As the title makes clear, this text isn’t going to make learning verbs as easy as tying your shoelaces but it does promise to make the process more palatable.
French verbs aren’t simple – that’s a fact. And memorizing hundreds of verb forms in French is guaranteed to send you into a coma. Is there an easier way to tackle verbs? Or, at least, a different method that makes the process a little more interesting? Step forward French Verbs Made Simple(r). As the title makes clear, this text isn’t going to make learning verbs as easy as tying your shoelaces but it does promise to make the process more palatable.
French Verbs Made Simple(r) is not formatted in a way that forces you to memorize verbs but instead to understand the patterns and the rules that allow you to conjugate verbs – a more useful way of tackling verbs because once you know the rules and the exceptions, you can apply them to any situation. Particular attention is paid to irregular verbs – once you’ve got these sorted, you’re well on your way to being able to confidently handle French grammar.
"Practically everything you need to know about French verbs is contained within the covers of this book."
This book is split into three parts. You can study these sections independently or work through them in order. Intermediate students may want to focus on the most basic verb formations first before moving onto more complicated matters. The first part includes descriptions of the different tenses and forms and takes you through the patterns that can help you remember how to conjugate these verbs. The second part of the book concerns how the tenses and forms are used. One particularly important subject is whether each verb should be conjugated with avoir or être. Also of interest are the sections on the past participle and the use of the subjunctive. The third section contains annexes that set out verb tables with the model verbs, their features, and their conjugations.
The benefits of this book over other grammar/ verb texts include clear explanations that cover all of the different verb tenses and formations. You also can take advantage of detailed discussions about verbs together with examples. It is easier to remember verb structures when you know the patterns to follow – even irregular verbs have “rules” that make them easier to learn. In addition, the book has sections on advanced grammar and doesn’t shy away from the difficult subjects. For example, there is an extensive section on the subjunctive and its use. To round out the package, there are complete conjugations for 57 model verbs as well as 27 variations, with links to over 6,000 verbs as they follow each pattern.
The text is extremely clear and a careful reading will give you an excellent grounding in French verbs. The style is no-nonsense and serious. The author says the book can be used by beginners but I would recommend it to intermediate or advanced students – studying grammar as intensively as this on your first introduction to the French language is likely to put you off the subject quickly. If you’re only looking for the basics then this book will be too complicated. But the depth into which the book delves is useful for people studying French at school or at work. The book makes a good reference text in addition to other materials covering pronunciation and vocabulary.
French Verbs made Simple(r) is a highly comprehensive book. Practically everything you need to know about French verbs is contained within its covers. This is a good choice for people who want to seriously get to grips with the language.
