====== French Style and Grammar Guide ======

This guide is intended to help writers produce tracts that are simple, clear, and easy to understand in French. Always aim for clarity while remaining faithful to the biblical message.

===== 1. Language Levels =====

^ Register           ^ Description                                                     ^ Use it? ^ Example                              ^
| Formal language     | Literary or elevated style, often found in books or speeches    | ❌ No   | Nous nous rendîmes aussitôt…          |
| Standard language   | Clear, correct French used in most writing                      | ✅ Yes  | Nous sommes allés tout de suite…      |
| Informal language   | Very casual or regional speech                                  | ❌ No   | On y est allés direct…                |

Always use **standard French**: simple, correct, and accessible.

===== 2. Recommended Verb Tenses =====

^ Tense          ^ Usage                          ^ Example in a tract             ^
| Present        | Biblical truths, general statements | Jésus revient bientôt.        |
| Past (passé composé) | Testimonies, real experiences | Il a changé ma vie.            |
| Near future    | Upcoming actions                | Dieu va te bénir.              |
| Imperative     | Invitations and appeals         | Suis Jésus aujourd’hui.        |

**Avoid** literary or outdated tenses like *passé simple* or *imparfait du subjonctif*.

===== 3. Style Tips =====

  * Use short sentences: ''Dieu t’aime. Il a un plan pour toi.''
  * Choose simple words: ''aide'' instead of ''assistance''
  * Speak directly to the reader: ''Tu peux avoir la paix aujourd’hui.''
  * Be consistent in using either ''tu'' or ''vous'' (''vous'' is more neutral and respectful)

===== 4. Bible References =====

  * Use a period to separate chapter and verse: **Jean 3.16** (not a colon)
  * For verse ranges: **Jean 3.16-17**
  * For multiple chapters or books: **Romains 5.1–2 ; 6.4**
  * Do not italicize or quote Bible book names

===== 5. Capitalization =====

^ Element                  ^ Capitalized? ^ Example                          ^
| Days of the week         | ❌ No        | lundi, samedi                    |
| Months of the year       | ❌ No        | janvier, décembre                |
| Nationalities (adjectives)| ❌ No       | un chrétien français             |
| Languages                | ❌ No        | il parle espagnol                |
| Common religious terms   | ❌ No        | l’évangile, le messie            |
| Proper names (biblical)  | ✅ Yes       | Jésus-Christ, Dieu, Saint-Esprit |

===== 6. Punctuation =====

^ Symbol      ^ Rule                              ^ Example                                 ^
| : ; ! ?     | Add a non-breaking space before   | Voici la vérité : Jésus t’aime !         |
| . ,         | No space before                   | Il est venu, il reviendra.              |
| Quotation marks | Use French guillemets         | « Jésus est le chemin. »                |
| Parentheses | Space before and after            | Dieu (selon la Bible) est amour.        |

===== 7. Readability =====

To ensure the text is easy to read:

  * Aim for sentences of no more than 12–15 words
  * Use common, concrete words
  * Prefer active voice over passive
  * Avoid double negatives

''Tip'': If a teenager can read and understand the tract without help, it is ready to be shared.