Get ready to master French grammar and cyber security vocabulary... Show more
French
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
286
•
7 Dec 2025
•
Mastering AQA A-Level French: Tenses and Speaking Phrases
E
Evie Grundy
@eviegrundy_ztbt
1 / 5
Internet and Cyber Security in French-Speaking Countries
Ever wondered how the internet affects young people across French-speaking nations? You're about to discover some eye-opening statistics that'll help you discuss cyber security and digital life in French.
Recent surveys show that 95% of French people believe the internet simplifies daily life, whilst 75% think it creates jobs. However, there's a darker side - cyber violence affects 1 in 3 young people aged 18-21, with many cases going unreported to police.
Cybercrime takes many forms, from identity theft to online bullying. Terrorist organisations even use the internet for propaganda and recruitment. Quebec launched a special website to guide parents, as 40% don't know what constitutes an online offence.
Quick Tip: Remember these statistics - they're perfect for adding credibility to your French speaking assessments about technology and society.
Past Tenses - Passé Composé, Imperfect, and Pluperfect
Mastering French past tenses doesn't have to be overwhelming - once you understand the patterns, you'll be using them confidently in no time!
Passé composé uses avoir or être + past participle. Remember the key être verbs with MRS VANDERTRAMP (Monter, Revenir, Sortir, Venir, Arriver, Naître, Devenir, Entrer, Retourner, Tomber, Rester, Aller, Mourir, Partir). Example: "Je suis parti" (I left).
Imperfect tense describes ongoing past actions or habits. Take the nous form of present tense, remove -ons, add endings: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient. "Je faisais" means "I was doing/used to do."
Pluperfect shows actions completed before another past event. Use imperfect of avoir/être + past participle: "J'avais mangé" (I had eaten).
Memory Hack: Think of imperfect as painting a scene, passé composé as taking a snapshot, and pluperfect as what happened before the photo was taken.
Future Tenses and Conditional
Future tenses in French are actually quite straightforward once you grasp the basic formula - you'll be predicting the future in French before you know it!
Simple future uses the infinitive + endings . "Je mangerai" means "I will eat." Watch out for irregular stems like avoir → aur, être → ser, faire → fer, aller → ir.
Conditional expresses "would" and uses infinitive + imperfect endings . Same irregular stems apply here too.
Near future is the easiest - just use present tense of aller + infinitive. "Je vais manger" means "I'm going to eat." This is your go-to for immediate plans.
Pro Tip: Start with near future in conversation - it's foolproof and sounds natural. Build confidence before tackling the trickier irregular stems.
Key Speaking Phrases and Modal Verbs
These speaking phrases will instantly elevate your French oral presentations and make you sound like a native speaker discussing complex topics.
Essential phrases include "Il est temps que" (It's time that), "J'ai bien peur qu'on ne puisse plus" (I fear that we can no longer), and "Le fond du problème" (the basis of the problem). Use "En guise de conclusion" to wrap up arguments professionally.
Modal verbs are your best friends for expressing ability, desire, and obligation. Pouvoir (to be able), vouloir (to want), and devoir (must) follow specific patterns: je peux/veux/dois, tu peux/veux/dois, il peut/veut/doit.
Master these conjugations because they appear everywhere in French conversation and writing.
Exam Strategy: Memorise 5-6 of these sophisticated phrases and slip them into every speaking assessment - instant marks for advanced vocabulary!
Grammar Revision - Essential Verb Patterns
Let's nail down the fundamental verb conjugations that form the backbone of all French communication - these patterns will serve you throughout your language journey.
Modal verbs revision: Pouvoir, vouloir, devoir are irregular but follow predictable patterns. Notice how nous and vous forms often sound similar across all three verbs.
Regular verbs follow clear rules: ER verbs like jouer (je joue, tu joues, il joue), IR verbs like finir (je finis, tu finis, il finit), and RE verbs like prendre (je prends, tu prends, il prend).
Past participles are essential for perfect tenses: ER → é, IR → i, RE → u. These endings unlock all your compound tenses.
Study Smart: Focus on getting these basic patterns automatic first - they're the foundation for every advanced French structure you'll learn later.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Construction Des Verbes
Most popular content in French
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Mastering AQA A-Level French: Tenses and Speaking Phrases
E
Evie Grundy
@eviegrundy_ztbt
Get ready to master French grammar and cyber security vocabulary in one go! These study notes cover everything from internet safety concerns to essential French verb conjugations and key speaking phrases you'll need for your exams.
Internet and Cyber Security in French-Speaking Countries
Ever wondered how the internet affects young people across French-speaking nations? You're about to discover some eye-opening statistics that'll help you discuss cyber security and digital life in French.
Recent surveys show that 95% of French people believe the internet simplifies daily life, whilst 75% think it creates jobs. However, there's a darker side - cyber violence affects 1 in 3 young people aged 18-21, with many cases going unreported to police.
Cybercrime takes many forms, from identity theft to online bullying. Terrorist organisations even use the internet for propaganda and recruitment. Quebec launched a special website to guide parents, as 40% don't know what constitutes an online offence.
Quick Tip: Remember these statistics - they're perfect for adding credibility to your French speaking assessments about technology and society.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Past Tenses - Passé Composé, Imperfect, and Pluperfect
Mastering French past tenses doesn't have to be overwhelming - once you understand the patterns, you'll be using them confidently in no time!
Passé composé uses avoir or être + past participle. Remember the key être verbs with MRS VANDERTRAMP (Monter, Revenir, Sortir, Venir, Arriver, Naître, Devenir, Entrer, Retourner, Tomber, Rester, Aller, Mourir, Partir). Example: "Je suis parti" (I left).
Imperfect tense describes ongoing past actions or habits. Take the nous form of present tense, remove -ons, add endings: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient. "Je faisais" means "I was doing/used to do."
Pluperfect shows actions completed before another past event. Use imperfect of avoir/être + past participle: "J'avais mangé" (I had eaten).
Memory Hack: Think of imperfect as painting a scene, passé composé as taking a snapshot, and pluperfect as what happened before the photo was taken.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Future Tenses and Conditional
Future tenses in French are actually quite straightforward once you grasp the basic formula - you'll be predicting the future in French before you know it!
Simple future uses the infinitive + endings . "Je mangerai" means "I will eat." Watch out for irregular stems like avoir → aur, être → ser, faire → fer, aller → ir.
Conditional expresses "would" and uses infinitive + imperfect endings . Same irregular stems apply here too.
Near future is the easiest - just use present tense of aller + infinitive. "Je vais manger" means "I'm going to eat." This is your go-to for immediate plans.
Pro Tip: Start with near future in conversation - it's foolproof and sounds natural. Build confidence before tackling the trickier irregular stems.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Key Speaking Phrases and Modal Verbs
These speaking phrases will instantly elevate your French oral presentations and make you sound like a native speaker discussing complex topics.
Essential phrases include "Il est temps que" (It's time that), "J'ai bien peur qu'on ne puisse plus" (I fear that we can no longer), and "Le fond du problème" (the basis of the problem). Use "En guise de conclusion" to wrap up arguments professionally.
Modal verbs are your best friends for expressing ability, desire, and obligation. Pouvoir (to be able), vouloir (to want), and devoir (must) follow specific patterns: je peux/veux/dois, tu peux/veux/dois, il peut/veut/doit.
Master these conjugations because they appear everywhere in French conversation and writing.
Exam Strategy: Memorise 5-6 of these sophisticated phrases and slip them into every speaking assessment - instant marks for advanced vocabulary!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Grammar Revision - Essential Verb Patterns
Let's nail down the fundamental verb conjugations that form the backbone of all French communication - these patterns will serve you throughout your language journey.
Modal verbs revision: Pouvoir, vouloir, devoir are irregular but follow predictable patterns. Notice how nous and vous forms often sound similar across all three verbs.
Regular verbs follow clear rules: ER verbs like jouer (je joue, tu joues, il joue), IR verbs like finir (je finis, tu finis, il finit), and RE verbs like prendre (je prends, tu prends, il prend).
Past participles are essential for perfect tenses: ER → é, IR → i, RE → u. These endings unlock all your compound tenses.
Study Smart: Focus on getting these basic patterns automatic first - they're the foundation for every advanced French structure you'll learn later.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
4
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Construction Des Verbes
Most popular content in French
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user