Clarifying vague feedback on a proposal | Learn French in English

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Use Clarifying vague feedback on a proposal to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Les retours disent que la proposition devrait être plus solide, mais cela me semble vague.

lay ruh-TOOR DEEZ kuh lah proh-poh-zee-SYON duh-VRAY etr ploo soh-LEED, may suh-LAH muh SAHMBL VAG The feedback says the proposal should be stronger, but that feels vague.

Demande quelle partie doit être révisée : les preuves, le ton ou la structure.

duh-MAHND kel par-TEE dwah etr ray-vee-ZAY: lay PRUV, luh TOHN oo lah struk-TUR Ask which part needs revision: the evidence, tone, or structure.

Je pense que l'introduction n'explique peut-être pas le problème assez clairement.

zhuh PAHNS kuh lan-troh-duk-SYON nex-PLEEK puh-TET pah luh proh-BLEM ah-SAY klair-MAHN I think the introduction may not explain the problem clearly enough.

Alors, demande un exemple précis de ce qu'ils veulent modifier.

ah-LOR duh-MAHND uhn ex-AHMP-luh pray-SEE duh suh keel vuhl moh-dee-FYAY Then ask for a specific example of what they want changed.

Est-ce que cela semblerait défensif ?

ess kuh suh-LAH SAHMB-luh-RAY day-fahn-SEEF Would that sound defensive?

Pas si tu dis que tu veux répondre à leurs attentes.

pah see too DEE kuh too vuh ray-POHNDR ah lair zah-TAHNT Not if you say you want to match their expectations.

Je peux demander s'ils veulent plus de données ou un ton plus assuré.

zhuh PUH duh-mahn-DAY seel vuhl ploo duh doh-NAY oo uhn TOHN ploo ah-soo-RAY I can ask whether they want more data or a more confident tone.

Cela leur donne deux directions claires au choix.

suh-LAH lair DON duh DUH dee-rek-SYON klair oh SHWAH That gives them two clear directions to choose from.

Une fois que je connaîtrai la direction, je pourrai la réviser rapidement.

ewn fwah kuh zhuh koh-nay-TRAY lah dee-rek-SYON zhuh poo-RAY lah ray-vee-ZAY rah-peed-MAHN Once I know the direction, I can revise it quickly.

Des conseils clairs peuvent éviter des révisions inutiles.

day kohn-SAY klair PUHV ay-vee-TAY day ray-vee-ZYON ee-noo-TEEL Clear guidance can save unnecessary rewriting.

Word by Word

Les ‘Les’ means ‘the’ before a plural noun, here referring to the feedback. It agrees with the plural form ‘retours’. Use ‘les’ before a specific plural noun.

retours ‘Retours’ means ‘feedback’ here, specifically comments about the proposal. The plural form presents the feedback as several comments or pieces of feedback. It is commonly used with ‘sur’ when naming what the feedback concerns.

disent ‘Disent’ means ‘say’ in ‘Les retours disent’. It presents the feedback as communicating a message. Use it with ‘que’ to introduce what someone or something says.

que ‘Que’ introduces the clause containing what the feedback says in ‘disent que’. It links ‘disent’ to ‘la proposition devrait être plus solide’. Use ‘que’ after verbs such as ‘dire’ when reporting information.

la ‘La’ means ‘the’ before the singular noun ‘proposition’. It identifies the specific proposal being discussed. Use ‘la’ before a known singular feminine noun.

proposition ‘Proposition’ means ‘proposal’ in this workplace discussion. It is the document or plan receiving feedback. Use it with ‘réviser’ when talking about changing a proposal.

devrait ‘Devrait’ expresses that the proposal ‘should’ be stronger in ‘la proposition devrait être plus solide’. It presents the recommendation as expected improvement rather than a direct command. Use it with an infinitive such as ‘être’ to state what should happen.

être ‘Être’ means ‘be’ after ‘devrait’, forming the idea that the proposal should be stronger. It is the unchanged infinitive used after that form. Use ‘être’ after a modal expression when describing a state or quality.

plus ‘Plus’ means ‘more’ in ‘plus solide’, showing a comparison with the proposal’s current strength. It comes directly before the adjective it modifies. Use ‘plus’ before an adjective to express a higher degree.

solide ‘Solide’ means ‘strong’ or ‘solid’ when describing the proposal. Here it refers to the proposal’s quality or persuasiveness, not its physical material. Use it after ‘être’ to describe how a proposal or argument should be.

mais ‘Mais’ means ‘but’ and contrasts the requested improvement with the speaker’s reaction that it feels vague. It connects two opposing parts of the sentence. Use ‘mais’ to introduce a limitation or contrast.

cela ‘Cela’ refers back to the feedback that the proposal should be stronger in ‘cela me semble vague’. It means ‘that’ or ‘it’ as the subject of the following evaluation. Use ‘cela’ to refer to a situation or statement just mentioned.

me ‘Me’ means ‘to me’ in ‘cela me semble vague’. It identifies the person who has the impression that the feedback is vague. With ‘sembler’, use this pronoun to show whose impression is being expressed.

semble ‘Semble’ means ‘seems’ in ‘cela me semble vague’. It presents ‘vague’ as the speaker’s impression rather than an absolute fact. Use ‘sembler’ with an adjective to describe how something appears to someone.

vague ‘Vague’ means ‘vague’ here, describing feedback that does not specify what should be improved. It follows ‘semble’ as the quality attributed to ‘cela’. Use it for instructions, comments, or explanations that lack precise details.

Demande ‘Demande’ means ‘ask’ in this line, giving direct advice to one person. The capital letter appears because it begins the sentence. Use this form to tell someone to request information or clarification.

quelle ‘Quelle’ means ‘which’ in ‘quelle partie’, asking the listener to identify one part from several possibilities. It agrees with the feminine singular noun ‘partie’. Use it before a singular feminine noun when selecting or identifying something.

partie ‘Partie’ means ‘part’ of the proposal. The sentence asks which section needs revision and then names possible parts. Use it with ‘de’ to specify the whole of which something is a part.

doit ‘Doit’ means ‘must’ or ‘needs to’ in ‘doit être révisée’. It says that the identified part requires revision. Use it with an infinitive, including a passive construction such as ‘être révisée’.

révisée ‘Révisée’ means ‘revised’ in ‘doit être révisée’. Together with ‘être’, it describes the part as the thing that needs to be changed. The ending matches the feminine singular noun ‘partie’.

preuves ‘Preuves’ means ‘evidence’ in the list of possible parts to revise. It refers to the supporting material in the proposal. Use it when discussing the evidence presented for a claim or recommendation.

le ‘Le’ means ‘the’ before the singular noun ‘ton’. It identifies the tone of the proposal as another possible area for revision. Use ‘le’ before a known singular masculine noun.

ton ‘Ton’ means ‘tone’ here, referring to the way the proposal sounds to its readers. It is listed alongside the evidence and structure as something that may need revision. Use it with adjectives such as ‘plus assuré’ to describe the desired tone.

ou ‘Ou’ means ‘or’ and connects alternative areas for revision: the evidence, the tone, or the structure. It presents choices rather than combining them as one item. Use ‘ou’ between alternatives.

structure ‘Structure’ means ‘structure’ of the proposal. It refers to how the material is organized. Use it when discussing the arrangement or organization of a document, argument, or presentation.

Je ‘Je’ means ‘I’ and identifies the speaker in ‘Je pense’. The capital letter appears because it begins the sentence. Use ‘je’ before a verb when stating your own thought or opinion.

pense ‘Pense’ means ‘think’ in ‘Je pense que’. It introduces the speaker’s opinion about the introduction. Use ‘penser que’ to state what you think is true or possibly true.

l'introduction ‘L’introduction’ means ‘the introduction’, referring to the opening section of the proposal. The article and noun are contracted because the noun begins with a vowel. Use it when discussing the opening part of a document or presentation.

n'explique ‘N’explique’ means ‘does not explain’ in ‘n’explique peut-être pas’. It is the negative form around the verb ‘explique’, with ‘ne’ shortened before a vowel. Use ‘ne … pas’ around a conjugated verb to express negation.

peut-être ‘Peut-être’ means ‘perhaps’ and makes the criticism less certain in ‘n’explique peut-être pas’. It signals that the speaker is presenting a possibility. Use it to soften an uncertain opinion or suggestion.

pas ‘Pas’ completes the negation in ‘n’explique peut-être pas’. With ‘ne’ contracted as ‘n’ before the vowel, the pair means ‘does not’. Use ‘pas’ after the conjugated verb in this negative pattern.

problème ‘Problème’ means ‘problem’ in ‘expliquer le problème’. It is the issue that the introduction may not make clear enough. Use it with ‘le’ when referring to a specific problem already understood in the discussion.

assez ‘Assez’ means ‘enough’ in ‘assez clairement’, indicating that the explanation may not reach a sufficient level of clarity. It comes before the adverb ‘clairement’. Use ‘assez’ before an adjective or adverb to express a sufficient degree.

clairement ‘Clairement’ means ‘clearly’ and describes how the introduction explains the problem. Together with ‘assez’, it expresses the required degree of clarity. Use it to describe the manner in which something is explained or communicated.

Alors ‘Alors’ means ‘then’ and introduces the next piece of advice based on the possible weakness in the introduction. The capital letter appears because it begins the sentence. Use it to connect a conclusion or next step to what was just said.

un ‘Un’ means ‘a’ in ‘un exemple précis’. It introduces one unspecified example that the listener should request. Use ‘un’ before a singular masculine noun.

exemple ‘Exemple’ means ‘example’ in the request for a concrete illustration of what should change. It is modified by ‘précis’ to emphasize specificity. Use it with ‘de’ to introduce the content or action being illustrated.

précis ‘Précis’ means ‘specific’ or ‘precise’ in ‘un exemple précis’. It asks for an example that identifies exactly what should be changed. Use it after a masculine singular noun such as ‘exemple’.

de ‘De’ links ‘exemple’ to the clause describing what the example concerns in ‘un exemple précis de ce qu’ils veulent modifier’. It can introduce the content associated with a noun. Use ‘de’ after a noun such as ‘exemple’ to specify its subject or content.

ce ‘Ce’ is part of ‘ce qu’ils veulent modifier’, meaning ‘what they want to modify’. It points to the content that the requested example should identify. Use ‘ce que’ or ‘ce qu’ to introduce what someone does or wants.

qu'ils ‘Qu’ils’ combines ‘que’ with ‘ils’ in ‘ce qu’ils veulent modifier’. The whole expression means ‘what they want to modify’, while ‘ils’ identifies the people whose wishes are being described. Use this form when a clause beginning with ‘que’ comes before ‘ils’.

veulent ‘Veulent’ means ‘want’ in ‘ce qu’ils veulent modifier’. It expresses the changes the people giving feedback would like to see. Use it with an infinitive such as ‘modifier’ to state what someone wants to do.

modifier ‘Modifier’ means ‘change’ or ‘modify’ in ‘veulent modifier’. It is the action the feedback providers want to take or request. Use it as an infinitive after ‘vouloir’ to name the desired action.

Est-ce ‘Est-ce’ begins the question ‘Est-ce que cela semblerait défensif ?’. It marks the sentence as a question about whether something would seem defensive. Use ‘est-ce que’ to form a direct question.

semblerait ‘Semblerait’ means ‘would seem’ in the question about how the request might sound. It presents the impression as a possible result rather than a certainty. Use it with an adjective such as ‘défensif’ to ask how an action might be perceived.

défensif ‘Défensif’ means ‘defensive’ in the question ‘semblerait défensif’. It describes a possible impression created by asking for specific feedback. Use it after ‘sembler’ to describe how a person’s words or behavior may appear.

si ‘Si’ means ‘if’ in ‘Pas si tu dis’. It introduces the condition under which the request would not sound defensive. Use ‘si’ to state a condition for an outcome.

tu ‘Tu’ means ‘you’ and identifies the person being advised. It is the subject of ‘dis’ in ‘si tu dis’. Use ‘tu’ when addressing one person in the familiar form used in this dialogue.

dis ‘Dis’ means ‘say’ in ‘si tu dis que’. It introduces the words or message that the listener should express. Use it with ‘que’ to report what someone says.

veux ‘Veux’ means ‘want’ in ‘tu veux répondre’. It describes the listener’s intention to meet the other people’s expectations. Use it with an infinitive such as ‘répondre’ to state what someone wants to do.

répondre ‘Répondre’ means ‘respond’ in ‘répondre à leurs attentes’. Here it means meeting or satisfying the expectations rather than simply answering a spoken question. Use ‘répondre à’ with an expectation, request, or need.

à ‘À’ is the preposition required in ‘répondre à leurs attentes’. It links the action of responding to the expectations being addressed. Keep ‘à’ before the noun or noun phrase that receives the response.

leurs ‘Leurs’ means ‘their’ before the plural noun ‘attentes’. It identifies the expectations belonging to the people giving feedback. Use it before a plural noun to show possession by more than one person.

attentes ‘Attentes’ means ‘expectations’ in ‘répondre à leurs attentes’. These are the standards or results the feedback providers want from the proposal. Use it with ‘répondre à’ when describing whether a result meets expectations.

peux ‘Peux’ means ‘can’ in ‘Je peux demander’. It expresses the speaker’s ability or possibility of asking a question. Use it with an infinitive such as ‘demander’ to state what you can do.

demander ‘Demander’ means ‘ask’ in ‘Je peux demander’. It names the action of requesting information from the people giving feedback. Use it with a question or with ‘si’ to ask whether something is wanted.

s'ils ‘S’ils’ combines ‘si’ and ‘ils’ in ‘demander s’ils veulent’. The whole clause means ‘ask whether they want’, with ‘ils’ referring to the people giving feedback. Use ‘si’ before ‘ils’ when asking indirectly whether they want something.

données ‘Données’ means ‘data’ in ‘plus de données’. It refers to additional information that could strengthen the proposal. Use it after ‘plus de’ when requesting or describing a greater amount of data.

assuré ‘Assuré’ means ‘confident’ or ‘assured’ in ‘un ton plus assuré’. It describes a tone that sounds more confident. Use it after a noun such as ‘ton’ to describe the impression created by someone’s communication.

leur ‘Leur’ means ‘to them’ in ‘Cela leur donne’. It identifies the people receiving the two directions. Use ‘leur’ before the verb when an action gives or communicates something to more than one person.

donne ‘Donne’ means ‘gives’ in ‘Cela leur donne deux directions’. It describes providing the feedback providers with options. Use ‘donner’ with a recipient and the thing that is given.

directions ‘Directions’ means ‘directions’ here, referring to two possible paths for revising the proposal. It does not refer to physical navigation in this context. Use it with a number or adjective when presenting possible approaches.

claires ‘Claires’ means ‘clear’ in ‘deux directions claires’. It says that the two possible approaches are easy to distinguish. The ending matches the feminine plural noun ‘directions’.

au ‘Au’ is the contraction of ‘à’ and ‘le’ in ‘au choix’. In this expression, it contributes to the meaning ‘as a choice’ or ‘available to choose from’. Keep it in the fixed expression ‘au choix’ when presenting alternatives.

choix ‘Choix’ means ‘choice’ in ‘au choix’. The expression indicates that the two directions are options from which the feedback providers can select. Use ‘au choix’ when alternatives are available for selection.

Une ‘Une’ means ‘a’ or ‘one’ in ‘Une fois que’. It begins the expression meaning ‘once’, referring to the point when the direction becomes known. The capital letter appears because it begins the sentence.

fois ‘Fois’ means ‘time’ in ‘Une fois que je connaîtrai la direction’. Together with ‘une’ and ‘que’, it forms the time expression ‘once’. Use ‘une fois que’ to introduce a condition or event that must occur first.

connaîtrai ‘Connaîtrai’ means ‘will know’ in ‘je connaîtrai la direction’. It refers to knowing which revision direction to follow in the future. Use it with the thing that will become known, such as ‘la direction’.

direction ‘Direction’ means ‘direction’ here, referring to the chosen approach for revising the proposal. It is the information the speaker needs before making changes. Use it with ‘connaître’ when referring to knowing which approach to follow.

pourrai ‘Pourrai’ means ‘will be able to’ in ‘je pourrai la réviser’. It expresses the speaker’s future ability to revise the proposal once the direction is known. Use it with an infinitive to state a future possibility or ability.

réviser ‘Réviser’ means ‘revise’ in ‘je pourrai la réviser rapidement’. It refers to making changes to the proposal based on the clarified direction. Use it with the document or section being revised.

rapidement ‘Rapidement’ means ‘quickly’ and describes how the speaker can revise the proposal. It emphasizes that clear direction makes the work faster. Use it to describe the speed of an action.

Des ‘Des’ means ‘some’ before the plural noun ‘conseils’. It introduces clear guidance in a general, non-specific way. Use ‘des’ before a plural noun when referring to an unspecified amount.

conseils ‘Conseils’ means ‘guidance’ or ‘advice’ in ‘Des conseils clairs’. It refers to useful instructions about how to improve the proposal. Use it with adjectives such as ‘clairs’ to describe the quality of the advice.

clairs ‘Clairs’ means ‘clear’ in ‘Des conseils clairs’. It describes guidance that makes the required changes easy to understand. The ending matches the masculine plural noun ‘conseils’.

peuvent ‘Peuvent’ means ‘can’ in ‘peuvent éviter’. It expresses the possibility that clear guidance prevents unnecessary work. Use it with an infinitive such as ‘éviter’ to describe what something can do.

éviter ‘Éviter’ means ‘avoid’ in ‘peuvent éviter des révisions inutiles’. It describes preventing revisions that are not needed. Use it with the thing or activity that is being avoided.

révisions ‘Révisions’ means ‘revisions’ in this work context, referring to changes made to the proposal. The sentence says that clear advice can prevent unnecessary rounds of changes. Use it when discussing the process of revising a document.

inutiles ‘Inutiles’ means ‘unnecessary’ in ‘révisions inutiles’. It identifies revisions that would not be needed if the guidance were clear. The ending matches the feminine plural noun ‘révisions’.

Grammar Points

semblerait + adjectif

La proposition semblerait solide.

lah proh-poh-zee-SYON sahm-bluh-RAY soh-LEED

The proposal would seem strong.

« semblerait » est le conditionnel présent de « sembler » ; il exprime une impression ou une possibilité avec prudence.

je + futur simple

Je connaîtrai rapidement la direction.

zhuh koh-nay-TRAY rah-peed-MAHN lah dee-rek-SYON

I will quickly know the direction.

« connaîtrai » est le futur simple de « connaître » à la première personne : il indique une action à venir.

French Vocabulary

demander verb

duh-mahn-DAY to ask Demande

Demande quelle partie doit être révisée.

expliquer verb

ex-plee-KAY to explain explique

L'introduction n'explique peut-être pas le problème.

introduction noun

an-troh-duk-SYON introduction

L'introduction n'explique peut-être pas le problème.

partie noun

par-TEE part

Quelle partie doit être révisée ?

preuve noun

PRUV evidence preuves

Les preuves, le ton ou la structure.

proposition noun

proh-poh-zee-SYON proposal

La proposition devrait être plus solide.

retour noun

ruh-TOOR feedback retours

Les retours disent que la proposition devrait être plus solide.

réviser verb

ray-vee-ZAY to revise révisée

Quelle partie doit être révisée ?

solide adj

soh-LEED strong; solid

La proposition devrait être plus solide.

structure noun

struk-TUR structure

Les preuves, le ton ou la structure.

ton noun

TOHN tone

Les preuves, le ton ou la structure.

vague adj

VAG vague

Cela me semble vague.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Would that sound defensive?

Show Answer

Est-ce que cela semblerait défensif ?

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to revise

Show Answer

révisée

feedback

Show Answer

retours

vague

Show Answer

vague

to ask

Show Answer

Demande