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Grammar for Dummies Nous vs On

Nous / On

What’s the difference bewteen « nous » and « on » ? Is there any ?

NOUS = ON

In reality in 90% of the cases, they both mean « we » in English.

When speaking, the French tend to use less and less the « nous » form as it is always longer to pronounce.

Give it a try, pronounce the two forms and you’ll see which one is easier to pronounce !!

Exemples :

« Nous sommes » against « on est »

« Nous allons » against « on va »

« Nous prenons » against « on prend »

« Nous sommes allés » against « on est allés »

« Nous avons acheté » against « on a acheté »

« Nous nous sommes levés » against « on s’est levés »

If the « nous » form is easier for you to use because this is how you learnt, don’t worry, people will understand you perfectly. Simply don’t expect to hear the « nous » back as much, as you’ll hear the « on » more.

ON = « ONE »

Exemples :

On peut être beau et intelligent à la fois.

On pourrait penser que nous sommes intelligents, mais …

ON = oral

NOUS = écrit

So when do the French use this « nous » ?

We use it when we are writing emails, letters etc… It sounds more formal so it fits best a written form. Keep in mind that everytime you’re writing for a professional purpose, the « nous » should be used.

Exemples :

Monsieur, nous vous demandons de bien vouloir régler votre facture.

Nous souhaitons faire une réservation pour la nuit du 20 au 21 Juillet.

Nous allons vous livrer dans la journée du 12 Octobre.

Nous vous informons que notre magasin sera fermé du 10 au 15 Septembre.

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