French Workbook For Dummies

Write, read, work, and play—en Français

French Workbook For Dummies is the perfect starting place for beginners who want to learn French. Packed with foundational grammar and integrated vocab, this hands-on book will set you on your way to picking up a new language. You’ll find valuable practice lessons and exercises throughout that help you learn key vocabulary and phrases, writing in French, and understanding the fifth most commonly spoken language worldwide.

• Start with the very basics of the French language and work your way through important grammar and vocabulary
• Follow lessons at your own pace and complete practice exercises to hone your skill
• Learn using the Dummies method—based on evidence about how people learn best
• Gain the confidence to speak French in the workplace and while you travel

For anyone learning French for use at home, at the office, or on the go, French Workbook For Dummies is a vital asset.

Introduction 1

Part 1: The Building Blocks of French 5

Chapter 1: Getting to Know You 7

Chapter 2: Understanding Parts of Speech and Bilingual Dictionaries 23

Chapter 3: Figuring Out Nouns and Articles 41

Chapter 4: Showing Up and Owning Up: Demonstratives and Possessives 59

Chapter 5: The 4-1-1 on Numbers, Dates, and Time 75

Part 2: The Here and Now: Writing in the Present 95

Chapter 6: Right Here, Right Now: The Present Tense 97

Chapter 7: Sorting Out Pronominal Verbs: Idioms, Oneself, and Each Other 123

Chapter 8: Asking and Answering Questions 139

Chapter 9: Just Say No: The Negative 157

Chapter 10: “To Be” or “Being” Is the Question: Infinitives and Present Participles 171

Part 3: Writing with Panache: Dressing Up Your Sentences 187

Chapter 11: Describing and Comparing with Flair: Adjectives and Adverbs 189

Chapter 12: An Ode to Prepositions 217

Chapter 13: Getting a Hold on Pronouns 233

Part 4: Just Do It, and Now You’ve Done It: Commands and Past Tenses 249

Chapter 14: I Command You: The Imperative 251

Chapter 15: It’s All in the Past: Passé Composé 265

Chapter 16: When the Past Isn’t Perfect: The Imparfait Tense 281

Part 5: The Part of Tens 299

Chapter 17: Ten (or so) Essential French Phrases 301

Chapter 18: Ten Celebratory French Expressions 307

Part 6: Appendixes 311

Appendix A: Verb Charts 313

Appendix B: Verbs with Prepositions 323

Appendix C: English-French Dictionary 327

Appendix D: French-English Dictionary 335

Index 343

Laura K. Lawless earned a BA in International Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. She has also done graduate work in French and Spanish translation, interpretation, linguistics, and literature. Laura is the creator of LawlessFrench.com, an online resource for students, teachers, and lovers of French.

A workbook to take with you to the café

Language learning is all about the practice. French Workbook For Dummies is the perfect hands-on resource for getting a grip on basic French. Work through exercises to get French vocabulary, grammar, and authentic expressions into your head. Start from the beginning, and work your way toward expressing yourself in the language of love. You’ll also get access to verb charts, mini-dictionaries, and other handy resources, so you can pass your exams, chat with colleagues, and, most importantly, order croissants—in French!

Inside…

• Grasping basic French grammar
• Making introductions and small talk
• Asking and answering questions
• Working with infinitives and participles
• Expressing yourself with style
• Mastering verb conjugations
• Reading and writing practice