French Syntax

French syntax is similar to that of English. Both languages are SVO. However, in certain respects French syntax is different. Let us look at examples.

French has inversion with main verbs.

Sais-tu la réponse? (Do you know the answer?)
Chante-elle bien? (Does she sing well?)
Quand arrive ta soeur? (When does your sister arrive?)

French places object pronouns before the verb.

Je veux te voir. (I want to see you.)
Nous le savons. ( We know it.)
Mon ami peut m'aider. (My friend can help me.)

French adjectives usually follow the noun.

J'ai une voiture rouge. (I have a red car.)
C'est un homme sympa. (He's a nice man.)
Nos voisins français sont en vacances. (Our French neighbours are on vacation.)

The position of French adverbs is often different.

Je regarde souvent la télé. (I often watch TV.)
J'ai bien dormi. ( I've slept well.)
Nous mangeons rarement au restaurant. (We seldom eat in a restaurant.)

Though French and English are both SVO languages, the syntax can differ. The position of adverbs often differs from that of English. In addition, French usually places adjectives after nouns and places object pronouns before the verb.