une phrase entière
The English phrase "a whole sentence" is translated into French as une phrase entière.
The phrase is used to describe a complete sequence of words that expresses a full thought.
What does it mean word for word?
une phrase entière is composed of une (a/one), phrase (sentence) and entière (whole/entire).
Which one should you use?
While une phrase means "a sentence", adding entière emphasizes the completeness or the entirety of the sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because phrase is a feminine noun, the adjective entière must take the feminine form with an e at the end.
Did you know?
- While phrase means 'sentence' in a linguistic context, in casual French it can also mean a 'pick-up line' used in flirting.
- In English, 'phrase' often refers to a small group of words, but in French, phrase is the standard word for a complete 'sentence'.
- The word phrase comes from the Ancient Greek word phrásis, which referred to a 'manner of expression' rather than just a grammatical unit.
Examples in context
- Il a écrit une phrase entière sans faire de faute.He wrote a whole sentence without making a mistake.
- Elle a écrit une phrase entière.She wrote a whole sentence.
- Il peut désormais formuler une phrase entière.He can now form a whole sentence.
Example conversation
Gabriel is helping Emma with her French homework.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu as fini d'écrire une phrase entière ?Have you finished writing a whole sentence?
- EmmaNon, je n'ai pas encore écrit une phrase entière.No, I haven't written a whole sentence yet.
- GabrielPrends ton temps, Emma.Take your time, Emma.
- EmmaMerci, Gabriel, c'est un peu difficile.Thanks, Gabriel, it's a bit difficult.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries phrase, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
