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Year 11 - French

À l'université : infinitive as noun, conditional verbs, conversation (Edexcel)

People and lifestyle: Révisions: Les études

Unit Summary

This unit continues to revisit known grammar and vocabulary from the course, this time focusing on future and conditional verb formation alongside the present tense. In addition it secures knowledge of verbs followed by infinitives, infinitives used as nouns, and a range of prepositions.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to ask and answer questions about future study plans using the present, future and conditional.

Key Notes

  • An infinitive can be used as the subject of a sentence to express an activity. It works like a noun.
  • We normally translate infinitives as nouns using the -ing form of the verb in English.
  • The conditional has the same stem as the future tense and the same endings as the imperfect, e.g. 'j'aimerais'.
  • The future and the conditional can be usefully combined to express plans and hopes for the future.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • conditional: form of verb that expresses what would happen

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Infinitive verbs are only used when they follow a conjugated verb.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain what you can now say or understand in this lesson.

An infinitive can be used as the subject of a sentence to express an activity. It works like a noun. We normally translate infinitives as nouns using the -ing form of the verb in English.

2. Define this key language word and use it in context. 'conditional'

form of verb that expresses what would happen. Say or write it in a short sentence so you use the word actively.

3. Correct this common language-learning mistake.

Mistake: Infinitive verbs are only used when they follow a conjugated verb. Correction: When an infinitive is used at the start of a clause, it becomes a noun, e.g. 'Étudier est un bon moyen de trouver un meilleur emploi.'. ('Studying is a good way to find a better job.').

More Lessons In This Unit

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