French Phrase
On a un contrôle aujourd'hui ?
Meaning
This sentence asks whether there is a quiz or short test scheduled for the current day. It’s a common way for students to check the day's agenda with classmates or a teacher.
When to use
Use it before class starts, during a break, or when reviewing the timetable with peers. It’s informal, so it fits casual conversation among students or between a student and a teacher they know well.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onauncontrôleaujourd'hui?
On as informal 'we'
In spoken French, 'on' often replaces 'nous' and means 'we' in informal contexts.
Present tense of avoir
The verb 'avoir' is conjugated as 'a' for the third person singular (il/elle/on).
Indefinite article 'un'
Use 'un' before a masculine singular noun to indicate 'a' or 'one'.
Noun 'contrôle'
'Contrôle' refers to a short test or quiz, not a major exam.
Adverb of time 'aujourd'hui'
'Aujourd'hui' means 'today' and is placed at the end of the sentence in most statements.
Forming yes‑no questions
In spoken French, raising intonation at the end of a declarative sentence (as shown by the question mark) can turn it into a question.
🗨In Conversation
On a un contrôle aujourd'hui ?
Do we have a test today?
Oui, le prof a annoncé qu'il y en aura un en mathématiques.
Yes, the teacher announced there will be one in math.
✕Common Mistakes
Nous avons un contrôle aujourd'hui ?
In casual spoken French, 'on' is preferred over 'nous' for 'we'.
Un contrôle aujourd'hui ?
Missing the verb makes the sentence incomplete.
Le contrôle aujourd'hui ?
The article should agree with the noun; 'un' is correct for masculine 'contrôle', but avoid using 'le' unless you refer to a specific known test.
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce qu’on a un contrôle aujourd’hui ?
Is there a test today?
Y a‑t‑il un contrôle aujourd’hui ?
Is there a test today?
On a un examen aujourd’hui ?
Do we have an exam today?
Cultural Tip
In French schools, a 'contrôle' is usually a short, surprise quiz lasting 20‑30 minutes, often used to check that students have understood the last lesson. It’s less formal than an 'examen' (exam) and may not count toward the final grade. When asking about a contrôle, the tone is typically informal; in a more formal setting you might use 'Est‑ce que nous avons un contrôle aujourd’hui ?'.