French Phrase
On peut congeler certains plats plus longtemps.
Meaning
The sentence states that it is possible to keep certain dishes in the freezer for a longer period than usual. It emphasizes the ability or permission to extend the storage time of specific foods.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing food preservation, giving cooking advice, or explaining how to store leftovers safely for an extended period.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onpeutcongelercertainsplatspluslongtemps
On (impersonal pronoun)
Used like 'one' or 'you' in English to make a general statement.
peut (pouvoir)
Present tense of the modal verb meaning 'can' or 'is able to'.
congeler (infinitive)
Verb meaning 'to freeze'; follows the modal verb without 'à' or 'de'.
certains (determiner)
Means 'some' or 'certain'; agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
plats (noun)
Plural masculine noun meaning 'dishes' or 'meals'.
plus longtemps (comparative adverb)
Literally 'more long', used to compare duration: 'for a longer time'.
🗨In Conversation
On peut congeler certains plats plus longtemps si on les emballe bien.
You can freeze certain dishes longer if you wrap them well.
Bonne idée, je vais mettre la soupe aux lentilles au congélateur.
Good idea, I’ll put the lentil soup in the freezer.
✕Common Mistakes
On peut congeler certains plats plus longtemps que.
The comparative 'que' is unnecessary here because you are not comparing two specific durations, just stating a longer period.
On peut congelé certains plats plus longtemps.
After the modal verb 'peut', the infinitive form 'congeler' is required, not the past participle.
On peut congeler certains plats plus longtemps.
If you want to refer to a specific dish, use the definite article 'les' instead of the indefinite 'certains'.
↔Alternatives
Il est possible de congeler certains plats plus longtemps.
It is possible to freeze certain dishes for a longer time.
On peut garder certains plats au congélateur plus longtemps.
You can keep certain dishes in the freezer longer.
Certains plats se conservent plus longtemps au congélateur.
Some dishes last longer in the freezer.
Cultural Tip
In French households, freezing is a common way to preserve seasonal produce and leftovers. However, French culinary tradition often prefers fresh ingredients, so people may be selective about which dishes they freeze. Remember to label containers with the date to respect food safety standards.