French II – Special Uses of Certain Verbs - Quick Guides

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Study GuideFrench II–Special Uses of Certain Verbs1.Other Important Irregularities in FrenchSome French verbs havespecial meanings depending on how they are used or whichpreposition follows them. Understanding these differences helps you use the verbs more accuratelyin conversation.1. Verbs Meaning “To Live”French has several verbs that translate as“to live,”but they are used in different situations.Habiter and DemeurerBothhabiteranddemeurermean“to live” or “to dwell”in a particular place.•habitermay or may not use the prepositionà.•demeurerusually usesà.Examples:•J'habite (à) Nice.I live in Nice.•Je demeure à Nice.I live in Nice.VivreVivremeans“to live” or “to be alive.”It usually refers toa way of living or lifestyle, not simply alocation.Example:•Je vis à cent à l'heure.I live in the fast lane.

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Study Guide2. Jouer (To Play)The verbjouerchanges meaning depending on the preposition used.Jouer + àUsed forsports or games.Example:•Nous jouons aux cartes.We are playing cards.Jouer + deUsed formusical instruments.Example:•Il joue du piano.He plays the piano.3. PenserThe verbpensercan have two slightly different meanings.Penser àMeans“to think about someone or something.”Examples:•À qui penses-tu ?Who are you thinking about?•Je pense à mon fils.I am thinking about my son.•Je pense à lui.I am thinking about him.

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Study GuidePenser deUsedonly when asking for someone’s opinion.Example:•Que penses-tu de lui ?What do you think of him?4. PasserPasserMeans“to spend time.”Example:•Je vais passer un mois en France.I am going to spend a month in France.Se passerWhen used reflexively,se passermeans“to happen” or “to take place.”Example:•Qu'est-ce qui s'est passé ?What happened?Se passer deThe expressionse passer demeans“to do without.”Example:•On ne peut pas se passer d'eau.One cannot do without water.

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Study Guide5. ServirServirMeans“to serve.”Se servir deThe reflexive formse servir demeans“to use.”Example:•On se sert d'une louche pour servir de la soupe.One uses a ladle to serve soup.6. Venir + de + InfinitiveThe structurevenir + de + infinitiveexpresses an action thathas just happened.In the Present TenseIt means“to have just.”Example:•Elle vient d'arriver.She has just arrived.In the Imperfect TenseIt means“had just.”Example:•Elle venait d'arriver.She had just arrived.7. Different Ways to Say “To Leave”French has several verbs that mean“to leave,”but they are used in different contexts.

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Study GuidePartirMeans“to go away.”Example:•Je pars.I am leaving / I am going away.SortirHas several meanings:•to go out•to leave a place•to go out with someone•to take something outExamples:•Il sort souvent.He goes out often.•Il sort de la pièce.He leaves the room.•Il sort avec moi.He is going out with me.•Il sort son argent.He takes out his money.S'en allerMeans“to go away.”Example:

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Study Guide•Je m'en vais.I am going away.QuitterMeans“to leave a person or place.”The person or place must always be mentioned.Examples:•Je te quitte.I am leaving you.•Je quitte la maison.I am leaving the house.LaisserMeans“to leave something or someone behind.”Example:•J'ai laissé mes clefs à la maison.I left my keys at home.Key Takeaway•Some French verbschange meaning depending on the preposition used.•Reflexive forms often createnew meanings(e.g.,se passer,se servir de).•French hasseveral verbs for “to leave,”each with a different usage.•Structures likevenir de + infinitivehelp expressrecent actions.

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Study Guide2.The Verb DevoirThe French verbdevoiris anirregular verbthat means“must,” “to have to,” or “to owe.”In thepresent tense, it is a“shoe verb,”meaning the stem changes in theje, tu, il/elle/on, and ils/ellesforms but not innousandvous.Present Tense Conjugation1. Expressing ObligationThe most common use ofdevoiris to expressobligation. It shows that someonemust,has to, orissupposed todo something.Example:•Il doit travailler.He must work / He has to work.•Il devait travailler mais il était malade.He had to work, but he was sick.2. Using Devoir in the ConditionalWhendevoiris used in theconditional tense, it expresses advice or expectation. It usually means“should”or“ought to.”Examples:•Je devrais le faire.

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