Conversations in French: How to use "on"

The pronoun "on" is a versatile and frequently used word in French conversations. It can be tricky for English speakers to grasp, as it doesn't have a direct equivalent in English. Let's explore how to use "on" effectively in various situations.

Basic Usage of "On"

"On" is typically used as an indefinite pronoun, similar to "one" or "people" in English. It's always singular and takes the same verb conjugation as "il" or "elle."

Examples:

• On dit que... (People say that... / It is said that...)
• On ne sait jamais. (You never know. / One never knows.)

"On" Replacing "Nous"

In informal spoken French, "on" often replaces "nous" (we). This usage is extremely common in everyday conversations.

Examples:

• On va au cinéma ce soir. (We're going to the cinema tonight.)
• Qu'est-ce qu'on fait maintenant ? (What are we doing now?)

General Statements with "On"

"On" is useful for making general statements about people or society:

• En France, on mange du fromage. (In France, people eat cheese.)
• On ne fume pas dans les restaurants. (You don't smoke in restaurants. / Smoking is not allowed in restaurants.)

Common Phrases Using "On"

Here are some frequently used expressions with "on":

• On y va ! (Let's go!)
• On verra. (We'll see.)
• Comment dit-on... ? (How do you say...?)
• On peut dire que... (You could say that... / One might say that...)

Tips for Using "On"

1. Remember that "on" always takes a singular verb form.
2. In formal writing, prefer "nous" over "on" when meaning "we."
3. Context is key - "on" can mean different things depending on the situation.

By incorporating "on" into your French conversations, you'll sound more natural and fluent. Practice with these examples and soon you'll be using "on" like a native speaker!