Why writing in French is so difficult and how to improve it

Writing in French can be one of the most challenging skills to master, even for advanced learners.
In fact, even native French speakers find writing tricky!

So, why is that? And more importantly, how can you improve your French writing skills effectively, without spending hours every week?

Let’s take a closer look.

1. Why French writing is so complex

French is a beautiful language, but also a demanding one when it comes to writing.
Its grammar and spelling rules are intricate, and many words contain letters that aren’t pronounced.

Here are a few reasons why French writing feels so hard:

• Grammar and agreement: you must constantly pay attention to gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).

• Verb conjugations: spelling can change depending on tense, subject, and even the auxiliary verb.

• Silent letters: we write them, but we don’t hear them! This confuses many learners.

That’s why French children start learning spelling and doing writing exercises as early as age six, it takes YEARS to master.

2. What I often see with my students

As an online French teacher with over ten years of experience, I have noticed a recurring pattern.

Many students reach an intermediate or advanced level (B1 to C1) through listening and speaking practice, often because they live in France or use French every day.

But when it comes to writing, things suddenly feel much harder.

It’s not uncommon to see learners who are B2 in speaking but only A1 in writing.

One big reason is the widespread use of AI tools, translation apps, and autocorrect features. They’re useful, of course, but they can also create the illusion that we don’t need to write by ourselves anymore. Over time, this weakens writing skills and confidence.

3. Why writing still matters in French learning

Even in our digital world, writing remains a core skill in language learning.

Here’s why you shouldn’t skip it:

• It boosts memory and retention. Writing by hand or on a keyboard helps you internalize vocabulary and grammar more effectively.

• It’s essential for formal communication. From emails to applications and administrative forms, written French is unavoidable in professional and everyday life.

• It’s required for language exams. Tests like the DELF or TCF evaluate written production, you can’t pass without solid writing skills and you won't have any tools to use during the exam.

In short: if you want to feel confident and complete as a French speaker, writing is a must.

4. How to improve your French writing, even at advanced levels

If you already have a good level in French (B1–C1) but struggle with writing, here’s the secret:

👉 Practice regularly and get constructive feedback.

To help my students progress, I have developed a simple but effective method, that some of them use asides lessons, or just on its own.

• I send them one writing assignment per week, adapted to their level and goals.

• I correct each text carefully and give personalized feedback to help them improve.

• When needed, I refer them to specific grammar or spelling exercises to target weak points.

Most students see clear progress in just a few weeks, with less than one hour of writing per week, and at a very affordable price.

5. Ready to strengthen your writing skills?

If you want to finally feel confident when writing in French, whether for exams, work, or personal goals , I would love to help.

My Weekly writing program is open to all motivated learners who want to take their French writing to the next level.

📩 Interested? Contact me to get all the details and start improving your French writing today!