French Grammar

1. French Grammar

2. Nouns

3. Masculine vs. Feminine • Every French noun has a gender- masculine or feminine. • Endings can usually determine a gender • Masculine Endings: -age –ail –eau –ent –ier –isme • Feminine Endings: -eesse –ette –ie –ion –té –ure

4. Masculine vs. Feminine • Nouns with a biological gender will usually be represented by the same inherent gender. • Some nouns will differentiate by gender. i.e. memoire means either a memoir or memory, depending on the gender. • Some nouns change in gender to match the usage. • Some change based on endings (See Sparkchart) • Some changes are irregular

5. Masculine vs. Feminine • Some nouns are always masculine or feminine, despite the biological gender of the noun. • When it is a mixed gender (as in a group), use the masculine form. • Un=Male • Une=Female

6. Numbers • Most nouns form plurals from their singular forms • Some nouns only exist in plural forms.

7. Articles

8. Articles • An article is a small word that qualifies a noun.

9. Definite Articles • Definite articles correspond to the. (See chart) • Do not omit the definite article in a series of nouns i.e. le crayon, le carnet, la lettre, etc. • Use with scholastic subjects, except languages. • Use to express general ideas, feelings, or happiness. • Use with days of the week • Use with certain expressions of days and measures.

10. Indefinite Articles • The indefinite article refers to a(n) and to some. • See chart • Omit before an unmodified nationality/profession. • Omit in an exclamation. • Omit before cent/mille • Change to de before a direct object in a negative state