501 French Verbs [antikvár]

Preface to the Fifth Edition This anniversary edition has been updated to take into account the many technological advances that have taken place over the past several years. Increased globalization and social changes have also made it necessary to ensure that 501 French Verbs will continue to provide the guidance that students and travelers like you have come to expect. We have therefore added to the related words and expressions (listed, along with English meanings, at the bottom of each entry). We hope that you will take advantage of the section on verb drills and tests with answers explained, beginning on page 622. You will need a lot of practice in French verb forms and tenses in a variety of tests to determine your strengths and weaknesses and to make some things clearer in your mind. You should also review the section on definitions of basic grammatical terms, with examples. Many students who study a foreign language do not understand certain grammatical terms. If you know what they are, what they are called, and how they are used in the grammatical structure of a sentence, you will be able to communicate better in French. In your spare time, especially if you are planning a trip abroad, consult the two sections on travel vocabulary in the back pages. One section, which begins on page 568, contains thirty practical situations you may find yourself in while visiting a French-speaking country or region of the world. The other section, which begins on page 599, gives you many popular phrases, words, expressions, abbreviations, signs, and notices in French and English in one alphabetical listing. This allows you to look in one place instead of two for an entry. Also, cognates and near-cognates in both languages are given in a single entry. On page 566 there is a simple system of transcription of sounds to help you pronounce French words effectively. Pay attention to page 568, which explains the reasons for the use of hyphens in the sound transcriptions. And, if you can't remember the French verb you need to use, don't forget to refer to the index of English-French verbs, which starts on page 503. We hope that you will make full use of all the features of this new edition and that you will enjoy your exploration of French language and culture. C.K. and TK.