Coordinating conjunctions in French, known as les conjonctions de coordination, link together words, phrases, or clauses that have the same grammatical status. They are essential for building more complex and fluid sentences.
- Connect elements of equal importance
- Main conjunctions: et, mais, ou, donc, car, ni
- Help avoid repetition and improve sentence flow
Main French coordinating conjunctions
Two key facts about coordinating conjunctions
The Main Coordinating Conjunctions
Main conjunctions
French coordinating conjunctions are:
| Conjunction | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| et | and | J'aime le café et le thé. |
| mais | but | Je veux venir, mais je suis fatigué. |
| ou | or | Tu veux du café ou du thé? |
| donc | so, therefore | Il pleut, donc je reste à la maison. |
| car | because (formal) | Je pars, car il est tard. |
| ni | neither/nor | Il ne mange ni viande ni poisson. |
- Use et to add similar ideas.
- Mais introduces contrast.
- Ou offers choices.
- Donc shows a consequence.
- Car gives a reason (more formal than parce que).
- Ni... ni... excludes alternatives.
Which conjunction means 'neither/nor'?
Et, mais, and ou are...
Usage and Examples
How are French coordinating conjunctions used?
Et (and)
Connects similar ideas or items:
- J’ai acheté du pain et du lait.
- (I bought bread and milk.)
Mais (but)
Expresses contrast:
- Il veut sortir, mais il pleut.
- (He wants to go out, but it’s raining.)
Ou (or)
Presents a choice or alternative:
- Veux-tu du thé ou du café ?
- (Do you want tea or coffee?)*
Donc (so, therefore)
Shows a logical conclusion or consequence:
- Elle étudie beaucoup, donc elle réussira.
- (She studies a lot, so she will succeed.)
Car (because, for)
Gives a reason (more formal):
- Je ne peux pas venir, car je travaille.
- (I can’t come because I’m working.)
Ni... ni... (neither... nor...)
Used for negative alternatives:
- Il ne mange ni viande ni poisson.
- (He eats neither meat nor fish.)
Correct uses for some French coordinating conjunctions
How do you use 'ni'?
Exercises
- List all the French coordinating conjunctions you know. What do each of them mean in English?
- Write a sentence for each coordinating conjunction: et, mais, ou, donc, car, ni.
- Explain in your own words when you would use a coordinating conjunction in a sentence.
Conclusion
French coordinating conjunctions are simple yet powerful tools to connect ideas and create smooth, coherent sentences.
- Main conjunctions: et, mais, ou, donc, car, ni
- They link elements of equal importance
- Mastery of these conjunctions improves both comprehension and expression