Declarative sentences in French, including how they are formed, key components, negation, and common mistakes.

In French, declarative sentences (les phrases déclaratives) are the most common type of sentence. They are used to make statements, express facts, describe situations, or share information. Understanding how to form and use these sentences is essential for everyday communication.

Declarative sentences follow a straightforward subject-verb-object order.
They can be simple (one clause) or complex (multiple clauses).
They can express actions, states, facts, or opinions.
Negation is formed by placing ne... pas around the verb.
Common mistakes include incorrect word order and omitted subjects.

French declarative sentences typically follow the SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) order. Here’s how the main components work:

Subject (le sujet): A noun or pronoun that performs the action.
Verb (le verbe): Conjugated to agree with the subject.
Object (le complément): Receives the action (optional).

Standard Sentence Structure

Subject + Verb + (Object)

French Example	English Example
Je mange une pomme.	I eat an apple.
Il lit un livre.	He reads a book.
Nous regardons la télé.	We watch TV.

Using Adverbs and Time Phrases

Adverbs and time phrases usually follow the verb or the entire verb phrase.

French Example	English Example
Je mange souvent des fruits.	I often eat fruit.
Elle arrive demain.	She arrives tomorrow.
Nous sommes déjà partis.	We have already left.

Complex Sentences with Subordinate Clauses

Declarative sentences can be expanded with subordinate clauses introduced by conjunctions like que, quand, si, parce que.

French Example	English Example
Je pense que tu as raison.	I think that you are right.
Nous partirons quand il arrivera.	We will leave when he arrives.
Elle sourit parce qu’elle est heureuse.	She smiles because she is happy.

To make a French declarative sentence negative, wrap the verb with ne... pas. If the verb starts with a vowel, ne becomes n’.

Examples

French (Positive)	French (Negative)	English (Positive)	English (Negative)
Je mange.	Je ne mange pas.	I eat.	I do not eat.
Il parle.	Il ne parle pas.	He speaks.	He does not speak.
Nous allons.	Nous n’allons pas.	We go.	We do not go.

Negative Sentences with Object

The negation still surrounds the verb, even when there is an object.

French (Positive)	French (Negative)	English (Positive)	English (Negative)
Elle lit un livre.	Elle ne lit pas de livre.	She reads a book.	She does not read a book.
J’ai du temps.	Je n’ai pas de temps.	I have time.	I do not have time.

Even advanced learners can make mistakes with French declarative sentences. Here are some common errors and how to fix them:

. Incorrect Word Order

French generally follows SVO order in declarative sentences. Don’t invert the verb and subject unless it’s a question.

Mange je une pomme.
️ Je mange une pomme.

. Missing Subject

Every French sentence must have a subject pronoun or noun, even if it seems obvious.

Mange une pomme.
️ Je mange une pomme.

. Incorrect Negation Placement

The negative particles ne and pas must surround the verb. Don’t move pas after the object.

Je ne mange une pomme pas.
️ Je ne mange pas une pomme.

. Omit the Apostrophe in Negative Constructions

When the verb starts with a vowel or silent 'h', use n’ instead of ne.

Je ne ai pas faim.
️ Je n’ai pas faim.

. Not Using “de” After Negation with Indefinite Articles

When negating, un/une/des generally becomes de (or d’ before a vowel).

Je ne veux pas un gâteau.
️ Je ne veux pas de gâteau.

Here are some sample declarative sentences in French with their English translations:

French	English
Je suis étudiant.	I am a student.
Il fait froid aujourd’hui.	It’s cold today.
Nous aimons voyager.	We like to travel.
Tu as fini tes devoirs ?	Have you finished your homework?
Elle travaille dans un bureau.	She works in an office.
Je ne comprends pas la question.	I don’t understand the question.

French declarative sentences follow a subject + verb + (object) order.
Negation is formed by placing ne... pas around the verb.
Every sentence needs a subject pronoun or noun.
Use n’ instead of ne before vowel sounds.
After negation, indefinite articles become de (or d’).
Avoid common mistakes like wrong word order and incorrect negation placement.

Mastering French declarative sentences is the first step toward expressing yourself clearly and confidently!

Flashcards (1 of 20)

English Example: I eat an apple.

Next Up: Interrogative Sentences (Est-ce que, inversion, question words)

Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025

French

Declarative Sentences