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.
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VocabularyIs Eau Masculine or Feminine in French?
Eau is feminine: l'eau, une eau, plural les eaux. It breaks the usual -eau rule. Here is why, with examples and the trap to avoid.
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VocabularyIs Professeur Masculine or Feminine in French?
Professeur is traditionally masculine (le professeur), but la professeure is now standard in Canada. Here is which form to use and when.
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VocabularyLe Professeur or La Professeure? French Profession Nouns and Gender
How French profession nouns handle gender — from élève and juge (same word) to acteur/actrice, plus the evolving professeur/professeure and auteur/autrice debate.
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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.
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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.
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Exam PreparationTCF vs TEF Canada: Which Is Easier, and Which Should You Take?
TCF Canada and TEF Canada both count for Express Entry, but they're not the same test. Here's exactly how the format, scoring, and difficulty compare — including which one is genuinely easier.
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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.
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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.
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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.