Last updated: 24 juin 2026
TCF Canada Grammar: 50 Common Mistakes that Kill Your NCLC 7 Score
TCF Canada Grammar: 50 Common Mistakes that Kill Your NCLC 7 Score
You can have the best ideas in the world, but if your grammar is full of "basic" errors, the TCF Canada examiners will cap your score at an NCLC 5 or 6.
In the Writing and Speaking sections, the TCF is looking for precision. A single misplaced preposition or a wrong verb tense can change the meaning of your entire argument.
At PrepMyFrench, we’ve graded over 50,000 AI-powered attempts. We’ve spotted the 50 most common "score-killers." Here is the list you need to memorize to secure your NCLC 7+.
1. The "Preposition" Pitfalls
2. The "Subjunctive" Sabotage
Many candidates try to use the subjunctive to "show off" but use it incorrectly.
3. The "Gender" Guessing Game
4. Top 10 High-Impact Corrections
- C'est vs Il est: Use C'est for nouns, Il est for adjectives describing a specific person.
- Beaucoup de: It is always Beaucoup de, never Beaucoup des.
- An vs Année: Use An for numbers (3 ans), Année for duration or quality (Une belle année).
- Si + Imparfait = Conditionnel: Si j'avais (Imparfait) le temps, je le ferais (Conditionnel).
- Passé Composé vs Imparfait: Actions vs Descriptions. (See our Past Tense Masterclass).
5. How to Fix Your Grammar in 30 Days
Don't try to learn everything. Use Focused Correction.
- Take a PrepMyFrench Grammar Diagnostic.
- Identify your top 3 recurring errors.
- Practice specifically those 3 until they are automatic.
Conclusion: Accuracy is the Foundation
The TCF Canada isn't a test of "fluency"; it’s a test of competence. By removing these 50 common mistakes, you build a solid foundation that allows your advanced vocabulary and complex ideas to shine.