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French Phrase

Annule au moins 24 heures à l'avance.

/a.nyl o mɛ̃ ˈvɛ̃t‿kɑ̃t œʁ a l‿avɑ̃s/
Meaning"Cancel at least 24 hours in advance."
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Meaning

This sentence tells someone to cancel a reservation, appointment, or booking at least a full day before the scheduled time. It stresses the minimum notice period required to avoid penalties.

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When to use

Use it when you are reminding a client, a colleague, or a friend about the cancellation policy of a hotel, a restaurant, a flight, or any service that requires a 24‑hour notice.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Annuleaumoins24heuresàl'avance

1

Impératif (tu)

« Annule » is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *annuler*; it is used for giving a direct command or advice.

2

au moins

A fixed expression meaning “at least”. It is placed before the quantity it modifies.

3

à l'avance

Literally “in advance”, used after a time expression to indicate a deadline that must be respected beforehand.

4

Number + unité

When a number precedes a unit of time, the unit stays in the singular (24 heures, not *heures* pluralized further).

🗨In Conversation

A

Je ne pourrai pas assister à la réunion de demain.

I won’t be able to attend tomorrow’s meeting.

Pas de souci, annule au moins 24 heures à l'avance.

No problem, cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Annuler au moins 24 heures à l'avance.

    The infinitive *annuler* cannot be used as a command; you need the imperative *Annule* (tu) or *Annulez* (vous).

  • Annule au moins 24 heure à l'avance.

    When a number precedes a time unit, the unit stays plural (*heures*).

  • Annule à l'avance au moins 24 heures.

    Do not place *à l'avance* before the number; it must follow the time expression.

↔Alternatives

  • Annule au moins un jour à l'avance.

    Cancel at least one day in advance.

  • Annule au moins 24 heures avant.

    Cancel at least 24 hours beforehand.

  • Merci de prévenir au moins 24 heures à l'avance.

    Please notify at least 24 hours in advance.

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Cultural Tip

In France, many services (hotels, restaurants, car rentals) have a strict 24‑hour cancellation rule. Failing to respect it can lead to a full‑price charge. Using the polite imperative (e.g., « Veuillez annuler… ») softens the request, especially in formal contexts.