Why you should stop using correctors or translators to write emails in French

Who has never used a corrector or a translator tool to write something in another language (or even in your own !) ? Very few people indeed.

Using a translator is great because you will get your email ready in less than 10 seconds. Copy, paste, sent, so easy !

How about the corrector ? That implies more time spent to first write the email in French (which is already a very good step !), to copy the text and to correct all the grammar and spelling mistakes. That’s great when you are not confident with your writing skills.

Then why am I telling you to stop using these tools if they are so great ?

Because I believe they may not actually be helping you.

Let’s discuss translators first.

The problem with translators is that they translate (that’s great news right !). But they translate using AI and embedded systems, of course you don’t have a translator sitting behind its desk translating your text immediately !

But that means that a lot of errors and misundertandings can appear.

Your language and French are not the same. They don’t have the same grammar, the same spelling rules or the same words structures.

Frequently, online translators fail to adapt to the target language and stick too closely to the original, resulting in:

• Grammatical or spelling errors

• Inappropriate word choices

• Failure to capture the tone and conventions of French email writing

As someone who receives many emails from people using translators, I can spot them immediately! Just as a teacher can recognize an essay written with Chat GPT, a native French speaker can tell when an email hasn’t been crafted in French by the sender.

And why is it a bad thing ? Because the other person will know that you didn’t make the effort to write yourself, and most of all, because it can lead to misunderstandings or even to sending rude emails because the formal ways are different in each language !

For example, your client might interpret a suggestion as a demand.

Now, what about correctors?

Correctors are useful for catching basic grammar and spelling mistakes, but they sometimes overlook errors. They also do not adapt sentences to fit the conventions of French email writing or do not adjust an informal email to a formal tone.

So, what’s the solution?

Firstly, learn the rules! French email writing has specific conventions and expressions that are commonly used. Create templates for common emails you send frequently, and practice regularly. The more emails you write, the more fluent and effective they will become.

How to do that ?

I can help you !

I have created a short training program designed to teach foreigners (or even francophones) how to write emails in French effectively.

You will find all the details here :

https://90214356.teachizy.fr/formations/ecrire-un-email-professionnel-en-francais

Sending emails you have written yourself is incredibly satisfying, trust me! You will never regret taking the leap, and it will enhance your professional performance.

For those who think they do not have time, investing a few hours in learning something valuable for work—or even personal life—is always worthwhile. In the future, you will save time by not needing to rely on translators or correctors.

Make the right choice now.

For more information, contact me at : marion@frenchwithmarionlim.com