Learners often make certain common grammatical mistakes while trying to navigate the intricacies of the French language. It is totally normal, no need to worry about it!

To make you conscious of them, we will explore the top five common grammatical mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.

1) Neglecting gender agreement

One of the fundamental aspects of French grammar is gender agreement. Every noun in French is assigned either a masculine or feminine gender, and adjectives, articles, and pronouns must agree with the gender of the noun they modify. Learners often struggle with this concept, especially when it comes to memorizing the gender of nouns. To avoid this mistake, it is essential to practice regularly, use flashcards, and consult online dictionaries. With time and exposure, you'll develop a natural intuition for gender agreement.

2) Misusing Subject-Verb Agreement

Another common error learners make is incorrect subject-verb agreement. In French, verbs must agree with the subject in terms of both person and number. For instance, "Je parle" (I speak) requires a different verb form than "Vous parlez" (You speak). To avoid this mistake, pay close attention to the subject and its corresponding verb form. Regular practice with verb conjugation will help you internalize the correct forms and usage.

3) Overusing the Present Tense:

Learners often rely heavily on the present tense when communicating in French, leading to a lack of variety and nuance in their expressions. While the present tense is essential, French offers several other tenses to express different aspects of time and actions, such as the passé composé (past tense) and the futur proche (near future). To improve your language skills, make a conscious effort to learn and use a wider range of tenses, allowing you to express yourself more precisely and accurately.

4) Misplacing Pronouns:

Pronoun placement can be a source of confusion for French learners, particularly when dealing with direct and indirect object pronouns. These pronouns usually precede the verb in French sentences, unlike in English. For example, "Je lui ai parlé" translates to "I spoke to him/her." To avoid misplacing pronouns, practice their placement in different sentence structures and seek out language resources to clarify any doubts.

5) Last but not least for intermediate & advanced learners 

Ignoring the Subjunctive Mood:

The subjunctive mood is another area where learners tend to stumble. The subjunctive is used to express doubt, emotion, necessity, or hypothetical situations. It is employed in certain clauses, such as after expressions of desire, doubt, or obligation. Many learners either avoid using the subjunctive altogether or incorrectly apply it. To become more comfortable with the subjunctive, expose yourself to its usage in different contexts, and practice forming subjunctive verb forms.

By being aware of the common grammatical mistakes discussed in this article and making a conscious effort to practice, seek guidance, and engage with native speakers, you can improve your command of French and avoid these pitfalls. 

Remember that mistakes are stepping stones to progress! 

Bonne chance! Good luck!