French coordinating conjunctions are words that join two or more elements of equal grammatical rank (such as words, phrases, or clauses) without changing their function. They link ideas in a sentence to create compound structures.
What Are Coordinating Conjunctions?
Coordinating conjunctions connect elements of equal importance in a sentence. In French, these conjunctions link words, phrases, or independent clauses to create compound sentences or compound elements.
Key points:
- They join similar grammatical units (e.g., two nouns, two verbs, two clauses).
- They do not change the word order or require special verb tenses.
- The most common French coordinating conjunctions are: et (and), mais (but), ou (or), donc (so), car (because), and ni … ni (neither … nor).
Common French Coordinating Conjunctions
Here are the six main coordinating conjunctions in French, along with their meanings and usage:
- et = and (adds information)
- mais = but (introduces contrast)
- ou = or (presents a choice)
- donc = so/therefore (shows a consequence)
- car = because (gives a reason; more formal)
- ni … ni = neither … nor (negates two elements)
What is the main meaning of the French coordinating conjunction 'mais'?
but (introduces contrast)
'mais' is used to introduce a contrast or opposition between two ideas.
What do the French coordinating conjunctions 'ni ... ni' mean?
neither ... nor (negates two elements)
'ni ... ni' is a negative correlative that negates two elements in the sentence.
Usage Examples
. Et (and)
- J’aime les pommes et les oranges.
- I like apples and oranges.
. Mais (but)
- Je veux venir, mais je suis fatigué.
- I want to come, but I’m tired.
. Ou (or)
- Veux-tu du thé ou du café ?
- Do you want tea or coffee?
. Donc (so/therefore)
- Il pleut, donc je reste à la maison.
- It’s raining, so I’m staying home.
Está lloviendo, ___ me quedo en casa.
Which French conjunction indicates a consequence, as in 'It’s raining, ___ I’m staying home.'?
donc
'donc' signals a logical result or conclusion.
. Car (because)
- Je pars tôt, car j’ai un rendez-vous.
- I’m leaving early, because I have an appointment.
. Ni … ni (neither … nor)
- Je n’aime ni le café ni le thé.
- I like neither coffee nor tea.
Special Notes
- Do not use a comma before et or ou when joining simple elements; it is optional before conjunctions joining clauses.
- Car is more formal and less common in spoken French; parce que is more colloquial.
- The negative correlative ni … ni requires negation elsewhere in the sentence (e.g., Je ne veux ni… ni...).
Other Coordinating Conjunctions (Less Common)
- or = yet/however (introduces a contradiction or unexpected fact)
- tandis que = while (indicates contrast or simultaneous actions; more formal)
Example:
- Il est intelligent, or il ne réussit pas toujours.
- He is smart, yet he doesn’t always succeed.
Summary
French coordinating conjunctions join equal parts of a sentence to build more complex ideas. The six main conjunctions to remember are:
- et (and)
- mais (but)
- ou (or)
- donc (so/therefore)
- car (because)
- ni … ni (neither … nor)
Understanding these will help you connect your thoughts smoothly in French.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
