Spelling
CEFR A2
m before m, b, p
Before the letters m, b and p, the "n" turns into an "m". This is an almost systematic rule in French, with a few notable exceptions.
Before m, b, p: write m (not n). Exceptions: bonbon, bonbonne, embonpoint, néanmoins.
Examples
C'est impossible.
Key word(s): impossible
Before p: "im" (not "in").
Il faut emmener les enfants.
Key word(s): emmener
Before m: "em" (not "en").
L'ambulance est arrivée.
Key word(s): ambulance
Before b: "am" (not "an").
Il a de l'embonpoint.
Key word(s): embonpoint
Exception: "bon" keeps the n before b.
Elle aime les bonbons.
Key word(s): bonbons
Exception: "bon" keeps the n before b.
Common mistakes
- Writing "inpossible" instead of "impossible"
- Writing "anbulance" instead of "ambulance"
- Forgetting the exceptions: bonbon, embonpoint, néanmoins
Test yourself
Il a fait preuve d'i___atience.
Le te___s passe vite.
Un bon___.
Tips to remember
- The rule is simple: before m, b, p, write m. It is almost always true.
- The most common exceptions: bonbon, bonbonne, bonbonnière, embonpoint, néanmoins.
- Memory aid: "MBP = M Before P and B".
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