When two words have a different meaning even though they sound alike or have the same spelling, they are called homonyms. In today's episode, find out the different meanings of the word pronounced [vɛʀ]. You'll also understand how this word has been at the heart of a polemic about the tale Cinderella! Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode Vert,e (adj) = green Ver (nm) = worm Un rat de bibliothèque = a bookworm Vers = towards Vers (nm) = verse, line, line of verse Verre (nm) = glass vair (nm) = vair petit-gris (nm) = Siberian squirrel Cendrillon = … Read More →
FYW 136 : How to increase your French vocabulary? My best tips
What is the best way to improve and increase your French vocabulary? If you've tried to read in French with the intent of diligently writing down all the new words you see, if you felt slowed down and discouraged by this, you're not alone! I tried this myself when I started reading in English. Here are my thoughts and best tips to help you increase your French vocabulary more easily. I also give you the link to my post "How to make French vocabulary lists". I hope this helps! LINKS and RESOURCES My post "How to make French vocabulary lists" My recommended French Reading List … Read More →
FYW 078 : How to Use Your French Dictionary Efficiently
A dictionary is an indispensable tool that everyone should have on a shelf...on in their pockets. But you need to use it well: you wouldn't believe how many times I've seen students say (or write) things that were not understandable - or worse: very, very embarrassing !- because of an improper choice of word! Understand when and how to use you French dictionary to help you with French language! This episode is an adaptation of my article "How to use your French dictionary efficiently", which comes with a free practice worksheet. Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this … Read More →
FYW 061 : Challenge – Can I Make You Love French Grammar?
Urging all grammar-phobic students to give me a chance to explain why you should love French grammar… and even grammar in general! Many new students start lessons with me by saying: “I want to learn French but I don’t want to learn French grammar”. I find this most interesting as it raises many questions; not just about the teaching/learning method, but above all about the reasons why so many students refuse to have anything to do with grammar... Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode Check out my article – "Challenge: can I make you love French … Read More →
How to Use Your French Dictionary Efficiently
A dictionary is a great tool and even a great bedside book. I love exploring it, flipping through to discover complicated or funny words, in English or in French. However, you should not cling to your dictionary as you would cling to a lifebuoy. Dictionaries can be so big and heavy that they would make you drown – quite the opposite of what you would expect from them. When I teach, I want my students to take the habit of not using a dictionary during our lessons (unless specifically asked to do so for a given task or activity). I must have said it over so many times that I once found out … Read More →
Challenge: Can I Make You Love French Grammar?
I am begging you for a chance to explain why learning grammar is SO useful... Please read on!! “I don’t want to learn grammar” - WHY? I often ask students what they find most difficult about learning French. The following feedback from Jillian inspired me to write this article: “It is difficult for me to structure sentences and therefore oral communication. […] I don't want to know about grammar because it just makes me more confused, I would just like to know sentences, then play with the sentences I know to create new sentences.” It's not uncommon to hear: “I want to learn French but I don’t … Read More →