French, french

Capitalize the noun French.

  • The French are famous for their fine wines.
  • Winston loved languages: he was studying English, French, German and Russian.

Capitalize most uses of French as an adjective.

  • Irene loved to embroider but hated French knots.
  • Jennifer often wears her long hair in a French braid.
  • Stuart plays the French horn in the orchestra.
  • Amy is a Gallophile: she prefers French wine, French bread and French dressing.

but

  • Sam likes ketchup with his french (not French) fries.

Do not capitalize the verb french (referring to a method of chopping vegetables).

  • Which side dish has more nutritional value, sweet potato fries or frenched green beans?

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© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement
A tool created and made available online by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada

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