence structures used by native speakers. Analyzing essays written by experienced writers can prove invaluable in grasping the authentic style required to compose a captivating essay.

3.   Use Transition Words: Crafting a Smooth Flow of Ideas

In French essays, the use of transition words and phrases plays a pivotal role in connecting ideas seamlessly. Incorporate expressions like “de plus,” “en outre,” “en conclusion,” “tout d’abord,” and “par conséquent” to add coherence and elegance to your writing.

4.   Embrace French Idioms and Expressions: Unveiling Cultural Fluency

Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the French language and culture by incorporating idioms and expressions where appropriate. However, remember to use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming your essay.

5.   Pay Attention to Formality: Striking the Right Tone

Tailor the formality of your writing to suit the context of your essay. Whether you are crafting an academic piece or a more personal creation, be mindful of your choice of vocabulary and sentence structures to match the required tone.

6.   Research Cultural References: The Power of In-depth Knowledge

If your essay touches upon French culture, history, or literature, extensive research is key. Delve into your subjects to avoid mistakes and showcase your genuine interest in the matter at hand.

7.   Avoid Direct Translations: Let French Be French

To avoid awkward phrasing, strive to think in French rather than translating directly from your native language. This will lead to a more natural and eloquent essay.

8.   Practice Writing Regularly: The Path to Proficiency

Mastering the art of French writing requires regular practice. Embrace writing in French frequently to grow more comfortable with the language and refine your unique writing style.

9.   Read French Literature: A Gateway to Inspiration

Explore the world of French literature to expose yourself to diverse writing styles. This practice will deepen your understanding of the language and immerse you further in French culture and history.

10.   Connect with French Culture: Bridges of Cultural Resonance

Incorporate cultural references that resonate with French readers, such as art, cuisine, festivals, historical figures, or social customs. Authenticity is key, so avoid relying on stereotypes.

french vocabulary for essays

11.   Use a French Thesaurus: Expanding Your Linguistic Palette

Discovering new contextually appropriate words can elevate your writing. Embrace a French thesaurus to find synonyms that may not be apparent through direct translations.

12.   Master French Punctuation: The Finishing Touch

Take care to use correct French punctuation marks, such as guillemets (« ») for quotes and proper accent marks. These subtle details add a professional touch to your essay.

13.   Practice French Rhetorical Devices: Crafting Eloquent Prose

Experiment with rhetorical devices like parallelism, repetition, and antithesis to lend depth and sophistication to your writing.

14.   Pay Attention to Word Order: Unlocking French Sentence Structure

French boasts a unique sentence structure distinct from English. Dive into the intricacies of subject-verb-object order and grasp the art of organizing sentences to sidestep common foreign mistakes. Embracing this essential aspect will elevate your writing to a truly native level.

15.   Use French Idiomatic Expressions: Infuse Cultural Flair

Enrich your prose with the colorful tapestry of French idioms, reflecting the vibrant essence of the culture. Yet, a word of caution – wield them with finesse, for the strategic placement of an idiom can imbue your essay with unparalleled flair and authenticity.

16.   Master Pronouns and Agreement: The Dance of Language

The dance of pronouns, nouns, and adjectives requires your keen attention. Like a skilled performer, ensure their seamless alignment to avoid inadvertently revealing your non-native status. Mastering this harmony is key to writing like a true Francophone.

french vocabulary for essays

17.   Understand Subtle Connotations: Unveiling Linguistic Shades

Delve into the labyrinth of French words, where subtle connotations diverge from their English counterparts. Familiarize yourself with these delicate nuances, for it is in their mastery that your writing shall find refinement.

18.   Study Formal and Informal Registers: Tailoring Language to Purpose

Akin to selecting the perfect outfit for each occasion, comprehend the art of using formal and informal language. Consider your essay’s purpose and audience, and with this knowledge, enhance your authenticity, seamlessly aligning with the appropriate linguistic register.

19.   Practice Dialogue Writing: Conversing with Eloquence

Embark on the journey of dialogue writing to enrich your linguistic repertoire. As you hone your conversational skills, watch as authenticity gracefully weaves itself into your written work, enchanting readers with its charm.

20.   Seek Feedback: A Second Set of Eyes

To refine your essay further, seek the guidance of a native French speaker or language tutor from the  best cheap essay writing services . Their valuable feedback can uncover any language or cultural mistakes you may have made, allowing you to make necessary improvements.

Equip yourself with these priceless tips and set forth on your quest to master the art of French writing. Embrace the language’s allure, immerse in its rich culture, and watch your words flow with grace and poise. À la plume! Let the pen become your ally in crafting captivating prose that echoes with authenticity and charm. 

Header Photo Credit by George Milton: https://www.pexels.com/photo/smiling-woman-in-eyeglasses-with-books-7034478/

About the Author

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Adrian Lomezzo is a content writer and likes to write about technology and education. He understands the concern of parents due to the evolving technology and researches deeply in that area. When he is not researching, he buries himself in books along with his favorite cup of hot chocolate.

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French Vocabulary and Grammar Lists

French vocabulary lists by theme and level.

Increase your French vocabulary and master your grammar lessons with our ever-growing collection of French vocabulary and grammar-themed lists for every  CEFR level from A0 to C1! To find out your current French level, consider taking our free French level test .

Access more than 200 French vocabulary and grammar lists , with not just English translations, but also with audio files to help you perfect your pronunciation.

French Vocabulary and grammar list

Between synonyms, jargon, neologisms and idiomatic expressions , learning all the vocabulary you need can seem overwhelming. But our French vocabulary and grammar lists are a great way to increase the number of words you know.

Grammar and Vocab themes by level

A0: entry level.

  • Pets vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of French animals
  • Colours in French A useful French vocabulary list of 11 colours
  • Nuclear family vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list to talk about your immediate family
  • List of months in French A useful French vocabulary list of the 12 months of the year
  • List of numbers from 1 to 31 in French A useful vocabulary list of numbers 1 to 31, to express dates and birthdays in French!
  • Days of the week in French A useful French vocabulary list of names of the days of the week
  • List of numbers from 0 to 10 in French A useful French vocabulary list of numbers 0 to 10
  • Nationalities vocabulary in French A useful introductory French vocabulary list of nationalities

A1: Beginner

  • Farm animals in French A useful French vocabulary list of farm animals
  • Feminine forms of colours in French A useful French vocabulary list of the feminine form of 11 colours
  • Emotions and feelings (bonus material: opinions) in French A useful French vocabulary list about how to express opinions.
  • Extended family vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list to talk about your extended family
  • Common restaurant meat vocabulary in French A useful list of common meats in French
  • Common stationery vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of common stationery equipment
  • School subjects vocabulary in French A useful vocabulary list of the main school subjects in French
  • Basic French list of time expressions A basic French vocabulary list of expressions to place an action in time
  • Common town places vocabulary in French Useful French vocabulary list of a selection of common town locations and stores
  • Common sports vocabulary in French A useful list of common sports in French
  • Bonus hotel vocabulary in French An everyday French vocabulary list related to hotels
  • Post Office vocabulary in French (bonus material) A specific French vocabulary list related to the post office
  • School vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list related to school
  • Seaside vocabulary in French (bonus material) A bonus useful French vocabulary list related to the seaside
  • Computer (hardware) vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about the different parts of a computer
  • Greetings in French Some useful vocabulary to meet and greet in French!
  • Common restaurant drinks vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of common drinks
  • Casual clothes in French A useful French vocabulary list of everyday clothes
  • List of numbers in tens (10 to 90) in French A useful vocabulary list of French numbers in tens from 10 to 90
  • Directions vocabulary in French A useful everyday French vocabulary list about asking for directions
  • Large numbers (hundreds, thousands, millions, billions) in French A useful French vocabulary list for large numbers, hundreds, thousand, millions and billions
  • List of numbers 70 to 99 in French A useful French vocabulary list of numbers 70 to 99
  • Sportswear clothes vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list to describe sportswear clothing
  • Time (units) vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list to express durations (minute,second,week,...).
  • Nationalities vocabulary in French (bonus material) A useful French vocabulary list of a selection of nationalities
  • Common French adverbs A useful French vocabulary list of commonly-used adverbs in French
  • Languages vocabulary in French A useful vocabulary list of languages in French
  • Beach vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about going to the beach
  • Countries in French An exhaustive (but by no mean complete) French vocabulary list of countries
  • Music instruments vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of different instruments
  • Transport vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of means of transports
  • Christmas vocabulary in French A festive French vocabulary list about Christmas
  • Job vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of professions
  • Drinks in French A useful French vocabulary list of common drinks
  • Crêpe and Pancake vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about delicious crêpes and pancakes
  • French coordinating conjunctions A useful vocabulary list of coordinating conjunctions
  • Nature vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to nature
  • Mail vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to sending letters and mail
  • Rooms of the house vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of the rooms of the house
  • Countries of Francophonie in French A useful French vocabulary list of countries belonging to Francophonie
  • Bedroom vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about the bedroom
  • List of verbs followed by the preposition à and an indirect object in French - 1 Useful list of French verbs + à + [indirect object]
  • Common clothes in French A useful vocabulary list of common items of clothing in French
  • Face / Le visage (v) Useful list of face features in French
  • Common fruit in French A useful vocabulary list of common fruit in French
  • Everyday chores vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about everyday chores
  • List of numbers from 30 to 39 in French A useful French vocabulary list of numbers from 30 to 39
  • List of numbers from 40 to 49 in French A useful French vocabulary list of numbers from 40 to 49
  • List of numbers from 60 to 69 in French A useful French vocabulary list of numbers from 60 to 69
  • Summer fruit vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of summer fruit
  • TV programs vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of TV programs
  • Television vocabulary in French Wants to talk about TV, telly or television in French? Here's a useful vocabulary list to help you!
  • List of numbers from 50 to 59 in French A useful French vocabulary list of numbers from 50 to 59
  • Basic French: must-know words and phrases in French Here's your basic welcome vocabulary for a French trip!

A2: Lower Intermediate

  • General kitchen vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to the kitchen
  • Wild animals vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of wild animals
  • Fruit - bonus material A selection of common fruit.
  • Restaurant vocabulary in French (common fish and seafood) A useful French vocabulary selection of common seafood and fish
  • Vegetables vocabulary in French A useful vocabulary list of common types of vegetables in French
  • Common nature and countryside vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary to describe what you would see in the countryside
  • General restaurant vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of items that you would find in a restaurant
  • Cooking condiments in French A useful French vocabulary list of common condiments
  • Restaurant food (extra vocabulary) in French A useful extra list of French food vocabulary
  • General shopping vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list related to shops
  • Shopping vocabulary in French (quantity related) A useful French vocabulary list to express quantities in the context of shopping
  • French expressions of time and frequency A useful French vocabulary list of expressions to express frequency and time
  • Town places vocabulary in French (bonus material) A useful French vocabulary list of a selection of more town places.
  • Travel by plane vocabulary in French (bonus material) A useful list of extra vocabulary related to travelling by plane.
  • Travel (train related) vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list related to travelling by train
  • Weather vocabulary in French (bonus material) A useful list of more advanced French vocabulary related to the weather
  • Professions vocabulary in French (bonus material) A bonus French vocabulary list of professions
  • Parts of the body vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary about the different parts of your body
  • Jewellery items in French A useful French vocabulary list of jewellery items
  • Common pizza toppings vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of a selection of toppings you could find on your pizza.
  • Sea animals vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of some sea animals
  • Emotions and feelings (bonus material: moods) in French A useful French vocabulary list about emotions, how to express one's moods.
  • Hobbies and pastimes common vocabulary in French A useful everyday French vocabulary list of a selection of common hobbies
  • Make-up items in French A useful French vocabulary list of basic make-up items
  • Father's Day vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about Father's Day
  • Music Day "La Fête de la Musique" vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list related to Music Day / La Fête de la Musique
  • Les participes passés irréguliers in French A useful vocabulary list of irregular past participles in French
  • Connecting words in French A useful French vocabulary list of connecting words
  • French adverbs of time A useful vocabulary list of adverbs of time in French
  • French adverbs of frequency A useful vocabulary list of adverbs of frequency in French
  • French adverbs of quantity A useful vocabulary list of adverbs of quantities in French
  • Moulin Rouge vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to Moulin Rouge's type of entertainment
  • Traffic vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list related to driving and traffic
  • Travel (plane related) vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list for when dealing with air travel
  • Museum vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to visiting museums
  • Birthday vocabulary in French A festive French vocabulary list about birthdays
  • Chocolate vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about chocolate
  • Weather forecast vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to discussing the weather
  • Bar vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about going to the bar
  • Hallowe'en vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list to celebrate Hallowe'en
  • Thanksgiving vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list to celebrate Thanksgiving
  • Hanukkah vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list to celebrate Hanukkah
  • La Galette des Rois vocabulary in French Useful French vocabulary around the tradition of the Galette des Rois
  • Playgrounds vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list related to playgrounds
  • Love vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary about love and relationships
  • Eco-friendly vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about ecology; everyday actions to save the planet
  • List of French "state verbs" - "verbes d'état" List of French "verbes d'état", i.e. verbs describing a state the subject of the sentence is in. These verbs' "object" always refers to their subject.
  • Easter vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about Easter celebrations
  • General internet vocabulary in French A useful general internet vocabulary list in French
  • Restaurant vocabulary in French (menu) A useful list of French vocabulary that you find on restaurants' menus
  • Mother's Day vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary for celebrating Mother's Day
  • Football/Soccer Vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about Football / Soccer; France's most popular sport
  • Taxi vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary about travelling by taxi
  • Suitcases and packing vocabulary in French A useful vocabulary list of French words related to packing one's suitcase
  • Wedding vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary related to wedding celebrations
  • Fairy Tales vocabulary in French A useful literary French vocabulary list about reading fairy tales
  • Cooking utensils in French A useful vocabulary list of common cooking utensils in French
  • Forest animals in French A useful French vocabulary list of woodland animals
  • Mardi Gras vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to celebrating Shrove Tuesday carnival in France
  • French nouns with different meanings depending on gender A useful vocabulary list of French nouns which change meaning depending on whether they're feminine or masculine
  • Bathroom vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about the bathroom
  • List of verbs followed by the preposition de and an infinitive in French - 2 Useful list of French verbs + de + [infinitive]
  • List of verbs followed by the preposition à and an indirect object in French - 2 Useful list of French verbs + à + [indirect object]
  • List of verbs followed by the preposition de and an indirect object in French - 1 Useful list of French verbs + de + [indirect object]
  • French expressions with avoir and être A useful French vocabulary list of expressions using the verbs avoir or être
  • Hairdresser vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about going to the hairdresser
  • Email-related internet vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list for sending emails
  • List of French verbs with auxiliary être The complete list of verbs that take être as their auxiliary verb in compound tenses in French
  • Phone vocabulary in French - Verbs Here's a list of useful verbs and expressions to call, text, etc in French!
  • Phone vocabulary in French - Nouns Here's a list of useful nouns to call, text, etc in French!

B1: Intermediate

  • Smart and business clothes vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list to describe smart and business outfits
  • Bank vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about going to the bank
  • Directions (bonus material) vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about directions, how to find one's bearings
  • Gourmet restaurant meats vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list to describe various cuts and types of meats
  • Apéritif/pre-meal drinks vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list to order pre-dinner drinks/aperitifs
  • Gourmet vegetables vocabulary in French A French vocabulary list of less common types of vegetables
  • Hobbies vocabulary in French A useful everyday French vocabulary list about hobbies
  • Advanced hobbies and pastimes vocabulary in French An advanced vocabulary list of names for less common past-times in French
  • Advanced countryside vocabulary in French An advanced vocabulary list about the countryside in French
  • Advanced French expressions of time An advanced vocabulary list of expressions used with time in French
  • Cars (interior) vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about the passenger compartment of a car
  • Cars (exterior) vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about the outside of a car
  • D-Day vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about D-Day and the Second World War in French
  • News vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list for when listening and talking about the news
  • Tour de France vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to professional cycling and the Tour de France race
  • Exams and tests vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about practicing for a test or an exam
  • Poetry vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list related to poetry
  • Cinema vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about the cinema and movies
  • Wine vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to wine
  • Kings and presidents vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to political regimes and their head of state
  • Winter clothes vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of winter clothes
  • Songs and singing vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list related to singers and songs
  • Mountain sports in French A useful French vocabulary list of mountain sports and activities, in winter and summer
  • New Year vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to celebrating New Year's Eve
  • Valentine's Day vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to Valentine's Day
  • Justice vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list related to the judiciary
  • Elections vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about voting and the election process
  • Cooking verbs in French A useful vocabulary list for how to describe how you cook in French
  • Medical Emergency vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to medical emergencies
  • Housework vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about everyday chores
  • Biography vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about biographies
  • Paralympic Games vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list related to the Paralympic Games
  • Camping vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about going camping
  • Star Wars vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to the Star Wars saga
  • Protests and strikes vocabulary in French A useful and relevant list of French vocabulary related to protests
  • Painting vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to painting
  • Swimming-pool vocabulary in French A useful French list of swimming pool-related vocabulary
  • Reading vocabulary in French Useful list of French vocabulary related to books and reading
  • Fall/autumn vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about autumn/fall
  • All Saints' Day vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about All Saints' Day, "la Toussaint"
  • Saint Patrick's Day vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary related to Saint Patrick's Day
  • List of verbs followed by the preposition à OR de in French Useful list of French verbs with the prepositions (à or de) they're used with
  • List of verbs followed by the preposition de and an infinitive in French - 1 Useful list of French verbs + de + [infinitive]
  • List of verbs followed by the preposition de and an indirect object in French - 2 Useful list of French verbs + de + indirect object
  • List of verbs followed by the preposition à and an infinitive in French - 4 Useful list of French verbs + à + [infinitive]
  • List of verbs followed by the preposition à and an infinitive in French - 1 Useful list of French verbs + à + infinitive
  • Working from home vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to working from home
  • Ramadan vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list to celebrate Ramadan
  • Bread vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about bread
  • Water sports vocabulary in French A useful vocabulary list of French water sports
  • Computer (word processing) vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about typing documents on a computer
  • Flowers / Les fleurs (v) Useful list of French common flowers
  • McDonald's French menu items vocabulary A useful French vocabulary list to order McDonald's food in France
  • University Vocabulary in French Want to study in France? Here's a useful vocabulary list to help you!
  • Skiing vocabulary in French Ever wanted to go skiing in France? Here's the best French skiing vocabulary list for you!
  • Slang words for everyday life in French Here's a very useful list of common French slang words that you will encounter in everyday life.
  • Slang expressions for everyday life in French Here's a very useful list of common French slang expressions and sentences that you will encounter in everyday life.
  • Fashion vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to the fashion industry.

B2: Upper Intermediate

  • Restaurant vocabulary in French (gourmet fish and seafood) A useful French vocabulary list for less common types of fish and seafood
  • Car accident vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about car accidents
  • List of vocabulary in French related to money A useful list of French vocabulary to talk about one's relationship with money
  • Bastille Day vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about France's National Day, Bastille Day
  • Saving money vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list to talk about money saving tips
  • Emergency (natural disasters) vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about natural disasters emergencies
  • Journalism vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list of terms related to the work of journalists
  • Comic and graphic novel vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about comics and graphic novels
  • List of verbs followed by the preposition à and an infinitive in French - 2 Useful list of French verbs + à + [infinitive]
  • Expressions with "perdre" (v) Useful list of French expressions with the verb "perdre" (to lose)
  • List of verbs followed by both prepositions à and de in French Useful list of French verbs + à + [indirect object] + de + [infinitive]
  • Fish - freshwater / Les poissons d'eau douce (v) Useful list of common French freshwater fish
  • CV / Résumé vocabulary in French A useful French vocabulary list about looking for a job and writing a CV
  • Spring vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to spring
  • Harry Potter vocabulary in French A magical and useful French vocabulary list about Harry Potter
  • Olympic Games / Les Jeux Olympiques (v) Useful list of French general vocabulary related to the Olympic Games
  • Health - At the doctor's / Santé - Chez le docteur Useful list of vocabulary related to a visit at the GP's / doctor's
  • List of Expressions about Love in French There are many expressions to talk about falling and being in love in French! Here's a useful vocabulary list to say you love someone in French.
  • Underwater vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to scuba diving and underwater wildlife in France
  • Military Vocabulary in French A useful list of French vocabulary related to military parades
  • Grape Harvest Vocabulary in French Ever wanted to learn about winemaking and harvesting in France? Here's some useful vocabulary to help you!
  • Black Friday and Sales vocabulary in French A list of French words relating to Black Friday and other store sales and promotions.

C1: Advanced

  • Easter Expressions in French A useful French vocabulary about Easter
  • French expressions about fear A useful French vocabulary list of expressions related to fear
  • French expressions about cold A useful French vocabulary list about cold
  • List of common French reverse slang (verlan) words Get Native with a selection of everyday common French reverse slang (verlan) terms!

In this section

  • Increase your French vocabulary
  • Learn French Expressions
  • French Glossary and Jargon Buster

OptiLingo

Learn How to Write in French Easily

  • Everything About
  • The alphabet
  • Funny phrases
  • Common words
  • Untranslateable Words
  • Reading Hacks
  • Writing Tips
  • Pronunciation
  • Telling time
  • Learn FASTER
  • More resources

By OptiLingo • 9 minute read

Learn how to write well in French

Improve Your Written French Today

Whether you want to pen a love letter or submit an essay in France, you need to know how to write in French. Luckily, learning how to write in French is fairly straightforward. Since French uses the Latin Alphabet, you’re already ahead of the game. Improve your writing in French fast with these easy steps.

The Basics of French Writing for Beginners

When it comes to French writing, it’s a little different than speaking French. But, if you know how to read French well, you shouldn’t have a lot of problems.

Before you read the 8 easy steps of learning to write in French, there’s one important factor in mastering French writing: practice. The only way you can truly improve your French writing skills is with a lot of practice . Make sure you write a little bit in French every day. Soon, you’ll find that writing in French is like second nature.

1. Watch Out for French Spelling

One of the biggest obstacles that throws French learners off is spelling. Unfortunately, those silent letters that you don’t pronounce are very much there in writing. Be careful how you spell certain complicated words. You need to master all parts of French grammar to write French correctly.

2. Genders Influence Grammar in French

You may already know that nouns have genders in French. They can either be masculine or feminine. And depending on the gender, different parts of a French sentence need to be conjugated.

  • articles : French articles need to be conjugated to reflect the gender and the number of the noun. These can be ‘le’, ‘la’, ‘l”, and ‘les’ for definite articles, and ‘un’ and ‘une’ for indefinite articles.
  • pronouns : Pronouns in French are the words that replace the name of the subject in a sentence. ‘He’, ‘she’, and ‘them’ are some examples of pronouns in English. In French, you need to use different forms of pronouns depending on the gender of the subject.
  • adjectives : When you’re describing a noun, you use an adjective. And since the noun is the only reason the adjective’s there in the sentence, you need to make the adjective fit the noun in French. There are various ways to conjugate French adjectives depending on the gender and the number of the noun, so make sure you brush up on that knowledge before you write in French.

French writing has a lot of conjugations from genders

3. Careful with French Accent Marks

French accent marks also don’t do us any favors. While they’re extremely useful when it comes to French pronunciation, their writing isn’t as straightforward. Try to associate the sound with the written French word. There are only 5 accent marks in French. One is the cedilla (ç), which only works with the letter “c”, and another is the acute accent (é), which only sits on top of the letter “e”. So in practice, there are only 3 different kinds of accents you should look out for in French.

4. Follow the French Sentence Structures

English and French sentence structures are similar in many ways. Both follow the SVO (subject-verb-object) structure, which makes writing in French much easier. And just like in English, the French sentence structure is also flexible. You can switch the words around to emphasize a part of a sentence, but still have the same meaning.

  • Tomorrow , I’m going to work.    Demain  je vais travailler. I’m going to work  tomorrow .   Je vais travailler  demain .

The most important part of the first sentence is the time the speaker goes to work. The second sentence focuses on the subject, the speaker instead. Still, both sentences convey the same meaning of going to work.

If you want to ask a question in French, you can do so by putting a question word at the beginning of the sentence. Common question words are:

  • How  Comment
  • What  Que / Qu’est-ce que queue
  • What kind  Quel genre
  • When  Quand
  • Why   Pourquoi

You can also ask a question by switching the order of the verb and the pronoun around, and connecting them with a hyphen:

  • Do you speak English?    Parlez-vous anglais ?

It’s important to remember these basic rules of French sentence structure before you start writing in French. If you want to learn how to write in French effectively, practice these 4 steps a lot.

french vocabulary for essays

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How to Write in French for Intermediate Students

If you’re an intermediate French learner you’re familiar with basic French grammar, and you’re confident in writing in French. But, there’s always room to improve. Once you know the basic steps of how to write in French, it’s time to make your writing even better. You can start paying attention to style, flow, and structure. The tips below will benefit your French writing practice.

5. Try Nominalization

This useful technique will make your sentences better. Nominalization means that you make nouns in the sentence more dominant. While in English, the dominant words are verbs, in French, you can write with the focus of the noun instead, making them more meaningful. Here’s an example to demonstrate.

  • Normal sentence: The ice cream is cold. – La glace est froide.
  • Nominalized sentence: The ice cream is cold. – La glace, c’est droid.

6. Use French Conjunctions

Conjunctions are the tools to write complex French sentences. Without them, you’re limited to simple and boring sentence structures. As an intermediate student, you can start connecting two equal or unequal sentences to make an even more interesting phrase. Here are the different kinds of French conjunctions you can use to write better in French:

Coordinating Conjunctions:

You use these kinds of conjunctions to connect two equal sentences. The most common coordinating conjunctions in French are:

Subordinating Conjunctions:

If one of the sentences in unequal or dependent on the other, you need to use subordinating conjunctions. These connectors often show causality. The most common conjunctions in French for this category are:

7. Style and Flow

Now that you wield the power of conjunctions, you have to be careful with it. As fun as it is to write long and complicated sentences in French, it doesn’t sound good. Make sure you use appropriate sentence lengths as you’re writing in French.

Aim for shorter sentences. Make them explain your point well. But, feel free to mix the flow up with the occasional longer sentences. That’s how you write in French with a nice and smooth flow. And that’s how you perfect your French writing too. It will be a pleasure to read your work.

Writing in French for Advanced Learners

Once you mastered all of the French writing rules, you’re officially an advanced French learner. But, there may still be room to improve your French writing. If you’re looking to kick your projects up a notch, you can learn how to write essays and dissertations in French. These pointers will be useful if you ever attend school or university in France, or you want to take a language exam.

8. Get Familiar with French Essay Structure

When you’re writing an essay, you have to structure it for readability. If you want to learn how French high schoolers are taught to write their essays, this is the structure they follow: thèse-antithèse-synthèse (thesis-antithesis-synthesis). Learn how to write French essays using a traditional French essay structure.

  • Introduction : You begin your essay by having an introduction, which is a context for argument.
  • Thesis : In this section, you present and defend the statement of your thesis. You need to write everything that supports the topic of your essay.
  • Antithesis : The antithesis follows the thesis. This is where you state conflicting evidence and explain other potential substitutes for your essay. Including an antithesis doesn’t mean that you disagree with your original thesis. You just need to show that you thought of all possibilities before arriving to your conclusion.
  • Synthesis : This is your conclusion. This is where you summarize your arguments, and explain why you still stand by your original thesis despite the antithesis.

Advanced French learners can always improve their writing skills

9. Use Introduction and Conclusion Vocabulary

Certain words can encourage sentence flow by introducing or concluding some parts of your work.

  • tout d’abord (firstly)
  • premièrement (firstly)
  • deuxièmement (secondly)
  • ensuite (then)
  • enfin (finally)
  • finalement (finally)
  • pour conclure (to conclude)

You can use these words when introducing a new idea to your dissertation or essay. These words will signal the readers that they are encountering a new part or thought of your writing process.

10. Writing a Dissertation in French

This is the form of writing you encounter in French higher education. It’s a very complex form of French writing, only the most advanced and fluent French learners should attempt it. It’s also a longer piece of academic writing. It may take you weeks to complete research and write your French dissertation.

The French dissertation is similar to essay structure. But, there’s one main difference: your thesis isn’t a statement, but rather a question. It’s your job in the dissertation to take the reader through your thought process and research to answer your question. This logic is known as “ Cartesian logic .” It comes from Descartes , who was a well known French philosopher.

History of Written French

French was used in Strasbourg Oaths, and it first appeared in writing in 842 AD. Before then, Latin was the only language used for literature in Europe. However, in the 10th and 11th centuries, French appeared in some religious writings and documents but was not used up to the late 12th century or early 13th century. The first greatest French Literature work, the Song of Roland (Chanson de Roland), was published around the year 1200.

Writing in French Alone Won’t Make You Fluent

You need to learn how to write in French to be proficient in the language. But, it won’t make you fluent. The only way to become fluent is to practice speaking French. While it’s crucial to develop every area of your French knowledge, if you want to be fluent in French, you need a reliable language learning method like OptiLingo.

OptiLingo is an app that gets you speaking, not typing a language. It gives you the most common French words and phrases, so you’re guaranteed to learn the most useful vocabulary. Don’t waste time trying to learn French you’ll never use. Complement your French writing practice with fun speaking exercises when you download OptiLingo !

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Add These Advanced French Words to Your Vocabulary

Why settle for an intermediate level when you can reach the summits of advanced French? It sure takes guts, dedication, and a lot of brainpower, but once you pull it off, there is nothing as rewarding as using your limitless fluency with your French-speaking friends!

Improving at an advanced level is no small feat, and few people have gone as far as you have. At this level, you’re getting hit pretty hard with diminishing returns : The more you learn and add to your vocabulary, the more difficult it becomes.

It can also be difficult to find educational content advanced enough to challenge your skills, and this is where we come in! In this article, you’ll find a large collection of useful advanced French words and phrases, from general terms to linking words, specialized vocabulary, and fancy substitutes for common words to help you stand out in a proficiency exam .

An Older Man Pointing to His Head with an Index Finger

Expand your mind with advanced French words.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in French

  • General Advanced Words
  • Advanced Business Vocabulary
  • Advanced Medical Vocabulary
  • Advanced Legal Vocabulary
  • Alternative Words

Le mot de la fin

1. general advanced words.

These are the bread and butter of advanced words: verbs , adjectives , and adverbs that you could use in a wide variety of situations. The last section contains a collection of useful linking words that you should use to articulate your speech and connect different phrases into logical structures.

Most of these words have a very specific meaning and allow you to clearly express your ideas. Later in this article, we’ll also talk about some alternative words that you can use to replace simple terms in order to sound a bit more sophisticated.

1 – Verbs

To argue / To debateShe’s arguing for this law.
To debateWe could debate this all day.
To glimpseI’ve glimpsed the top of the mountain.
To whisperHe whispers in my ear.
To collect / To gatherWe are collecting data.
To take responsibilityI take responsibility for the risks.
To be / To make upThis is a huge step forward.
To lead toThis crisis leads to a decrease in revenue.
To lead toThis leads to nothing good.
To amount to / To come toThe bill comes to €80,000.

A Man Whispering another Man

Il murmure. (“He’s whispering.”)

2 – Adjectives

BeneficialThis measure is beneficial for France.
Consistent with / In line withThey are in line with my expectations.
Suitable / AdequateWe’re looking for an adequate solution.
Puzzling / ConfusingThis movie is puzzling.
DetailedA detailed report
Great / WonderfulThis is wonderful!
FlawlessHis haircut is flawless.
ConduciveThis business is conducive to criminal acts.
ReasonableThis is a reasonable solution.
ProfitableMy company is not profitable anymore.
SpontaneousSpontaneous combustion.
SubtleA subtle blend of garlic and basil
RandomA random sample is selected.
DebatableThis is morally debatable.
Cumbersome / TediousHis work is tedious.
PainstakingThis is a difficult and painstaking task.
UnlikelyThis seems very unlikely.
UnacceptableThese results are unacceptable!
Tedious / PainfulThis is so tedious!
UnthinkableThis was unthinkable only ten years ago.

3 – Adverbs

LiterallyI’m literally exhausted.
AbruptlyWe left abruptly.
NaturallyWe naturally have to leave soon.
PreciselyIt is precisely the other way around.
StubbornlyThey stubbornly refuse.
Decidedly / CertainlyShe’s certainly very popular.
ResolutelyI’m resolutely against this law.
AbsolutelyIt makes absolutely no sense.
BrilliantlyYou have brilliantly tackled this challenge.
ModeratelyI like it moderately.

A Woman Performing Tedious Work at Her Keyboard

Un travail pénible (“Tedious work”)

4 – Linking Words

ThusBetter results can thus be obtained.
Even thoughThe music started even though I wasn’t ready.
UnlessLet’s start, unless you wish to wait.
Even thoughEven though I cannot come, the meeting will take place.
NeverthelessYou can nevertheless come tomorrow.
All the moreIt pains me all the more.
Even more soEven more so as the prices are increasing.
AsI work as a teacher.
DespiteDid you go out despite the rain?
As forAs for your role, we’ll talk about it tomorrow.
AlthoughThose stocks are profitable, although often unstable.
Whatever / No matter whatWhatever you do, you’ll come to the right decision.
While / WhereasPrices are increasing while the quality is going down.
As soon asAs soon as you’re ready, we can start.
HoweverThey have, however, to provide a solution.

A Man Walking in Heavy Rain with an Umbrella

Il est dehors malgré la pluie. (“He’s out despite the rain.”)

2. Advanced Business Vocabulary

Do you plan on finding work or doing business in France? Knowing these advanced French vocabulary words for business will give you a leg up and impress your colleagues or associates. 

DivisionI work in the marketing division.
Head officeThis is the Renault head office.
OutsourcingOutsourcing allows us to cut costs.
Dismissal / TerminationTermination was considered.
AssetsThey have assets to deal with their debts.
StocksSubmitted stocks will be evaluated.
ShareholderI’m the only shareholder of my own company.
Interest rateInterest rates are decreasing every year.
Human resourcesHuman resources are taking care of your contract.
Turnover / RevenueRevenues have steadily increased.
FundsWe have to release funds.
SubsidiaryWe are a Renault subsidiary.
FeeYou’ll find my fee on my website.
PayslipI haven’t received my payslip yet.
PartnershipShe’s just signed a partnership with Renault.
Labor marketWomen are often discriminated against in the labor market.
To compensate / To payThis assignment is well compensated.
To applyI’m applying for a new job.
BranchWe have a branch in Rome.
AccountingI vote for simplified accounting.
Registered trademarkAndroid Auto™ is a trademark of Google Inc.
To go bankruptMy company has gone bankrupt.
Business tripShe’s leaving for a business trip.
Permanent contract
Fixed-term contract

Two Colleagues Checking Their Flight Status at the Airport

Un voyage d’affaires (“A business trip”)

3. Advanced Medical Vocabulary

Do you want to study medicine or enter the medical field in France? Or maybe you would like to be prepared just in case you wind up in the ER. In any case, the advanced French words below are a great place to start expanding your medical vocabulary. 

TreatmentI’m trying an experimental treatment.
BenignThis syndrome is benign.
To disinfect / To sterilizeYou have to disinfect the wound.
ContagiousThis virus is highly contagious.
To anesthetize / To sedateI’m going to sedate you before the operation.
AllergyAllergy to this product is very unusual.
Blood pressureHe will measure your blood pressure.
FractureI have a double hip fracture.
X-rayYou’re going to need an X-ray.
CastI’ve been wearing a cast since January.
Heart attackHe died after suffering a heart attack.
Immune systemMy immune system was weakened.
BleedingWe have to stop the bleeding.
To vaccinateThey want to vaccinate the whole population.
PrescriptionYou can’t buy this medication without a prescription.
Side effectThere is no known side effect.
Blood testYou have to do a blood test.
FluI got the flu last year.
ItchingI’m starting to feel an itch.
MenstruationThis is a remedy for painful menstruation.
Neck / NapeThe victim got a broken neck.
StomachI have a stomachache.
SpineThe spine is delicate.
RibsMy ribs hurt.
LungsThe gas is cleared through the lungs.

An Old Man Suffering from Pain in His Stomach

Une douleur à l’estomac (“A stomach pain”)

4. Advanced Legal Vocabulary

Now that you’re more advanced in French, there are some useful legal words and terms you should become familiar with. They’ll help you avoid misunderstandings, keep up with the news, and engage in more complex conversations. 

Authorized / AccreditedI’m an accredited representative of the government.
Settled out of courtThis matter was settled out of court.
Criminal recordI don’t have a criminal record.
Judge in appealThe decision was confirmed by the judge on appeal.
Legal counselWe need legal counsel.
JudicialThis is a judicial case.
Written proofWritten proof of address
To summonShe summoned the witness.
Legal representativeI’m the legal representative of Renault.
Registered letterI have sent the document in a registered letter.
Dispute / LitigationYou have two days to open a dispute.
WarrantI will come back with a warrant.
Authorized agent / RepresentativeWe will appoint a representative.
NotaryThe document is certified by a notary.
To initial (a document)I need you to initial this contract.
SME (Small or Medium size Enterprise)SMEs are paying too much in taxes.
LawsuitA lawsuit was filed against Apple.
Public prosecutorThe prosecutor wants to talk to you.
To claimI claim the right to make this decision.
PaymentYou will receive the first payment in June.
A kidnappingThis is the perfect spot for a kidnapping.
AssailantHis assailant was tall and blond.
Bribery / CorruptionBribery is a crime.
BurglaryThe burglary took place on the night of the 17th.
To blackmailThey blackmailed me for confidential information.

A Man Picking a Lock to Break into a Home

Un cambriolage (“A burglary”)

5. Alternative Words

One way to shine in a proficiency test is to display competency with a wide array of vocabulary, showing that you can express yourself with subtlety instead of relying on simpler terms.

In this list, you’ll find simple verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, followed by their more sophisticated alternative and an example sentence. The first column is the basic word, and the second is the alternative you might want to use instead.

The meaning often varies between the first and second words, so I’ll mention both throughout the list. Using these words not only allows you to show off your vocabulary but also to express your ideas more accurately.

1 – Alternative Verbs

To startTo startI’m starting a new career.
To continueTo resumeWe can resume the meeting.
To writeTo redactShe’s redacting her cover letter.
To giveTo passHe’s passing his knowledge on to his colleagues.
To showTo reveal / To unveilRenault has unveiled its new range of vehicles.
To buyTo acquireWe want to acquire those patents.
To haveTo ownI own a law firm.
To sayTo claimShe claims she doesn’t know anything.
To sayTo say / To declareI have nothing to declare.

2 – Alternative Adjectives

TrueTrue / TruthfulI certify that this statement is true.
EssentialEssentialIt is essential to invest right now.
ConvenientConvenientFile management has become more convenient.
DifferentDistinct / SeparateThere are two separate forms.
EasyVery easyYou’ll see, it’s very easy.

3 – Alternative Adverbs

EasilyEasilyWe can easily replace it.
NowNowYou now have to sign the contract.
Now / From now onFrom now onFrom now on, I will work in this department.
BeforePreviouslyThis is what I previously mentioned.
MoreMoreI want to buy more stocks.

Someone Shopping Using an App

Cette application est commode. (“This app is convenient.”)

In this guide, you have learned a large collection of general and specialized advanced French words, from medical vocabulary to legal terms and business phrases. Did we forget any important topic you’d like to learn about? A good way to learn new words efficiently is to try and build sentences around them. Doing so will help you memorize them and understand how to use them in context. You can also use flashcard apps to get started, but you should not overextend yourself and set 150 flashcards right away. Add them little by little for the best results.

Make sure to explore FrenchPod101 , as we have plenty of free resources to help you practice your grammar and learn new words. Our vocabulary lists are also a great way to review words and learn their pronunciation.

Remember that you can also use our Premium PLUS service, MyTeacher , to get personal 1-on-1 coaching. Your own private teacher will be available to help you practice with advanced words and phrases. In addition to giving you assignments and personalized exercises, your teacher can provide recorded audio samples just for you and review your own pronunciation. 

Happy learning on FrenchPod101.com !

About the Author: Born and bred in rainy Northern France, Cyril Danon was bouncing off various jobs before he left everything behind to wander around the wonders of the world. Now, after quenching his wanderlust over the last few years, he’s eager to share his passion for languages.

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Writing essays in French Cheat Sheet by JAM

Useful expressions to help structure your A level French essay.

Introd­ucing the first argument

Adding and listing arguments

Listing arguments - start.

Listing arguments - middle

Listing arguments - end

Indicating the reason for something

Expressing contrast / concession

Introd­ucing one's own point of view.

In conclusion

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  • Languages: English français (French)
  • Published: 21st September, 2013
  • Last Updated: 26th February, 2020
  • Rated: 5 out of 5 stars based on 9 ratings

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these are very helpful thank you

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Simple et utile, j'aime.

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A Vos Plumes! - The French Writing Center

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Write Better

These pages explain how to write certain kinds of essays in French, as well as how some ways that professors grade writing assignments.

Writing college French essays , by Alison Levine.

How to write an essay for an upper-level French literature, culture, or film class.

Writing college response/reaction papers , by Cheryl Krueger.

How to write a response paper or reaction paper at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level.

Writing business letters in French , by Alison Levine.

How to lay out and formulate job application letters, requests for information, and other professional correspondence.

How professors grade upper-level French essays , by Alison Levine.

Descriptions of what makes an A paper, a B paper, etc. for the argumentative essay in French at UVA.

How professors grade intermediate French essays , by Alison Levine.

Descriptions of an A, B, paper, etc. for the intermediate level at UVA.

How to improve your grammar , by Alison Levine.

In this carnet de corrections , you can keep track of the grammar errors you make and how to correct them, as your professor goes over your work through the semester. A useful tool to help you avoid repeating errors.

Erreurs à éviter , by Mary McKinley.

A short list of common errors at the intermediate level. We are working on a more advanced list.

Handouts on French essay writing, explanations of how many instructors grade writing

Build Vocabulary

Theme-specific vocabulary (beginners); poetry, prose, theater, cinema terms (intermediates)

Grammar videos

Video grammar lessons and handouts, to prepare for the exercises.

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French Essay: Topics, Tips, and Examples [2024 Updated]

Nowadays, knowing several foreign languages is no longer surprising. For example, learning French is common for English-speaking countries. So, getting an assignment on this subject won’t be a surprise for a student.

Writing a French essay, you can dwell into:

  • the history of the French language;
  • various dialects;
  • its grammatical features;
  • similarities between French and English (or another language);
  • the distribution of the language around the globe.

One studying the language may penetrate the rich French culture and comprehend the nation itself. Besides, writing a French essay can develop the author’s writing skills and broaden their outlook. And even if you make mistakes doing so, it’s not the end of the world. The fact that you’re able to recognize them is already good enough, and you can fix complex errors using a free essay rewriter .

Our writers prepared French essay topics and tips for you to nail your task. See the examples below for better understanding.

📯 French Essay Topics

Are you one of those who are assigned to write French essays? Then we suggest you pick out some of the following problems to investigate:

  • History of the French language;
  • Dialects of the French language;
  • French phonology ;
  • French orthography;
  • French grammar ;
  • French alphabet.

The suggested topics are too vague and need narrowing. You may single out some aspects and analyze it in your paper. An excellent French essay topic should be:

  • Broad for you to have enough room to develop your arguments;
  • Narrow enough for you to be able to concentrate on one or several points;
  • It should also be creative and original. You want people to enjoy reading it, right?
  • Most importantly, the topic should be interesting for you.

If the essay topics seem too formal to you, study, for example, your progress in analyzing the French language. Alternatively, you can state what attracts you in the language and explain why. You may also do a comparative analysis of French and some other languages. Comparing French with English may turn out to be a fascinating task to cope with. Both languages will benefit from your French essay writing.

Here are some topics and French essay examples you can consider writing about:

  • Your progress in learning the French language . Here you can write about your personal experience learning the French language. What techniques do you apply, and what motivates you personally? You can explain why you have to learn how to speak French.
  • How are the French language and culture in Southern France different from Parisian? In this essay, you can compare the Southern French dialect and culture with the one in Paris. What are some of the critical phonetic, grammar, and linguistic characteristics of Southern French?
  • Parisian dialect as a standard of French. When people think about the French language, the Parisian variant immediately comes to mind. In this essay, you can analyze why Parisian French became the standard version.
  • Why do you enjoy learning French? This essay focuses on your personal preferences and likes in the process of learning.
  • What makes it fun and enjoyable? Is it French movies, French literature, or understanding French written work documents?
  • French influence on English . Although English is a Germanic language, it looks and sounds a lot like French. The influence which French had on English is significant. Look at some historical reasons (the Norman invasion in particular) and why English benefited from it.
  • French language in 19th century Russia. Not everyone knows that French was the official language of the Russian elite in the 19th century. Discuss the reasons why and what influence French culture had on Russian literature, music, and language.
  • The effect of the French language on the development of English writing . More than 10,000 French words came into the English language. Not only did the vocabulary of English get more prosperous, but the French way of spelling and letter convention influenced English orthography.
  • What caused French to become an aristocratic language in Europe? The reasons why the French language became so dominant throughout Europe are broad. In this essay, you can focus on economic grounds, cultural or political reasons.
  • An analysis of Canadian French. This essay can be a comparative analysis of Canadian and European French. What are the main differences? What are some similarities between the two variants?
  • Is there any similarity between French and German ? All of the languages in the Indo-European language family have some similarities. Therefore, French and German are not exceptions. You can focus on sentence structure, word order, pronunciation, or phonetics.
  • The popular strategies in English-French translation .
  • Describe the challenges of French language acquisition.
  • Analyze the peculiarities of French vowel pronunciation.
  • Cultural events and their traditions in French-speaking countries .
  • Discuss the advantages of learning French.
  • Examine the semantic peculiarities of the French language.
  • Explore the role of watching movies in the French language learning process.
  • Comparison of language education theories.
  • Analyze the impact of French language learning on your personality.  
  • Describe the methods you’ve used to improve your French language fluency and which turned out to be the most effective.
  • Similarities and differences between realism and naturalism in Spanish and French literature .
  • What is the role of the French language in the modern world?
  • Advantages and disadvantages of knowledge of multiple languages .
  • Discuss the role of the French language in the United States.
  • The specifics of learning French in early childhood.
  • Compare the grammar peculiarities of English and French languages.
  • How is the concept of friendship interpreted in American and French cultures?
  • Analyze the correlation between the history of France and French language development.
  • Explore the origin of the French language.
  • Verbal and non-verbal communication in French culture.
  • Examine the crucial role of French literature in learning French.
  • Describe the relationship between French culture and language.
  • Is it a good idea to integrate bilingual programs in early childhood education?
  • Discuss the best ways to prepare for the speaking exam in French.
  • The role of audiovisual materials in learning French.
  • What difficulties did you face when learning to write in French?
  • The essential role of sociocultural context when translating from French.
  • Compare the customs of French, Chinese, and Hispanic cultures.
  • The best methods of learning the second language .
  • Describe the best ways of promoting language development for French language learners.
  • Analyze the methods of French word formation .
  • Would you like to become a French language teacher?
  • Analysis of the food words in English and other European languages.
  • Examine the specifics of the French language in former French colonies.

Do not treat your French essay as an ordinary task to undertake. Make it as creative as possible!

🖋️ How to Write a French Essay

Note that writing on some language problems requires more than your knowledge of the subject matter. It also tests your abilities to present them in terms of academic writing.

Special care should be taken concerning the following:

  • The structural organization of your French essay.

Mostly, it is similar to any other academic essay :

  • It should start with a hook . In simple terms, it is the opening sentence or two of your writing. It can be a quote, a short story, or a catchy statement that grabs the reader’s attention.

Here’s an example of from the sample essay:

Every language is a mirror of society, a living organism that exists and changes under the influence of historical, political, and social conditions.

  • The next part of your essay is a thesis statement . Typically, it should be placed at the end of the first paragraph. The thesis statement’s purpose is to state the central idea in one or two phrases.

Here is a thesis statement from our French essay example:

Today, it is common to study English as a foreign language, as an international means of communication. However, this does not diminish the importance of learning other foreign language like French.

  • After that, the body of the essay should start. This part of the composition usually has three separate paragraphs. These paragraphs can include research, supporting evidence, and arguments that prove the point of view.
  • The conclusion brings together all the points of the essay. It goes back to the thesis statement and explains the broader importance of the topic. It is the last chance to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Here is an example form our French essay sample:

To conclude, the above discussion provides evidence and arguments that maintain the position according to which learning French is a necessity nowadays. The crucial points are as follows; first, French has a long tradition of international language; second, French is spoken around the globe; third, it is a language of international relationships. The opposing position that English is sufficient for appropriate global communication was claimed unreasonable – an emphasis in this regard was on the essence of cultural and language diversity.

  • The logical organization of your French essay .

There are some ways in which you can coherently write your essay. The following three aspects can guide you when organizing your French essay:

  • Topic sentence : you should mind linking elements within the paragraphs and between them. First of all, each section should include a topic sentence. It aims to identify the central idea and express an overall direction in which the writer will develop the paragraph.

The demand for knowledge of a language has changed in recent years.

  • Concluding sentence: each paragraph should also include a concluding sentence. It asserts the main idea of the section and sums up all the information said in it.

It may be claimed that in a period of rather an aggressive introduction of the Anglo-American language in the world, the French need to persistently and resolutely defend their language, their national interests, and calls on other nations to preserve linguistic diversity.

  • Linking words: it is crucial to use linking words in your essay. Linking words show relationships between ideas. It can be used to build sentences together to develop a cohesive paragraph.

To see the full essay sample, check the link below:

  • Grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.

The last step in writing an A+ French essay is proofreading and editing. Before submitting your academic paper, make sure to pay attention to grammar, spelling, and vocabulary mistakes . Without proofreading, your writing can contain typos and errors that will not leave a good impression.

Good luck with your French essay writing! We hope the article was helpful. If so, share it with your peers and leave a comment below to let us know what you think.

This might be interesting for you:

  • How to Write an Expository Essay in Simple Steps
  • Nursing Reflective Essay Example and Guidelines for Students
  • Essay on Dengue Fever: How to Write + Free Examples
  • Objective Essay Writing: How to Write, Topics and Examples
  • Organizing an Essay: Jerry Plotnick, College Writing Centre, University of Toronto
  • Organizing an Essay: Study Guide Zone
  • Paragraphs & Topic Sentences: Writing Guides, Writing Tutorial Services, Indiana University Bloomington
  • Thesis Generator: Ashford Writing Center
  • Proofreading: The Writing Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Basic Essay and Paragraph Format: Utah Valley University
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It is not helpful to me.

Thanks for the help with out this i wouldn’t even know what to do on my essay

Hi, do you also do French powerpoint presentation?

Good advice. Thanks.

This was a very great help. I’m writing a French essay, and I know, thanks to your post and the provided tips on French essay writing, I will pass!

Hi! I just want to thank you for your ideas and tips for writing French essays! Write a French paper in English or write an essay for the French by an American) Funny.

Thanks a lot for the help.

Custom Writing

No problem, Sash:) Good luck!

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150 Common French Words

Learning vocabulary is one of the cornerstones of learning French.

By knowing the most common vocabulary, you’ll get better at everyday communication—which gets you closer to interacting with some of the 300 million people who speak French around the world . 

In this post, we’ll get you started with  150 easy and common French words !

You’ll be well on your way to having a solid base in the French language in no time. 

150 French Words to Help You Get Started

1. the most essential french words for any conversation, 2. common -er, -ir and -re french verbs, 3. what where when common french words for asking questions, 4. french words for people, 5. french words for professions, 6. food & drinks in french, 7. parts of the house and furniture in french, 8. modes of transport in french, 9. places in french, 10. common french adjectives , 11. animals & nature vocabulary in french, basic french grammar .

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

hello in french

Let’s start with some essential vocabulary that you’ll end up using a lot in French conversations: 

  • Bonjour ! — Hello / Good morning!
  • Bonsoir ! — Good evening!
  • Excusez-moi — Excuse me
  • Je suis désolé / Je suis désolée   — I’m sorry (with an extra  e if you’re female)
  • S’il vous plaît — Please  
  • Merci — Thank you
  • À bientôt — See you soon
  • Au revoir — Goodbye

Knowing everyday French phrases can get you pretty far. This post will give you over 110 of the most common French phrases that will have you sounding like a native. You…

running up a mountain

Aside from the conversational words and phrases above, you’ve also got to know the absolute most common French verbs:

  • Être — to be
  • Avoir — to have
  • Aller — to go

These verbs are irregular , meaning they don’t follow the same rules of usage (or conjugation) that so-called regular verbs do.

Most French verbs are regular , meaning you only have to learn the endings of their group.

In French, there are three groups of so-called regular verbs, denoted by their infinitive (unconjugated) endings:  -er verbs,   -ir verbs and  -re  verbs.

Here are the most common verbs in each group:

  • Parler — to speak
  • Aimer — to like
  • Demander — to ask
  • Étudier — to study
  • Regarder — to watch
  • Visiter — to visit (a place)
  • Habiter — to live
  • Penser — to think
  • Manger — to eat
  • Finir — to finish
  • Choisir — to choose
  • Grandir — to grow
  • Grossir — to gain weight
  • Réussir — to succeed / pass (a test)
  • Vendre — to sell
  • Attendre — to wait
  • Entendre — to hear
  • Perdre — to lose
  • Répondre — to respond

With all these different kinds of verbs, it’s handy to have a verb conjugation tool, like the one from Reverso .

Another option is to study these verbs in action with FluentU , which features authentic French videos with interactive subtitles. Click on any French verb or other word used in the video to see its definition, along with grammar notes and examples.

You can then add new words to flashcards and take personalized quizzes to grow your French vocabulary. 

The language learning program is also available on iOS and Android , so you can take your French studies with you wherever you go. 

Check out the most common French verbs that every beginner should know in this post! We’ll cover present tense conjugations and example sentences for the 50 most common…

French questions

Looking for directions ? Do you want to know the price of something?

Whatever you do on your trip to France, you’re definitely going to need to ask for help or direction at some point.

Here are some common questions to help you get around:

  • Où ? — Where?
  • Qui ? — Who?
  • Quoi ? — What?
  • Quand ? — When?
  • Comment ? — How?
  • Pourquoi ? — Why?
  • Combien ? — How much? / How many?

Of course, the beauty of learning a language is to be able to communicate with native speakers, which means people might also ask you questions!

Want to start asking questions in French? We have the answers in this guide! Learn everything you need to know about French question words, how to form questions and where…

happy-husband-and-wife-at-the-park-with-their-three-children

Want to learn how to describe friends, family members or even strangers? Below you’ll find ten key words for people in French.

  • L’homme — the man
  • La femme — the woman
  • L’enfant — the child 
  • La fille — the girl
  • Le garçon — the boy
  • Le bébé — the baby
  • La personne — the person
  • L’ami / L’amie — the friend (male/female)
  • Le collègue / La collègue  — the colleague (male/female)
  • Le voisin / La voisine — the neighbor (male/female)

https://www.fluentu.com/blog/french/describing-people-in-french/

female-dentist-in-purple-scrub-using-dental-equipment-to-examine-a-patient

Headed to a French-speaking region for employment? Then the following words are essential!

The following are common words associated with professions:

  • Le dentiste — the dentist
  • Le médecin — the doctor (medical)
  • Le serveur / La serveuse — the waiter / waitress
  • L’avocat / L’avocate   — the lawyer
  • Le caissier / La caissière — the cashier
  • L’ingénieur / L’ingénieure  — the engineer
  • Le plombier / La plombière — the plumber
  • Le policier / La policière   — the police officer
  • L’ouvrier / L’ouvrière  — the worker

Do you know how to say common professions in French? Here’s your complete guide to all sort of jobs in French, as well as French job titles—from butchers to diplomats!…

easy-french-words

Hungry or thirsty? Check out the most common French words for food and drinks .

  • Le restaurant — the restaurant
  • Le café — the cafe / coffee
  • Le thé — the tea
  • Le lait — the milk
  • Le vin — the wine
  • L’eau — the water
  • Le fruit — the fruit
  • La pomme — the apple
  • L’orange — the orange
  • Les légumes — the vegetables
  • La carotte — the carrot
  • La pomme de terre — the potato
  • La tomate — the tomato
  • La viande — the meat
  • Le poisson — the fish
  • Le poulet — the chicken
  • Le petit-déjeuner — breakfast
  • Le déjeuner — lunch
  • Le dîner — dinner

Learn how to order in French like a native speaker with this French restaurant vocabulary guide! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from meals and food…

easy-french-words

It’s crucial to learn the French words that describe the places where we live.

Check out the following common words that denote specific rooms and spaces in our households.

  • La maison — the house
  • La pièce — the room
  • La cuisine — the kitchen
  • La salle à manger — the dining room
  • Le salon — the living room
  • La chambre — the bedroom
  • La salle de bain — the bathroom (may not include a toilet)
  • Les toilettes — the bathroom (includes a toilet, sometimes exclusively)
  • La porte — the door
  • La fenêtre — the window
  • L’escalier — the stairs
  • Le mur — the wall
  • Le sol — the floor

Common words associated with rooms in the house:

  • La télévision — the television
  • Le canapé / le sofa — the couch
  • La chaise — the chair
  • La lampe — the lamp
  • Le réfrigérateur — the refrigerator
  • Le four — the oven
  • La table — the table
  • Le lit — the bed
  • La douche — the shower
  • Les toilettes — the toilet (object)

Want to learn French house vocabulary? Whether you’re a homebody or someone who’s always out, this post has you covered! Here you’ll find 156 French house vocabulary words…

man-on-a-bicycle-crossing-the-road-leading-to-the-Arc-de-Triomphe-de-l'Étoile-in-Paris-busy-traffic

Traveling for leisure or commuting to work? Make sure you learn these words!

  • La voiture — the car
  • Le bus — the bus 
  • Le train — the train
  • Le métro — the subway
  • Le taxi — the taxi
  • La moto — the motorcycle
  • Le vélo — the bicycle
  • L’avion — the airplane
  • Le bateau — the boat
  • Le navire — the ship

Need to learn French transport vocabulary? Whether you’re looking to travel by car, bus, plane, train, boat, or even by bike, this post has you covered! Here you’ll find…

the-Louvre-clear-glass-museum-lit-up-during-sunset-Paris-France

Going somewhere? These French words will help you find what you’re looking for on a map or on Google!

  • Le centre-ville — the city center
  • Le village — the village
  • La campagne — the countryside
  • Le quartier — the neighborhood
  • Le musée — the museum
  • Le parc — the park
  • Le marché — the market
  • Le magasin — the store
  • L’école — the school
  • L’université — the university

diverse people

The following are common words that can be used to describe yourself, others or inanimate things.

  • Grand / Grande — big
  • Petit / Petite — small
  • Intelligent / Intelligente — smart
  • Fâché / Fâchée — angry
  • Triste — sad
  • Heureux / Heureuse — happy
  • Drôle — funny
  • Jeune — young
  • Vieux / Vieille — old
  • Nerveux / Nerveuse — nervous
  • Beau / Belle — beautiful
  • Facile — easy
  • Difficile — hard
  • Fort / Forte — strong

Keep in mind that some adjectives change genders depending on the gender of the noun it describes.

In this list, the masculine forms are given first, with the feminine forms being either those with an added -e or the second form of the adjective.

Interested in more adjectives? Check out how to say common colors in French as well !

Learn important French adjectives with this comprehensive list! It covers 173 adjectives for describing objects, emotions, appearance and more. Each adjective comes with…

two-labrador-retriever-puppies

The following are common French words that can be used to describe animals or nature.

  • Le chien — the dog
  • Le chat — the cat
  • Le lapin — the rabbit
  • Le cheval — the horse
  • L’oiseau — the bird
  • Le soleil — the sun
  • La pluie —  the rain
  • Le vent — the wind
  • La neige — the snow
  • Le nuage —  the cloud
  • La montagne —  the mountain
  • La plage —  the beach
  • L’océan —  the ocean
  • La météo — the weather forecast
  • Quel temps fait-il ? — What’s the weather?
  • Il fait chaud / Il fait froid — It’s hot/It’s cold

Get ready to learn animals in French! We’ve got over a hundred French animal terms, plus usage tips, a note on gender and practice resources. From pets to sea animals to…

Now that you’ve seen 150 of the most common French words, it’s important to go over basic grammar so you can start incorporating these words into your own conversations!

In the French language, nouns are either masculine or feminine . For example, le vent (the wind) is masculine and la pluie  (the rain) is feminine.

Words that begin with a vowel sound or “h” have their article changed to l’ . 

Conjugation

There are three types of French verb endings: -er , -ir and -re . 

When conjugating in the present tense : Take the infinitive form , remove the verb ending to get the stem and add the corresponding conjugation.

For more French verb conjugations in different tenses, check out this post .

Adjective Placement

Adjectives are most often placed after the noun . However, in some cases, they may be placed before.

For example:

Le chien est petit . — The dog is small.

Le petit chien. — The small dog.

Adjectives must agree with the gender (and number) of a noun: 

La petit e maison. — The small house. (Using the feminine form of “petit”)

And just like that, you have 150 words to bring your French to the next level. Practice these words often and watch your French comprehension and production vastly improve!

Once you’ve mastered them, check out the 500 most frequently used French words for additional targeted vocabulary study.

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  2. How to Write an Essay in French

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    Essential French Academic Vocabulary: Below is a list of commonly used academic expressions and words, along with their English translations: Analyser (Analyze): Examine in detail to uncover patterns or insights. French: "Analyser les données recueillies dans l'étude.". English: "Analyze the data collected in the study.".

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    1. L'explication de texte. An explication de texte is a type of essay for which you complete a close reading. It is usually written about a poem or a short passage within a larger work. This close reading will elucidate different themes and stylistic devices within the text. When you are completing an explication de texte, make sure to follow ...

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    Advanced French Vocabulary: Adverbs. Here are just two important French adverbs I'd like to mention. 23. Franchement (Frankly) Franchement ça ne m'intéresse pas du tout (Frankly that doesn't interest me at all) This is used far more often in French than in English. 24.

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    Practise your French writing skills with our ever-growing collection of interactive French writing exercises for every CEFR level from A0 to C1! If you're unsure about your current proficiency, try our test to get your French level before diving into the exercises. All writing exercises are made by our qualified native French teachers to help ...

  12. 70 Advanced French Vocabulary Words

    Peiner. To struggle. Feel free to use this for every struggle in your struggle book, from French vocabulary to accidentally leaving the TV remote in the kitchen. Je peine à me réveiller le matin. (I struggle to get up in the morning.) 31. Posséder. To have, to contain.

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    Access more than 200 French vocabulary and grammar lists, with not just English translations, but also with audio files to help you perfect your pronunciation. ... writing and listening exercises to really help you learn about the context and nuances that native French-speakers use. Grammar and Vocab themes by level. A0: Entry Level;

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    Or maybe you would like to be prepared just in case you wind up in the ER. In any case, the advanced French words below are a great place to start expanding your medical vocabulary. Un traitement. J'essaye un traitement expérimental. Treatment. I'm trying an experimental treatment. Bénin. Ce syndrome est bénin. Benign.

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    tortuga.h is a "header only" library that adds turtle graphics functions (LOGO type) to the C and C++ languages. It was developed to teach programming to teenagers transitioning from visual programming languages (Scratch, mBlock) to text-based languages.

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    Working with a French tutor is one of the best options to learn about the nuances of the French language. Not only do they know the language, but they also have the experience and patience to explain these nuances to you. French adverbs, prepositions, and coordinating conjunctions. These words are the cement that helps you build French sentences.

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  21. Spoken vs. Written French: What Are the Main Differences?

    Writing prompts help you practice writing essays, so they're great practice for standardized French exams. They also allow you to learn vocabulary about diverse topics. Some of the best sites for finding free writing prompts are A Vos Plumes! and The Daily Post .

  22. 150 Common French Words

    Basic French Grammar Now that you've seen 150 of the most common French words, it's important to go over basic grammar so you can start incorporating these words into your own conversations!. Gender. In the French language, nouns are either masculine or feminine.For example, le vent (the wind) is masculine and la pluie (the rain) is feminine. Words that begin with a vowel sound or "h ...