Meaning
To be confident in one's ability to do something; to undertake something confidently.
Cultural Background
In French corporate culture, using 'se faire fort de' in a proposal shows a high level of 'assurance' (confidence) that is respected in leadership roles. The phrase is a staple of 19th-century French literature (Balzac, Stendhal), often used to show a character's social ambition. The French administration still uses archaic-sounding phrases like this to maintain a sense of authority and precision. While understood, this phrase is even rarer in Quebec, where more direct or English-influenced expressions might be used in business.
Use it in Cover Letters
Using this phrase in a French 'lettre de motivation' immediately signals to the recruiter that you have a high level of language mastery.
The Invariable 'Fort'
Even if you are a woman, say 'Je me fais fort de...'. Using 'forte' is technically archaic and might be seen as a mistake by modern standards.
Meaning
To be confident in one's ability to do something; to undertake something confidently.
Use it in Cover Letters
Using this phrase in a French 'lettre de motivation' immediately signals to the recruiter that you have a high level of language mastery.
The Invariable 'Fort'
Even if you are a woman, say 'Je me fais fort de...'. Using 'forte' is technically archaic and might be seen as a mistake by modern standards.
Don't Overuse
Because it's a strong claim, using it for every small task makes you sound arrogant. Save it for the big stuff.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'se faire fort de'.
Elle ________ ________ ________ de résoudre ce problème complexe.
Remember that 'fort' is invariable in this expression, even with a feminine subject.
Which sentence uses the expression correctly in a formal context?
Choose the correct option:
Option B uses the correct preposition 'de' and the correct invariable form 'fort'.
Complete the professional dialogue.
Client: 'Le projet est risqué.' Entrepreneur: 'Ne vous inquiétez pas, nous ________ ________ ________ de minimiser les risques.'
The reflexive 'nous nous' is required, and 'fort' remains singular and masculine.
Match the sentence to the most likely situation.
Sentence: 'Le gouvernement se fait fort de stabiliser l'économie.'
The high level of formality and the nature of the commitment point to a political context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesElle ________ ________ ________ de résoudre ce problème complexe.
Remember that 'fort' is invariable in this expression, even with a feminine subject.
Choose the correct option:
Option B uses the correct preposition 'de' and the correct invariable form 'fort'.
Client: 'Le projet est risqué.' Entrepreneur: 'Ne vous inquiétez pas, nous ________ ________ ________ de minimiser les risques.'
The reflexive 'nous nous' is required, and 'fort' remains singular and masculine.
Sentence: 'Le gouvernement se fait fort de stabiliser l'économie.'
The high level of formality and the nature of the commitment point to a political context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but primarily in formal writing, journalism, and high-level professional contexts. You won't hear it at a grocery store.
It was done in the past, but modern grammar rules dictate that 'fort' remains invariable in this specific idiom.
'S'engager à' is a neutral promise. 'Se faire fort de' adds a layer of 'I am definitely capable of this.'
Yes, when followed by an infinitive. If followed by a clause, it uses 'que' + subjunctive.
In a casual setting, yes. In a professional or academic setting, it's considered 'élégant'.
Yes: 'Il s'est fait fort de...', meaning he claimed he could do it (often implying he failed).
No, 'fort' remains singular even with a plural subject like 'nous' or 'ils'.
'To undertake confidently' or 'To guarantee one's ability to' are the closest equivalents.
Rarely. It's almost always followed by an infinitive verb.
Definitely writing. In speaking, it's reserved for very formal speeches or debates.
Related Phrases
se targuer de
similarTo pride oneself on
s'engager à
synonymTo commit to
être en mesure de
similarTo be able to / in a position to
se porter fort pour
specialized formTo vouch for someone
prétendre
contrastTo claim
