In French, pronouns are very important for building sentences. Subject pronouns help show who is doing something. Today, we will focus on the subject pronouns "ils" and "elles." We’ll look at when to use them and how to use them correctly.

Understanding "ils" and "elles"

1. What They Mean:

   • Ils: This word is used for a group of boys or a mixed group (some boys and some girls).
   • Elles: This word is used only for a group of girls.

2. Examples:

   • Ils:
     • "Ils jouent au football." (They are playing soccer.)
     • "Ils sont en vacances." (They are on vacation.)
   • Elles:
     • "Elles étudient à l'école." (They are studying at school.)
     • "Elles mangent des pommes." (They are eating apples.)

Choosing Between "ils" and "elles"

To choose "ils" or "elles," think about who is in the group:

• If the group has all boys or a mix of boys and girls, use "ils."

  • Example: "Marc et Paul sont des amis. Ils aiment jouer au basket." (Marc and Paul are friends. They like to play basketball.)

• If the group has only girls, use "elles."

  • Example: "Sophie et Marie sont soeurs. Elles adorent la danse." (Sophie and Marie are sisters. They love to dance.)

Practical Tips for Using Them

1. Look at the Group: Always check the names in the sentence. If there’s at least one boy, use "ils."

2. Plural Words: Remember, both "ils" and "elles" are for more than one person.

3. Verbs Must Match: The verb after “ils” or “elles” should also be plural.

   • Example with “ils”: "Ils mangent." (They eat.)
   • Example with “elles”: "Elles parlent." (They speak.)

Practicing Sentences

1. Try Sentences with "ils":

   • Talk about friends: "Ils vont au cinéma." (They are going to the movies.)
   • Discuss a sports team: "Ils jouent bien ensemble." (They play well together.)

2. Try Sentences with "elles":

   • Talk about friends at school: "Elles finissent leurs devoirs." (They are finishing their homework.)
   • Mention family: "Elles rient ensemble." (They laugh together.)

By learning how to use "ils" and "elles," you can talk about groups of people much better. Practice using these words in different sentences to improve your French!