How Does the French Influence the English Language?

English may be a Germanic language at its core, but if you look closely, you’ll see that it’s wearing a very French coat. From words like government and menu to expressions like déjà vu, French has had a deep and lasting influence on the English language.

So, how exactly did this happen? Why is so much English… French?

Let’s take a look at how the French language shaped English vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation, and even style.

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⚔️ 1. The Norman Invasion: A Linguistic Turning Point

The story begins in 1066, when William the Conqueror (Duke of Normandy, in what is now France) invaded England. He defeated the Anglo-Saxon king at the Battle of Hastings and became King of England.

With this conquest came a new ruling class, and with it, a new language: Old Norman French.

For over 300 years, French was the language of:

• the royal court

• the legal system

• education, literature, and government

Meanwhile, Old English was still spoken by the peasants and working class. This resulted in a linguistic layering, where French and English words existed side by side.

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🧠 2. Vocabulary: Where French Left Its Biggest Mark

The most obvious influence is vocabulary. It’s estimated that 30% to 45% of modern English words come from French, either directly or through Latin.

Here are some key areas:

⚖️ Law & Politics

Words like:

• court, judge, jury, attorney, justice, parliament, government
  All entered English through French legal tradition.

🍽️ Food & Dining

In the kitchen, the English often kept the animal word from Old English, and adopted the cooked dish name from French:

• cow → beef (boeuf)

• pig → pork (porc)

• sheep → mutton (mouton)

Also: cuisine, restaurant, menu, entrée, hors d’oeuvre, and more.

👗 Fashion, Art, and Culture

French contributed words such as:

• boutique, chic, couture, perfume, ballet, genre, collage, portrait

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🔄 3. Double Vocabulary: Fancy vs. Simple

In many cases, English kept both the Old English word and the French word, creating synonyms with different tones.

This gives English its rich vocabulary, but also confuses learners—especially when both words mean almost the same thing!

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🔤 4. Spelling and Pronunciation

French also influenced spelling conventions:

• The use of -tion (action, nation) instead of older Germanic forms

• Silent letters (like the b in debt, added to reflect Latin debitum)

• French-style endings: -age (village, courage), -ique (unique), -ette (cassette)

Pronunciation was affected too. Many French words kept their original stress pattern or nasal sounds (though adapted to English speech).

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🗣️ 5. Everyday Expressions from French

Many common English expressions are directly borrowed from French:

• RSVP (Répondez s’il vous plaît)

• Déjà vu (already seen)

• Faux pas (social mistake)

• Coup d’état, à la carte, raison d’être, vis-à-vis

Some are still used in formal or literary contexts, while others have become totally natural in English.

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🌍 6. Modern Influence: French Still Matters

Today, English continues to borrow words from French—especially in:

• gastronomy

• diplomacy

• art and literature

• fashion and luxury goods

French also remains an important language in international organizations, so it continues to shape international English vocabulary.

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✅ Final Thoughts

French has played a crucial role in shaping the English language. Whether you’re talking about vocabulary, spelling, expressions, or even social status, the French influence is everywhere.

For English learners, recognizing these connections can:

• Make vocabulary easier to learn (especially if you speak French!)

• Help you understand formal or academic English

• Give you insight into how languages evolve and influence one another

So the next time you write an essay, eat at a restaurant, or attend a ballet, remember—you’re speaking a little French, too.