Description
Learn past participle agreement in French with être, rules, examples, and A2 practice for TEF Canada.
Introduction: Why Agreement Matters at A2
In the previous lesson, you learned the passé composé.
Now, you go one step further:
past participle agreement in French
At A2 level, you must:
- recognize agreement
- use it correctly with être
- avoid common mistakes
Mastering past participle agreement French will help you:
- speak more accurately
- improve grammar score in TEF Canada
- sound more natural
What Is Past Participle Agreement?
When using être in the passé composé:
the past participle agrees with the subject
Example
- Elle est allée
- Ils sont arrivés
The ending changes depending on the subject.
1. The Rule (VERY IMPORTANT)
Structure
être + past participle (agree with subject)
Agreement Rules
| Subject | Ending |
|---|---|
| masculine singular | no change |
| feminine singular | + e |
| masculine plural | + s |
| feminine plural | + es |
2. Examples (Step by Step)
Masculine singular
- Il est allé
Feminine singular
- Elle est allée
Masculine plural
- Ils sont allés
Feminine plural
- Elles sont allées
Always look at the subject.
3. With the 16 ÊTRE Verbs
Agreement happens with verbs like:
- aller
- venir
- arriver
- partir
Examples
- Elle est arrivée
- Ils sont partis
- Elles sont venues
These verbs ALWAYS require agreement.
4. Visual Pattern (Easy to Remember)
Base form:
- allé
Add endings:
- allée
- allés
- allées
Same logic for most verbs.
5. Important Reminder
With AVOIR
NO agreement (at A2 level)
Examples
- J’ai mangé ✔️
- Nous avons regardé ✔️
Keep it simple:
– être = agreement
– avoir = no agreement
6. Common Mistakes in Agreement
Errors
- Elle est allé
- Elles sont allé
Correct Forms
- Elle est allée
- Elles sont allées
Do not forget endings.
7. Using Agreement in A2 Sentences
Examples
- Elle est allée au marché
- Ils sont arrivés tôt
A2 Level (Connected)
- Elle est allée au marché et elle a acheté des fruits
- Ils sont arrivés tôt, mais ils sont partis tard
Combine ideas for better answers.
8. TEF Canada Strategy (Exam Focus)
In TEF Canada, past participle agreement French is used to:
- describe past actions
- show grammar accuracy
- improve your score
What the examiner checks
- correct auxiliary
- correct agreement
- clear sentences
High-Scoring Example
- Elle est allée au marché
- Ils sont arrivés tôt
Correct agreement = better score
9. Practice (A2 Level)
Exercise 1
Correct:
- Elle est allé
- Elles sont arrivé
Exercise 2
Complete:
- Ils sont ______ (arriver)
- Elle est ______ (aller)
Exercise 3
Write 3 sentences:
- one feminine
- one plural
- one with être
10. Mini TEF Speaking Task
Situation: Describe yesterday
Model Answer
Elle est allée au marché.
Ils sont arrivés tôt.
Elles sont parties tard.
Continue Learning French
After mastering past participle agreement French, continue with:
FAQ
When do you use agreement in French?
With être in passé composé.
Does avoir need agreement?
No (at A2 level).
What endings do you add?
e, s, es.
Is this important for TEF Canada?
Yes. It improves grammar accuracy.
Final Tip
To master past participle agreement French, remember:
- check the subject
- add correct ending
- practice often
This avoids common mistakes.
