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Il vaut mieux

Il vaut mieux

Today’s lesson examines the French impersonal expression il vaut mieux, which translates literally to “it’s worth better” and means “you’d better”, “you should”, “it’s best if you” and “it would be better if you”.

Il vaut mieux

You had better, you should do, it’s best if you

Il vaut mieux - You had better, you should do, it's best if you.

Example sentences

For this first example, the structure is: Il vaut mieux + infinitive, which translates more or less to “It would be best to + verb”.

Il vaut mieux porter un blouson. Il fait froid ce soir.

It would be best to wear a jacket. It’s cold out tonight.

For this second example, the structure is: Il vaut mieux que + subjunctive mood, which translates to “It would be better that + person + verb”.

Il vaut mieux que tu fasses tes devoirs avant de sortir avec tes amis.

It would be better that you do your homework before going out wtih your friends.

Est-ce que tu penses que c’est une bonne idée ? Oui, il vaut mieux.

Do you think it’s a good idea? Yes, it would be better.

More impersonal expressions

French expressions | Lessons by David Issokson

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David Issokson
David Issokson is a lifelong language learner and speaks over seven languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private lessons. When not teaching or writing his French Word of the Day lessons, David enjoys his time skiing, hiking and mountain biking in Victor, Idaho.

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David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language learner and speaks over seven languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private lessons. When not teaching or writing his French Word of the Day lessons, David enjoys his time skiing, hiking and mountain biking in Victor, Idaho.

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