French Phrase
Cette gomme marche très bien.
Meaning
The sentence states that this eraser works very well, i.e., it erases cleanly and reliably. It can also be used figuratively to praise any small tool or object that performs its function excellently.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to comment on the quality of an eraser, or more broadly when you want to say that a small item is functioning perfectly. It’s a casual, everyday expression suitable for conversation with friends, classmates, or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cettegommemarchetrèsbien
Cette (demonstrative adjective)
Used before a feminine singular noun to point out something specific; agrees in gender and number with the noun.
gomme (noun, fem.)
Means 'eraser' (for pencils). It is a feminine noun, so it takes the article 'la' or demonstrative 'cette'.
marche (verb marcher, 3rd pers. sg.)
Literally 'walks', but in this context it means 'works' or 'functions' – a common colloquial use for devices or objects.
très (adverb)
Intensifies the following adverb; placed directly before the adverb it modifies.
bien (adverb)
Means 'well' or 'good' when used as an adverb; together with 'très' it gives a strong positive evaluation.
🗨In Conversation
Cette gomme marche très bien.
This eraser works very well.
Oui, elle ne laisse aucune trace.
Yes, it doesn’t leave any trace.
✕Common Mistakes
Cette gomme marche très bon.
‘Bon’ is an adjective; after *très* you need an adverb, so use *très bien*.
Cette gomme la marche très bien.
Learners sometimes omit the subject agreement and say *Cette gomme marche très bien* correctly, but they may mistakenly use *marche* as a noun (*la marche*). Keep *marche* as the verb here.
Cette gomme marche très bien.
When speaking formally, you might prefer *fonctionne* instead of *marche*; however, *marche* is acceptable in casual conversation.
↔Alternatives
Cette gomme fonctionne très bien.
This eraser functions very well.
Cette gomme est très efficace.
This eraser is very effective.
Cette gomme travaille parfaitement.
This eraser works perfectly.
Cultural Tip
In French, the verb *marcher* is frequently used for objects that ‘run’ or ‘operate’ (e.g., *le téléphone ne marche plus*). It’s informal but perfectly natural in spoken French. Remember that *gomme* refers specifically to a pencil eraser; a rubber eraser for ink is called *gomme à encre* or *effaceur*.