French Verbs Partir Sortir Quitter



In French, there are three verbs that can indeed all be translated as “to leave a place” in English. These are the French verbs partir, sortir, quitter.

Each of these verbs can undoubtedly mean “to leave”. However, each has its own usage and nuances, so watch out. They are not equally interchangeable.


PARTIR – TO LEAVE – PRESENT TENSE

Partir is generally used to express leaving a place or departing. As a result, it’s often used when referring to traveling or going away.  

Je pars à 8h. – I am leaving at 8:00.

Nous partons en vacances. – We are going on vacation.


PARTIR DE – TO LEAVE (FROM) A PLACE – PRESENT

The preposition “de” is required after “partir” when leaving a specific place.

Je pars du bureau à 8h. – I am leaving (from) the office at 8:00.

Nous partons de l’hôtel.  – We are leaving (from) the hotel.


PARTIR (DE) – TO LEAVE (FROM) – PASSÉ COMPOSÉ

“Partir” is conjugated with être as a helping verb and is then followed by the past participle “parti” in the passé composé.  Agreement must unquestionably be made between the subject and the past participle.  “Partir” is an intransitive verb, therefore it does not take a direct object.

Je pars à 8h. – I am leaving at 8:00. –

Je suis parti(e) à 8h. – I left at 8:00.

Nous partons en vacances. – We are going on vacation.

Nous sommes parti(e)(s) en vacances. – We left (went) on vacation.

Je pars du bureau à 8h. – I’m leaving the office at 8:00.

Je suis parti(e) du bureau à 8h. – I left the office at 8:00.

Nous partons de l’hôtel. We are leaving the hotel.

Nous sommes parti(e)(s) de l’hôtel. We left the hotel. 


SORTIR (DE) – TO GO OUT – PRESENT TENSE

Sortir can also mean “to leave,” but it often implies going out or exiting a place.  The preposition “de” is required after “sortir” when it means you’re  leaving (exiting) a place.  “De” is not required when “sortir” a place is not mentioned. 

Elle sort du lit. – She is getting out of bed.

Tu sors? – Are you leaving / going out?


SORTIR (DE) – TO GO OUT – PASSÉ COMPOSÉ

Like partir, sortir equally uses être as a helping verb in the passé composé when it means “to leave.”  Subsequently, agreement must be made in this context, because “sortir” is an  intransitive verb (no direct object).

Elle sort du lit. – She is getting out of bed.

Elle est sortie du lit. – She got out of bed.

Tu sors? – Are you leaving / going out?

Tu es sorti(e)? – Did you leave / go out?

Ils sortent ce soir? – Are they going out tonight?

Ils sont sortis hier soir? – Did they go out last night?


QUITTER – TO LEAVE – PRESENT TENSE

Quitter is used when someone leaves a person or thing, indicating separation (temporary or permanent).   That person or thing is a direct object, therefore making “quitter” a transitive verb. 

Je quitte la maison. – I am leaving the house.

Elle quitte son mari. – She is leaving her husband.


QUITTER – TO LEAVE – PASSÉ COMPOSÉ

“Quitter” uses avoir as a helping verb in the passé composé because it takes a direct object and does not require a preposition.  This is specifically what makes “quitter” a transitive verb.  Therefore, no agreement needs to be made between the subject and past participle. 

Je quitte la maison. – I am leaving the house.

J’ai quitté la maison. – I left the house.

Elle quitte son mari. – She is leaving her husband. 

Elle a quitté son mari. – She left her husband.

Tu quittes ton travail? – You’re quitting / leaving your job?

Tu as quitté ton travail? – You quit / left your job?


French Verbs Partir Sortir Quitter Lesson Guide



When To Use The French Subjunctive



Some say that the subjunctive is the most difficult thing to learn in French grammar, but it’s not true. Forming the French subjunctive is the same as forming any other tense. It’s not hard, you just need to learn it. 

Knowing when to use the French subjunctive is trickier than learning how to form it. The subjunctive is a mood that is used to express ideas that are subjective or uncertain. The subjunctive is very commonly used in French, but there are ways to avoid it!

  • The present French subjunctive refers to actions in the present or future.
  • Use the subjunctive when the sentence contains a dependent and a main clause.
  • The dependent and main clauses are connected by the word QUE.
  • If what follows QUE is subjective in nature,  you must use the subjunctive. 

When To Use The French Subjunctive

INDICATIONEXAMPLES
preferenceJe préférerais que tu fasses les courses avant midi. 
 
I’d rather you did the shopping before noon.
wantLes voisins veulent-ils que nous allions au lac ensemble?

Do the neighbors want us to go to the lake together?
wishLe maire souhaite que les citoyens soient plus responsables. 

The mayor wants (wishes) the citizens to be more responsible. 
obligation
or 
necessity
Il faut que vous signiez ce document.
 
You have to sign this document. 
emotionCamille est triste que tu ne viennes pas à sa fête d’anniversaire demain soir. 

Camille is sad that you aren’t coming to her birthday party tomorrow night. 
fearNous craignons que vous ne compreniez pas la gravité de la situation. 

We’re afraid you don’t understand the seriousness of the situation. 
doubtJe doute qu‘ils en aient trois. 

I doubt they have three (of them).
suppositionIl se peut qu‘il pleuve.

It might rain. 
possibilityIl est fort possible qu‘il n’y ait pas de neige à la montagne ce week-end. 

There may well be no snow in the mountains this weekend. 
requestIls demandent que tout le monde soit assis avant le début de la pièce. 

They ask that everyone be seated before the play begins. 
adviceIl vaut mieux que tu te taises

You’d better keep quiet.
judgmentC’est dommage que vous partiez si tôt. 

It’s a shame you’re leaving so early. 
demandIls exigent que nous payions une somme importante. 

They demand that we pay a hefty sum. 
opinionC’est bizarre que tout soit fermé un mardi après-midi. 

It’s strange that everything’s closed on a Tuesday afternoon. 
goalJe lui donne deux euros pour qu‘elle puisse acheter du pain.

I’m giving her two euros so that she can buy bread.
conditionJe viendrai avec vous à condition que nous prenions une glace au retour. 

I’ll come with you on the condition that we get ice cream on the way back. 
opinion using negation
with certain verbs
Je ne pense (crois) pas qu‘elle soit vraiment malade. 

I don’t think (believe) she’s really sick. 

When to use the French subjunctive lesson guide



Avoiding the French Subjunctive



The French subjunctive is very commonly used both in spoken and in written French. It’s important to know how to form it and put it to good use. Knowing when to use it can be tricky, and it takes a lot of practice. However, there are some simple ways of avoiding the French subjunctive.


Use indirect object pronouns with «falloir»

This is a particularly simple way of avoiding the French subjunctive when using the expression “il faut que”.  All you have to do is use an indirect object pronoun before “faut”, take off “que”, and add an infinitive.

ME – TE – LUI – NOUS – VOUS – LEUR

She has to be on time.

Il faut qu’elle soit à l’heure.  (subjunctive – soit)

Il lui faut être à l’heure.   (indirect object pronoun – lui)


Use SI instead of QUE

This trick will only work if you’re expressing doubt: 

I am not sure if he wants to come.

Je ne suis pas sûr(e) qu’il veuille venir. (subjunctive – veuille)

Je ne suis pas sûr(e) s’il veut venir. (indicative – veut)


Remove a subject, and use an infinitive instead

I am coming so that you can rest.

Je viens pour que tu puisses te reposer.  (subjunctive – puisses)

Je viens pour te permettre de te reposer.  (infinitive – permettre)


Don’t be so negative!

Only works with penser, croire, trouver, savoir, prétendre

I don’t think you want to  go out this evening. 

Je ne crois pas que tu veuilles sortir ce soir.  (subjunctive – veuilles)

Je crois que tu ne veux sortir ce soir.  (indicative – veux)


IL FAUT:  Drop QUE, Add Infinitive

I have to finish this book.  

Il faut que je finisse ce livre. (subjunctive – finisse)

Il (me) faut finir ce livre.  (infinitive – finir)


IMPERSONAL EXPRESSIONS: Drop QUE, Add DE + Infinitive

It’s a shame you’re missing the concert.

C’est dommage que vous manquiez le concert. (subjunctive – manquiez)

C’est dommage de manquer le concert.  (de + infinitive – manquer)


Use the verb DEVOIR + INFINITIVE instead of IL FAUT

My husband has to go to Paris next week.

Il faut que mon mari aille à Paris la semaine prochaine.  (subjunctive – aille)

Mon mari doit aller à Paris la semaine prochaine.  (indicative – doit)


THE SUBJUNCTIVE IS STILL VERY IMPORTANT

You’ve learned some of the ways that the indicative can easily replace the subjunctive, but you still need to know it.  

It’s important to remember that the meaning slightly changes in some cases when using the indicative, and also to know that the subjunctive really is  used in everyday French.


Avoiding the French Subjunctive Lesson Guide



Passé Composé With Reflexive and Reciprocal Verbs



“NORMAL” REFLEXIVE VERBS IN THE PASSÉ COMPOSÉ

Many French reflexive verbs fall into the “normal” category.  The subject is  both the giver and receiver of the action.  All reflexive verbs use être as a helping verb in the passé composé, and reflexive pronouns come before être.

In the following examples, the reflexive pronouns are also direct objects of the verb. When direct object pronouns precede past participles, agreement must be made.  

In the case of reflexive verbs and pronouns, we can also view the past participle agreement as being made with the subject of the sentence.

We know that the reflexive pronoun is direct because it answers the question “Who?”  Who is being washed?  Me.  Who is doing the washing?  Me.

Download a free PDF of this lesson below.

THE BODY PART RULE

When reflexive verbs are followed by body parts, it’s helpful to think of the subject as doing something for himself.  This way, we can more easily recognize the reflexive pronoun as indirect.  

We know that the reflexive pronoun is indirect because it answers the question “For whom?”  Who is she brushing the hair for?  For herself.

Agreement is only made when the reflexive pronoun is also direct.  Agreement is never made with indirect object pronouns.

REFLEXIVE OR RECIPROCAL VERBS WITH INDIRECT OBJECTS

When we talked about “normal” reflexive verbs, the reflexive pronouns were also direct object pronouns.

Much like the body part rule, some reflexive verbs (and pronouns) are indirect.  That means no agreement is made even though être is the helping verb.

In order to know if a reflexive or reciprocal pronoun is direct or indirect, just look at the verb.  If the verb is followed by “à” or “pour” and a person or animal, it’s indirect.  Indirect objects answer the questions “To  whom?” or “For whom?” 

Les enfants se sont téléphoné.
téléphoner à
The children called each other.
Mes amis se sont écrit.
écrire à
My friends wrote to each other.
Nous nous sommes donné des cadeaux.
donner à
We gave each other gifts.
Elles se sont offert des fleurs.
offrir à
They offered (gave) each other flowers.
Tu t’es envoyé un message.
envoyer à
You sent yourself a message.
Ils se sont prêté des livres.
prêter à
They lent each other books.
Elles se sont répondu par e-mail.
répondre à
They answered each other by email.
Vous vous êtes acheté des souvenirs.
acheter à/ pour
You bought each other souvenirs.
Elles se sont parlé hier.
parler à
They spoke to each other yesterday.
Nous nous sommes demandé des conseils.
demander à
We asked each other for advice.

REFLEXIVE VERBS WITH DIRECT OBJECT PRONOUNS

Let’s go back to the body part rule for reference.  The rule says that the reflexive verb is indirect, so no agreement is made.  That will not change.  However, the body part that follows is a direct object.  What is she brushing?  Her hair.  It answers the question “What?”, so les cheveux is a direct object.  What happens if you want to replace it with a pronoun? 

Keep in mind that this is not an exception to the rule.  We’re sticking to the rule that no agreement is made with the indirect object (which could also be seen as making agreement with the subject of the sentence).

However, we now have a preceding direct object pronoun, so another rule applies, and agreement must be made.


Passé Composé With Reflexive and Reciprocal Verbs



Fun French Expressions



French expressions often carry nuances that are not easily translatable. Here is  a selection of fun French expressions that capture the spirit of perseverance, the essence of “We’re not giving up!” 

These phrases not only add a touch of flair to your French, but also provide a unique insight into the French mindset:  On ne lâche rien!

Learning these fun French expressions goes beyond learning new vocabulary and ways of saying things.  It offers a glimpse into the cultural determination in the French-speaking world. 

Using some of these phrases into your conversations will add a touch of authenticity and playfulness to your French!

Download a free PDF of these fun French expressions below.


We’ll keep at it!On persévère!
We’re not giving up! On persiste!
We’re going on!On continue!
We’re hanging in there!On tient bon!
We won’t let go!On ne lâche pas prise!
We’re not giving up hope!On ne désespère pas!
We’re not giving up!On ne baisse pas les bras!
We don’t get discouraged!On ne se décourage pas!
We can only continue!On ne peut que persister!
We’ll stop at nothing!On ne recule devant rien!
We’re not giving up!On ne lâche rien!
We’re not chickens!On n’est pas des quiches!
We’re not giving up!On ne lâche pas la patate!
We’re on a roll!On garde la pêche!
We don’t bend! We break!On ne plie pas! On casse!

Fun French Expressions



French Faire Causative Examples



WHEN TO USE THE FAIRE CAUSATIVE CONSTRUCTION

The faire causative construction in French involves using the verb “faire” in combination with another verb to express the idea of causing someone else to do something.  Scroll down for a list of 15 French faire causative examples.

It adds a layer of causation to the action, creating a dynamic and expressive way to communicate. This construction is particularly useful when you want to convey the idea of having something done or making someone do something.

The faire causative is commonly used in situations where an action is performed by someone other than the subject, either on their behalf or under their influence. It adds nuance to communication, allowing speakers to emphasize the involvement of others in the action.

VIDEO LESSON + FAIRE CAUSATIVE EXAMPLES

For a comprehensive understanding of the faire causative and its various applications, be sure to watch my video lesson and observe and compare the 15 following examples in French and English.


Download a free PDF of the following examples below.


FrenchEnglish
Je fais réparer ma voiture.I am having my car repaired.
Il fait faire ses devoirs à son fils.He makes his son do his homework.
Elle fait nettoyer sa maison chaque semaine.She has her house cleaned every week.
Nous faisons préparer un gâteau pour la fête.We are having a cake prepared for the party.
Vous faites cuisiner le dîner par un chef.You have the dinner cooked by a chef.
Ils font traduire ce document en anglais.They have this document translated into English.
On fait peindre la chambre en bleu.We have the room painted blue.
Elle fait réviser son CV par un professionnel.She has her resume revised by a professional.
Nous faisons construire une nouvelle maison.We are having a new house built.
Tu fais laver tes vêtements à la laverie.You have your clothes washed at the laundromat.
Il fait planter des fleurs dans le jardin.He is having  flowers planted in the garden.
Elles font étudier leurs enfants avec un tuteur.They make their children study with a tutor.
Nous faisons réparer le toit de la maison.We have the house roof repaired.
Vous faites réserver une table au restaurant.You have a table reserved at the restaurant.
Ils font organiser une fête d’anniversaire surprise.They are having a surprise birthday party organized.

French Faire Causative Examples




Reading In French To Improve Fluency – La Fête de la Musique



LA FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE


Download a free PDF and audio recording of the following text below.


When you’re learning French, talking to native speakers often reveals that they usually toss around fancier words than learners do. Even though you might spot tricky verb tenses or complicated sentences in their speech, mimicking them can be difficult. Reading in French to improve fluency is key to grasping those complex sentence structures and grammar rules that may not seem so hard on paper, but trip you up when you’re trying to talk.

Starting to read a French novel can be intimidating for beginners in French literature. However, the following short text is written at an intermediate level. It features varied vocabulary and grammar structures that are enriching but not overly challenging for learners at an intermediate stage.

Read the following passage carefully, and enhance your pronunciation by reading it aloud. An English translation and an audio version are included to aid in developing your listening comprehension skills.


LA FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE

La Fête de la Musique est une célébration annuelle qui a lieu le 21 juin en France. Elle a été créée en 1982 par le ministre de la Culture, Jack Lang. Cette fête marque le début de l’été et vise à célébrer la musique sous toutes ses formes.

Pendant la Fête de la Musique, les rues des villes et des villages se remplissent de musiciens amateurs et professionnels qui jouent de la musique en plein air. Les concerts sont gratuits et ouverts à tous. On peut entendre une grande variété de genres musicaux, de la musique classique au rock en passant par le jazz et la musique électronique.

Les gens participent activement en dansant, en chantant et en jouant d’instruments. Certains quartiers organisent des défilés musicaux, tandis que d’autres proposent des spectacles en plein air. Les cafés et les bars participent également en accueillant des groupes de musique live.

La Fête de la Musique est devenue populaire dans de nombreux pays du monde, mais c’est en France qu’elle a débuté. Elle a pour objectif de rassembler les gens à travers la musique, de promouvoir le talent local et de créer une atmosphère joyeuse et festive.


LA FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE

La Fête de la Musique is an annual celebration held on June 21 in France. It was created in 1982 by the Minister of Culture, Jack Lang. The festival marks the beginning of summer, and aims to celebrate music in all its forms.

During the Fête de la Musique, the streets of towns and villages fill up with amateur and professional musicians playing music in the open air. Concerts are free and open to all. A wide variety of musical genres can be heard, from classical and rock to jazz and electronic music.

People actively participate by dancing, singing and playing instruments. Some districts organize musical parades, while others offer open-air shows. Cafés and bars also take part, hosting live music groups.

The Fête de la Musique has become popular in many countries around the world, but it began in France. Its aim is to bring people together through music, promote local talent and create a joyful, festive atmosphere.


Reading In French To Improve Fluency



French Exclamations With “Quel”



In French, exclamations are often formed using the interrogative pronoun “quel” (meaning “what” or “which” in English) to express surprise, admiration, or other strong emotions.

Exclamations with “quel” are versatile and can be used in various contexts.

Practice incorporating these structures into your everyday French expressions for added flair and emotion!

“Quel” is an interrogative adjective, so remember to pay attention to the gender and number agreement between “quel” and the noun. 

Download a free PDF of the following lesson below.

  • The choice of “quel” depends on the gender and number of the noun it modifies.
  • The noun following “quel” must agree in gender and number.

French Exclamations With “Quel”



Reading In French To Improve Fluency – Un week-end à la campagne



UN WEEK-END À LA CAMPAGNE

Download a free PDF and audio recording of the following text below.


When you’re learning French, talking to native speakers often reveals that they usually toss around fancier words than learners do. Even though you might spot tricky verb tenses or complicated sentences in their speech, mimicking them can be difficult. Reading in French to improve fluency is key to grasping those complex sentence structures and grammar rules that may not seem so hard on paper, but trip you up when you’re trying to talk.

Starting to read a French novel can be intimidating for beginners in French literature. However, the following short text is written at an intermediate level. It features varied vocabulary and grammar structures that are enriching but not overly challenging for learners at an intermediate stage.

Read the following passage carefully, and enhance your pronunciation by reading it aloud. An English translation and an audio version are included to aid in developing your listening comprehension skills.


UN WEEK-END À LA CAMPAGNE

Ce week-end, j’ai décidé de m’évader de la vie trépidante de la ville et de passer quelques jours à la campagne. C’était une escapade bien méritée après des semaines chargées au bureau.

Vendredi soir, j’ai pris le train en direction d’un petit village pittoresque. Dès mon arrivée, j’ai été accueillie par le chant des oiseaux et l’air pur de la campagne. J’ai séjourné dans une charmante maison d’hôtes au milieu des champs verdoyants.

Le samedi matin, j’ai décidé de faire une randonnée à travers les collines environnantes. Les paysages étaient à couper le souffle, avec des vues panoramiques sur les champs de tournesols et les petits ruisseaux serpentant à travers la campagne.

L’après-midi, je me suis rendue dans le marché local où j’ai pu déguster des produits frais, notamment du fromage de chèvre délicieux et des fruits savoureux. Les habitants étaient chaleureux et accueillants, partageant des histoires sur la vie à la campagne.

Le dimanche, j’ai participé à une fête de village traditionnelle. Il y avait des jeux, de la musique folklorique, et bien sûr, de la bonne cuisine locale. J’ai dansé avec les habitants et me suis vraiment imprégnée de l’atmosphère conviviale.

En fin de compte, ce week-end à la campagne a été une expérience inoubliable. Cela m’a permis de me détendre, de me reconnecter avec la nature, et de découvrir la richesse de la vie rurale. Je suis rentrée en ville le cœur léger, avec de merveilleux souvenirs de ma petite escapade à la campagne.


A WEEKEND IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

This weekend, I decided to escape the hectic city life and spend a few days in the countryside. It was a well-deserved getaway after a busy few weeks at the office.

On Friday evening, I took the train to a picturesque little village. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by birdsong and fresh country air. I stayed in a charming guest house surrounded by lush green fields.

On Saturday morning, I decided to take a hike through the surrounding hills. The scenery was breathtaking, with panoramic views of sunflower fields and small streams winding through the countryside.

In the afternoon, I headed to the local market where I sampled fresh produce, including delicious goat’s cheese and tasty fruit. The locals were warm and welcoming, sharing stories about life in the countryside.

On Sunday, I took part in a traditional village festival. There were games, folk music and, of course, good local food. I danced with the locals and really soaked up the convivial atmosphere.

All in all, this weekend in the countryside was an unforgettable experience. It allowed me to relax, reconnect with nature and discover the richness of rural life. I returned to the city with a light heart, and wonderful memories of my little escapade in the countryside.


Reading In French To Improve Fluency



35 Ways To Say You Like Something in French



Download your free PDF of 35 ways to say you like something in French below.


There is always more than one way to say something, and here are 35 ways to say you like something in French.

Study the following charts to learn some formal / neutral expressions and their informal / slang equivalents.

English ExpressionNeutral French Expression
I liked thatJ’ai aimé cela (ça)Cela (Ça) m’a plu
I enjoyed thatJ’ai apprécié cela (ça)Cela (Ça) m’a plu
That was enjoyableC’était agréable
I had a good timeJ’ai passé un bon moment
It was greatC’était génial
It was fantasticC’était fantastique
I really enjoyed itJ’ai vraiment apprécié
It was wonderfulC’était merveilleux
I had a blastJe me suis éclaté(e)
I had a good laughJ’ai bien rigolé
It was awesomeC’était incroyable
I loved itJ’ai adoré
It was superbC’était superbe
It was a delightC’était un délice
I had a great timeJ’ai passé un excellent moment
It was incredibleC’était incroyable
It was extraordinaryC’était extraordinaire
It was wonderfulC’était formidable
I was pleasantly surprisedJ’ai été agréablement surpris(e)
I was really into itJ’étais à fond dedans
I had a good overall impressionJ’ai eu une bonne impression
It was top-notchC’était du haut niveau
English ExpressionFormal French Expression
I enjoyed this experienceJ’ai apprécié cette expérience
It was a true pleasureC’était un véritable plaisir
I found it quite enjoyableJ’ai trouvé cela plutôt agréable
It gave me a certain satisfactionJ’en ai tiré une certaine satisfaction
It was a delightful experienceC’était une expérience délicieuse
It was to my likingC’était à mon goût
English ExpressionInformal / Slang French Expression
I enjoyed myselfJ’ai kiffé
It was incredibleC’était ouf (“fou” en verlan)
That was coolC’était cool
I had a blastJe me suis éclaté(e)
It was awesomeC’était génial
It was so classyC’était trop stylé
It was funC’était marrant

35 Ways To Say You Like Something in French