French Phrase
Vérifie d'abord les câbles d'alimentation.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to check the power cables before doing anything else. It is a direct, informal instruction often used when troubleshooting electronic devices, computers, or any equipment that needs electricity.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are helping a friend or colleague troubleshoot a malfunctioning device, when you are giving step‑by‑step technical support, or when you are writing a quick checklist for setting up equipment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vérified'abordlescâblesd'alimentation
Vérifie (imperative)
The verb 'vérifier' in the second‑person singular imperative drops the final -r, becoming 'vérifie'. It is used for informal commands.
d'abord (adverb)
The adverb 'd'abord' means 'first' or 'before anything else' and is placed directly after the verb in informal speech.
les (definite article)
The plural definite article 'les' introduces a specific set of nouns that both speaker and listener can identify.
câbles (noun, plural)
Câbles = cables; plural form adds -s, but the final s is silent in pronunciation.
d'alimentation (prepositional phrase)
The preposition 'de' contracts with the definite article 'l'' to form 'd'', meaning 'of'. 'Alimentation' here refers to power supply.
🗨In Conversation
Vérifie d'abord les câbles d'alimentation.
Check the power cables first.
D'accord, je les regarde tout de suite.
Okay, I'll look at them right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Vérifier d'abord les câbles d'alimentation.
Using the infinitive 'vérifier' does not form a command; you need the imperative 'vérifie' (tu) or 'vérifiez' (vous).
Vérifie d'abord le câbles d'alimentation.
The article must agree in number with the noun; 'câbles' is plural, so use 'les' not 'le'.
Vérifie d'abord les câbles d'alimentation.
If you are speaking formally, replace 'Vérifie' with 'Vérifiez'.
↔Alternatives
Assure‑toi d'abord que les câbles d'alimentation sont bien branchés.
Make sure the power cables are properly plugged in first.
Vérifie avant tout les branchements d'alimentation.
First, check all the power connections.
Commence par contrôler les câbles d'alimentation.
Start by checking the power cables.
Cultural Tip
In French, the imperative form changes depending on the level of formality. 'Vérifie' is informal (tu). In a professional setting you would use the polite form 'Vérifiez' (vous). Also, French speakers often place adverbs like 'd'abord' right after the verb, unlike English where it can appear at the beginning of the sentence.