Collins - Collins Easy Learning French Grammar

HarperCollins Publishers
Westerhill Road
Bishopbriggs
Glasgow
G64 2QT
Great Britain Second Edition 2011 Reprint 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 HarperCollins Publishers 2004, 2011 EPUB Edition July 2011 ISBN 978-0-00-744468-7 Collins is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Publishers Limited www.collinslanguage.com A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Typeset by Davidson Publishing Solutions, Glasgow Printed in India by
Gopsons Papers Ltd Acknowledgements
We would like to thank those authors and publishers who kindly gave permission for copyright material to be used in the Collins Word Web. We would also like to thank Times Newspapers Ltd for providing valuable data. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins. Entered words that we have reason to believe constitute trademarks have been designated as such.

However, neither the presence nor absence of such designation should be regarded as affecting the legal status of any trademark. HarperCollins does not warrant that www.collinsdictionary.com, www.collinslanguage.com or any other website mentioned in this title will be provided uninterrupted, that any website will be error free, that defects will be corrected, or that the website or the server that makes it available are free of viruses or bugs. For full terms and conditions please refer to the site terms provided on the website. SERIES EDITOR
Rob Scriven MANAGING EDITOR
Galle Amiot-Cadey EDITORIAL COORDINATION
Susanne Reichert
Rachel Smith CONTRIBUTORS
Wendy Lee
Di Larkin We would like to give special thanks to Di Larkin, Foreign Languages Consultant, and Irene Muir, Faculty Head, Belmont House School, for all their advice on teaching practice in todays classroom. Their contributions have been invaluable in the writing of this book. FOREWORD FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS The Easy Learning French Grammar is designed to be used with both young and adult learners, as a group reference book to complement your course book during classes, or as a recommended text for self-study and homework/coursework.

The text specifically targets learners from ab initio to intermediate or GCSE level, and therefore its structural content and vocabulary have been matched to the relevant specifications up to and including Higher GCSE. The approach aims to develop knowledge and understanding of grammar and to improve the ability of learners to apply it by: defining parts of speech at the start of each major section, with examples in English to clarify concepts minimizing the use of grammar terminology and providing clear explanations of terms both within the text and in the Glossary illustrating all points with examples (and their translations) based on topics and contexts which are relevant to beginner and intermediate course content The text helps you develop positive attitudes to grammar learning in your classes by: giving clear, easy-to-follow explanations prioritizing content according to relevant specifications for the levels sequencing points to reflect course content, e.g. verb tenses highlighting useful Tips to deal with common difficulties summarizing Key points at the end of sections to consolidate learning In addition to fostering success and building a thorough foundation in French grammar, the optional Grammar Extra sections will encourage and challenge your learners to further their studies to higher and advanced levels. INTRODUCTION FOR STUDENTS Whether you are starting to learn French for the very first time, brushing up on topics you have studied in class, or revising for your GCSE exams, the Easy Learning French Grammar is here to help. This easy-to-use guide takes you through all the basics you will need to speak and understand modern, everyday French. Newcomers can sometimes struggle with the technical terms they come across when they start to explore the grammar of a new language.

The Easy Learning French Grammar explains how to get to grips with all the parts of speech you will need to know, using simple language and cutting out jargon. The text is divided into sections, each dealing with a particular area of grammar. Each section can be studied individually, as numerous cross-references in the text point you to relevant points in other sections of the book for further information. Every major section begins with an explanation of the area of grammar covered on the following pages. For quick reference, these definitions are also collected together on pages in a glossary of essential grammar terms. Each grammar point in the text is followed by simple examples of real French, complete with English translations, to help you understand the rules. Each grammar point in the text is followed by simple examples of real French, complete with English translations, to help you understand the rules.

Underlining has been used in examples throughout the text to highlight the grammatical point being explained. If you are talking about a part of your body, you usually use a word like my or his in English, but in French you usually use the definite article.

Tourne la tte gauche.	Turn your head to the left.
Il sest cass le bras.	Hes broken his arm.
Jai mal la gorge.	My throat hurts.

In French, as with any foreign language, there are certain pitfalls which have to be avoided. Tips and Information notes throughout the text are useful reminders of the things that often trip learners up. Tip If you are in doubt as to which form of you to use, it is safest to use vous so you will not offend anybody. Key points With masculine singular nouns use un . Next page