French Phrase
Compare toujours les prix.
Meaning
A piece of advice meaning ‘Always compare prices.’ It encourages the listener to check different offers before buying something, helping them get the best deal.
When to use
Use this sentence when giving shopping tips, discussing budgeting, or reminding a friend to look for the cheapest option, whether in a store, online, or while planning a big purchase.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comparetoujourslesprix.
Imperative (tu) without -s
For -er verbs like comparer, the tu‑imperative drops the final -s, giving 'Compare' instead of 'Compares'.
Adverb placement
Adverbs of frequency such as 'toujours' are placed directly after the verb in the imperative.
Definite article with plural noun
The plural noun 'prix' takes the definite article 'les' to refer to prices in general.
🗨In Conversation
Je veux acheter ce nouveau smartphone, il a l’air super.
I want to buy this new smartphone, it looks great.
Compare toujours les prix avant de décider.
Always compare prices before deciding.
✕Common Mistakes
Comparez toujours les prix.
‘Comparez’ is the formal/plural imperative; using it in an informal conversation sounds too stiff.
Toujours compare les prix.
The adverb should follow the verb in the imperative, not precede it.
Compare toujours le prix.
‘Le prix’ is singular; the phrase refers to prices in general, so use the plural ‘les prix.’
↔Alternatives
Vérifie toujours les prix.
Always check the prices.
Fais toujours une comparaison des prix.
Always make a price comparison.
N'oublie jamais de comparer les prix.
Never forget to compare prices.
Cultural Tip
In France, price‑comparison is a common habit, especially with the rise of online marketplaces and price‑tracking apps like Idealo, LeGuide.com, or the ‘comparateur de prix’ feature on many retailer sites. The informal imperative ‘Compare’ is suitable among friends, while a formal setting (e.g., a customer service email) would use ‘Comparez toujours les prix.’