Distinguishing adverbs from adjectives in French

Read more about how to use Distinguishing adverbs from adjectives in French.
Feel the need to learn new grammar tips fast? Learn French online and test your grammar knowledge with Frantastique for free.

TEST YOUR FRENCH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,6 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot
More than 8 million learners worldwide

Distinguishing adverbs from adjectives

An adjective clarifies or describe a noun (usually an object or a person). It must agree in gender and number with that noun.

Des femmes mystérieuses.  (mystérieuses porte sur le nom femmes) Some mysterious women (mystérieuses refers to the noun femmes).
Des cheveux courts Short hair.

An adverb clarifies or describes a verb, an adjective or another adverb. It is invariable (it never agrees).

Elles partent ensemble. (ensemble porte sur le verbe partent) They leave together (ensemble refers to the verb partent).
Ils se sont couchés très tard They went to bed very late.

Don't confuse the adverbs or adjective that might follow the verb être.

Ils sont loin. (loin est un adverbe) ; Ils sont éloignés. (éloigné est un adjectif) They are far away (loin is an adverb); They are far away (éloigné is an adjective)
Elles sont debout. (debout est un adverbe) ; Elles sont assises. (assis est un adjectif) They are standing (debout is an adverb); They are sitting down (assis is an adjective)

Some other common adverbs: beaucoup, partout, souvent, bien...

Les Français sont partout. (et pas partouts) The French are everywhere (not partouts)
Nous sommes très bien. (et pas biens) We are very well (not biens)

Still having trouble with 'Distinguishing adverbs from adjectives'? Master the rules of French grammar and improve your French level thanks to our online French lessons Frantastique. We're offering a 7-day free trial, so what are you waiting for?



What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online French lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my French. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.


Looking to improve French for beginners? Frantastique provides effective and fun training!

Tips for learning 'Distinguishing adverbs from adjectives'? Share them with us!

TEST YOUR FRENCH