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Formal French word meanings: a sheet for accurate simpler wording

Edited by Chris Lee · Updated · About the library

Check requérir, solliciter, préconiser and fustiger in full French sentences. Compare simpler wording, verb patterns and four short summary questions.

In short

Check what the verb means in this sentence, then check its subject, object and strength. Requérir can become demander for a task that needs something; fustiger needs a forceful phrase such as critiquer vivement. Keep words such as certains and pas encore.

Yellow the idea to rememberBlue French to learn

An artisan patiently repairs a small wooden cabinet hinge at a tidy French workshop bench, simple tools and no signs.
The delicate repair gives cette tâche requiert de la patience a setting. Illustration: Atelier

Reformuler avec précision · fiche

1 · A requirement: requérir → demander

A task can require time or patience. Here demander expresses a need.

Elle demande où se trouve la salle.She asks where the room is: a question, a different use of demander.

Cette tâche requiert de la patience.This task requires patience.

Cette tâche demande de la patience.This task needs patience.

2 · A request: solliciter → demander

Keep what is requested and who is asked. The construction can change.

Nora sollicite l’avis de Paul.Nora seeks Paul’s opinion.

Nora demande son avis à Paul.Nora asks Paul for his opinion.

3 · A recommendation: préconiser → recommander

A recommendation proposes a course of action. Preserve any later decision separately.

Elle préconise une relecture, mais le groupe n’a pas encore décidé.She advocates rereading, but the group has not decided yet.

Elle recommande une relecture, mais le groupe n’a pas encore décidé.She recommends rereading, but the group has not decided yet.

4 · Strong criticism: fustiger → critiquer vivement

Keep the force and target. Mentionner only means to mention.

Le comité fustige le manque de clarté.The committee lambasts the lack of clarity.

Le comité critique vivement le manque de clarté.The committee strongly criticises the lack of clarity.

5 · Limits belong in both versions

Copy the small words before rewriting: who, when, which parts and how certain.

Elle critique certains passages, mais apprécie la conclusion.She criticises some passages but likes the conclusion.

La solution semble utile.The solution seems useful: this expresses an assessment, rather than a result already established.

How do you simplify formal French without changing the meaning?

The meaning stays while the wording gets shorter
BeforeAfter
Nous préconisons une relecture de certains passages avant l’envoi.Nous recommandons de relire certains passages avant l’envoi.

Both versions recommend an action before sending. Both limit the action to some passages. The second changes a noun into a verb, so read the whole construction: recommander de relire.

Question 1No account needed
Simplify Cette analyse requiert du temps.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Cette analyse demande du temps.. The first sentence preserves the requirement for time. The other two introduce different actions.

Question 2No account needed
Simplify Elle sollicite l’avis de Nora.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Elle demande son avis à Nora.. The second option keeps the same request: Nora is still the person whose opinion is being sought.

Question 3No account needed
Which keeps certains passages?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

She criticises some passages.. The word “some” keeps the criticism limited to a selection of passages.

Question 4No account needed
What follows from Elle préconise une relecture?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

She recommends rereading it.. The verb states her recommendation and leaves the group’s later action open.

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