French Phrase
Demande des estimations précédentes.
Meaning
This command asks someone to retrieve or provide the estimates that were made earlier, typically in a project, budgeting, or sales context. It is a direct, informal way to request information that has already been compiled.
When to use
Use this phrase in a business meeting, an email to a colleague, or a quick chat when you need to compare current figures with those from a previous period. It works best when the speaker and listener share a familiar working relationship.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Demandedesestimationsprécédentes.
Imperative (2nd person singular)
‘Demande’ is the imperative form of the verb ‘demander’; the final ‘s’ is dropped in the affirmative imperative for -er verbs.
Partitive article ‘des’
‘des’ is the contraction of ‘de + les’; it can mean ‘some’ or ‘of the’ and is used here to request an indefinite set of estimates.
Noun gender & number
‘estimations’ is a feminine plural noun; adjectives must agree in gender and number.
Adjective agreement
‘précédentes’ is the feminine plural form of ‘précédent’, matching ‘estimations’.
🗨In Conversation
Demande des estimations précédentes.
Ask for the previous estimates.
Voici les estimations de la semaine dernière.
Here are last week’s estimates.
✕Common Mistakes
Demande les estimations précédentes.
Using ‘les’ makes the request refer to a specific set of known estimates, which changes the nuance; ‘des’ keeps it indefinite.
Demande des estimation précédentes.
‘Estimation’ must be plural to agree with ‘des’ and the adjective ‘précédentes’.
Demande des estimations précédentes.
When speaking to a superior, replace the plain imperative with a polite form such as ‘Veuillez demander…’ or ‘Pourriez‑vous demander…’.
↔Alternatives
Demande les estimations antérieures.
Ask for the earlier estimates.
Peux‑tu me fournir les estimations précédentes ?
Could you provide me with the previous estimates?
Obtiens les estimations passées.
Obtain the past estimates.
Cultural Tip
In French business communication, the plain imperative can sound a bit abrupt. In formal emails or with senior colleagues, it’s safer to soften the request with ‘Veuillez…’ or ‘Pourriez‑vous…’. For example, ‘Veuillez me transmettre les estimations précédentes.’ shows politeness while keeping the request clear.