Learning French online puts an enormous amount of free and paid content within reach — grammar explanations, vocabulary tools, audio courses, tutors, and more. The challenge isn’t finding resources. It’s knowing which ones to use, in what order, and how to combine them without spending more time choosing tools than actually learning.
This site focuses on two things: French grammar and French vocabulary. Both are covered through structured written lessons that explain the rules in plain English, with examples throughout. That covers the reading and writing foundation. For speaking, listening, and a more structured course format, you’ll want to supplement with the resources below.
Where to Start
If you’re new to French, the most important first step is understanding how the language works as a system. Before memorizing vocabulary or drilling verb conjugations, read through French vs. English: Key Grammar Differences. It gives you the conceptual map that makes everything else make sense.
From there, the beginner, intermediate, and advanced level pages on this site lay out a recommended sequence of grammar lessons for each stage. Working through them in order is more effective than jumping around.
Grammar Lessons on This Site
The French Grammar hub covers every major topic from the present tense through the subjunctive and beyond, organized by category. Some of the most-read lessons:
- The four core French verbs: être, avoir, faire, aller
- The passé composé
- The imparfait
- Direct and indirect object pronouns
- The subjunctive
- French verb tenses: a complete guide
Vocabulary Lessons on This Site
The French Vocabulary hub organizes all vocabulary posts by topic. Useful starting points:
- Beginner French vocabulary
- 87 common French verbs
- Common French phrases
- French idioms and common expressions
Tools for Speaking and Listening
Grammar and vocabulary lessons cover the written side of the language. For speaking and oral comprehension, you’ll need different tools:
- Audio courses and podcasts train your ear to the rhythm and pronunciation of spoken French. See our reviews of French audio courses and French podcasts.
- French films and TV shows are one of the most enjoyable ways to build oral comprehension. Watch with French subtitles rather than English. See our guide to learning French through movies and TV.
- A vocabulary app like Mondly is useful for building and reinforcing vocabulary through short, interactive sessions, especially for learners who prefer a more structured daily practice format.
