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
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
