The Versatility of 'Aller': Beyond Movement in French

The verb 'aller' in French is known primarily for its meaning of 'to go'.

However, its usage extends far beyond physical movement.

This article will examine the various applications of 'aller' in everyday French conversations.

Idiomatic Expressions with 'Aller'

French speakers frequently use 'aller' in idiomatic expressions. These phrases add color and nuance to the language.

1. "Aller de soi" - To be self-evident
2. "Aller au-devant de" - To anticipate or forestall
3. "Aller bon train" - To make good progress
4. "Aller à vau-l'eau" - To go downhill or deteriorate
5. "Aller droit au but" - To get straight to the point
6. "Aller au charbon" - To do the hard work
7. "Aller sur ses X ans" - To be approaching X years old
8. "Aller comme un gant" - To fit like a glove
9. "Aller aux urnes" - To go to the polls (vote)
10. "Aller de mal en pis" - To go from bad to worse

Health and Well-being Inquiries

'Aller' plays a crucial role in asking about someone's health or general state.

Common Health-Related Phrases

• "Comment allez-vous?" - How are you?
• "Comment ça va?" - How's it going?
• "Ça va bien?" - Are you doing well?
• "Tu vas bien?" - Are you okay? (informal)
• "Je vais bien, merci." - I'm fine, thank you.
• "Ça ne va pas fort." - I'm not doing great.
• "Ça va mieux." - It's getting better.
• "Ça va mal." - It's going badly.
• "Comment va ta santé?" - How's your health?
• "Je vais mieux qu'hier." - I'm feeling better than yesterday.

Describing States and Conditions

'Aller' is useful for describing various states or conditions, not just physical ones.

Examples of State Descriptions

1. "Cette couleur te va bien." - This color suits you well.
2. "Ça va être difficile." - It's going to be difficult.
3. "Comment va le projet?" - How's the project going?
4. "Tout va bien." - Everything is fine.
5. "Ça va mal tourner." - This is going to turn out badly.
6. "Le costume lui va à merveille." - The suit fits him perfectly.
7. "Comment vont les affaires?" - How's business?
8. "Ça va chauffer!" - Things are going to get heated!
9. "Ça ne me va pas du tout." - That doesn't suit me at all.
10. "Ça va de mieux en mieux." - It's getting better and better.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of these diverse uses of 'aller' with the following exercises:

1. Complete the sentence: "Si ça continue comme ça, tout va ____ en ____." (If this continues, everything will go downhill.)

2. Translate: "This dress fits you perfectly."

3. How would you ask someone if they're feeling better in French?

4. What's the expression for "to go straight to the point"?

5. Translate: "How's the new job going?"

6. Complete the idiom: "Aller au ______" (To do the hard work)

7. How would you say "I'm approaching 30 years old" using 'aller'?

8. Translate: "This situation is going from bad to worse."

9. What's the expression for "to go to the polls"?

10. How would you ask "How's business?" using 'aller'?

Answers and Explanations

1. "Si ça continue comme ça, tout va aller de mal en pis." (If this continues, everything will go from bad to worse.)

2. "Cette robe te va à merveille."

3. "Tu vas mieux ?" or "Ça va mieux ?"

4. "Aller droit au but"

5. "Comment va le nouveau travail ?"

6. "Aller au charbon"

7. "Je vais sur mes 30 ans."

8. "Cette situation va de mal en pis."

9. "Aller aux urnes"

10. "Comment vont les affaires ?"

Understanding these varied uses of 'aller' will significantly enhance your French communication skills. Practice using these expressions in context to solidify your learning.