French Verbs and Idioms is divided into 20 chapters. The preliminary chapter defines essential grammatical terms (such as conjugation, mood, elision, gender, agreement, etc.), and categorizes the verbs. Chapters 1-13 are devoted to the present indicative, past participle, passé composé, imparfait, pluperfect, pronominal verbs, the imperative, future tenses, present and past conditional, the subjunctive, present participle, infinitive, causative faire, passé simple, and the passé antérieur. Chapters 14-17 treat impersonal verbs, incomplete verbs, direct speech, indirect speech, and the passive voice. Chapters 18-20 present those French verbs which have several meanings in English, idiomatic expressions, and "problem verbs," or English verbs that have various equivalents in French and are difficult for Anglophone speakers.
Extensive lists of useful idioms, proverbs, and sayings containing the verbs, tenses, and moods discussed fill the gaps in the knowledge of the advanced learner. Explanations are in English, and all verbs, examples, idioms, proverbs, and sayings (drawn from current usage) are translated into English for comparison purposes and in order to facilitate comprehension for students of any level.