French Phrase
On vérifie d'abord le frigo.
Meaning
The sentence means 'We check the fridge first.' It indicates that inspecting the refrigerator is the first step in a series of actions, such as before cooking or cleaning.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re organizing a task list in the kitchen, like before preparing a meal, doing inventory, or when troubleshooting a problem with food storage.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onvérified'abordlefrigo
On (impersonal 'we')
In spoken French, 'on' is often used instead of 'nous' to mean 'we' or an indefinite subject.
Présent de l'indicatif
The verb 'vérifier' is conjugated in the present tense: je vérifie, tu vérifies, il/elle/on vérifie, etc.
d'abord (first, first of all)
Adverb placed before the object to indicate the order of actions.
le frigo (the fridge)
Colloquial short form of 'le réfrigérateur'; common in everyday speech.
🗨In Conversation
On vérifie d'abord le frigo, puis on prépare le dîner.
We’ll check the fridge first, then we’ll prepare dinner.
Bonne idée, on verra ce qu’on a déjà.
Good idea, we’ll see what we already have.
✕Common Mistakes
Nous vérifions d'abord le frigo.
Using 'vérifions' would be correct for 'nous', but with 'on' the verb stays in the third person singular form.
On vérifie d' avant le frigo.
The adverb 'd'abord' must stay together; splitting it changes meaning.
On vérifie d'abord le réfrigérateur.
In formal writing, prefer 'réfrigérateur'.
↔Alternatives
On regarde d'abord le frigo.
We look at the fridge first.
On commence par vérifier le frigo.
We start by checking the fridge.
On inspecte le frigo avant tout.
We inspect the fridge above all.
Cultural Tip
In French households, 'le frigo' is the everyday term for the refrigerator, especially in informal contexts. When speaking politely or in written French, you might use 'le réfrigérateur'. Also, French cooking culture often emphasizes checking ingredients before starting a recipe, making this phrase very common in kitchen conversations.