Troubleshooting an unstable internet connection | Learn French in English

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Use Troubleshooting an unstable internet connection to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

La connexion internet est instable depuis ce matin.

lah koh-nek-SYOHN an-tehr-NET eh an-STAHBL duh-PWEE say mah-TAN The internet connection has been unstable since this morning.

Mon appel vidéo commence bientôt.

mohn nah-PEL vee-day-OH koh-MAHNSS byan-TOH My video call starts soon.

Vérifie si un autre appareil utilise trop de bande passante en ce moment.

vay-ree-FEE see uhn NOH-truh ah-pah-RAY oo-TEEL troh duh bahnd pah-SAHNT ahn suh moh-MAHN See if another device is using too much bandwidth right now.

La tablette télécharge des mises à jour, donc cela pourrait expliquer pourquoi tout semble lent.

lah tah-BLET tay-lay-SHARZH day MEEZ ah ZHOOR, dohnk suh-LAH poo-RAY ayks-plee-KAY por-KWAH too sahmbl LAHN The tablet is downloading updates, so that might explain why everything feels slow.

Mets la mise à jour en pause, puis redémarre le routeur si le signal continue de couper.

meh lah MEEZ ah ZHOOR ahn POHZ, pwee ray-day-MAR luh roo-TEHR see luh see-NYAL kohn-tee-NOO duh koo-PAY Pause the update, then restart the router if the signal still drops.

J'ai aussi le partage de connexion de mon téléphone en solution de secours, même s'il est plus lent.

zhay oh-SEE luh par-TAHZH duh koh-nek-SYOHN duh mohn tay-lay-FOHN ahn soh-loo-SYOHN duh suh-KOOR, mem SEEL eh ploo LAHN I also have my phone's hotspot as a backup, although it is slower.

Si le partage de connexion devient instable pendant la réunion, passe seulement à l'audio.

see luh par-TAHZH duh koh-nek-SYOHN duh-VYAN an-STAHBL pahn-DAHN lah ray-oo-NYOHN, pahss suhl-MAHN ah OH-dyoh If the hotspot gets shaky during the meeting, switch to audio only.

Est-ce que je dois prévenir l'équipe avant le début de l'appel ?

ess kuh zhuh dwah pray-vuh-NEER lay-KEEP ah-VAHN luh day-BOO duh lah-PEL Should I warn the team before the call begins?

Un court message les aiderait à comprendre ce qui se passe.

uhn koor meh-SAHZH lay ZAY-dreh ah kohm-PAHNDruh suh kee suh PAHSS A short message would help them understand what is happening.

Je peux dire que je changerai peut-être de réseau si l'appel se bloque.

zhuh puh DEER kuh zhuh shahnzh-RAY puh-TEHR duh ray-ZOH see lah-PEL suh BLOHK I can say I may switch networks if the call freezes.

Cela devrait éviter que les gens pensent que tu as soudainement quitté l'appel.

suh-LAH duh-VRAY ay-vee-TAY kuh lay ZHAHN PAHNS kuh too ah soo-deh-nuh-MAHN kee-TAY lah-PEL That should keep people from thinking you suddenly left.

Word by Word

La “La” means “the” in “La connexion internet” and “la mise à jour”. It is the article used here before a feminine singular noun. Use it directly before the noun it introduces.

connexion “Connexion” means “connection” in “La connexion internet”, referring to the internet link that is unstable. It is used with “internet” to specify the type of connection. Use it for a connection between a device or service and a network.

internet “Internet” identifies the internet in “La connexion internet”. Here it specifies what kind of connection is being discussed. It commonly follows or modifies a word for a connection or service.

est “Est” means “is” in “est instable”, describing the current state of the connection. It links “La connexion internet” with the adjective “instable”. Use it to describe what something is like or what state it is in.

instable “Instable” means “unstable” in “La connexion internet est instable”. It describes a connection that is not reliable. It can be used after “est” or “devient” to describe an unstable state.

depuis “Depuis” means “since” in “depuis ce matin”, marking when the unstable condition began. It is used with a starting point in time. Use “depuis” to connect an ongoing situation with the moment it started.

ce “Ce” means “this” in “ce matin”, referring to the morning in question. Together, “ce matin” means “this morning”. Use it before a masculine singular time expression such as “matin”.

matin “Matin” means “morning” in “ce matin”. The phrase identifies the starting point of the unstable connection. It commonly appears after a word indicating a particular morning, such as “ce”.

Mon “Mon” means “my” in “Mon appel vidéo”, identifying the speaker’s video call. It comes before the noun it describes. Use it to show possession before a masculine singular noun such as “appel”.

appel “Appel” means “call” in “Mon appel vidéo” and “l'appel”. Here it refers to a video or meeting call. It can be combined with a word specifying the type of call, as in “appel vidéo”.

vidéo “Vidéo” means “video” in “appel vidéo”, specifying that the call includes video. It follows “appel” in this expression. Use it after a noun when identifying something as video-related.

commence “Commence” means “starts” or “begins” in “Mon appel vidéo commence bientôt”. It describes the beginning of the call. Use it with the thing that is starting, followed here by “bientôt”.

bientôt “Bientôt” means “soon” in “commence bientôt”, indicating that the call will start in a short time. It modifies the action of starting. Use it to refer to an event expected in the near future.

Vérifie “Vérifie” means “check” in “Vérifie si un autre appareil utilise trop de bande passante”. It is a direct instruction to investigate something. Use it before “si” when asking someone to check whether a situation is true.

si “Si” means “whether” in “Vérifie si un autre appareil utilise trop de bande passante”, but it means “if” in “si le signal continue de couper” and “Si le partage de connexion devient instable”. It introduces either something being checked or a condition. Use it before a clause that states what is being checked or what condition must occur.

un “Un” means “a” in “un autre appareil” and “Un court message”. It introduces one masculine singular noun. Use it before a noun when referring to one non-specific item.

autre “Autre” means “another” in “un autre appareil”, identifying a device different from the one already being considered. It follows “un” here. Use it before a noun when adding a different item of the same general type.

appareil “Appareil” means “device” in “un autre appareil”. It refers to another piece of equipment using the connection. Use it after an article or other determiner when naming a device.

utilise “Utilise” means “uses” or “is using” in “un autre appareil utilise trop de bande passante”. It describes the device consuming bandwidth at the relevant time. Use it with the device as the subject and the resource being used as its object.

trop “Trop” means “too much” in “utilise trop de bande passante”. It indicates that the amount of bandwidth is excessive for the situation. Use it before the quantity or noun phrase that is excessive.

bande passante “Bande passante” means “bandwidth” as a whole in “trop de bande passante”. “Bande” means band or range, while “passante” contributes the idea of what can pass through, forming the established technical expression for bandwidth. Use it after a quantity expression such as “trop de” when discussing network capacity.

en “En” means “at” in “en ce moment”, referring to the present time. Together, “en ce moment” means “right now” or “at the moment”. Use it in this expression to say when something is happening.

moment “Moment” means “moment” or “time” in “en ce moment”. The expression refers to the current moment. It commonly follows “en ce” in this time expression.

tablette “Tablette” means “tablet” in “La tablette télécharge des mises à jour”. It identifies the device performing the download. Use it as the subject of an action performed by a tablet.

télécharge “Télécharge” means “downloads” in “La tablette télécharge des mises à jour”. It describes the tablet receiving update files. Use it with the device or person doing the downloading and the material being downloaded.

des “Des” means “some” in “des mises à jour”, introducing plural updates without specifying exactly which ones. It comes before the plural noun phrase. Use it when referring to an unspecified amount of plural items.

mises à jour “Mises à jour” means “updates” as a whole in “télécharge des mises à jour”. “Mises” contributes the idea of things being put or made, “à” links the expression, and “jour” means day; together they form the established expression for updates. Use it for software or system updates.

donc “Donc” means “so” or “therefore” in “donc cela pourrait expliquer...”. It connects the downloading of updates with the possible explanation for the slow feeling. Use it to introduce a result or conclusion based on what was just said.

cela “Cela” means “that” or “it” in “cela pourrait expliquer pourquoi tout semble lent”, referring to the tablet downloading updates. It points back to the situation just mentioned. Use it as a neutral subject when referring to an earlier fact or situation.

pourrait “Pourrait” means “might” or “could” in “cela pourrait expliquer pourquoi tout semble lent”. It presents the explanation as possible rather than certain. Use it before an infinitive, as in “pourrait expliquer”, when describing a possible result or ability.

expliquer “Expliquer” means “explain” in “pourrait expliquer pourquoi tout semble lent”. It identifies the reason that could account for everything feeling slow. Use it after a form such as “pourrait” and before the thing or reason being explained.

pourquoi “Pourquoi” means “why” in “expliquer pourquoi tout semble lent”. It introduces the reason that is being explained. Use it before a clause that states the situation needing an explanation.

tout “Tout” means “everything” in “pourquoi tout semble lent”. It refers broadly to the whole situation or all the connected activity. Use it as a subject when making a general statement about everything involved.

semble “Semble” means “seems” in “tout semble lent”. It presents slowness as how everything appears or feels, rather than as an absolute statement. Use it before an adjective such as “lent” to describe an apparent state.

lent “Lent” means “slow” in “tout semble lent”. It describes the perceived speed of everything in the situation. It can follow “semble” to state how something appears.

Mets “Mets” means “put” in the instruction “Mets la mise à jour en pause”. It tells the other person to place the update into a paused state. Use it with an object and the state or place it should be put into.

mise à jour “Mise à jour” means “update” as a whole in “Mets la mise à jour en pause”. “Mise” contributes the idea of something being put or made, “à” links the expression, and “jour” means day; together they form the established expression for an update. Use it for one software or system update.

pause “Pause” means “pause” in “en pause”, describing the state in which the update should be placed. The full expression “mettre ... en pause” means to pause something. Use it after “en” when describing that paused state.

puis “Puis” means “then” in “puis redémarre le routeur”. It orders the router restart after pausing the update. Use it to introduce the next action in a sequence.

redémarre “Redémarre” means “restart” in “redémarre le routeur”. It is a direct instruction to start the router again. Use it before the device or program that should be restarted.

le “Le” means “the” in “le routeur”. It introduces the specific router being discussed. Use it before a masculine singular noun.

routeur “Routeur” means “router” in “redémarre le routeur”. It identifies the network device that may need to be restarted. Use it with a network-related action such as restarting it.

signal “Signal” means “signal” in “si le signal continue de couper”. It refers to the network signal that may keep dropping out. Use it as the subject when describing the quality or continuity of a signal.

continue “Continue” means “continues” in “le signal continue de couper”. It indicates that the signal keeps dropping out. Use it before “de” and an infinitive to describe an action that carries on.

de “De” introduces the infinitive in “continue de couper”, meaning that the signal continues to drop out. It also links the nouns in “partage de connexion”, meaning a sharing of the connection. Use it either before an infinitive after a continuing action or to connect related nouns.

couper “Couper” means “cut off” or “drop” in “continue de couper”, referring to the signal disappearing repeatedly. Here it describes an interruption rather than physically cutting something. Use it after “continue de” when a signal keeps dropping out.

J'ai “J'ai” means “I have” in “J'ai aussi le partage de connexion de mon téléphone”. It states that the speaker has a phone hotspot available. The form combines “je” with the “ai” form of having, and it can introduce something the speaker possesses or has available.

aussi “Aussi” means “also” in “J'ai aussi le partage de connexion...”. It adds the hotspot to the other backup or troubleshooting options. Use it to add another relevant fact or possibility.

partage de connexion “Partage de connexion” means “connection sharing” or “hotspot” as a whole in “le partage de connexion de mon téléphone”. “Partage” means sharing, “de” links the shared thing, and “connexion” means connection. Use it for the phone function that shares its internet connection with another device.

téléphone “Téléphone” means “phone” in “de mon téléphone”. It identifies the device providing the connection sharing. Use it after a possessive expression when specifying which phone is involved.

solution “Solution” means “solution” or “option” in “en solution de secours”. It identifies the hotspot as a way to handle a possible connection failure. Use it with “de secours” when describing a backup option.

secours “Secours” contributes the meaning of “backup” in “solution de secours”. The whole expression refers to an option kept available for an emergency or failure. Use it after “de” to describe something intended as a backup.

même “Même” means “even” in “même s'il est plus lent”. It introduces a concession: the hotspot is still a backup although it is slower. Use it with “si” to introduce an unexpected or contrasting condition.

s'il “S'il” means “if it” in “même s'il est plus lent”, referring to the connection sharing. It combines “si” with “il” before the verb “est”. Use it to introduce a condition about a masculine singular noun or a thing referred to as “il”.

plus “Plus” means “more” in “plus lent”, forming the comparison “slower”. It increases the degree of the adjective “lent”. Use it before an adjective when comparing degree.

devient “Devient” means “becomes” or “gets” in “le partage de connexion devient instable”. It describes a change into an unstable state during the meeting. Use it before an adjective to describe what something becomes.

pendant “Pendant” means “during” in “pendant la réunion”. It places the possible instability within the time of the meeting. Use it before a noun naming the event or period.

réunion “Réunion” means “meeting” in “pendant la réunion”. It identifies the event during which the hotspot might become unstable. Use it after “pendant” to say when something happens.

passe “Passe” means “switch” or “move to” in “passe seulement à l'audio”. It is an instruction to change from video to audio. Use it before the mode or option someone should switch to.

seulement “Seulement” means “only” in “passe seulement à l'audio”. It limits the new mode to audio and excludes video. Use it before or around the expression that states the restricted option.

à “À” marks the destination or mode in “passe seulement à l'audio”, meaning switch to audio. It is also part of the fixed expressions “mises à jour” and “mise à jour”. Use it before the option someone changes to, or as part of these update expressions.

l'audio “L'audio” means “the audio” or simply “audio” in “passe seulement à l'audio”. The “l'” is the shortened article before “audio”. Use the whole form when referring to the audio mode of a call.

Est-ce que “Est-ce que” is a fixed question marker in “Est-ce que je dois prévenir l'équipe...?”, introducing a yes-or-no question. “Est-ce” begins the question pattern, while “que” is part of the same fixed structure and is not translated separately here. Use the complete expression at the beginning of a direct question.

je “Je” means “I” in “je dois prévenir” and “Je peux dire”. It identifies the speaker as the subject of the action. Use it before the verb when talking about your own action or situation.

dois “Dois” means “must” or “should” in “je dois prévenir l'équipe”. It asks whether notifying the team is the speaker’s responsibility or recommended action. Use it with “je” and an infinitive to ask or state what the speaker should do.

prévenir “Prévenir” means “warn” or “notify” in “prévenir l'équipe”. It refers to informing the team about the possible connection problem before the call. Use it with the person or group that should receive the warning.

l'équipe “L'équipe” means “the team” in “prévenir l'équipe”. It identifies the group that should be notified. The “l'” is the shortened article before “équipe”; use the whole form when referring to this specific team.

avant “Avant” means “before” in “avant le début de l'appel”. It places the notification earlier than the start of the call. Use it before a noun phrase naming the event or time that comes later.

début “Début” means “beginning” or “start” in “le début de l'appel”. It identifies the point when the call begins. Use it with “de” to specify the beginning of a particular event.

l'appel “L'appel” means “the call” in “le début de l'appel”. It refers to the specific call that is about to begin. The “l'” is the shortened article before “appel”; use the whole form for this call.

court “Court” means “short” in “Un court message”. It describes a message that does not need to be long. Use it before “message” when emphasizing brevity.

message “Message” means “message” in “Un court message”. It refers to the brief communication that could inform the team. Use it with an adjective such as “court” to describe its length.

les “Les” means “them” in “les aiderait à comprendre”, referring to the people on the team. Here it is an object pronoun, not the article before a noun. Use it before the verb when the people receiving the help are already understood.

aiderait “Aiderait” means “would help” in “Un court message les aiderait à comprendre”. It presents the message as something that could be useful to the team. Use it before the person helped and the action they would be helped to do.

comprendre “Comprendre” means “understand” in “les aiderait à comprendre ce qui se passe”. It describes what the team would be able to understand through the message. Use it after “aider” with the thing or situation being understood.

qui “Qui” contributes “what” in “ce qui se passe”, referring to the situation that is happening. In this expression, it introduces the part that identifies the situation. Use the complete expression “ce qui se passe” when referring to what is happening.

se “Se” is part of the expression “se passe” in “ce qui se passe”. It does not mean “itself” separately here; together with “passe”, the expression means “is happening”. Use it as part of this expression when describing an event or situation.

peux “Peux” means “can” in “Je peux dire”. It expresses that the speaker is able or able to choose to say something. Use it with “je” and an infinitive to state what you can do.

dire “Dire” means “say” in “Je peux dire que...”. It introduces the words or information the speaker can communicate. Use it after a form such as “peux” and before “que” when introducing a statement.

que “Que” links the verb “dire” to the statement being said in “dire que je changerai peut-être de réseau”. It introduces the content of what someone says. It is also part of the fixed question marker “Est-ce que”; use its meaning from the surrounding construction.

changerai “Changerai” means “will switch” or “will change” in “je changerai peut-être de réseau”. It presents switching networks as a possible future action because of “peut-être”. Use it with “de réseau” when describing a change from one network to another.

peut-être “Peut-être” means “maybe” or “perhaps” in “je changerai peut-être de réseau”. It makes the planned network switch uncertain. Use it to qualify a possible action or situation.

réseau “Réseau” means “network” in “changerai peut-être de réseau”. It identifies the network the speaker may switch to or away from. Use it after “de” when describing a change of network.

bloque “Bloque” means “freezes” or “gets blocked” in “si l'appel se bloque”. It describes the call becoming unresponsive. Use it with “l'appel” when referring to a call that stops functioning normally.

devrait “Devrait” means “should” in “Cela devrait éviter...”. It presents the expected result of sending the warning message. Use it before an infinitive when predicting or recommending an expected effect.

éviter “Éviter” means “avoid” or “prevent” in “devrait éviter que les gens pensent...”. It describes preventing an unwanted interpretation by the people in the call. Use it before “que” when introducing the result or reaction to be prevented.

gens “Gens” means “people” in “les gens pensent”. It refers to the people participating in or observing the call. Use it after an article such as “les” when speaking about people generally or as a group.

pensent “Pensent” means “think” in “que les gens pensent que tu as soudainement quitté l'appel”. It describes the interpretation the people might form. Use it after “les gens” and before the idea they might believe.

tu “Tu” means “you” when speaking to one person informally in “tu as soudainement quitté l'appel”. It identifies the other adult as the subject of the action. Use it before the verb when addressing one familiar person.

as “As” means “have” in “tu as soudainement quitté l'appel”. It is the form used with “tu” in this expression and helps state that you left the call. Use it before the form that describes the completed action.

soudainement “Soudainement” means “suddenly” in “tu as soudainement quitté l'appel”. It emphasizes that leaving would appear to happen unexpectedly. Use it to modify an action that seems abrupt.

quitté “Quitté” means “left” in “tu as soudainement quitté l'appel”. It describes leaving the call, which the message is intended to prevent others from assuming. Use it with “quitter” in an expression about leaving a place, event, or call.

Grammar Points

même si + indicatif

Même si le signal devient instable, je changerai de réseau.

mem SEE luh see-NYAL duh-VYAN an-STAHBL, zhuh shahnzh-RAY duh ray-ZOH

Although the signal becomes unstable, I will switch networks.

« Même si » introduces a condition or contrast, followed by a verb in the indicative mood.

depuis + point de départ

La connexion semble instable depuis le début.

lah koh-nek-SYOHN sahmbl an-STAHBL duh-PWEE luh day-BOO

The connection has seemed unstable since the beginning.

« Depuis » marks when a situation began and is commonly used with the present tense for an ongoing situation.

French Vocabulary

appareil noun

ah-pah-RAY device

un autre appareil

appel vidéo phrase

ah-PEL vee-day-OH video call

Mon appel vidéo commence bientôt.

bande passante phrase

bahnd pah-SAHNT bandwidth

bientôt adv

byan-TOH soon

commencer verb

koh-mahn-SAY to start commence

connexion noun

koh-nek-SYOHN connection

La connexion internet est instable.

depuis prep

duh-PWEE since

depuis ce matin

en ce moment phrase

ahn suh moh-MAHN right now

instable adj

an-STAHBL unstable

La connexion internet est instable.

tablette noun

tah-BLET tablet

utiliser verb

oo-tee-lee-ZAY to use utilise

vérifier verb

vay-ree-FYAY to check Vérifie

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

My video call starts soon.

Show Answer

Mon appel vidéo commence bientôt.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to use

Show Answer

utilise

connection

Show Answer

connexion

to check

Show Answer

Vérifie

to start

Show Answer

commence