Conjunctions in French are words used to connect words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. They help to create more complex and fluid sentences by joining ideas together.
There are three main types of conjunctions in French:
- Coordinating conjunctions (conjonctions de coordination): These link words or groups of words of equal rank.
- et (and)
- mais (but)
- ou (or)
- donc (therefore)
- car (because)
- ni (neither… nor)
- Subordinating conjunctions (conjonctions de subordination): These introduce dependent clauses and show relationships like cause, time, condition, or concession.
- que (that)
- parce que (because)
- quand (when)
- lorsque (when)
- si (if)
- bien que (although)
- pendant que (while)
- Correlative conjunctions: These work in pairs to link equivalent elements.
- soit… soit (either… or)
- non seulement… mais aussi (not only… but also)
- tantôt… tantôt (sometimes… sometimes)
Understanding how to use conjunctions allows you to combine sentences, express complex ideas, and improve the flow of your French speaking and writing.
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Table of Contents
- Coordinating Conjunctions
French coordinating conjunctions, grammar rules, examples, and role in connecting independent clauses and equal parts of a sentence.
- Subordinating Conjunctions
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
