Each verb is followed by examples in use, sayings and idioms and commentary. There is an excellent index, exercises, phrases and vocabulary which it says will be useful for travellers. But this is a big book. I can't imagine removing a couple of pairs of shoes from my luggage to fit this in. As a reference book it is superb but that rather reduces the value of the vocabulary. I think I would have preferred more verbs or more examples. Having said all that, I have Bescherelle as well and prefer this book because the layout is much clearer and the examples are very useful. However, if I wanted a book to travel with I think I'd be more likely to take the very slim and light Bescherelle.

What am I saying? I am glad I own both. But if I was buying my first book of verbs I'd buy this one. There probably comes a time when you need Bescherelle but this one is much easier to use.


addictive   January 28, 2005
 79 out of 79 found this review helpful

I have tried a few books to improve my French but this is the only one that has proved addictive. It is a big chunky paperback with one verb per page in alphabetical order. I really like the layout. For example, you go to the verb reflechir. It is conjugated in all the tenses. At the bottom of the page are some commonly used expressions including 'Il faut que je reflechisse' - I must think it over. 'Reflechir avant de parler' - to think before speaking. Then there is a box leading you somewhere else in the book. In this case it says 'Review the subjunctive clearly and simply on page 560'. So I find myself reviewing the subjunctive and so it goes on. I end up doing much more work than I anticipated. A very successful format for me.


An essential reference book.   February 14, 2003
 42 out of 42 found this review helpful

I bought this book when I first began to learn French and together with the Collins Robert French dictionary, they are hardly ever in the bookcase. It is an invaluable reference book for me. 501 verbs are covered in full with all conjugations, this should be sufficient for all but the very advanced student, many more (over 1000) are referenced to within the 501.

I have seen many verb tables but this is by far the most comprehensive. I can thoroughly recommend this book.