Conjunctions are words that link clauses, sentences, or words together. In French, just like in English, they play a crucial role in adding fluidity to speech and writing, making it essential for language learners to understand and use them correctly. This guide will help you understand some of the most commonly used conjunctions in French.
Et is the French word for “and.” It is used to connect words and phrases together, adding more information without the need for a separate sentence.
Je voudrais une glace et un gâteau.
Mais means “but” in English. It is used to express a contradiction or to introduce something different from what has previously been mentioned.
Il veut sortir, mais il pleut dehors.
Ou translates to “or” in English. This conjunction is used to provide alternatives or choices between words, phrases, or clauses.
Voulez-vous du thé ou du café?
Donc is a conjunction meaning “therefore” or “so” in English. It is used to show the result or effect of a situation.
Il a beaucoup plu, donc le match a été annulé.
Car means “because” in English. It is used to provide a reason or explanation for something that has been stated in the sentence.
Je reste à la maison car je suis malade.
Or is a more formal conjunction, equivalent to “yet” or “however” in English. It is used to introduce a contradiction that is quite unexpected relative to the previous statement.
Il est très intelligent, or il ne réussit pas à l’école.
Si means “if” in English. It introduces conditions and is often used in hypothetical or conditional sentences.
Si tu viens, nous irons au cinéma.
Ni translates to “nor” in English and is used in negative contexts to connect two or more elements.
Il ne parle ni anglais ni français.
Lorsque means “when” in English. It is used to refer to a specific time when something happened or will happen.
Lorsque je suis arrivé, tout le monde dormait.
Puisque is similar to “since” or “as” in English. It is used to explain something based on a previously accepted fact or situation.
Puisque tu es là, nous pouvons commencer la réunion.
Quand also translates to “when” in English. It can be used similarly to “lorsque” but is more flexible as it doesn’t always refer to a specific one-time event.
Quand je suis triste, j’écoute de la musique.
Alors que translates to “while” or “whereas” in English. It is used to show a contrast between two statements.
Elle aime le thé, alors que je préfère le café.
Encore que can be translated as “even though” or “although” in English. It introduces a concession, acknowledging a fact while introducing a contrasting idea.
Il est très tard, encore que nous devons finir ce projet.
Aussi means “also” in English when used as an adverb, but as a conjunction, it translates to “therefore” or “thus,” used to indicate a consequence.
Il a plu toute la journée, aussi les rues sont mouillées.
Understanding and using these conjunctions effectively can greatly enhance your coherence in French communication. As you practice, remember that the context in which these conjunctions are used can slightly alter their meaning or usage, so exposure to varied French texts and dialogue can be incredibly beneficial.
