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French Phrase

Les profs enseignent aux élèves.

/le pʁɔf ɑ̃sɛɲ ɑ̃ o ze.lɛv/
Meaning"The teachers teach the students."
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Meaning

The sentence states that the teachers are giving instruction to the students. It emphasizes the ongoing action of teaching, not a one‑off event. The use of the plural forms on both sides makes it clear that we are talking about a group of teachers and a group of pupils.

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When to use

Use this sentence when describing daily school life, explaining a classroom routine, or commenting on the role of teachers in a French‑speaking context. It works well in both spoken conversation and short written summaries.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Lesprofsenseignentauxélèves.

1

Les (definite article, plural)

Used before a plural noun to indicate a specific group; here it introduces 'profs' (teachers).

2

profs (colloquial abbreviation)

Short for 'professeurs'; acceptable in spoken French and informal writing.

3

enseignent (verb enseigner, 3rd person plural)

Present‑tense form meaning 'they teach'. The stem is 'enseign-' and the ending -ent marks third‑person plural.

4

aux (à + les)

A contraction meaning 'to the' or 'for the' before a plural noun; here it links the verb to its indirect object.

5

élèves (noun, plural)

Means 'students' or 'pupils'. It is the indirect object of the verb, receiving the teaching.

🗨In Conversation

A

Les profs enseignent aux élèves.

The teachers teach the students.

Oui, ils les aident à progresser chaque jour.

Yes, they help them improve every day.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Les profs enseignent à les élèves.

    Avoid separating the contraction; 'aux' already combines 'à' + 'les'.

  • Les profs enseigne aux élèves.

    Use the plural form 'enseignent' when the subject is plural.

  • Profs enseignent aux élèves.

    The article must agree with the noun; you cannot drop 'Les' before a plural noun.

↔Alternatives

  • Les enseignants enseignent aux élèves.

    The teachers teach the students.

  • Les professeurs donnent des cours aux élèves.

    The professors give lessons to the students.

  • Les profs forment les élèves.

    The teachers train the students.

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Cultural Tip

In France, 'prof' is a friendly, informal way to refer to a teacher, especially among students. In formal contexts (e.g., a letter to a school principal) you would use 'professeur' or 'enseignant'. Also note that French schools distinguish between 'élèves' (primary and secondary students) and 'étudiants' (university students).