When do you use 'on'?

'On' is usually used in informal situations to mean 'we'. Instead of saying 'nous allons aller au cinéma' you might say 'on va aller au cinéma'. It's very common to hear and see French people using 'on' instead of 'nous' when they're talking to their friends or family. 'Nous' is usually used when writing, or in more formal situations. It's also used to mean 'one' or 'someone' E.g 'On pourrait dire qu'il est stupide, mais je pense qu'il est intelligent' - 'One could say that he is stupid, but I think he's clever'

IC
Answered by Isobel C. French tutor

1765 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What's the best way to learn vocabulary?


Which French verbs take 'etre' and which take 'avoir' in the perfect tense?


Please can you tell me how I should prepare for my GCSE French oral exam?


How do you form the regular present tense? (use the verbs 'penser' and 'manger')


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning