Learn Hardcore French: Je mets une nappe propre sur la table. - I put a clean tablecloth on the table.

je mets: roughly “zhuh meh” (the final -s in mets is silent).
nappe: “nap” (final -e silent, p pronounced).
propre: “propʁ” (final -e silent; both r’s are pronounced).
sur la table: “syʁ la tabl”. There’s no usual liaison between mets and une (don’t say “met-z-une”).

Why is it une and not un?

Because nappe (tablecloth) is a feminine noun, so it takes the feminine article une.

Does the adjective propre agree with nappe?

Yes. In the singular, propre looks the same for masculine and feminine: une nappe propre, un tablier propre. In the plural it becomes propres: des nappes propres.

Why is propre after the noun? Can it go before?

After the noun, propre means “clean.” Before the noun, it means “own.” Compare:

une nappe propre = a clean tablecloth
sa propre nappe = her own tablecloth

Why is it la table and not une table?

La indicates a specific, context-known table (e.g., the one in the room). Une table would mean any table. French virtually always requires a determiner; you can’t leave the noun bare.

Could I say Je mets la table to mean the same thing?

No. Mettre la table is an idiom meaning “to set the table.” Je mets une nappe specifically mentions putting a tablecloth on.

Can I use another verb instead of mettre?

Yes, with nuances:

poser: to put down/place (neutral, slightly more “placing” than “putting”).
placer: to position/place (more deliberate/precise).
déposer: to set down/leave (gently/briefly).
étaler: to spread (good for a cloth): J’étale une nappe…
installer: to set up (for equipment or larger items).

Is sur the right preposition here?

Yes. sur la table = on the table (in contact with the surface).

au-dessus de = above the table (not touching).
à la table means “at the table” (seated), not “on.”
sous = under.

How do I make it negative?

Je ne mets pas de nappe sur la table. In a negative sentence, the indefinite article often becomes de/d’. Use pas une only for emphasis (“not a single”): Je ne mets pas une nappe, mais un set de table.

How do I say I’m in the middle of doing it right now?

Use the periphrastic form: Je suis en train de mettre une nappe propre sur la table.

How can I replace words with pronouns?

Replace une nappe (feminine direct object): Je la mets sur la table.
Replace the place sur la table: J’y mets une nappe propre. (y = “there”)
Replace both: Je l’y mets.
If nappes were mentioned before in the plural: J’en mets une sur la table. (en refers back to previously mentioned nappes)

How do I turn it into a yes/no question?

Neutral: Est-ce que je mets une nappe propre sur la table ?
Inversion (formal): Mets-je une nappe propre sur la table ? (rare with “je”)
Intonation (spoken): Je mets une nappe propre sur la table ?

How do I put it in the past?

Passé composé (single completed action): J’ai mis une nappe propre sur la table.
Imparfait (habitual/ongoing in the past): Je mettais une nappe propre sur la table.

What’s the imperative (a command)?

Informal singular: Mets une nappe propre sur la table.
Polite/plural: Mettez une nappe propre sur la table.
Let’s (suggestion): Mettons une nappe propre sur la table.

Any common spelling mistakes to avoid?

Don’t write Je met. It must be Je mets (with -s). Also, il/elle met has no -s.

Can I omit the articles like in English?

No. French needs determiners: une nappe, la table. You can’t say just “mettre nappe sur table.”

How do I make it plural?

Je mets des nappes propres sur les tables.
Changes: des (plural), propres (plural), les tables (plural).

Is nappe always “tablecloth”? Any related words?

In household contexts, une nappe is a tablecloth. It can also mean a “sheet/layer” (e.g., une nappe de brouillard). Related items: une serviette (napkin), un torchon (dishcloth), un set de table (placemat).