French Writing Blog
Grammar guides, writing tips and exam preparation for French learners — from complete beginners to advanced candidates preparing for TCF, TEF, DELF or DALF.
-
Exam PreparationDALF C1 Production Écrite: Structure, Word Count, and Top Tips
The DALF C1 expression écrite has two exercises — a document synthesis and a personal production. Both require C1-level organisation, register, and grammatical range. Here is exactly how to approach each one.
-
Exam PreparationHow to Write a DELF B2 Formal Letter: Format, Phrases, and Word Count
The DELF B2 production écrite most commonly takes the form of a formal letter. Learn the required format, key phrases, and how to hit 250 words with a structure that examiners reward.
-
Exam PreparationTCF vs TEF: What's the Difference and Which Exam Should You Take?
TCF Canada and TEF Canada both count for Express Entry, but they differ in format, scoring, and test delivery. Here is what each exam involves and how to choose between them.
-
French GrammarFrench -ER, -IR, and -RE Verbs: Complete Conjugation Guide for Beginners
French verbs are grouped by their infinitive ending: -ER, -IR, or -RE. Learn the present-tense pattern for each group and you can produce thousands of French verb forms correctly.
-
French GrammarThe French Subjunctive Explained: When You Actually Need It (DELF B2 / DALF C1)
The French subjunctive is governed by a single principle: specific trigger phrases require it automatically. Learn those triggers and the key irregular forms for DELF B2 and DALF C1.
-
French GrammarC'est vs Il Est: The One Rule French Learners Always Get Wrong
C'est and il est follow one simple rule: c'est precedes a noun with an article; il est precedes an adjective or a bare noun. Here is how to apply it every time.
-
Exam Preparation10 French Transition Words That Will Boost Your TCF Writing Score
The right French connectors link your ideas, signal your level to the examiner, and help you hit your word count naturally. Here are the ten most useful transition words for TCF Tasks 2 and 3.
-
VocabularyThe Most Common French Nouns Every B1 Learner Should Know (With Gender)
The most frequently used French nouns for B1–B2 learners, grouped by topic — people, time, place, work, and abstract concepts — each with the correct article and gender.
-
French GrammarHow to Conjugate Être and Avoir (And Why Every French Tense Depends on Them)
Être and avoir are the two most important French verbs. They form every compound tense in the language and appear in dozens of fixed expressions. Here is everything you need to know.