TCF Grammar Section: Online Free Test & Practice

The TCF Grammar section can feel scary at first, but it’s one of the most predictable and trainable parts of the exam. 

This section tests how well you understand the structure of French: verb forms, sentence patterns, connectors, pronouns, and the small grammatical details that shape meaning. 

With some focused practice, your accuracy improves noticeably, and so does your TCF score. In this guide, you’ll learn what the grammar section includes, how it works, and the most effective strategies to prepare with confidence.

TCF Grammar Section

The TCF comes in several versions: TCF Tout Public, TCF Canada, TCF Québec, and TCF IRN, each created for different purposes like immigration, studies, or residency. The format changes a little from one version to another, but the goal stays the same: to check how well you can use French in real situations.

In the TCF Tout Public, there’s a specific section called “Proficiency in Language Structures,” which is known as the grammar section. 

This section looks at your grasp of everyday grammar and vocabulary. We’re focusing on it here because most TCF versions test these skills, either directly or through reading and listening questions. Let’s get to the details: 

Format and Structure

In the TCF Tout Public, the Proficiency in Language Structures section is one of the three required multiple‑choice parts, along with Listening and Reading. Here’s what it includes:

• 18 multiple‑choice questions, each with four options and one correct answer
• 15 minutes to complete the section
• Scoring based on the CEFR scale (A1–C2). Wrong answers aren’t penalized, so guessing is better than leaving anything blank.

The questions start off simple and gradually become more difficult, moving from basic grammar to more complex structures. Most test centers use a computer‑based format, which may adjust slightly based on your responses.

In other versions of the TCF, the structure is a bit different. For example, TCF Canada doesn’t have a separate grammar section. Instead, grammar is tested through the Reading (39 questions, 60 minutes) and Listening (39 questions, 35 minutes) modules. The skills you need, recognizing correct structures and vocabulary in context, are essentially the same.

For TCF IRN, grammar is blended into a shorter set of 18 questions that combine listening, reading, and language structures.

What the TCF Grammar Section Tests

This section checks how well you can understand and use French grammar in real situations. It looks at things like:

• Choosing the right word based on meaning and level of formality
• Recognizing correct sentence structure, including verb forms, agreement, and word order
• Finding equivalent expressions, such as synonyms or rephrased sentences
• Using the right form in context, for example, when making polite requests or using the conditional.

You’ll see questions on topics such as:

1. Verb conjugations (passé composé, imparfait, futur, subjonctif)
2. Agreement between nouns and adjectives
3. Common prepositions and connectors
4. Different types of pronouns
5. Changing sentence forms (active/passive, direct/indirect speech)
6. Everyday expressions and common word combinations

The goal is to see how well you can use French in practical, everyday situations, not just how much grammar you’ve memorized.

TCF Grammar Question Types 

All questions in this section are multiple‑choice, but they appear in different formats. Each type tests a slightly different aspect of your grammar and vocabulary knowledge:

1. Error Identification

You’re given a sentence and asked to spot the part that contains a grammatical mistake.

Correct answer: “a allé” (should be est allé).

This type checks your ability to recognize incorrect verb forms, agreements, or structures.

2. Sentence Completion

You choose the option that best completes a sentence.

Correct answer: A or B, depending on context.

These questions test tense usage, prepositions, connectors, and overall sentence structure.

3. Equivalent Expressions

You select the phrase that has the same meaning as the original one.

Correct answer: A (though the correct form is Bien qu’il pleuve).

This type checks your understanding of connectors, logical relationships, and paraphrasing.

4. Contextual Choice

You choose the most appropriate expression for a specific situation, often in a short dialogue or email.

Correct answer: Je vous prie de…

These questions test register (formal vs. informal), politeness formulas, and social context.

How to Prepare for The TCF Grammar Section?

There are multiple ways to prepare for the TCF Grammar section. You can listen to podcasts, watch films, or chat with native speakers on apps like Tandem. Exposure helps you internalize grammar without memorizing rules.

Also, make sure to memorize and avoid common TCF grammar mistakes. For example:

1. Mixing up verb tenses. Words like depuis, pendant, hier, or toujours often point to the correct tense.
2. Skipping agreement. Gender and number agreement, especially with adjectives and past participles, is one of the most common traps.
3. Choosing the wrong preposition. Prepositions (à, de, en, dans, pour) are tricky and often tested.
4. Ignoring register. The test frequently checks whether you can tell formal from informal expressions.

Although these tips are helpful, in grammar, the most important step is taking mock tests. Only by doing frequent, timed tests can you spot your real grammar mistakes and understand the patterns you keep missing. 

One of the best resources to take TCF mock tests is Mocko.ai. 

Mocko is a platform specially designed for taking language mock tests, including TCF. On Mocko, you can practice grammar, listening, reading, and writing, and get feedback on your results. Let’s review some of Mocko’s benefits: 

Why Should You Use Mocko?

If you want a simpler, more consistent way to practice, Mocko brings everything together in one place. It gives you:

• Realistic mock tests that mirror the timing and difficulty of the TCF
• Instant feedback so you can see exactly where your grammar slips
• Daily practice reminders to help you stay consistent
• Progress tracking that shows how your accuracy improves over time
• Speaking and listening tools, if you’re preparing for multiple sections

Regular testing is the only reliable way to uncover your grammar gaps, and Mocko makes that process easier, faster, and more structured. Sp Sign up on Mocko today and take your first test right now!

Conclusion

The grammar section of the TCF may be short, but it carries real weight in your overall score. The good news is that it’s also one of the most trainable parts of the exam. 

Once you understand the question types and the structures the test focuses on, progress comes from steady practice, reviewing your mistakes, and exposing yourself to real French as often as possible.

Regular mock tests are the key. They show you exactly where your weak points are and help you build the speed and accuracy the TCF expects. With a mix of grammar review, vocabulary building, and consistent testing, you’ll start to recognize patterns, avoid common traps, and feel more confident on exam day.

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