French Phrase
Préviens-nous tout de suite si tu dois annuler.
Meaning
This phrase is an informal and direct way to ask someone to inform you promptly if they need to cancel plans. It emphasizes the urgency of the notification, implying that early notice is important for planning or making alternative arrangements. The use of 'tout de suite' highlights the immediate nature of the request.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase with friends, family, or close acquaintances in informal settings. It's perfect for situations where a cancellation could impact your plans significantly, such as a dinner reservation, a shared activity, or a meeting where their presence is crucial. It conveys a friendly but firm expectation of prompt communication.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Préviens-noustout de suitesitu dois annuler
Préviens-nous (Prévenir)
'Préviens' is the imperative form of the verb 'prévenir' (to warn, to inform, to let know). The hyphenated 'nous' is a direct object pronoun, meaning 'us', and it's attached to the verb in affirmative imperative commands.
tout de suite
This is an adverbial phrase meaning 'immediately' or 'right away'. It emphasizes urgency and is very common in spoken French. It's more colloquial than 'immédiatement'.
si
'Si' means 'if' and introduces a conditional clause. In this context, it sets up the condition under which the action of 'letting us know' should occur.
tu dois annuler (Devoir)
'Tu dois' is the present tense conjugation of the verb 'devoir' (to have to, must) for 'tu' (you, informal). It's followed by the infinitive 'annuler' (to cancel), forming a common construction to express obligation or necessity.
🗨In Conversation
On se voit samedi soir pour le dîner, n'est-ce pas ?
We're seeing each other Saturday night for dinner, right?
Oui, normalement ! Mais préviens-nous tout de suite si tu dois annuler.
Yes, normally! But let us know immediately if you have to cancel.
✕Common Mistakes
Informe-nous immédiatement si tu dois annuler.
While 'informer' means 'to inform', 'prévenir' is more common and natural for 'to let someone know in advance' or 'to warn'. 'Immédiatement' is grammatically correct but 'tout de suite' sounds more natural and common in spoken French for 'immediately' in this context.
Préviens tout de suite nous si tu dois annuler.
Object pronouns like 'nous' always precede the verb in imperative sentences, unless the verb is negative. The correct order is 'Préviens-nous'.
Préviens-nous tout de suite si tu annules.
While 'si tu annules' is grammatically possible, 'si tu dois annuler' (if you have to cancel) is more common and polite when discussing potential future cancellations, as it implies a necessity rather than a definite action.
↔Alternatives
Dis-nous tout de suite si tu annules.
Tell us immediately if you cancel.
Fais-nous savoir sans tarder si tu dois annuler.
Let us know without delay if you have to cancel.
Merci de nous prévenir rapidement en cas d'annulation.
Please let us know quickly in case of cancellation.
Cultural Tip
In French culture, directness in communication, especially regarding plans, is often appreciated, particularly among friends. While politeness is key, being clear about the need for prompt notification is not considered rude in informal contexts. The use of 'tu' indicates a familiar relationship, making the direct request appropriate. For more formal situations, you would use 'vous' and a more formal phrasing like 'Veuillez nous prévenir...' or 'Nous vous serions reconnaissants de nous informer...'.