Tools and Websites for French Learners

28 Dec 2022

Here I summarize some useful websites or tools for French learners!

1. Translators (For translations from English to French)

Not Google Translate! The two tools/websites/apps introduced below are in fact recommended by McGill’s GPS service (check out the slide no. 19 here)

a) DeepL

Just copy and paste the full sentences/paragraphs in, and wait for the translation to come out🤭 Audio of the translated sentences also available.

b) Reverso

This one is my favorite in these two.

Reverso is not only good for translating complete sentences, but even better for getting the conjugation of verbs and translating phrases/phrasal verbs/expressions.

2. Grammar/Spelling Checking Websites/Tools - Like Grammarly but for French

a) BonPatron

It also lets you specify whether “je” (I) is feminine or masculine so that it can check the agreement with gender in between words.

b) SpellBoy

c) Language Tool

It’s a Google extension, can also check for multiple other languages.

d) Cordial

e) Sapling

3. For Dictations

Probably one of the most classic ways of training one’s language skills (although I do admit, when I was learning English, I didn’t really practice dictation in the form of writing, but more in the form of “shadowing”, which seemed to target more the speaking skills rather than writing)

a) Dictaly

b) Une dictée par jour

4. For Small Exercises

a) Apprende le francais by TV5Monde

They have both a web version and an app.

b) Mauril

Mauril is an app by CBC and Radio-Canada, you can access resources/exercises for both English and French by creating different profiles. The French accents presented in their exercises are probably more Canadian than the app by TV5Monde.