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For French Speakers

If you’re French & learning English, it can be easier if you recognise the patterns it shares with French.

There are loads of similar words, and if you realise this and recognise the patterns, you will know loads of English words immediately.

Cognates: Shared Vocabulary

Cognates are words that look and sound similar in both languages. Here are some common examples:

• French: information / English: information

• French: conversation / English: conversation

• French: national / English: national

Tip: When you come across a new English word, think of its possible French equivalent. If it looks or sounds similar, it might be a cognate.

Common Prefixes and Suffixes

Both languages use similar prefixes and suffixes, which can help you understand new words.

Prefixes

• anti-: against

  • French: antigravité / English: antigravity

• re-: again

  • French: refaire / English: redo

• pre-: before

  • French: préhistorique / English: prehistoric

Suffixes

• -tion: indicates a noun

  • French: organisation / English: organisation

• -able: indicates an adjective

  • French: portable / English: portable

Tip: When you see a prefix or suffix, think about its meaning in French. This can help you guess the meaning of new English words.

Grammatical Patterns

Understanding grammar patterns can also be helpful. Here are some key patterns to recognise:

Adjective Placement

In English, adjectives usually come before the noun. In French, they often come after the noun.

• French: un livre intéressant / English: an interesting book

• French: une maison rouge / English: a red house

Tip: When translating from French to English, remember to switch the position of the adjective.

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Question Formation

Both languages form questions by changing the word order or adding a question word.

• French: Vous avez un livre? (Do you have a book?) / English: Do you have a book?

• French: Où est la bibliothèque? (Where is the library?) / English: Where is the library?

Tip: Practise forming questions in both languages to get used to the different structures.

Practice Section

Let's practise recognising these patterns with some exercises. Translate the following sentences from French to English, keeping in mind the patterns we've discussed.

1. Elle a un chat noir.

2. Nous allons au cinéma.

3. Il a une voiture rouge.

4. Je veux réorganiser ma chambre.

5. Elle est très aimable.

Answers:

1. She has a black cat.

2. We are going to the cinema.

3. He has a red car.

4. I want to reorganise my room.

5. She is very kind.