Congratulations on reaching the intermediate level! These 20 verbs will help you express more complex ideas, describe nuanced actions, and engage in deeper conversations. Each verb includes usage notes to help you understand subtle differences and proper contexts.
Mental
to consider
(Regular -er verb with accent changes)
Example SentenceJe considère cette proposition sérieusement.
I am considering this proposal seriously.
Action
to realize / achieve
(Regular -er verb, two meanings)
Example SentenceJe réalise maintenant mon erreur.
I realize my mistake now.
Communication
to debate
(Regular -re verb)
Example SentenceLes politiciens débattent de la nouvelle loi.
The politicians debate the new law.
Action
to fail
(Regular -er verb)
Example SentenceIl a échoué à son examen.
He failed his exam.
Mental
to imagine
(Regular -er verb)
Example SentenceImagine un monde sans guerre.
Imagine a world without war.
Action
to strive / make an effort
(Reflexive verb – je m’efforce)
Example SentenceJe m’efforce de faire de mon mieux.
I strive to do my best.
Communication
to persuade
(Regular -er verb)
Example SentenceIl a essayé de me persuader de venir.
He tried to persuade me to come.
Action
to slow down
(Regular -ir verb)
Example SentenceRalentis ! Tu conduis trop vite.
Slow down! You’re driving too fast.
Mental
to suppose / assume
(Regular -er verb)
Example SentenceJe suppose que tu as raison.
I suppose you’re right.
Action
to accelerate / speed up
(Regular -er verb with accent changes)
Example SentenceIl faut accélérer le processus.
We need to speed up the process.
Communication
to approve
(Regular -er verb)
Example SentenceLe directeur a approuvé le projet.
The director approved the project.
Action
to avoid
(Regular -er verb)
Example SentenceJ’essaie d’éviter les conflits.
I try to avoid conflicts.
Mental
to prefer
(Regular -er verb with accent changes)
Example SentenceJe préfère le thé au café.
I prefer tea to coffee.
Action
to recognize
(Irregular verb – je reconnais, tu reconnais, il reconnaît)
Example SentenceJe ne te reconnais pas avec cette nouvelle coiffure.
I don’t recognize you with this new hairstyle.
Communication
to suggest
(Regular -er verb with accent changes)
Example SentenceJe suggère que nous prenions une pause.
I suggest we take a break.
Action
to attempt / tempt
(Regular -er verb, two meanings)
Example SentenceJe vais tenter ma chance.
I’m going to try my luck.
Mental
to envisage / contemplate
(Regular -er verb)
Example SentenceJ’envisage de déménager à l’étranger.
I’m considering moving abroad.
Action
to resist
(Regular -er verb)
Example SentenceJe ne peux pas résister au chocolat.
I can’t resist chocolate.
Communication
to reveal
(Regular -er verb with accent changes)
Example SentenceIl a révélé un secret important.
He revealed an important secret.
Action
to support / sustain
(Irregular verb – je soutiens, tu soutiens, il soutient)
Example SentenceJe te soutiens dans cette décision.
I support you in this decision.
Practice Makes Perfect
Try creating sentences using each verb in different tenses (présent, passé composé, futur). For example: “Hier, j’ai envisagé…” (Yesterday, I considered…), “Demain, je soutiendrai…” (Tomorrow, I will support…).
Intermediate Verbs (101-120)
Considérer
Réaliser
Débattre
Échouer
Imaginer
S’efforcer
Persuader
Ralentir
Supposer
Accélérer
Approuver
Éviter
Préférer
Reconnaître
Suggérer
Tenter
Envisager
Résister
Révéler
Soutenir
Intermediate Grammar Tips
These verbs often require specific prepositions or are used in particular contexts. Pay attention to these patterns:
Verb + Preposition
Many intermediate verbs require specific prepositions: “penser à” (to think about), “parler de” (to talk about), “chercher à” (to try to). Learn these combinations as phrases.
Multiple Meanings
Verbs like “réaliser” (to realize/achieve) or “tenter” (to attempt/tempt) have multiple meanings. Context determines which meaning is intended.
Reflexive Nuances
Reflexive verbs at this level often express mental states or efforts: “s’efforcer” (to strive), “se rendre compte” (to realize). Note the reflexive pronouns.
