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Kieran Ball

The whole of the French language can be broken down into several different structures. If you take any sentence from any French book or any utterance, you will see that it fits into one of these structures.

I remember one weekend, I was writing some lessons for the week ahead, when I suddenly realised this. I noticed that there are a certain number of structures in French, and that every sentence follows one of these structures. I spent the rest of the weekend working out all the structures, and I wrote them all down.

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The whole of the French language can be broken down into several different structures. If you take any sentence from any French book or any utterance, you will see that it fits into one of these structures.

I remember one weekend, I was writing some lessons for the week ahead, when I suddenly realised this. I noticed that there are a certain number of structures in French, and that every sentence follows one of these structures. I spent the rest of the weekend working out all the structures, and I wrote them all down.

Every structure you learn gives you the ability to say a huge amount. Some structures are used more than others, but all the structures together make up the whole French language. Once you’ve learnt how a structure works, all you have to do is insert different words into the slots and you have a sentence.

This course introduces you to structure 1. I’ve limited each course to one structure so as not to overburden you. By looking at just one structure at a time, you can really get to grips with it and understand its usage. It will help to clarify the French language and make it more like a reflex rather than something you have to think about as is it were a maths equation.

Each structure can also help to propel you to fluency; if you can manipulate the structures at high speed, you can start to say anything you want without having to thing about how to say it.

This course contains plenty of practice opportunities for you to revise what you’ve learnt and it also contains some hints and tips on how best to learn and memorise the structures and the vocabulary that goes with them. You’ll learn how to make questions out of structure 1, how to make statements and how to turn positive statements negative.

The Building Structures in French series is set out using the same learning techniques as the 3 Minute French courses. You can work through the course in three minute chunks, enabling anybody to learn French, no matter how little time you have.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn about the first structure in the french language.
  • Get to grips with how easy it is to manipulate this structure and say what you want with it.
  • Get plenty of opportunity to practise using this structure.
  • Learn how to form questions and statements in structure 1.
  • Learn all the question words in french and some infinitives.
  • Complete lessons in 3 minute chunks – perfect for the busy learner.
  • Build your own sentences without memorisation.
  • Speak from the very first lesson.

Syllabus

Introduction
Lesson 4
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
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Lesson 2a
Lesson 2b
Lesson 3
Lesson 3a
Lesson 3b
Lesson 4a
Lesson 4b
Lesson 4c
Lesson 5
Lesson 5a
Lesson 5b
Lesson 5c
Lesson 5d
Lesson 5e
Lesson 5f
Lesson 6
Lesson 6a
Lesson 6b
Lesson 7
Lesson 7a
Lesson 7b
Lesson 7c
Lesson 7d
Lesson 7e
Lesson 7f
Lesson 8
Lesson 8a
Lesson 8b
Lesson 8c
Lesson 9
Lesson 9a
Lesson 9b
Bonus lecture
Structure outline
The Happy Linguist - Hints and tips for learning French
Thank you et merci :-)
Some bonus videos

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Breaks down the French language into manageable structures, which is helpful for learners who prefer a systematic approach to language acquisition
Focuses on a single structure at a time, allowing learners to master each concept before moving on, which is beneficial for building a strong foundation
Employs a '3 Minute French' learning technique, making it suitable for individuals with busy schedules who want to learn in short bursts
Provides practice opportunities to revise what's learned, which reinforces understanding and retention of the material
Teaches how to form questions and statements, which are essential skills for basic communication in French
Requires learners to understand the first structure in the French language before moving on to more complex topics

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Building Structures in French - Structure 1 | French Grammar with these activities:
Review Basic French Grammar
Reinforce foundational French grammar concepts to better understand the structure-based approach of the course.
Show steps
  • Review verb conjugations and tenses.
  • Practice sentence construction with simple subjects and verbs.
  • Familiarize yourself with common French vocabulary.
Read 'French Grammar For Dummies'
Use a 'For Dummies' guide to simplify and clarify grammar rules.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to sentence construction.
  • Complete the practice exercises.
  • Review and summarize key grammar points.
Read 'Easy French Step-by-Step'
Supplement the course with a structured grammar book to reinforce concepts.
Show steps
  • Read a chapter focusing on basic sentence structure.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of the chapter.
  • Review the chapter and make notes on key concepts.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Sentence Building Practice
Practice building sentences using the structure taught in the course to improve fluency and automaticity.
Show steps
  • Create flashcards with sentence prompts.
  • Translate English sentences into French using the structure.
  • Practice speaking the sentences aloud.
Practice with a Language Partner
Engage in conversation with a language partner to practice using the structure in real-time.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner online or in person.
  • Prepare conversation topics using the structure.
  • Practice speaking and listening with your partner.
Write a Short Story
Write a short story using the learned structure to reinforce understanding and improve creative application.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm a simple story idea.
  • Write a draft using the target structure.
  • Revise and refine the story for clarity and accuracy.
Create a French Language Learning Blog
Create a blog to document your French language learning journey, focusing on the structures learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Set up a blog on a platform like WordPress or Blogger.
  • Write regular posts about your learning experiences.
  • Share your blog with other learners for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Building Structures in French - Structure 1 | French Grammar will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
French Language Tutor
A French language tutor helps students learn and improve their French language skills. This course on French sentence structure is directly relevant, as it focuses on the very building blocks of the language. A tutor needs a deep understanding of French grammar, and this course specifically addresses the first structure, teaching how to form statements, questions and negatives. A tutor who can explain how to put together French sentences will be much more successful than one who cannot. This course helps build a foundation in practical French sentence creation. The course’s emphasis on structure and quick manipulation is key to language fluency.
French Teacher
A French teacher educates students in the French language, and this course provides essential knowledge for teaching French. A teacher needs a strong foundation in French sentence structure, and this course gives core knowledge about the first French language structure. This course specifically teaches how to manipulate the structure, and this is important for those who want to help students develop their own language skills. The course’s emphasis on making language a reflex can help French teachers form their pedagogy. The course will help a French teacher better assist students in creating correct French sentences.
Language Instructor
Language instructors educate students in a specific language, and this course on French sentence structure may be useful for those teaching the French language. Understanding and explaining how French sentences are built is a core skill for any language instructor. The course content specifically addresses the first structure in French, covering how to use, manipulate, and understand its nuances. This practical knowledge allows an instructor to better convey the core concepts of French grammar to their students. The course’s structure helps build a foundation in the mechanics of French sentence formulation.
French Language Analyst
French language analysts study and assess French language material, and this course on sentence structure is a useful background for such analysts. Understanding French sentence structure is a vital skill for any analyst. The course focuses on the first structure in French, giving the analyst core knowledge and techniques. The course will help the analyst make accurate assessments of documents and other French materials. The course’s practical focus on how to form questions and statements is particularly useful for analysts.
Language Consultant
Language consultants provide expert advice on language use. This course on sentence structures may be useful for those who wish to work in this field. Language consultants need an in-depth understanding of grammar and usage, and this course provides a fundamental basis for understanding French sentence construction. This course focuses on the core of how to construct the first structure in French. This structure gives consultants the theoretical and practical tools, and the course's attention to practical use and structure manipulation is valuable for those who wish to work as consultants. A language consultant will benefit from studying the building blocks of the French language.
Translator
Translators convert written material from one language to another, and this course on French sentence structures may be useful for anyone translating from or to French. Understanding how sentences are built and the nuances of each structure is important for accurately conveying meaning. This course's focus on the first structure in French provides a fundamental base for translation work. For those who wish to be a translator, the course's emphasis on quickly manipulating structures means an ability to work with efficiency and accuracy. The course focus on structures, not vocabulary, helps the translator to focus on communicating the underlying meaning.
Interpreter
Interpreters convert spoken communication from one language to another, and this course helps build a foundation in French sentence construction, which is essential for the interpreter. A strong grasp of how sentences are formed in French allows an interpreter to process and relay information more effectively. This course's focus on structure 1 and the ability to form questions and statements quickly prepares those who wish to be interpreters for real-time communication scenarios. The course’s focus on quick manipulation and using language as a reflex is vital, as interpreters do not have time to consider sentence construction in a live speech or event.
Localization Specialist
Localization specialists adapt products or content to specific regions or markets, and this course may be useful for those working with French-speaking regions. A key part of localization involves ensuring that the language is natural and correct, and this requires a grasp of French linguistic structures. The course’s focus on the first structure of French helps to give a foundation for those working in the localization of French language products. The course’s study of how to manipulate structures and build sentences gives practical experience, which the localization specialist can use when reviewing and adapting French-language materials.
Bilingual Customer Service Representative
Bilingual customer service representatives assist customers in two different languages. This course may help those who wish to provide customer service in French. The ability to construct correct sentences in French is essential in customer service. This course focuses on structure one, which is the basis for all further French language learning. It teaches how to form questions and statements, which are necessary for assisting customers in French. The course’s method of teaching through practical use and manipulation will give customer service representatives a more natural feel for French.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign service officers represent their country abroad. This course may be beneficial for working in French-speaking regions. This course focuses on the elements of French sentence structure, and a mastery of this structure is essential for interacting with French speakers. The ability to speak correctly and quickly is important for foreign service officers, and the course focuses on thinking about language as a reflex. This course may be useful for foreign service officers, as they need to be able to communicate quickly and effectively in a foreign language. The course focuses on building confidence and the ability to manipulate structures to convey meaning.
Foreign Language Sales Representative
Foreign language sales representatives conduct sales in a specific language. This course may be beneficial for those who want to sell to French clients. The ability to construct grammatically correct and natural sounding sentences is vital in sales, and a course that focuses on French sentence structures helps give this foundation. This course focuses specifically on structure one and how to use it to create questions and statements. The course gives the sales representative a practical ability to work with basic French. The course’s focus on quick thinking and manipulation of structures is a key element for working in sales.
Content Creator
A content creator develops written or visual material for various platforms, and this course in French structures may be beneficial for producing French-language content. Content creators who work with the French language need a thorough understanding of how French sentences are constructed, and understanding the underlying structural principles of the language will help ensure their content is both accurate and engaging. This course's focus on structure one gives a practical starting point for content creation in French. The course will help a content creator produce accurate and engaging content efficiently and quickly.
Tour Guide
Tour guides provide information and guidance to visitors. This course may be useful for those who conduct tours in French. The course’s focus on structure one gives a foundation for speaking in French, and a tour guide needs to be able to speak accurately and fluently. This course helps build a strong basis for those who wish to give tours. The course’s focus on manipulating structures means that the tour guide will naturally be able to change and adapt their language, which is a useful skill for working with different audiences. This course may help build the tour guide's confidence and ability to give information in French.
International Journalist
International journalists report on global events, and this course may be helpful for journalists working in French-speaking regions. Understanding how French sentences are structured is helpful when communicating with French speakers and when reading French materials. The course focuses on building structure one in French, which is the basis for all further communication in French. A journalist must be able to interpret and convey meaning, and this course helps build a foundation for these skills. The course’s focus on manipulation of structures and building sentences helps give the journalist a practical starting point in French.
Immigration Officer
Immigration officers work with people from around the world. This course may be helpful for immigration officers who deal with French speakers. Understanding the basic structure of French sentences helps to create a foundation for communication. Although not a language course, the focus on building structures in French helps those in immigration better understand how French speakers use language. This course's focus on questions, statements, and negatives can be directly applicable to working in an immigration setting. The practical methods of building sentence structures give a fundamental base of knowledge.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Building Structures in French - Structure 1 | French Grammar.
Offers a user-friendly approach to understanding French grammar rules, making it an excellent resource for beginners. It breaks down complex concepts into easily digestible segments. It is particularly useful for students who need a clear and concise explanation of grammatical principles. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.
Provides a structured approach to learning French grammar, which aligns well with the course's focus on sentence structures. It offers a step-by-step method for building a solid foundation in French. It is particularly helpful for reinforcing basic grammar concepts and expanding vocabulary. This book can be used as a reference text to supplement the course materials.

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