Understand spoken language

Multiple translations on phrases

Submitted by admin on 4 June 2016

When to use a single translation for phrases

It is correct to put the different meanings at WORD level, e.g.
  • surveille = "watches; monitors."
  • prend = takes; is taking (3rd person singular)
But then, in general, it is not necessary to also put all the different meanings at PHRASE level. e.g. you can choose whether to translate the word "surveille" as "watches" or "monitors", e.g.

When to use multiple translations for phrases

Experience has shown that with "a [something]" and "the [something]" it is less confusing for students to use both translations of the word if they exist. 

Examples:

Phrases (notice how both translations are in these cases used):