écrire sur
To write on in French is écrire sur.
The phrase is used to describe the action of using a pen, pencil or similar tool to place words or marks onto a surface.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the imperfect tense to express that someone was writing on or used to write on something, the phrase changes depending on the subject.
Did you know?
- The word sur meaning 'on' is a homograph of another sur meaning 'sour' or 'bitter', though they have completely different linguistic origins.
- While you écrire sur a piece of paper, French speakers use a different preposition when writing 'in' a notebook, reflecting a conceptual difference between a surface and a container.
- The word sur in écrire sur shares a common ancestor with the English word 'over', both descending from the Latin 'super'.
Examples in context
- Pourriez-vous écrire sur ce sujet dans votre prochain rapport ?Could you write on this topic in your next report?
- Merci de rédiger sur ce thème dans votre prochaine publication.Thank you for writing on this theme in your next publication.
- Il faudrait que tu écrives à propos de cette expérience dans ton prochain article.You should write on this experience in your next article.
- J'écris sur le papier.I am writing on the paper.
- Elle veut écrire sur le mur.She wants to write on the wall.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are in a classroom setting.
- EmmaNathan, tu peux écrire sur ce papier ?Nathan, can you write on this paper?
- NathanOui, je vais écrire sur ce papier tout de suite.Yes, I will write on this paper right away.
- EmmaMerci beaucoup, c'est très gentil de ta part.Thank you very much, that is very kind of you.
- NathanDe rien, Emma.You're welcome, Emma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sur, écrire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
