French Phrase
Certains examens peuvent être repassés.
Meaning
The sentence states that some exams are allowed to be taken again. It is often used in academic contexts where students have the opportunity to improve a grade or recover from a failed test.
When to use
Use this phrase when explaining school or university policies about retaking tests, when a teacher informs students about a ‘rattrapage’ session, or when a student asks whether a particular exam can be attempted again.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Certainsexamenspeuventêtrerepassés
Certains
Indefinite adjective meaning 'some'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
examens
Masculine plural noun meaning 'exams'.
peuvent
Third‑person plural present of pouvoir, expressing ability or permission.
être + past participle
Passive infinitive construction; the past participle must agree with the subject (here, masculine plural).
repassés
Past participle of repasser used here in the passive sense ‘to be retaken’. It agrees with ‘examens’ (masc. pl.).
🗨In Conversation
Certains examens peuvent être repassés, mais il faut s’inscrire avant la fin du mois.
Some exams can be retaken, but you have to register before the end of the month.
D’accord, je vais m’inscrire dès demain.
Alright, I’ll register tomorrow.
✕Common Mistakes
Certains examens peuvent être repassé.
The past participle must agree with the plural noun ‘examens’; use ‘repassés’.
Certains examens peuvent repasser les examens.
‘Repasser’ without the passive construction means ‘to iron’, not ‘to retake’. Use the passive infinitive ‘être repassés’.
↔Alternatives
On peut repasser certains examens.
One can retake some exams.
Il est possible de repasser certains examens.
It is possible to retake some exams.
Certains examens sont repassables.
Some exams are retakable.
Cultural Tip
In France, the term ‘rattrapage’ is commonly used for a make‑up exam. The phrase is formal and fits written notices or official announcements. In casual conversation, speakers often prefer the active form ‘On peut repasser…’. Remember that ‘repasser’ also means ‘to iron’, so context is key to avoid confusion.