Modal verbs in French
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Modal verbs (les verbes modaux) are generally used to establish a relationship between the subject and an action described by the verb. Because of their importance in the French language, it makes sense to remember these verbs well.
They are among the verbs that end in -oir and are irregular.
Lesson outline
HideTable of the most important modal verbs in French
| Verbs | Translation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| pouvoir | can | Tu peux entrer. (you can come in.) Je peux conduire. (I can drive.) Pouvons-nous parler? (can we talk ?) |
| devoir | have to | Je dois étudier. (I have to study.) Tu dois travailler. (you have to work.) Nous devons revenir. (we have to come back.) |
| vouloir | want | Je veux conduire. (I want to drive.) Tu veux partir ? (do you want to leave ?) Ils veulent devenir riches. (they want to be rich.) |
| savoir | can, know | Sais-tu parler l'italien ? (Can you speak Italian?) Je l'ai su hier. (I knew about it yesterday.) |
You want to know how to conjugate modal verbs? Then take a look at the following pages.
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Exercises
Fill in the blank exercise for the modal verbs in French
Write these following sentences with modal verbs in the 3rd person singular. Follow the example.
Example: On ne peux pas fumer. (pouvoir)
1. On ne pas de bruit. (vouloir)
(We do not want any noise)
2. Il ne pas marcher sur le gazon. (pouvoir)
(He cannot walk on the grass)
3. Elle ne pas aller à l'université. (vouloir)
(She does not want to at the university)
4. On ne pas venir à 8 heures. (devoir)
(We have to come after 8am)
5. On ne pas à qui demander. (savoir)
(We don't know who to ask)
6. Il ne pas allez voir son grand-père. (pouvoir)
(He cannot go to see his grand-father)
7. On parler au directeur. (devoir)
(We have to talk to the director)
8. Elle ne pas dire non. (savoir)
(She cannot say no)
9. Il ne pas dire merci en anglais. (savoir)
(He cannot say thank you in English)
10. On ne pas faire ce que l'on veut. (pouvoir)
(We cannot do whatever we want)
Exercises
Fill in the blank exercise for the modal verbs in French
Write these following sentences with modal verbs in the 3rd person singular. Follow the example.
Example: On ne peux pas fumer. (pouvoir)
1. On ne pas de bruit. (vouloir)
(We do not want any noise)
2. Il ne pas marcher sur le gazon. (pouvoir)
(He cannot walk on the grass)
3. Elle ne pas aller à l'université. (vouloir)
(She does not want to at the university)
4. On ne pas venir à 8 heures. (devoir)
(We have to come after 8am)
5. On ne pas à qui demander. (savoir)
(We don't know who to ask)
6. Il ne pas allez voir son grand-père. (pouvoir)
(He cannot go to see his grand-father)
7. On parler au directeur. (devoir)
(We have to talk to the director)
8. Elle ne pas dire non. (savoir)
(She cannot say no)
9. Il ne pas dire merci en anglais. (savoir)
(He cannot say thank you in English)
10. On ne pas faire ce que l'on veut. (pouvoir)
(We cannot do whatever we want)
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My name is Tiska. I am a French Teacher with experiences with adults and teenagers in Public Education (USA) and Language Schools. I am holding a Master Degree in FLE (Teaching French as a Foreign Language).
Join a small group of learners of 2 or 3 for conversation lessons with me. An article or video to watch before the lesson and a conversation with personalized corrections during the lesson. This option saves you at least 10 euros per lesson on Colanguage.
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Level: intermediate (B1)
Also, standard French lessons
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I give Skype lessons to people who need or want to improve their French language. I like to use material from the internet (videos, article etc.) to introduce a theme which leads to a lesson and a conversation.
I like to create engaging learning with my students. I will give as homework a document to watch or to read with comprehension exercises so the time we have on skype is only speaking practice and explanation if needed.
I can help you prepare DELF-DALF Exams or work on specific needs (as professional French).
Really like to speak about all the subjects with the student especially those the student like so it gives the motivation to speak in the foreign language.
The free first lesson is organize to know your tastes, your level and your needs so we can plan the next lessons about the objectives you fixed.
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I grew up in the outside of Paris, I travelled all over the world and I live in Spain for 10 years now.
I'm a musician, a dancer and I love to cook and hike.
I'm a french teacher, and it's my passion! I speak 3 languages, and thanks to my learning I was able to live amazing experiences in many countries.
That's why I became a teacher, to be able to share with you my love for french language and culture and to guide you in your progress.
For me, each language is a way of seeing and interpreting the world, as glasses of different colors.
Understanding the way a language works is understanding how its people see things; it's such a exciting process, I can't wait to share it with you!
I have more than 8 years experience, in schools, companies and universities.
I work with people from all ages, beginners to advanced. I know most of french manuals.
I can prepare you to DELF and DALF exams. I also have a specialization in french for specific goals and french business.
I can offer you thematic courses, to improve your pronunciation, increase your vocabulary, prepare you for traveling or for a new job.
All my classes are in french, I adapt my vocabulary and speech speed according to your level.
I also adapt my method to your needs, personality, to take the best advantage of my classes and your french learning.
I use diversified ressources, from quizz to podcasts, videos, songs and games.
Whatever are your motivations, if you want to learn french in a pleasurable and rewarding way, book a class with me!
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Very social and helpful teacher with an excellent grasp on how to improve your french in the method that suits you. The informal style is very pleasant and will help you acquire the language in a natural, unforced fashion. Recommended for anyone who enjoys a learn by doing approach.
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My name is Lou, and I would be happy to be your french teacher !
French classes are for all levels, beginner to advanced and are based on conversations.
My classes are fun and dynamic ! We will use various documents to work on and always adapt the classes to your needs and interests. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner, we will speak french and I am sure you will improve quickly.
Free 30 min trial lesson !
Feel free to contact me to talk about your goals and to plan a trial lesson.
See you soon online ! :-)
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Lou works in a very structured way and sent me teaching material before the lesson. After a bit of small talk, we worked on the topic of the lesson, with the lesson divided into reading comprehension, discussion of the text, listening comprehension of a video and a written assignment on the topic. Lou picked an interesting topic that created plenty of opportunity for conversation. She corrected mistakes in a friendly manner and responded very well to my learning requests. That was fun!
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My name is Tiska. I am a French Teacher with experiences with adults and teenagers in Public Education (USA) and Language Schools. I am holding a Master Degree in FLE (Teaching French as a Foreign Language).
Join a small group of learners of 2 or 3 for conversation lessons with me. An article or video to watch before the lesson and a conversation with personalized corrections during the lesson. This option saves you at least 10 euros per lesson on Colanguage.
Group opening:
Monday and/or Wednesday from 17:30 to 18:30 (French time).
Level: intermediate (B1)
Also, standard French lessons
- level A2 (low intermediate)
- 2 hours a week
- ask for schedule
Don’t know your level? Ask for a free level test.
I give Skype lessons to people who need or want to improve their French language. I like to use material from the internet (videos, article etc.) to introduce a theme which leads to a lesson and a conversation.
I like to create engaging learning with my students. I will give as homework a document to watch or to read with comprehension exercises so the time we have on skype is only speaking practice and explanation if needed.
I can help you prepare DELF-DALF Exams or work on specific needs (as professional French).
Really like to speak about all the subjects with the student especially those the student like so it gives the motivation to speak in the foreign language.
The free first lesson is organize to know your tastes, your level and your needs so we can plan the next lessons about the objectives you fixed.
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My classes are structured according to my students' needs, I use different teaching methods and I rely on listening each of my students' expectations and goals. Dynamism and constant learning are my purposes in my classes.
I have worked as a French teacher for more than ten years.
I have academic studies in English and French from Montréal, Canada, where I lived for several years. I have a Bachelor in Teaching French as a foreign language from the Université de Bourgogne.
I learned French at an early age in immersion in a French-speaking region and I studied French formally for 11 years, obtaining a native level.
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I have a postgraduate degree (France) in Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies and I’m currently a freelance translator. I’ve previously worked at universities in France and abroad (South Africa/Australia) and have a solid experience in teaching (French Language, Literature, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Creative Writing, etc.), designing courses, evaluating and guiding students, preparing students for exams/job interviews/professional presentations, managing a Language and Literature department at the university, presenting papers at academic conferences worldwide, publishing, translating and journalism. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach people with different profiles and from various backgrounds: international professionals, university students, beginner translators and teachers, high school students, retirees, travellers, francophiles, children (help with homework), etc.
Being an open-minded, flexible and patient teacher, I enjoy helping others to discover their potential and to explore it. Adapting myself to my students' needs, pace and objectives is essential for me, and designing the best way to work with each student is very stimulating and rewarding.
After the initial introductory lesson, I will design customised lesson plans that will evolve as you progress. We can also, at any time during the programme, change our working method if you wish to do so. I remain very flexible in that regard.
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Priscilla R.
Bonjour! Veux-tu apprendre français? ou l'améliorer?
My classes are structured according to my students' needs, I use different teaching methods and I rely on listening each of my students' expectations and goals. Dynamism and constant learning are my purposes in my classes.
I have worked as a French teacher for more than ten years.
I have academic studies in English and French from Montréal, Canada, where I lived for several years. I have a Bachelor in Teaching French as a foreign language from the Université de Bourgogne.
I learned French at an early age in immersion in a French-speaking region and I studied French formally for 11 years, obtaining a native level.
À bientôt!
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Mathieu H.
Hello,
My name is Tiska. I am a French Teacher with experiences with adults and teenagers in Public Education (USA) and Language Schools. I am holding a Master Degree in FLE (Teaching French as a Foreign Language).
Join a small group of learners of 2 or 3 for conversation lessons with me. An article or video to watch before the lesson and a conversation with personalized corrections during the lesson. This option saves you at least 10 euros per lesson on Colanguage.
Group opening:
Monday and/or Wednesday from 17:30 to 18:30 (French time).
Level: intermediate (B1)
Also, standard French lessons
- level A2 (low intermediate)
- 2 hours a week
- ask for schedule
Don’t know your level? Ask for a free level test.
I give Skype lessons to people who need or want to improve their French language. I like to use material from the internet (videos, article etc.) to introduce a theme which leads to a lesson and a conversation.
I like to create engaging learning with my students. I will give as homework a document to watch or to read with comprehension exercises so the time we have on skype is only speaking practice and explanation if needed.
I can help you prepare DELF-DALF Exams or work on specific needs (as professional French).
Really like to speak about all the subjects with the student especially those the student like so it gives the motivation to speak in the foreign language.
The free first lesson is organize to know your tastes, your level and your needs so we can plan the next lessons about the objectives you fixed.
S. .
Tiska is giving a great support to my 8 years daughter in this challenging period! We scheduled regularly lessons to improve her French language skill and to review grammars rules in a funny enjoyfull way. Super professional and very kind teacher!
Tiska G.
Hi! My name is Tiphaine, I'm french, I'm 37 years old and I live in Seville.
I grew up in the outside of Paris, I travelled all over the world and I live in Spain for 10 years now.
I'm a musician, a dancer and I love to cook and hike.
I'm a french teacher, and it's my passion! I speak 3 languages, and thanks to my learning I was able to live amazing experiences in many countries.
That's why I became a teacher, to be able to share with you my love for french language and culture and to guide you in your progress.
For me, each language is a way of seeing and interpreting the world, as glasses of different colors.
Understanding the way a language works is understanding how its people see things; it's such a exciting process, I can't wait to share it with you!
I have more than 8 years experience, in schools, companies and universities.
I work with people from all ages, beginners to advanced. I know most of french manuals.
I can prepare you to DELF and DALF exams. I also have a specialization in french for specific goals and french business.
I can offer you thematic courses, to improve your pronunciation, increase your vocabulary, prepare you for traveling or for a new job.
All my classes are in french, I adapt my vocabulary and speech speed according to your level.
I also adapt my method to your needs, personality, to take the best advantage of my classes and your french learning.
I use diversified ressources, from quizz to podcasts, videos, songs and games.
Whatever are your motivations, if you want to learn french in a pleasurable and rewarding way, book a class with me!
R. T.
Very social and helpful teacher with an excellent grasp on how to improve your french in the method that suits you. The informal style is very pleasant and will help you acquire the language in a natural, unforced fashion. Recommended for anyone who enjoys a learn by doing approach.
Tiphaine R.
Bonjour ! Comment ça va ?
My name is Lou, and I would be happy to be your french teacher !
French classes are for all levels, beginner to advanced and are based on conversations.
My classes are fun and dynamic ! We will use various documents to work on and always adapt the classes to your needs and interests. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner, we will speak french and I am sure you will improve quickly.
Free 30 min trial lesson !
Feel free to contact me to talk about your goals and to plan a trial lesson.
See you soon online ! :-)
P. .
Lou works in a very structured way and sent me teaching material before the lesson. After a bit of small talk, we worked on the topic of the lesson, with the lesson divided into reading comprehension, discussion of the text, listening comprehension of a video and a written assignment on the topic. Lou picked an interesting topic that created plenty of opportunity for conversation. She corrected mistakes in a friendly manner and responded very well to my learning requests. That was fun!
Lou P.
english teacher
G. P.
Hadjer is a teacher in a middle school. Before that, she was working in a high school. In addition to school-based classes, she has taught English on many online platforms. Her teaching method is efficient and innovative, and the teaching materials she uses belong to the school. In her, you will find a well-prepared, expert, and friendly teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.