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1. UnderstandRead the three key rules.
2. ObserveCompare the English and French examples.
3. PractiseUse the quick exercise without looking.
4. RememberMark the lesson as learned.

37 lessons available

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Essential verb bank 77 important English verbs Learn the base form, French meaning and simple past. 77 verbs

★ Learn first Regular verb Irregular verb Safety verb

Find a verb

77 verbs shown

Essential ★

to be

être

Simple past was / were

Essential ★

to have

avoir

Simple past had

Essential ★

to do

faire

Simple past did

Essential ★

to go

aller

Simple past went

Essential ★

to come

venir

Simple past came

Essential ★

to get

obtenir / devenir

Simple past got

Essential ★

to make

fabriquer / faire

Simple past made

Essential ★

to take

prendre

Simple past took

Essential ★

to give

donner

Simple past gave

Essential ★

to put

mettre

Simple past put

Essential ★

to know

savoir / connaître

Simple past knew

Essential ★

to think

penser

Simple past thought

Essential ★

to understand

comprendre

Simple past understood

Essential ★

to want

vouloir

Simple past wanted

Essential ★

to need

avoir besoin

Simple past needed

Essential

to like

aimer

Simple past liked

Essential ★

to use

utiliser

Simple past used

Essential

to find

trouver

Simple past found

Essential

to keep

garder

Simple past kept

Essential

to leave

quitter / laisser

Simple past left

Essential

to bring

apporter

Simple past brought

Essential ★

to start

commencer

Simple past started

Essential ★

to finish

terminer

Simple past finished

Essential

to try

essayer

Simple past tried

Essential ★

to help

aider

Simple past helped

Communication ★

to say

dire

Simple past said

Communication ★

to tell

dire / raconter

Simple past told

Communication ★

to ask

demander

Simple past asked

Communication

to answer

répondre

Simple past answered

Communication ★

to speak

parler

Simple past spoke

Communication ★

to listen

écouter

Simple past listened

Communication ★

to read

lire

Simple past read

Communication ★

to write

écrire

Simple past wrote

Communication

to show

montrer

Simple past showed

Communication

to explain

expliquer

Simple past explained

Communication

to call

appeler

Simple past called

Communication

to send

envoyer

Simple past sent

Communication

to receive

recevoir

Simple past received

Communication ★

to learn

apprendre

Simple past learned

Communication

to teach

enseigner

Simple past taught

Work ★

to work

travailler

Simple past worked

Work ★

to build

construire

Simple past built

Work ★

to install

installer

Simple past installed

Work ★

to repair

réparer

Simple past repaired

Work ★

to measure

mesurer

Simple past measured

Work ★

to cut

couper

Simple past cut

Work ★

to drill

percer

Simple past drilled

Work ★

to fix

fixer / réparer

Simple past fixed

Work ★

to check

vérifier

Simple past checked

Work

to carry

porter

Simple past carried

Work

to lift

soulever

Simple past lifted

Work

to move

déplacer

Simple past moved

Work

to clean

nettoyer

Simple past cleaned

Work ★

to paint

peindre

Simple past painted

Work

to mix

mélanger

Simple past mixed

Work

to pour

verser

Simple past poured

Work

to connect

raccorder

Simple past connected

Work

to disconnect

débrancher

Simple past disconnected

Work

to tighten

serrer

Simple past tightened

Work

to loosen

desserrer

Simple past loosened

Work

to open

ouvrir

Simple past opened

Work

to close

fermer

Simple past closed

Work

to turn

tourner

Simple past turned

Work

to switch

allumer / basculer

Simple past switched

Work

to choose

choisir

Simple past chose

Safety ★

to wear

porter (un vêtement)

Simple past wore

Safety ★

to protect

protéger

Simple past protected

Safety ★

to stop

arrêter

Simple past stopped

Safety

to wait

attendre

Simple past waited

Safety

to hold

tenir

Simple past held

Safety

to stand

se tenir debout

Simple past stood

Safety

to sit

s’asseoir

Simple past sat

Safety ★

to fall

tomber

Simple past fell

Safety ★

to break

casser

Simple past broke

Safety

to run

courir / fonctionner

Simple past ran

Safety

to drive

conduire

Simple past drove

Safety ★

to remember

se souvenir

Simple past remembered

Verbs Be, have and do The three essential verbs used to describe, possess and form questions. Starter 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Be: I am, you are, he/she/it is, we/they are.
Have: I/you/we/they have; he/she/it has.
Do helps form questions and negatives in the present simple.

Examples explained

She is an electrician. Elle est électricienne.

Do you have a helmet? As-tu un casque ?

I am tired, but I have time to finish the task. Je suis fatigué, mais j’ai le temps de terminer la tâche. Use am with I; have expresses possession.

She does her homework after she has dinner. Elle fait ses devoirs après avoir dîné. With she, do becomes does and have becomes has.

Tenses Present simple Use it for habits, routines, facts and repeated actions. Starter 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Use the base verb with I, you, we and they.
Add -s or -es with he, she and it.
Use do not / does not for negative sentences.

Examples explained

I work every Monday. Je travaille chaque lundi.

He installs windows. Il installe des fenêtres.

The electrician checks the cables every morning. L’électricien vérifie les câbles chaque matin. Every morning signals a repeated action.

My teacher does not give homework on Fridays. Mon professeur ne donne pas de devoirs le vendredi. After does not, keep the verb in its base form: give.

Tenses Present continuous Describe an action happening now or around the present moment. Starter 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Form: subject + be + verb-ing.
Use am, is or are before the main verb.
Do not normally use it for permanent facts.

Examples explained

They are repairing the roof. Ils réparent le toit en ce moment.

I am wearing gloves. Je porte des gants.

We are installing a new window right now. Nous installons une nouvelle fenêtre en ce moment. Right now signals an action in progress.

Why are you wearing safety glasses? Pourquoi portes-tu des lunettes de sécurité ? In a question, put am/is/are before the subject.

Tenses Past simple Talk about completed actions at a finished time in the past. Starter 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Regular verbs usually end in -ed.
Irregular verbs change form: go → went, make → made.
Use did not + base verb for negatives.

Examples explained

We finished the wall yesterday. Nous avons terminé le mur hier.

She did not use the machine. Elle n’a pas utilisé la machine.

They repaired the roof yesterday. Ils ont réparé le toit hier. Yesterday places the finished action in the past.

He did not see the warning sign. Il n’a pas vu le panneau d’avertissement. After did not, use see—not saw.

Tenses Future: will and going to Express predictions, decisions, intentions and plans. Starter 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Use will for quick decisions and predictions.
Use be going to for intentions and visible evidence.
Use the present continuous for fixed arrangements.

Examples explained

I will help you. Je vais t’aider.

We are going to paint this room. Nous allons peindre cette pièce.

Look at those clouds! It is going to rain. Regarde ces nuages ! Il va pleuvoir. Going to is useful when present evidence supports the prediction.

I will help you carry these boards. Je vais t’aider à porter ces planches. Will is natural for a decision or offer made now.

Verbs Modal verbs Use can, must, should and may to express ability, obligation and advice. Starter 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

A modal is followed by the base form of the verb.
Must means a strong obligation; must not means prohibition.
Should gives advice; can expresses ability or permission.

Examples explained

You must wear safety boots. Tu dois porter des chaussures de sécurité.

Can you measure this board? Peux-tu mesurer cette planche ?

You must wear a helmet on the building site. Tu dois porter un casque sur le chantier. Must expresses a strong rule or obligation.

Could you show me how this tool works? Pourrais-tu me montrer comment fonctionne cet outil ? Could makes a request more polite.

Grammar Articles and nouns Choose between a, an, the or no article before a noun. Starter 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound.
Use the for something specific or already known.
Use no article for general plural or uncountable ideas.

Examples explained

I need a hammer and an extension cable. J’ai besoin d’un marteau et d’une rallonge.

The ladder is outside. L’échelle est dehors.

I need a hammer and the hammer is in the toolbox. J’ai besoin d’un marteau et le marteau est dans la boîte à outils. Use a for the first mention and the when it is already identified.

Water is essential, but the water in this bottle is warm. L’eau est essentielle, mais l’eau de cette bouteille est chaude. No article for a general idea; the for specific water.

Grammar Pronouns and possessives Avoid repetition with subject, object and possessive forms. Starter 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Subjects: I, you, he, she, it, we, they.
Objects: me, you, him, her, it, us, them.
Possessives: my, your, his, her, its, our, their.

Examples explained

Give it to me. Donne-le-moi.

Their tools are in our van. Leurs outils sont dans notre camionnette.

Emma has a drill. It is hers. Emma a une perceuse. Elle est à elle. Hers replaces her drill; do not say her one.

The workers finished their job by themselves. Les ouvriers ont terminé leur travail eux-mêmes. Their shows possession; themselves refers back to the workers.

Vocabulary Adjectives Describe people, objects, materials, dimensions and conditions. Starter 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

An adjective normally comes before a noun.
It does not change for masculine, feminine or plural.
After be, place the adjective after the verb.

Examples explained

Use a long metal ruler. Utilise une longue règle métallique.

The floor is wet. Le sol est mouillé.

This ladder is light, strong and practical. Cette échelle est légère, solide et pratique. Adjectives do not take a plural ending in English.

We found an interesting solution. Nous avons trouvé une solution intéressante. An adjective normally comes before the noun.

Vocabulary Adverbs Explain how, when, where or how often an action happens. Starter 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Many manner adverbs end in -ly: careful → carefully.
Frequency adverbs usually come before the main verb.
With be, frequency adverbs normally come after the verb.

Examples explained

Cut the tile carefully. Coupe le carreau soigneusement.

We always check the measurements. Nous vérifions toujours les mesures.

Please measure the wall carefully. Merci de mesurer le mur soigneusement. Carefully describes how the action is performed.

The team worked extremely quickly. L’équipe a travaillé extrêmement rapidement. Extremely strengthens the adverb quickly.

Grammar Comparatives and superlatives Compare two or more people, objects, prices or measurements. Starter 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Short adjectives: small → smaller → the smallest.
Long adjectives: expensive → more expensive → the most expensive.
Irregular forms: good → better → the best.

Examples explained

This beam is longer than that one. Cette poutre est plus longue que celle-là.

It is the safest method. C’est la méthode la plus sûre.

This beam is heavier than that one. Cette poutre est plus lourde que celle-là. Use heavier than to compare two things.

It is the most difficult part of the project. C’est la partie la plus difficile du projet. Use the most with a long adjective for the superlative.

Grammar Prepositions Locate objects in space and describe time or movement. Starter 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Place: in, on, under, above, between, next to.
Time: at 8 o’clock, on Monday, in July.
Movement: to, from, through, across, into.

Examples explained

The toolbox is under the table. La boîte à outils est sous la table.

The meeting starts at eight. La réunion commence à huit heures.

The meeting starts at 8 a.m. on Monday. La réunion commence à 8 h lundi. Use at for a precise time and on for a day.

The plans are on the desk next to the computer. Les plans sont sur le bureau à côté de l’ordinateur. On and next to give two precise positions.

Sentences Questions Ask for information, confirmation, permission or help. Intermediate 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Question words include who, what, where, when, why and how.
Present simple: question word + do/does + subject + verb.
With be: question word + am/is/are + subject.

Examples explained

Where do you keep the drill? Où ranges-tu la perceuse ?

Why is the door locked? Pourquoi la porte est-elle fermée ?

Where does your brother work? Où travaille ton frère ? With he/she/it, use does and keep work in the base form.

Did they finish the wall yesterday? Ont-ils terminé le mur hier ? Did marks the past, so finish stays in the base form.

Sentences Negative sentences Say that something is not true, not allowed or does not happen. Intermediate 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

With be, add not: is not / are not.
Present simple: do not / does not + base verb.
Past simple: did not + base verb.

Examples explained

This cable is not safe. Ce câble n’est pas sûr.

The machine does not start. La machine ne démarre pas.

I do not understand this instruction. Je ne comprends pas cette consigne. Use do not before a base verb in the present.

She is not using the machine today. Elle n’utilise pas la machine aujourd’hui. With be, place not directly after is.

Sentences Word order Build clear English sentences in the correct order. Intermediate 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Basic order: subject + verb + object.
Place usually comes before time at the end of a sentence.
Adjectives normally come before nouns.

Examples explained

The carpenter cuts the wood in the workshop every morning. Le charpentier coupe le bois dans l’atelier chaque matin.

She uses a small electric saw. Elle utilise une petite scie électrique.

The apprentice carefully cleaned the tools after work. L’apprenti a soigneusement nettoyé les outils après le travail. A clear order is subject + adverb + verb + object + time.

We usually start work at seven. Nous commençons habituellement le travail à sept heures. An adverb of frequency usually comes before the main verb.

Spelling Plural spelling Form regular and irregular plural nouns correctly. Intermediate 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Most nouns add -s: tool → tools.
Add -es after s, sh, ch, x or z: box → boxes.
Some plurals are irregular: man → men, foot → feet.

Examples explained

Two brushes and three boxes. Deux brosses et trois boîtes.

The workers protect their feet. Les ouvriers protègent leurs pieds.

One box, two boxes; one knife, two knives. Une boîte, deux boîtes ; un couteau, deux couteaux. Add -es after x; many nouns ending in -fe change to -ves.

The children carried their tools. Les enfants ont porté leurs outils. Children is an irregular plural; never write childrens.

Spelling Spelling endings Apply the main rules for -s, -ed and -ing endings. Intermediate 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Drop final silent e before -ing: make → making.
Change consonant + y to i before -es or -ed: carry → carried.
Double a final consonant after a short stressed vowel: stop → stopped.

Examples explained

He is using the machine. Il utilise la machine.

They carried the materials. Ils ont transporté les matériaux.

He is running because the bus is leaving. Il court parce que le bus part. Double the final consonant in run → running; drop e in leave → leaving.

She studied and then tried again. Elle a étudié puis a réessayé. A consonant + y becomes -ied in the past.

Spelling Capital letters and punctuation Write clear sentences with capitals, full stops, commas and apostrophes. Intermediate 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Use a capital at the start of a sentence and for names, days and months.
Use a full stop for statements and a question mark for questions.
Use apostrophes in contractions: do not → don’t, it is → it’s.

Examples explained

On Tuesday, James starts at 8 a.m. Mardi, James commence à 8 h.

Where is the manager? Où est le responsable ?

On Tuesday, Mr Brown visited London. Mardi, M. Brown a visité Londres. Days, names and cities begin with capital letters.

The supervisor asked, “Are you ready?” Le responsable a demandé : « Êtes-vous prêt ? » A direct question ends with a question mark.

Grammar Countable and uncountable nouns Choose much, many, some and any correctly. Intermediate 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Use many with countable plurals: many screws.
Use much with uncountable nouns: much water.
Use some in positive sentences and any in most questions or negatives.

Examples explained

We need some wood and many nails. Nous avons besoin de bois et de nombreux clous.

Is there any paint left? Reste-t-il de la peinture ?

We need three screws and some glue. Nous avons besoin de trois vis et de colle. Screws are countable; glue is normally uncountable.

How much equipment do we have? Combien de matériel avons-nous ? Use much with an uncountable noun such as equipment.

Sentences Connectors Join ideas and explain sequence, reason, contrast or result. Intermediate 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Addition: and, also, moreover.
Reason and result: because, so, therefore.
Contrast and sequence: but, however, first, then, finally.

Examples explained

First measure the wall, then cut the board. Mesure d’abord le mur, puis coupe la planche.

Wear gloves because the material is sharp. Porte des gants car le matériau est coupant.

Wear gloves because the material is sharp. Porte des gants parce que le matériau est tranchant. Because introduces the reason.

The task was difficult; however, we finished on time. La tâche était difficile ; cependant, nous avons terminé à temps. However introduces a contrast between two ideas.

Everyday English Dates and time Read schedules, appointments, deadlines and calendar dates. Intermediate 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Say dates with ordinal numbers: the twelfth of December.
Use at for times, on for days and dates, and in for months and years.
Use past and to for traditional time expressions.

Examples explained

The delivery arrives on 12 December at half past nine. La livraison arrive le 12 décembre à neuf heures et demie.

The course starts in September. Le cours commence en septembre.

The course starts on Monday, 12 December 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Le cours commence le lundi 12 décembre 2026 à 9 h 30. Use on before a date and at before a precise time.

We worked from eight until half past four. Nous avons travaillé de huit heures à seize heures trente. Half past four means 4:30.

Everyday English Instructions and safety Understand and give clear instructions at school, in training or at work. Intermediate 4 examples 5 min

Key rules

Use the base verb for positive instructions: Check the level.
Use do not / don’t for negative instructions.
Add please to make a request more polite.

Examples explained

Please switch off the power. Coupez le courant, s’il vous plaît.

Do not enter this area. N’entrez pas dans cette zone.

First, switch off the power. Then, check the cable. D’abord, coupe le courant. Ensuite, vérifie le câble. Sequence words make instructions easier to follow.

Do not touch the blade while the machine is running. Ne touche pas la lame pendant que la machine fonctionne. Use do not + base verb for a negative instruction.

Verbs Gerunds and infinitives Know when to use verb-ing or to + base verb after another verb. Intermediate 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

Some verbs take -ing: enjoy working.
Some verbs take to + verb: need to work.
After a preposition, normally use verb-ing.

Examples explained

I enjoy learning English. J’aime apprendre l’anglais.

We need to finish today. Nous devons terminer aujourd’hui.

He is good at repairing engines. Il est doué pour réparer les moteurs.

She enjoys designing houses but wants to become an architect. Elle aime concevoir des maisons mais veut devenir architecte. Enjoy takes -ing; want takes to + base verb.

Before using the saw, read the instructions. Avant d’utiliser la scie, lis les instructions. After the preposition before, use the -ing form.

Tenses Present perfect or past simple? Choose the correct tense for experience, recent results or a finished past time. Intermediate 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

Use present perfect when the exact finished time is not stated.
Use past simple with yesterday, last week or a finished date.
Use since for a starting point and for for a duration.

Examples explained

I have repaired this machine before. J’ai déjà réparé cette machine.

I repaired it yesterday. Je l’ai réparée hier.

She has worked here for two years. Elle travaille ici depuis deux ans.

I have worked here for three years. Je travaille ici depuis trois ans. Use the present perfect for a situation continuing until now.

I worked there in 2022. J’y ai travaillé en 2022. A finished date such as in 2022 requires the past simple.

Sentences First conditional Talk about a possible future situation and its result. Intermediate 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

Form: if + present simple, will + base verb.
Do not normally put will directly after if.
The two parts can change order without changing the meaning.

Examples explained

If it rains, we will work inside. S’il pleut, nous travaillerons à l’intérieur.

You will improve if you practise. Tu progresseras si tu t’entraînes.

If the cable is damaged, we will replace it. Si le câble est abîmé, nous le remplacerons.

If you follow the plan, you will avoid mistakes. Si tu suis le plan, tu éviteras les erreurs. Use present simple after if and will in the result.

We will stop work if the weather becomes dangerous. Nous arrêterons le travail si le temps devient dangereux. The if-clause may also come second; the meaning stays the same.

Grammar Passive voice Focus on an action or result when the person doing it is unknown or less important. Practice 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

Form: be + past participle.
Change be to show the correct tense.
Use by only when the person or thing responsible is important.

Examples explained

The wall is painted every year. Le mur est peint chaque année.

The window was installed yesterday. La fenêtre a été installée hier.

The plans were checked by the engineer. Les plans ont été vérifiés par l’ingénieur.

The bridge was built in 1998. Le pont a été construit en 1998. Use was + past participle because the bridge receives the action.

Safety checks are carried out every day. Des contrôles de sécurité sont effectués chaque jour. Use are for the plural subject checks.

Grammar There is and there are Say that a person, object or quantity exists in a place. Practice 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

Use there is with one thing or an uncountable noun.
Use there are with plural nouns.
Questions: Is there...? / Are there...?

Examples explained

There is a problem with the door. Il y a un problème avec la porte.

There are three workers outside. Il y a trois ouvriers dehors.

Are there any screws left? Reste-t-il des vis ?

There is a problem with the door. Il y a un problème avec la porte. Use there is before one thing.

There are not enough chairs in the room. Il n’y a pas assez de chaises dans la salle. Use there are before a plural noun.

Grammar This, that, these and those Point to one or several things that are near or far. Practice 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

This: one thing near you.
That: one thing farther away.
These and those are the plural forms.

Examples explained

This tool is new. Cet outil-ci est neuf.

That ladder is too short. Cette échelle-là est trop courte.

Those materials are heavy. Ces matériaux-là sont lourds.

This tool in my hand is new; that tool over there is old. Cet outil dans ma main est neuf ; cet outil là-bas est vieux. This is near; that is farther away.

These screws are short, but those are long. Ces vis-ci sont courtes, mais celles-là sont longues. These and those are the plural forms.

Grammar Possessive apostrophe Show that something belongs to a person, team or organisation. Practice 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

Add ’s to a singular owner: the worker’s helmet.
After a regular plural ending in s, add only an apostrophe.
Use of for objects or long expressions when it sounds clearer.

Examples explained

This is the electrician’s toolbox. C’est la boîte à outils de l’électricien.

The workers’ room is upstairs. La salle des ouvriers est à l’étage.

Check the end of the cable. Vérifie l’extrémité du câble.

The carpenter’s pencil is on the table. Le crayon du menuisier est sur la table. Add ’s because the pencil belongs to one carpenter.

The workers’ helmets are in the locker. Les casques des ouvriers sont dans le casier. For a regular plural ending in s, add only the apostrophe.

Grammar Who, which and that Add useful information about a person, object or place. Practice 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

Use who for people.
Use which for things.
That can replace who or which in many defining sentences.

Examples explained

The plumber who called is outside. Le plombier qui a appelé est dehors.

Use the drill which is on the table. Utilise la perceuse qui est sur la table.

This is the tool that cuts tiles. C’est l’outil qui coupe les carreaux.

The woman who designed the school is an architect. La femme qui a conçu l’école est architecte. Use who for a person.

This is the machine that cuts the metal. Voici la machine qui coupe le métal. Use that or which for a thing.

Sentences Imperatives Give direct instructions, warnings and step-by-step procedures. Practice 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

Start a positive instruction with the base verb.
Use do not or don’t before a negative instruction.
Use please or could you for a more polite request.

Examples explained

Measure the board carefully. Mesure soigneusement la planche.

Do not touch the wire. Ne touche pas le fil.

Please close the gate. Ferme le portail, s’il te plaît.

Hold the ladder firmly and climb slowly. Tiens fermement l’échelle et monte lentement. An imperative begins directly with the base verb.

Please do not leave tools on the floor. Merci de ne pas laisser d’outils au sol. Please softens the instruction; do not makes it negative.

Vocabulary Frequency words Explain how often an action happens. Practice 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

Always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely and never go before most verbs.
With be, put the frequency word after the verb.
Use every day, once a week or twice a month at the end.

Examples explained

We usually start at eight. Nous commençons généralement à huit heures.

The workshop is always clean. L’atelier est toujours propre.

I check the van once a week. Je vérifie la camionnette une fois par semaine.

I always check my equipment before work. Je vérifie toujours mon équipement avant le travail. Always comes before the main verb check.

She is rarely late for class. Elle est rarement en retard en cours. With be, the frequency adverb comes after the verb.

Vocabulary Adjective order Put several adjectives in a natural English order before a noun. Practice 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

A useful order is opinion, size, age, colour, origin, material, noun.
Do not normally place and between adjectives before a noun.
Use commas when several adjectives have equal importance.

Examples explained

A useful small electric drill. Une petite perceuse électrique utile.

A new red safety helmet. Un nouveau casque de sécurité rouge.

A strong British steel beam. Une solide poutre britannique en acier.

They live in a beautiful old stone house. Ils vivent dans une belle et vieille maison en pierre. Opinion normally comes before age and material.

He bought two small black metal boxes. Il a acheté deux petites boîtes noires en métal. A useful order is size + colour + material + noun.

Spelling Commonly confused words Avoid frequent spelling mistakes between words that look or sound similar. Practice 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

Their shows possession; there shows a place; they’re means they are.
Your shows possession; you’re means you are.
Its shows possession; it’s means it is or it has.

Examples explained

Their tools are over there. Leurs outils sont là-bas.

You’re wearing your gloves. Tu portes tes gants.

It’s a machine with its own battery. C’est une machine avec sa propre batterie.

Their tools are over there, and they’re ready to work. Leurs outils sont là-bas et ils sont prêts à travailler. Their = possession, there = place, they’re = they are.

You’re responsible for your equipment. Tu es responsable de ton équipement. You’re means you are; your shows possession.

Spelling Common contractions Recognise and write shortened forms used in everyday English. Practice 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

I am → I’m; you are → you’re; he is → he’s.
Do not → don’t; does not → doesn’t; did not → didn’t.
Will not becomes won’t, not willn’t.

Examples explained

I’m ready, but he isn’t here. Je suis prêt, mais il n’est pas là.

We don’t need this tool. Nous n’avons pas besoin de cet outil.

They won’t finish today. Ils ne termineront pas aujourd’hui.

I’m ready, but I haven’t finished the plan. Je suis prêt, mais je n’ai pas terminé le plan. I’m = I am; haven’t = have not.

They’ll arrive soon, but they won’t stay long. Ils arriveront bientôt, mais ils ne resteront pas longtemps. They’ll = they will; won’t = will not.

Everyday English Numbers and measurements Read and say dimensions, quantities, decimals and temperatures. Practice 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

Say decimals with point: 2.5 = two point five.
Use by between dimensions: two metres by three metres.
Units normally stay singular after a number only in compound adjectives.

Examples explained

The board is two metres long. La planche mesure deux mètres de long.

Cut a 25-millimetre hole. Découpe un trou de 25 millimètres.

The room is four metres by five. La pièce mesure quatre mètres sur cinq.

The room is 4.5 metres long and 3 metres wide. La pièce mesure 4,5 mètres de long sur 3 mètres de large. Say the number before the unit; English uses a decimal point.

We need twenty-five screws and two litres of paint. Nous avons besoin de vingt-cinq vis et de deux litres de peinture. Hyphenate compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine.

Everyday English Polite requests Ask for help, permission or an object politely. Practice 5 examples 5 min

Key rules

Can you...? is common and friendly.
Could you...? is slightly more polite.
Would you mind + verb-ing...? is very polite.

Examples explained

Can you help me, please? Peux-tu m’aider, s’il te plaît ?

Could you repeat the instruction? Pourriez-vous répéter la consigne ?

Would you mind opening the window? Cela vous dérangerait-il d’ouvrir la fenêtre ?

Could you please repeat the last sentence? Pourriez-vous répéter la dernière phrase, s’il vous plaît ? Could you please is polite and suitable in class.

Would you mind opening the window? Cela vous dérangerait-il d’ouvrir la fenêtre ? After would you mind, use the -ing form.