B1 - Intermediate
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The conditional present

The conditional present

Learning Objectives 

  • Learn when to use the conditional mood
  • Be able to conjugate all verbs in the conditional present
  • Be able to give advice
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Key Words & Phrases

Un conseil / des conseils

Demander un conseil

Que ferais-tu à ma place ? / Que feriez-vous à ma place ?

Aurais-tu des suggestions ? /  Auriez-vous des suggestions ? 

Que me conseillerais-tu ? / Que me conseilleriez-vous ?

Que me conseilles-tu de faire ? / Que me conseillez-vous de faire ?

 

Donner des conseils

Je (te/vous) recommande de + infinitive

Je te/vous conseille de + infinitive

Je suggère de + infinitive

Il faudrait + infinitive

 

A ta place/à votre place, je + conditional

Learn

verbs in the conditional

Conditional present

the conditional

Gymglish: Uses of the conditional

ThoughtCo: Using the conditional

Watch

French Lessons: the conditional

Lingo Learner: the conditional

Français avec Pierre: the conditional

Love Learning Languages: “should” and “could”

Read

Lingolia: The conditional

Lawless French: the conditional

Parlez-vous French: the conditional present

Practice

Tex’s French Grammar: Practice the conditional

Learn French with Alexa: practice the conditional of -er verbs

Learn French with Alexa: practice the conditional of -ir verbs

Français Facile: Practice the conditional

Conjuguemos: Practice the conditional

Using one of the recommended resources to get writing feedback, respond to the prompt below. 

  • Your pen pal Antoine has written to you, asking for some advice. Help him as best you can by giving him at least three pieces of advice. Try to use the conditional!

Note: we will learn to use “if” in a subsequent lesson.

Salut !

J’espère que tu vas bien. Je t’écris pour te demander des conseils touristiques. Je voudrais partir en vacances dans ton pays. 

  • Combien de temps me conseillerais-tu de rester ? Une semaine, un mois ? 
  • Quelles villes recommanderais-tu de visiter ? 
  • A ma place, tu te déplacerais comment ? En bus, en train ? 
  • Est-ce qu’il y a une spécialité locale que tu me conseillerais d’essayer ?

Merci beaucoup !

A bientôt,

Antoine

Using one of the platforms for finding a tutor or language exchange partner, practice the speaking activities below. 

Partner Speaking Exercise:

  • Ask your French-speaking partner for some advice (e.g: finances, health-related, DIY, cooking…).
  • Next, ask your partner to ask you for some advice about a topic of your choice. Give them at least 5 pieces of advice.

Independent Speaking Exercise:

  • Imagine someone is asking for your advice. Choose one of the situations below, or make up your own. Make at least three sentences using the conditional.
    • Je voudrais avoir plus d’amis. Que devrais-je faire ?
    • Je voudrais créer ma propre entreprise. Que me conseilleriez-vous de faire ?
    • Nous voudrions nous marier à l’étranger. Quels sont vos conseils ?

You can find instructions and a download link in our flashcards module

Lesson Content
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