Phrase affirmative – How to form declarative sentences in French?

Key takeaways

• A phrase affirmative (affirmative sentence) states a fact or opinion positively.
• French affirmative sentences generally follow Subject + Verb + Object order.
• They can be simple (Je parle français.) or complex (Je sais que tu viens.).
• Intonation, word choice, and punctuation turn ideas into clear declarative statements.
• Mastering them is essential before moving to negatives or interrogatives.

What Is an Affirmative Sentence in French?

An affirmative sentence (phrase affirmative) is a declarative structure used to express facts, opinions, or descriptions. It is the opposite of a negative sentence.

Examples:

• Je mange une pomme. → I eat an apple.
• Elle aime voyager. → She likes to travel.

The Basic Structure of French Affirmative Sentences

The standard French word order is:

Subject + Verb + Object (SVO)

Examples:

• Paul lit un livre. → Paul reads a book.
• Nous regardons la télé. → We watch TV.

In some cases, adverbs or complements may be added, but the core SVO structure remains stable.

Types of Affirmative Sentences

1. Simple Declarative Sentences

• Je travaille demain. → I work tomorrow.
• Il pleut aujourd’hui. → It is raining today.

2. Complex Declarative Sentences

• Je sais que tu comprends. → I know that you understand.
• Nous pensons qu’il viendra. → We think he will come.

3. Affirmatives with Adverbs

• Elle parle très bien français. → She speaks French very well.
• Ils mangent toujours ensemble. → They always eat together.

Word Order in Affirmative Sentences

French keeps strict word order:

1. Subject pronoun/noun: Je, tu, il, Marie
2. Verb: conjugated in tense
3. Object/complement: noun, pronoun, or phrase

Example:

• Marie étudie la grammaire française. → Marie studies French grammar.

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The Glossika explanation of declarative phrases highlights how pronouns and objects fit naturally into affirmative structures.

Examples of French Affirmative Sentences

• Je parle français. → I speak French.
• Nous avons une voiture. → We have a car.
• Ils habitent à Paris. → They live in Paris.
• Tu comprends la leçon. → You understand the lesson.

Affirmative Sentences vs Negative Sentences

Affirmative is the base form; negative simply adds ne… pas around the verb.

Exercises: Practice Affirmative Sentences

1. Make these sentences affirmative

• (not) Je ne comprends pas. → ________
• (not) Elle n’aime pas le café. → ________

2. Translate into French

• I am learning French.
• We watch TV every evening.
• They like to dance.

3. Correct the mistakes

• ❌ Je parle très bien le français toujours.
• ❌ Nous avons une voiture rouge belle.

Answers

1. Je comprends | Elle aime le café
2. J’apprends le français | Nous regardons la télé chaque soir | Ils aiment danser
3. Je parle toujours très bien le français | Nous avons une belle voiture rouge

Tips for Mastering Affirmative Sentences

• Start with short SVO sentences before adding complexity.
• Practice daily routines in affirmative form (e.g., Je vais à l’école).
• Pay attention to word order when adding adverbs or adjectives.
• Use flashcards with both positive and negative versions for contrast.

For more guidance, explore French verb tenses. To learn faster, see learning French effectively. And if you’re planning your goals, check how long it takes to learn French fluently.

Summary

A phrase affirmative in French is the standard declarative sentence structure: subject + verb + object. It states facts, ideas, or opinions clearly.

For deeper learning, consult Talkpal’s guide to declarative sentences and Glossika’s breakdown of declarative phrases. With practice, you’ll create natural statements like Je parle français, Nous habitons à Paris while you learn French with Promova.