The internet (AQA GCSE French): Revision Notes
The internet
Learning to talk about the internet and technology in French is essential for modern communication. This topic covers key vocabulary related to digital devices, online activities, and how to make comparisons when discussing technology.
Mastering internet and technology vocabulary in French will help you navigate digital conversations, online shopping, and social media interactions with confidence.
Key vocabulary
| French | English |
|---|---|
| acheter | to buy |
| appareil (m) | device |
| communication (f) | communication |
| coûter | to cost |
| film (m) | film |
| gratuit(e) | free |
| influenceur (m) | influencer |
| ordinateur (m) | computer |
| scolaire | school |
| site (m) | site |
| utile | useful |
| achat (m) | purchase |
| genre (m) | type, kind, sort |
| risque (m) | risk |
Making comparisons with technology
When comparing devices or online services, French uses specific structures that follow clear patterns. The comparative system allows you to express whether something is more, less, or equally good compared to something else.
Critical Grammar Rule: The adjective must still agree with the noun it describes, even when making comparisons. This is a common mistake area for French learners.
Using "plus" and "moins"
To say something is "more" or "less" than something else, place plus (more) or moins (less) before the adjective, followed by que (than):
- Plus petit que = smaller than
- Moins petit que = less small than
Example sentences
Worked Example: Comparative Sentences
Present tense:
- Mon portable est plus utile que mon ordinateur. (My mobile is more useful than my computer.)
- Les livres sont moins chers sur Internet. (Books are less expensive on the Internet.)
Past tense:
- Son portable était plus grand que mon portable. (His mobile was bigger than my mobile.)
- Les achats en ligne étaient moins risqués avant. (Online purchases were less risky before.)
Equal comparisons with "aussi...que"
To say something is "as...as" something else, use aussi before the adjective and que after:
- Son portable est aussi grand que mon portable. (His mobile is as big as my mobile.)
Grammar and pronunciation tips
Essential Grammar Points:
- Remember that adjectives must agree with the noun they describe, even in comparative sentences
- There is no article (le/la) before "Internet" in French - simply say "sur Internet" (on the Internet)
- When making comparisons, the adjective agreement follows the first noun mentioned
Pronunciation guidance:
- "Plus" in comparisons is pronounced "plu" (the 's' is silent)
- "Moins" rhymes with the English word "wah"
- "Que" is pronounced like "kuh"
Practical usage
French internet forums and social media use the same comparative structures you're learning. This makes these grammar patterns particularly valuable for real-world communication.
You might see comments like:
- "Les pantalons sont moins chers en ligne" (Trousers are less expensive online)
- "Internet est pratique" (The Internet is practical)
When discussing technology topics, you can link specific vocabulary to general concepts. For example, when talking about travel, you might connect "train" to "devoirs" (homework), or "school" to "clothes" when discussing online shopping.
Translation exercise
Translation Practice
French to English:
- Mon ordinateur est plus rapide que tonne portable.
- Les achats en ligne sont aussi sûrs que les achats en magasin.
English to French: 3. The Internet is more useful than television. 4. This website is less expensive than that shop.
Answers:
- My computer is faster than your mobile.
- Online purchases are as safe as purchases in shops.
- Internet est plus utile que la télévision.
- Ce site est moins cher que ce magasin.
Key Points to Remember:
- Use plus...que for "more than" and moins...que for "less than"
- Aussi...que means "as...as" for equal comparisons
- Adjectives must agree with nouns even in comparative sentences
- No article is needed before "Internet" in French
- Technology vocabulary can be linked to everyday situations and activities