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23 Key French Transition Words

The French language has quite the catalog of transition words to help hold it all together.

Not only do they keep you from sounding robotic, but they’re also the key to writing effective essays, understanding the literature you’re reading and improving your comprehension and conversation .

Here are 23 French transition words that you can start integrating into your sentences.

Tying It All Together: 23 Transition Words for Seamless French

1. d’abord, 5. ainsi que, 6. après que, 7. avant que, 8. bien que, 10. parce que/car, 11. pour que, 12. quoi que, 13. tant que, 14. comme / puisque, 15. lorsque / quand, 16. quoique, 18. en fait, 19. cependant, 20. en revanche / par contre, 21. en plus / en outre, 22. pour ma part / pour moi, 23. à mon avis, how to integrate french transition words into your diet, get your feet wet with quizzes, extract transition words from real french materials, write your own beautiful sentences, use transition words with the subjunctive, listen to french instructors online, and one more thing....

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Translation: First of all

Subjunctive-friendly?  Nah.

When you think “transition word,” this may be what you’re thinking. To start with the basics, here’s one of the first transition words you likely learned in French class. It’s best at the beginning of sentences, when giving directions or when recounting a series of events.

D’abord , il faut réchauffer le four. (First of all, you must preheat the oven.)

Translation: Next

Subjunctive-friendly?  Nuh-uh.

An easy way to remember this one (yet another in the series of your basic transition words), is that la  suite   is the sequel or “the next one” in French. It’s a useful piece of vocab when delving into French book series and films, and this transition word is obviously useful for continuing a series of events or directions you may be giving.

Ensuite , je prépare la tarte aux cerises. (Next, I prepare the cherry pie.)

Translation: Then

Subjunctive-friendly?  Not this one, either.

Then, you’ve got  puis .  If you’re unfamiliar with this one, just know that it’ll come up a lot in literature and conversation. It’s a very useful transition word to have under your belt. Puis  proves to be a good fallback word to have when some of the more specific transition words slip your mind.

Puis, je coupe les pêches. (Then, I cut the peaches.)

Translation: Finally

Subjunctive-friendly?  Pas du tout  (not at all).

In our  d’ abord, ensuite, puis  sequence, we end with  enfin .  This useful word is not only used as a transition to mark  la fin (the end) of something, but is also an interjection—a filler word, if you will.

It can mean “well,” “all in all,” “I mean” or “at least.” It’s a multi-edged sword. Use it as a transition to an end or to make your conversational French more authentic.

Enfin, on mange tout. (Finally, we eat everything.)

Translation:  As well as

Subjunctive-friendly?  Nope!

Getting into some more advanced vocabulary now, this means “just as.” This conjunction is useful when elaborating on something you’re already discussing. It can also be used with a different meaning of “just as,” as in “It went just as I thought.”

Je voudrais une tarte aux pommes ainsi que deux boules de glace. (I would like apple pie as well as two scoops of ice cream.)

Translation:  After/when

Subjunctive- friendly?  Technically, no, but French speakers tend to use the subjunctive after it regardless. So go ahead and get the extra practice.

Bet you’re wondering what the difference is between  a près que   and that old favorite  a près . Après  is a preposition , and  ap rès que  is a compound conjunction . All that means is you use the latter when it’s followed by a verb (like in the example). If you wanted to start a sentence with “after,” then you would use the preposition:

Après , on va partir. (After, we’re going to leave.)

Remember that the  que   helps link the clauses, and you should be good to link the night away.

Je vais dormir  après que je mange toute cette tarte. (I’m going to sleep after I eat all this pie.)

Translation:  Before

Subjunctive-friendly?  Yes, and don’t you forget it!

Similar to  a près que,  this conjunction is not to be confused with its definition without  que.  The same distinction can be made— avant   being the preposition in this case and avant que   the compound conjunction.

Je vais finir la tarte avant que je nettoie la cuisine. (I’m going to finish the pie before I clean the kitchen.)

Translation:  Although/even though

Subjunctive-friendly?  Oh, most definitely.

Careful not translate this one to “good that.” This conjunctive phrase is great for showing contrast and adding “conditions” to things, even though you have to know your subjunctive to use it.

Il m’a donné une tarte aux pêches bien que j’aie commandé une tarte aux pommes! (He gave me peach pie even though I ordered an apple pie!)

Translation: As soon as

Subjunctive-friendly?  Never, ever.

This is usually followed by not the subjunctive, but by a future tense! Makes sense considering the context. This is a great conjunctive phrase to use when making threats, lofty goals and uncertain plans. Très useful.

Dès que la tarte arrive, je vais la détruire. (As soon as the pie arrives, I will destroy it.)

Translation: Because

Subjunctive-friendly?  No.

You’re likely familiar with  parce que ,  and maybe less so with car .  There are some slight distinctions to keep in mind for you nit-picky French speakers out there:  Car  leans slightly more towards “since” or “for.” 

Parce que  is a little stronger when used in speech. They both mean essentially the same thing, but it’s good to know both of them to add variety to your French conversation.

J’aime les tartes plus que les gâteaux parce que (car) la croûte est magnifique. (I like pies more than cakes because the crust is magnificent.)

Translation: So that

Subjunctive-friendly?  You better believe it!

Oh, isn’t it great when such a useful conjunction takes the subjunctive? Well, sure it is! That’s how you get practice.  Pour   means for, but for translation purposes, “so that”   makes more sense when using this phrase.

Je fais une tarte pour que  tu aies quelque chose à manger ce soir. (I’m making a pie so that you have something to eat tonight.)

Translation: No matter what

Subjunctive-friendly?  Yes…yet again!

I bet your mind is reeling with how much better your French will sound once you get this one down. No matter what the medium is, it’s useful.

But you may be noticing an interesting trend: A word that you’re well-versed in (bien, quoi, pour) , when   added to our favorite little word  que,  can bring out a completely different definition. Keep this in your mental notebook when you read these phrases or hear them spoken!

Quoi que ma mère fasse en cuisine, c’est délicieux. (No matter what my mom makes in the kitchen, it’s delicious.)

Translation: As long as

Subjunctive-friendly?  No, you’re safe on this one.

What’s  tant   mean anyway? Funny you should ask, because this here is yet another example of fun words being transformed by their trusty sidekick  que. Tant  by itself means “so much or many,” or can be used to express an indefinite quantity.

If you apply that definition back to this transitional phrase, then you can see something of a rough translation that matches “as long as.” But as long as you remember the definition, you’ll be good to go.

Tant que cette tarte est là, je serai tenté de la manger. (As long as this pie is here, I will be tempted to eat it.)

Translation: Since

Subjunctive-friendly?  No and no.

Even though the definition is the same on these two, there is a slight distinction. Comme is useful for showing both the cause and result in a sentence, whereas puisque just gives an explanation.

Comme also likes to hang around at the beginning of sentences, whereas  puisque can go in the middle if it so pleases. This distinction will help you sound extra-super pro!

Comme j’ai mangé trop de tarte, je ne peux pas manger mes légumes. (Since I ate too much of the pie, I can’t eat my vegetables.)

Puisque je l’ai fait, je goûte en premier. (Since I made it, I’ll taste [it] first.)

Translation: When

Subjunctive-friendly?  Sadly, no.

These are interchangeable when talking about time, though lorsque is a formal upgrade of quand . Gauge the situation when you pick. They both have their own special purpose as well: Quand can mean “whenever,” and lorsque can mean “whereas.”

  Je cuisinais quand/ lorsque   tu es arrivé. (I was cooking when you arrived.)

Translation: Even though

Subjunctive-friendly?  You better believe it.

Okay, I’ll admit…it does get a bit confusing here. We just did  quoi que , meaning “no matter what,”   and now we’ve got the same thing minus the space in between and all of a sudden it means “even though”?

These sound the same when spoken , but you should be able to figure it out based on the context. In addition, bien que   and  quoique can be used interchangeably. Just another opportunity for you to diversify.

Je mangerai une autre tranche quoique je n’aie pas faim. (I will eat another slice even though I’m not hungry.)

Translation: So

Subjunctive-friendly?  Not even close.

There is so much to say about this little word.  Donc   is one of the holy grails of French filler words , one of the little idiosyncrasies of French speech that you’ll pick up while in France and carry with you, smiling, forever.

They use it both in the “correct” fashion, showing causation, as well as how we use it in English: “So, here’s the thing.” “So, I was heading to the store.” “So… So… So…” Remember  donc.  Cherish it. Can you tell this is my favorite French transition word?

Je veux que tu la goûtes, donc je garde une part. (I want for you to taste it, so I’m saving a piece.)

Translation: In fact

You have no excuses for not remembering this one. It’s spelt and sounds similar to the English definition. Use this phrase before emphasizing an important conclusion or key point.

En fait, l’année dernière j’ai gagné une competition. (In fact, last year I won a competition.)

Translation: However, nonetheless

Subjunctive-friendly?  No! No!

Cependant   is actually an adverb, but it still functions as a transition word. Use it at the beginning of a sentence to point out an opposition or contradiction.  Pourtant   is a close cousin, but it’s a little more nuanced, as it indicates that one thing happened when another one was expected to.

Cependant , j’aime un bon gâteau de temps en temps. (However, I enjoy a nice cake from time to time.)

Translation: On the other hand, in opposition

Subjunctive-friendly?  Mais non ! 

The definition is close to  cependant , but provides a little clearer contrast. Those make for two great transition words when you’re writing essays in French or can’t decide which type of pie is better.

Une tarte aux pommes est classique. Par contre , une tarte aux tomates est bonne pour le petit-déjeuner, le déjeuner et le dîner. (An apple pie is classic. On the other hand, a tomato pie is good for breakfast, lunch and dinner.)

Translation: Also

Subjunctive-friendly?  Jamais  (never).

Need to add something that you forgot before? These two are good ways to vary your language and avoid using  aussi   (also) at every turn.  En plus   is common in conversation, and it, as well as  en outre ,  is often a better alternative to  aussi  in written French.

En outre , il faut choisir un bon parfum de glace pour accompagner la tarte. (Also, one must choose a good ice cream flavor to go with the pie.)

Translation: For me

Subjunctive-friendly?  Stop asking. It’s another “no.”

Here are two phrases to use when you want to put emphasis on “me! me! me!”  Pour moi   is a good way to order at a restaurant , and  pour ma part   is best for stating opinions.

Pour moi/ma part , je préfère la tarte au citron. (For me, I prefer lemon pie.)

Translation: In my opinion

Subjunctive-friendly?  This is the last time I’m saying it…nope.

But when you really want to make it all about you and your opinions, this is the best phrase. To qualify a statement as an opinion, or before you go on a rant about something you’re passionate about, this is a great transitional phrase to use and abuse!

À mon avis , tous ces phrases sont ridicules! (In my opinion, all of these sentences are ridiculous!)

Gauging your knowledge with a few quizzes before you delve into any topic is always a good idea. You may even get a little confidence boost when you realize that you already know a sizable handful of transition words!

• Check out this quiz  from Quizlet.
• This one makes noise when you click on words.
• And for a challenge, this fill-in-the-blank quiz is the ticket.

Authentic French movies, TV shows and videos are another great place to look and listen for transition words. You’ll hear how they’re used naturally by real French speakers , which is invaluable to incorporating them into your own French.

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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Practice makes perfect, so get out your pens and paper, and start on those French sentences ! Try writing a paragraph that uses four or five transition words .

If you’re more into immersion-based learning , make sure to include appropriate transition words when writing emails to your pen pals, writing entries in your French journal or even in text messages with another French-speaking friend.

The subjunctive is nothing to fear, but sometimes it can be difficult to integrate into the French you actually use.

If you’re still a beginner, no worries here. Many of the above words and phrases don’t require the subjunctive mood. On the other hand, you always could take the opportunity to learn about this ultra-useful and fun French staple .

Listening to French teachers and instructors helps boost your knowledge of French connectors and ensures you correctly learn them. For a great introduction to French transition words, check out the video below.

French instructor Kritika takes you through some common transition vocabulary and even tests your knowledge at the end with a fun fill-in-the-blank activity!

Enfin,  you’re well-equipped to speak like a pro, write like an essayist and understand all the details in the French literature you’re devouring.

While there are far more transition words than those listed, knowing the basics will do wonders for your fluency.

Choppy French no more!

FluentU has a wide variety of great content, like interviews, documentary excerpts and web series, as you can see here:

FluentU brings native French videos with reach. With interactive captions, you can tap on any word to see an image, definition and useful examples.

For example, if you tap on the word "crois," you'll see this:

Practice and reinforce all the vocabulary you've learned in a given video with learn mode. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning, and play the mini-games found in our dynamic flashcards, like "fill in the blank."

All throughout, FluentU tracks the vocabulary that you’re learning and uses this information to give you a totally personalized experience. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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Common connectors and transitions phrases in French

In French, connectors and transition phrases are important tools for linking ideas and creating a coherent narrative in both written and spoken communication.

In this lesson, we’ll go over some common connectors and transition phrases in French that you can use to improve your communication skills.

Premièrement, deuxièmement, enfin. (First, secondly, finally.) These connectors are used to order and sequence ideas in a narrative.

De plus, en outre, par ailleurs. (Moreover, furthermore, besides.) These connectors are used to add more information to an idea or argument.

Néanmoins, cependant, pourtant. (Nevertheless, however, yet.) These connectors are used to introduce a contrasting idea or argument.

En effet, effectivement, en réalité. (Indeed, in fact, actually.) These connectors are used to introduce a statement or fact that supports a previous idea or argument.

Ainsi, par conséquent, donc. (Thus, consequently, therefore.) These connectors are used to indicate a conclusion or result based on previous ideas or arguments.

D’un côté, de l’autre côté. (On one hand, on the other hand.) These connectors are used to present two contrasting sides of an argument.

En somme, finalement, pour conclure. (In summary, finally, to conclude.) These connectors are used to signal the end of a narrative or argument and provide a summary or conclusion.

À mon avis, selon moi, je pense que. (In my opinion, in my view, I think that.) These connectors are used to introduce a personal opinion or belief.

Bien que, malgré, quoique. (Although, despite, even though.) These connectors are used to introduce a contrasting idea or situation.

En revanche, par contre, au contraire. (On the other hand, however, conversely.) These connectors are used to introduce a contrasting idea or situation.

Learning and using these common connectors and transition phrases in French will help you to create a more structured, coherent and persuasive communication style.

It is important to also learn other advanced expressions and connectives to express more complex thoughts and ideas.

With practice and persistence, you’ll soon be able to speak and write more fluently in French.

Related posts:

• The 10 most romantic phrases in French
• French phrases to learn: Expressing worry
• Beginner French sentences: Talk about the future
• 10 French sentences for Beginners: Contrast, opposition and concession

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40+ French Transition Words to Boost Your Vocabulary

For anyone learning a language, transition words usually aren’t first on the list. But after you’ve mastered nouns and common French phrases , transition words are key for stringing your sentences together. In fact, transition words are what transform your broken French into the smooth, swoon-worthy language you’ve always dreamed of speaking. So what are you waiting for? Master this list of French transition words and take your vocabulary to the next level.

Comme has a variety of definitions depending on the context, making it an important transition word to learn. First off, comme can be used to mean like or as when you’re comparing or contrasting two things or ideas. It can also mean since  when used at the beginning of a sentence.

Puisque has a similar meaning to comme , meaning because or since . It’s a great tool for offering an explanation in the middle of a sentence, or justifying a thought or action in response to a question.

Translating directly to then , puis makes its way into many conversations and stories. The best part about puis is that its simple and easy to remember when you’re searching for a transition word in conversation.

Also is one of the most commonly used words in modern English, popping up across written and verbal language. En outre is its French equivalent.

This is a handy term that you’re bound to use in everyday conversation. It means because and it can be used to respond to questions or transition between phrases.

This can mostly be interchanged with parce que for a shortened version of because . However, more advanced French speakers use this word as something slightly more like since or for in conversation.

Similarly to puis and car , this go-to transition term is great for moving between multiple thoughts in a sentence. Pour que means so that when explaining why you did or thought something. It can also be used to support a proposition or plan.

Quand is an additional word that works well at the beginning of sentences. It means when . This word can also be combined with other words for a slightly more complex definition. For example, quand meme means even so, and n’importe quand (literally meaning  it’s not important when ) means whenever.

Lorsque is a more formal version of one of the most common French transition words:  quand. G enerally, it has the same meaning.

The word que is a multidimensional tool that can change a word’s meaning and transform it into a transition word. This is seen with alors que . Here’s how that works: alors means so , but adding que changes the meaning to whereas – an important transition word.

If you’re a fan of the word so , you’re going to love its French translation. Donc can be used as a filler word, a question, or to explain things, among many other uses.

Je soutiens donc que

After you’ve mastered the art of donc , see how it can be added to other phrases to mix things up. With je soutiens donc que , you can express something like I maintain that . It’s a more polite way to share your strong beliefs with someone, especially around strangers or colleagues where the conversation is more formal.

Similarly to donc , you might enjoy using the word bref . It means in short when summarizing an event or occurrence. Since bref looks similar to the English word brief , this is an easy one to pull out in a bind.

Considérons

Another helpful transition word for polite conversations is considérons . This means let’s consider and is used at the beginning of a phrase that expresses an alternate point of view. It is an important word for engaging in deeper dialogue that proposes multiple points of view.

Enfin is a multi-purpose word with many meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. On a basic level, it means end . Beyond that, enfin can be sort of a filler word (albeit more sophisticated than um ). Think of it more like the way we say well or I mean before we express an opinion in English.

à la fin is also used to express the end of something. However, it is used in a more specific way to mean at the end , and can’t be used as a filler word like enfin . It is best used when recounting a story, or when describing the plot of a book or movie.

Pour commencer

Now that you know how to express the concept of ending something, how about touting the start of something? Pour commencer means to start with or for starters and is best used at the beginning or end of a sentence.

Not to be confused with enfin , en fait is easy to remember because it has quite a literal translation in English. En means in and fait means fact . En fait = In fact . Easy, right?

This word looks a little like depending or dependent in English, but it instead means however or nevertheless.

This transition word is easy to remember because it looks like in contrast , which is essentially what it means. This phrase is also used to say on the other hand .

Au contraire

Likewise,  au contraire is one of those French transition words that looks like its English counterpart. It means on the contrary .

D’un part / d’autre part

D’un part is used when expressing two varying ideas or points of view. It means on one hand… and is best at the beginning of a sentence. Once an idea is introduced with d’un part , it should be followed up with d’autre part , which is a perfect way to interpret the phrase on the other hand.

Ainsi que means as well as and it can be used in two different contexts. For the first usage, use it to transition between two items that you’re ordering at a restaurant. Je voudrais le salad ainsi que le viande. (I would like the salad as well as the meat). Ainsi que can also mean just as or as well , like when you’re saying the film was just as sad as I thought it’d be.

Autrement dit

If you know that dit refers to something that was said in discussion, than autrement dit should stick well in your mind. It literally translates to another saying and means in other words.

This phrase means first of all and it works well when recounting a story or giving directions or instructions. When writing, it’s also helpful when starting a sentence.

This is also a helpful transition word for giving directions or telling a story. It translates directly to next.

You probably know that après means after. But après que differs from the word  après because it is supposed to be used after a verb. It is also used to talk about something that definitely happened in the past, rather than when proposing uncertain future terms. You can also use après with the word cela, which means after that.

In the same vein, avant que should be used after a verb. Avant by itself simply means before, and it can be used to start a sentence or phrase.

Making plans for tonight? Want to set up a date for tomorrow? Learn plus tard . As one of the simplest French transition words, it means later. Y et it’s used ubiquitously throughout French conversation.

Although this seems like it would mean “good that” it actually has a different meaning. Use bien que to mean even though or although between thoughts or before a phrase.

When making goals or plans, say dès que to express as soon as … to set up a phrase. Another way to say as soon as , albeit longer, is aussitot que.

This fun and subjunctive-friendly phrase will certainly take your French to the next level. It means no matter what and is helpful for starting a well-intentioned belief.

Tant que falls into the same realm as quoi que, meaning as long as. Don’t forget to add the que onto this phrase, because tant by itself is used to express a general quantity, like many.

D’aprés moi

Expressing your ideas and beliefs? Then you should know how to start a sentence correctly. This phrase means according to me. You can also say à mon avis, which means in my opinion. For another idea on expressing your opinion, try saying selon moi – which has a tendency to roll off the tongue with ease.

Je suis contre

Je suis contre is a more direct way to express your opinion about something. It translates directly to I am against in English. It’s beneficial to know when someone asks you your beliefs on something. It’s also a good way to get yourself out of an uncomfortable situation when traveling or in unknown surroundings.

De toute façon

Sooner or later, you’ll find yourself in a conversation where you’ll want to change the subject. Keep this transition short and light with de toute façon , which means anyway… and provides space for a new topic.

Boosting Your Vocabulary with French Transition Words

Learning to speak and write French is a challenging endeavor with long lasting benefits. Amp up your knowledge and become an impressive smooth talker by keeping these French transition words in your back pocket.

Want to learn how to use these transition words in context? Check out Clozemaster – thousands of sentences to help you learn French faster.

3 thoughts on “40+ French Transition Words to Boost Your Vocabulary”

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I’ve been studying French for 2 months now, this content is great for beginers! Thanks for posting!

It’s really helpful to summarize these transition words! I feel I have learned some difficult words in an easier way than I expected! Though I cannot say I understand them well since I’m a beginner, I feel l’ll definitely be more concentrated whenever I meet with them in my future learning of French! Great thanks!

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Make Your French Fluent with These Transition Words

Learn the most common transition words in the French language and make sure your speech is always fluid.

Intermediate

Different Types of Transition Words

D’abord – first of all, ensuite – next, ainsi que – as well as, après que – after/when, avant que – before, puis – then, comme or puisque – since, en outre/en plus – besides/also, à mon avis – in my opinion, bien que – although, parce que/car – because, tant que – as long as, cependant – however/nonetheless, lorsque/quand – when, par conséquent – therefore, au contraire – on the contrary, enfin – finally, some final notes on french connecting words.

When learning a foreign language, one of the most important things to understand is how to connect clauses together in order to create longer and more complex sentences. This is especially true for French, a language that relies heavily on transition words in order to create fluid speech.

In many languages, connecting words are also necessary for connecting different sentences in a paragraph, or paragraphs in larger pieces of writing like essays or other academic papers.

In this article, let’s discuss the various types of transition words available in the French language, and how they can be used to make your French – both oral and written – sound more fluent. We'll also provide some examples so you can see how these words work in practice and take your vocabulary to the next level. Read on!

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There are a variety of transition words that can be used in French, each with its own unique purpose. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of transition phrases used in French. Don’t worry about the translations, we'll get to those in the next section. Let’s dive in:

1. Introducing a topic

"D'abord, je voudrais parler de... "

This is perhaps the most common type of transition phrase in French. Use it to introduce a new topic or idea. It is a great way to start off a sentence if you’re writing a scientific paper or presenting at a conference, as well as starting an informal conversation you want to keep organized.

2. Adding information

"De plus, il est important de... "

The type of transitional phrase is used to add additional information to what has already been said. They exist to provide extra detail in your sentences and can be really helpful if you want to add additional thoughts to an argument.

3. Showing cause and effect

"Par conséquent, en outre…"

You can use phrases like this to show that one event is the result of another. They are a great way to connect two ideas together.

4. Concluding a topic

"Enfin, Finalement... "

These kinds of phrases wrap up a topic, smooth over the ending, and show ways of opening new topics related to the subject. You can use them both in formal as well as informal speech: for example, to conclude an essay or to wrap up the conversation or argument you had with your friends.

Of course, these are not the only groups of connecting words in French: there are also the ones used to generalize a conversation, contrast or oppose a topic, or express an opinion, among others. Let’s take a look at them as well as some other basic transition words in more detail and see how they are used in practice.

D’abord is one of the most common French transition words, it introduces a new point or idea. It can be translated as “first of all”, writers often use it to start off a sentence or paragraph, as well as to emphasize the first key point of your speech. For example:

D’abord, je voudrais remercier tout le monde.

First of all, I would like to thank everyone.

Ensuite is another common transition word in French, and the English equivalents are “next”, “after that” or “then”. The French use this phrase to introduce a new point or idea, and can be used at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph. Here’s what it can look like:

Ensuite, nous allons discuter de nos options.

Next, we will discuss our options.

Ainsi que is a French transition word that translates to “as well as”. This phrase can introduce a new point or idea, and can be inserted at various points within a sentence. For example:

Je parle anglais et espagnol, ainsi que le français.

I speak English and Spanish, as well as French.

Après que is a French transition word and a compound conjunction that translates to “after” or “when”. It is usually followed by a verb, and connects with another clause via que . Here’s a sample sentence:

Nous allons faire une promenade après que nous avons mangé.

We will go for a walk after we have eaten.

You may already be familiar with the après (after) you can use that on its own in a sentence. In that case, it will usually start a sentence or a new clause:

Après, nous ferons une promenade.

After, we will go for a walk.

Avant que is a French transition word that means “before”. Much like many of the other phrases, you use it to bring up a new point or idea, and the phrase is generally followed by a verb. It is quite similar to the grammar construction après que , so the sentence with it usually looks something like:

• The first clause + avant que + the second clause which starts with a verb

Here’s that in a sentence:

Je vais préparer le repas avant que tu arrives.

I will prepare the meal before you arrive.

Just like with the après que , we can use the preposition avant (before) on its own in a sentence:

Réfléchissez avant de faire quelque chose.

Think before you do something.

Puis is a common French transition word which the French use the way English speakers use “then” – it appears in various literary and scientific works. Look out for it: it can appear in many French conversations with native speakers and is a necessary French word to know for French learners.

Usually we use it to connect two clauses together in a sentence, or make a smoother, more specific transition between two sentences. For instance:

Puis, il a rompu avec moi.

Then, he broke up with me.

Comme and puisque both function the same way “since” or “as” do in English There’s a difference between them, though: if you want to show the cause and result in one sentence, use comme ; and if you need to just give an explanation, use puisque .

Another difference is that comme usually comes at the beginning of the sentence, while puisque can go in the middle of the sentence if necessary.

S'il te plaît, lave la vaisselle puisque tu as déjà fini de manger.

Please wash the dishes since you finished lunch already.

Comme tu ne peux pas boire de lait, j'ai acheté du jus de fruit pour le petit-déjeuner.

Since you can't drink milk, I bought some juice for breakfast.

Besides being a great way to start off a sentence or paragraph, en outre is also one of the more common transition words in French – you can encounter it in many written French sentences. **Its alternative, en plus , is more common in spoken French conversations.

Both en outre and en plus translate to “besides”, “also,” “in addition” or “furthermore”, and are used to add something to the sentence – for example, a new argument you forgot about.

En outre, je n'aime pas trop les gens qui sont toujours en retard.

Besides, I don't really like people who are always late.

Donc is a French transition word that means “therefore” or “so”. Use it to introduce a new point or idea, and is usually followed by a subject and a verb.

It is also one of the most common transition words in the French language, so you will hear it everywhere – from advanced French speakers, intermediate students, native speakers, and basically everyone who knows French at a conversational level.

Il pleuvait, donc je suis resté à la maison.

It was raining, so I stayed home.

A great way to state your own point of view, à mon avis is the French equivalent of “in my opinion”. You can use it at the beginning of a sentence followed by your own idea or suggestion, or you can insert it in the middle of a conversation to show that you strongly believe in what you’re saying.

You can also say pour moi tif you want to avoid formality and express an opinion in a simpler way. Selon moi / Pour ma part / Pour moi are another less formal alternatives.

À mon avis, il est temps de partir.

In my opinion, it's time to leave.

We use the conjunction “although” to connect two contrasting ideas or phrases. In French, the conjunction “although” is bien que , which is often followed by a new clause.

Bien que je te voie souvent, je te manque.

Even though I see you often, I miss you.

The words parce que and car both mean “because” in French, and can be used interchangeably. Parce que is a little bit more formal than car , but both are correct. They are usually followed by a clause, and can stand at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.

Parce que je n'aime pas les légumes, je ne mange jamais de salades.

Because I don't like vegetables, I never eat salads.

French people use the conjunction tant que to express the idea of “as long as”, and is often followed by a new clause, just like other transition phrases ending in que . It can show up at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, and is a great way to connect two ideas that are related to each other.

Tant que tu es heureux, c'est tout ce qui compte.

As long as you are happy, that's all that matters.

Cependant is a French adverb that functions as a transition word and means “however”, “nevertheless” or “nonetheless”. You can use it at the beginning of the sentence to show a contradiction or opposition. For example:

Cependant, je dois étudier aujourd'hui.

However, I have to study today.

You might already be familiar with the word quand in French, which means “when” – with lorsque being its formal alternative. When talking about time, they are interchangeable.However, these two words have their own different translations: quand can also mean “whenever,” and lorsque can mean “whereas.”

Both these transition words are usually followed by a clause, and can stand at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.

J'étudiais quand tu m'as appelé.

I was studying when you called me.

Par conséquent is another great transition word that can translate to “therefore”, “consequently” or “as a result.” Use it to show a logical consequence of what has been said before, and is usually followed by a new clause or a new sentence.

J'ai eu une mauvaise note, par conséquent je dois étudier plus.

I got a bad grade, therefore I have to study more.

Au contraire is the French translation of “on the contrary,” and expresses the opposite of what has been said or what is generally accepted. It might show up at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, or on its own as an answer to the question.

Tu n'as pas étudié? Au contraire, j'ai étudié toute la journée!

You didn't study? On the contrary, I studied all day long!

Enfin is a French adverb that can be translated as “finally” or “after all.” You can use it to conclude your argument, or to show that you have finished talking about a certain subject. Just like other transition words, you can use it at the beginning of the sentence or in the middle.

Enfin, je suis désolé.

Finally, I'm sorry.

You can also use another transition word à la fin as an alternative to this one: the meaning is the same.

By using these connecting phrases, you'll be able to create more complex sentences with ease – and sound like a true francophone during any French conversation.

Of course, there are so many other important transition words worth knowing in French that we haven’t mentioned above, so don’t stop learning. Keep practicing and improving your vocabulary, and before you know it, you'll be able to speak and write French fluently. Bonne chance !

Beata Hardzei

Beata Hardzei loves languages and shares this passion through her writing. Speaking English, Polish, Russian, and French, she explores the nuances of foreign languages, aiming to make learning feel more like a journey than a task. Beata's background as a teacher and translator enriches her insights, helping you see language learning as an accessible, enriching experience.

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The best transition phrases in French

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In any conversation or text in French, transition sentences play a crucial role in ensuring fluid and coherent communication. They make it possible to connect ideas, introduce new subjects, mark contrasts, summarize or conclude.

In this blog article, we will present the best transition sentences in French to improve your oral and written expression.

To introduce a topic

• First, let’s take a look…
• Let's take the case of…
• Now let's talk about ...
• It is interesting to note that…
• Let’s address the question of…

To add information

• Additionally, it is worth mentioning that…
• In addition…
• It is important to emphasize that…

To mark an opposition

• On another side…
• On the other hand…
• Nevertheless…
• Despite this…

To give an example

• For example…
• To illustrate…
• Take the case of…
• For illustration…
• Let us cite the case of…

To summarize or conclude

• In conclusion…
• To summarize…
• In summary…

To express a cause or a consequence

• That is why…
• Because of…
• For this reason…

To express a condition

• Provided that…
• In the case where…
• Supposing that…

To give an opinion

• In my opinion…
• Personally, I think that…
• It seems to me that…
• I am convinced that…

By using these transition sentences in French, you will be able to make your oral and written expression more fluid. They will help you structure your ideas, make your arguments clearer and maintain the attention of your interlocutor or reader. Do not hesitate to use them in your daily conversations, your professional presentations or your academic writings to improve your communication in French. Practice them regularly and you will quickly see a significant improvement in your linguistic expression.

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French transition words

French transition words are crucial for creating smooth, coherent sentences and paragraphs. They help connect ideas and improve the flow of your French communication. Let's explore some common transition words and how to use them effectively.

Types of French Transition Words

Adding information.

• De plus (Moreover)
• En outre (Furthermore)
• Également (Also)

Contrasting Ideas

• Cependant (However)
• Néanmoins (Nevertheless)
• Par contre (On the other hand)

Showing Cause and Effect

• Donc (Therefore)
• Par conséquent (Consequently)
• Ainsi (Thus)

Sequencing Ideas

• D'abord (First)
• Ensuite (Then)
• Enfin (Finally)

Examples in Context

Let's see how these transition words work in sentences:

J'aime le café. De plus, je bois du thé chaque matin. (I like coffee. Moreover, I drink tea every morning.)

Il pleut aujourd'hui. Cependant, nous irons quand même au parc. (It's raining today. However, we'll still go to the park.)

Elle a beaucoup étudié. Par conséquent, elle a réussi son examen. (She studied a lot. Consequently, she passed her exam.)

D'abord, nous visiterons le musée. Ensuite, nous irons déjeuner. (First, we'll visit the museum. Then, we'll go for lunch.)

Using these transition words will greatly enhance your French writing and speaking skills, making your communication more fluid and sophisticated.

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French Transition Words: A Key to Improve Your Communication

Learn the most useful transition words in french, with lists and examples., i want to learn....

The use of French transition words is an important part of the elegant and sophisticated French writing tradition. Perhaps more than other languages, French has developed a set of standards that should be followed to make writing not only more fluent and clear, but also more elegant. The use of transition words, or connectives, belongs to these standards, but it is also essential to express meaning clearly.

We use connectives all the time when we speak in order to connect sentences and ideas and explain things. However, transition words are especially useful in writing, to give texts a clear structure, to build logical and believable arguments, and to connect ideas properly. Ça va sans dire (it goes without saying), transition words are especially important when writing essays in French!

Knowing a variety of transition words and being able to use them correctly will significantly improve your ability to express ideas clearly, both in speaking and writing, and to better communicate in French .

In this article, we provide a selection of the most useful French transition words and phrases , presented with example sentences to put them in context.

Need some help to advance your French communication skills?

Discover lots of useful vocabulary and get plenty of writing practice with personalized advice on Busuu’s free online courses.

French transition words and phrases

Transition words are called ‘connecteurs’ in French. Transition words in French are used to connect sentences and parts of the text according to the links between those elements. These can be, for example, links that express a cause, consequence, additional idea, explanation, and so on. Connectives can thus be grouped according to their function or the idea that they express.

We will present a group of transition words in each section of this article with a table. In each table you will find the French transition words, the English equivalent (or equivalents), examples in French with an English translation, and tips on how to use them, when needed.

Transitions of addition

Among the most basic French transition words are the ones that express the idea of addition. In English this function is covered by words like ‘and,’ ‘moreover’ and ‘as well as.’

French transition words list: addition

Transitions of contrast

The transition words in this group are extremely common, and they are used to contrast two parts of a sentence or text. In English, these are words like ‘but,’ ‘however’ and ‘though.’

French transition words list: contrast

Transitions showing cause

The transition words in this section are used to indicate that one thing causes another. In English, these are words like ‘because’ and ‘since.’

French transition words list: cause

Transitions showing aim or purpose

These transition words are used to explain the purpose or goal of an action, similar to the connectives ‘to,’ ‘in order to’ and ‘so that’ in English.

French transition words list: aim or purpose

Transitions to show a consequence

This set of connectives is used to explain a consequence – in English, these are words like ‘so,’ ‘as a consequence’ and ‘therefore.’

French transition words list: consequence

Transitions of time

This group of transition words is used to show time relationships between two sentences or parts of a sentence.

French transition words list: time

Transitions to make a list or put events in order

These words and phrases are typically used to indicate a succession of events. Another important function of these transition words is to create a list or series, which is essential to writing an essay and especially to organizing an argument.

French transition words list: succession or listing

Transitions of concession

This set of transition words express the idea of concession, which means that they introduce a point that seems to weaken the main idea, but then provide another contrasting point that supports the main idea.

French transition words list: concession

Transitions of comparison

The transition words introduced in this section are useful to explain and illustrate a point.

French transition words list: comparison

In conclusion, being able to use a variety of transition words is essential to achieving effective communication in both spoken and written French. Whether you need to connect ideas, express contrast, or list the points of an argument, French transition words will allow you to structure and express your ideas clearly.

In this article we’ve provided you with the most useful sets of connectives. By mastering these, you can enrich your language repertoire and make your French smoother and more sophisticated.

Don’t stop here – it’s time to transition to something new!

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French Transition Words to Improve Writing

In my last post about how to teach writing in French , I shared tips about the importance of providing templates for your lower-level language students.  This next post will teach you how to use  lists of French transition words , to drastically improve student writing.

I don’t know about you, but those short, choppy sentences drive me nuts when I’m correcting essays or presentations.  If only they knew how to use transition words . . . .

When I was a language student writing my own compositions and essays, I was always searching for good transition words to help me write more fluently.  This is something that we were very rarely taught but would have been so helpful.

As a language teacher, I spent so much time teaching my students how to write longer sentences to make their compositions better.  After I got their compositions back, I would write sample sentences on the board and show them how to combine the sentences using a few key transition words.

But why did I wait until after they had failed to show them how to succeed?  That just doesn’t make sense and led to frustration on my part and on their parts!!

To alleviate this writing problem, I created lists of 101 French   transition words .

French Transition Words

As the years passed, these lists evolved into leveled lists for beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced learners with sample sentences for each one so they could see how each would be used in a sentence.  They look like this.

Levels 1 + 2  get List #1, which includes basic transition words .

I divide my transition words into the following categories:

• Expressing Time (first, next, later, 2 days ago, afterward, sometimes, in the morning, at night)
• Adding Additional Information (for example, in addition, normally)
• Combining Short Sentences into Longer Sentences (but, so, also, too, still, however)
• Concluding (finally, in conclusion, lastly, in the end)

Level 3 gets  List #2, more advanced transition words

• Time (at the beginning, suddenly, at that moment, a little while later)
• Expressing Opinions (in my opinion, according to, in fact, for the most part, therefore)
• Additional Helpful Expressions (at least, instead of, thanks to, without)

Levels 4 + 5  get List #3, college-level transition words :

• Time (back then, nowadays, since, already)
• Expressing Opinions (it’s important that, to a large extent, given that, despite, on one hand)
• Conditions (in order to, so that, provided that, even if)
• Comparing and Contrasting (in contrast to, similar to, different from, the same as)
• Consequences (upon seeing, as a result of, consequently, due to)

These leveled lists are a great way to differentiate within your classroom.  If your more advanced students and high achievers are looking for more, give them a more advanced list.

You’ll be amazed by the progress in their writing, just by incorporating these handy transition words.

There are a variety of ways to make these lists:

• Make your own lists with key transition words.
• Have students keep 2 pages in their notebooks for transition words.  When you come across one in your teaching, have them write down the word, the meaning, and a sample sentence.
• Get ready-made French transition word lists to print and hand out for student reference.

Hope these French transition words tips were helpful.

Want more tips for teaching French writing?  Check out the other posts in this series about writing:

*   Teaching French Writing Using Templates

*   25 Awesome Writing Activities for French Students .

Happy Teaching! ~Sherry

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Some Common French Conjunctions and Transition Words… And Why You Should Use Them

Introduction  .

Conjunctions are words that connect two phrases, while transition words help link paragraphs or sections of text. Both conjunctions and transition words – also known as connective words or connecting words – are essential for making your French sound smoother and more natural. They play a big part in adding variety to your conversations and making your writing more coherent and better organised.  

Some Common French Conjunctions  

The French language’s most common conjunctions should be amongst the first words you learn.  

• et – and. Using et is the easiest and most common way to link two phrases together to give your sentence more flow. For example:  
• Je suis allé au marché et j'ai acheté des légumes. (I went to the market, and I bought some vegetables)  
• The conjunction joins the two phrases together and makes it sound less stop-start.  
• mais – but. Just like English, it serves to contrast two ideas in a sentence:  
• Notre maison est petite mais très confortable à l'intérieur. (Our house is small, but very cozy inside).  
• ou – or. Another high-frequency French conjunction. Just as in English it is used to join two or more choices  
• Voulez-vous jouer dans le jardin ou regarder la télévision ? (Do you want to play in the garden or watch TV).  
• donc – so, therefore. When used as a conjunction, it means the second phrase is a consequence of the first.  
• Elle a étudié dur toute l’année, donc ses notes étaient très bonnes. (She studied hard all year, therefore she got good grades).  

Other simple French conjunction words that are frequently used

puis – then  

car – because (Note that car is mostly used in written French. In spoken French parce que is used)  

or – now, yet, but  

So far so simple, because the above French conjunctions work basically the same as their English equivalents. Where it gets more complicated is when we start talking about subordinating conjunctions, indicative conjunction clauses and subjunctive conjunction clauses.  

Subordinating Conjunctions  

The simple conjunctions above were all used to link two independent phrases. Independent means you could remove the conjunction, and split the long sentence into two short ones, and both sentences would still make sense. For example:  

Elle a étudié dur toute l’année, donc ses notes étaient très bonnes.  

Elle a étudié dur toute l'année. Ses notes étaient très bonnes.  

However, there are many instances where conjunctions link two phrases, and one phrase is dependent on the other. Some of these conjunctions are a single word, and some are phrases. Here are some examples of single word subordinating conjunctions:  

lorsque – when:  

Je vais sortir lorsque la pluie s'arrêtera. (I will go out when the rain stops.)  

si – if :  

Si tu viens demain, nous irons au cinéma . (If you come tomorrow, we will go to the cinema.)  

comme – since/as:  

Il est fatigué, comme il a travaillé toute la journée. (He is tired, as he has worked all day.)  

quand – when:  

Nous irons au parc quand il fera beau. (We will go to the park when the weather is nice.)  

puisque – since/because:  

Tu peux emprunter mon livre puisque tu en as besoin. (You can borrow my book since you need it.)  

Again, these are relatively straightforward because, apart from an exception or two that I will note below, they work similarly to conjugations in English.  

Indicative Conjunction Clauses  

We’ve looked at single-word conjunctions, but the French also frequently use conjunction clauses, especially in French writing. The Indicative Conjunction Clause is when the dependent clause uses the indicative tense. Indicative tenses include the simple present, past, and simple future tenses.   

These are the main indicative conjunction clauses, and you’ll notice that they all end in que :  

après que – after  

aussitôt que – as soon as  

parce que – because  

pendant que – while  

peut-être que – perhaps  

tandis que – while, whereas  

The following examples show the indicative conjunction clause in action. Note how the dependent clause has an indicative tense (either present, past or future).  

après que – after:  

Nous sortons après qu' il termine son travail. (We go out after he finishes his work.)  

parce que – because:  

Elle est heureuse parce qu' elle a réussi son examen. (She is happy because she passed her exam.)  

tandis que – while:  

Il étudiera tandis que ses amis regarderont la télévision. (He will study while his friends watch TV.)  

Subjunctive Conjunction Clauses  

Although the above conjunction clauses are common and easy to use, the French have another set of conjunction clauses that can create difficulties for learners. The subjunctive conjunction clause, as the name suggests, uses a subjunctive tense rather than the simpler indicative tenses. Let’s look at an example using a relatively common subjunctive conjunction clause, afin que :   

afin que – so that:  

Il fait des efforts afin que nous soyons tous heureux. (He is making efforts so that we all may/might be happy.)  

Notice how, in the dependent clause, we use the subjunctive for ‘we are’, which is nous soyons .  

Here are a few more examples to shed some light:  

en attendant que – while waiting for:  

Nous resterons ici en attendant qu' il arrive. (We will stay here while/waiting for him to arrive.) The subjunctive here is a breeze to use because the 3 rd person singular for -er verbs is identical to the 3 rd person singular in the simple present tense.  

bien que – although:  

Bien qu' il soit fatigué, il continuera à travailler. (Although he is tired, he will continue working.) The subordinating clause is at the beginning of the sentence, and uses the subjunctive for ‘he is’, il soit .  

Learning the subjunctive can seem challenging at first but gets a bit easier if you know a few rules. To form the present subjunctive for regular verbs, start with the 3rd person plural ( ils ) of the present indicative tense. Remove the -ent ending and add the following endings: -e , -es , -e , -ions , -iez , -ent . This means that all the first-person forms and the third-person plural are the same as the present simple tense.  

It might also be good to know that, in spoken French, only the present and past subjunctive are used. The past subjunctive uses the same pattern as the past compose tense, which is formed with être/avoir plus the past participle of the main verb.  

However, be aware that many irregular verbs, such as être , avoir , faire , aller , pouvoir , etc also have irregular subjunctives that need to be learned. Don't worry; you'll get the hang of it with practice.  

Here’s a list of some common subjunctive conjunction clauses to get you started:   

à condition que – provided that  

à moins que – unless  

à supposer que – assuming that  

afin que – so that  

avant que – before  

bien que – although  

de crainte que – for fear that  

de façon que – so that, in order that, in such a way that  

de peur que – for fear that  

en attendant que – while, until  

encore que – even though  

jusqu’à ce que – until  

pour que – so that  

pourvu que - provided that  

qui que – whoever  

Earlier I mentioned that single-word conjunctions were relatively straightforward, apart from a couple of exceptions that pose difficulties for many French learners. One of those exceptions is quoique , which means ‘although’. It is special because it’s the only single-word conjunction to use the subjunctive conjunction. Take a look at this sentence :  

Elle le soutiendra quoique vous soyez en désaccord . (She will support him although you may be in disagreement.)   

You can see here that the subjunctive for ‘you (pl) are’ is used, vous soyez .  

French Transition Words  

Conjunctions are mainly used within a sentence, whereas transition words are used to link sentences, paragraphs, or ideas. You can use French transition words to list things, to introduce an item or an example, as time markers, to introduce a different view, to show similarities between items, and so on.  

Here’s a list of some of the most useful transition words to make your writing flow more smoothly and logically, and to add variety to your spoken French.  

French Transition words for listing elements in order  

• Pour commencer – for starters  
• D’abord – first of all  
• Ensuite – next  
• En plus – also  
• Enfin – finally  
• Avant de conclure – before concluding  
• À la fin – at the end  

French Transition words for introducing examples  

• Par exemple – for example  
• Par instance – for instance
• En particulier – in particular
• À savoir – namely
• Spécifiquement – specifically
• C'est-à-dire – that is
• Pour illustrer – to illustrate  

French Transition words used as temporal markers  

• De temps en temps – every so often  
• Occasionnellement – occasionally  
• Jour après jour – day after day  
• Brièvement – briefly  
• Pendant longtemps – for a long time  
• A cette époque-là – in those days  
• Avant cette date – before then  
• Au début – in the beginning  

French Transition words for showing cause  

• En consequence – accordingly  
• Par conséquent – as a result  
• C'est pourquoi – hence  
• Ainsi – thus  

French Transition words for introducing an opposing point of view  

• D’ailleurs – besides  
• Cependant – however  
• Au contraire – in contrast  
• Néanmoins – nevertheless  
• D'autre part – on the other hand  
• Par contre – on the other hand  

French Transition words for showing similarities between items  

• De la même manière – by the same token  
• De manière correspondante – correspondingly  
• Sans oublier – not to mention  
• Également – equally  
• De manière similaire - similarly  
• De même – likewise  
• Par ailleurs – moreover  

How to Improve Your Use of Conjunctions and Transitions  

If you're looking to level up your French skills, mastering conjunctions and transitions is a key step. Whether you need to pass a proficiency exam, or you’re just aiming to express yourself better, here are some practical tips.  

1. Textbook Learning  

Studying textbooks is a classic method, especially when it comes to mastering the grammar behind subordinate clauses and the subjunctive. Good textbooks are well structured and provide clear explanations, often with exercises to reinforce your learning. Exercises and answers help you practise what you’ve learned and check that you’ve grasped the concepts correctly.  

2. Contextual Learning with Newsdle  

We all know that studying with textbooks can be dry and boring. Enter context-based learning! Newsdle is an ideal resource for this, as it integrates grammar explanations into real news stories. Each lesson provides comprehensive explanations for grammar points you come across in the news item. Newsdle lessons are also accompanied by exercises to test your understanding, making the learning process more engaging.  

Newsdle grammar example in French

3. Listening to Podcasts Repeatedly  

Listening several times to podcast episodes is another great means of reinforcing the material. After several listens, you will start to notice the transition words that a host will use to organise his or her ideas. Or the host might often use a particular conjunctive clause like afin que or bien que , and soon enough you will notice that the host always uses the subjunctive after these two conjunctions. After repeated listens eventually afin que plus the subjunctive will sound natural together.  

Conclusion  

Conjunctions and transition words are like building blocks that can be used to construct smooth and logical sentences in French. Your French communication skills will become more coherent, better organised, and more expressive if you incorporate more French connective words. This not only helps you to better express what you wish to say and add more nuance to your thoughts, but it also makes it easier for native speakers to follow your ideas. The use of conjunctions adds a pleasing flow to your communication, which will be appreciated by your readers or listeners. And mastering the French subjunctive? That's sure to leave native speakers impressed!  

Author  

Nick Dennis  

Nick is an English teacher who has taught English as a Foreign Language in China, Italy and France. He has a Bachelor of Arts (Modern Languages), majoring in French, from the University of New South Wales. He loves travel, reading and football and, of course, learning languages. Four years ago, Nick and his wife co-founded an online English language school targeted at the Chinese market (since sold to Chinese investors). He has also ghost-written the autobiography of a well-known Australian horse trainer.

Extensive reading in French will not only unlock the beauty of the French language but also gain insights into its culture and heritage. Happy reading, and enjoy exploring new worlds through the pages of French texts!  

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French Connecting Words List

by John Elkhoury | Learning French | 11 comments

When writing or speaking in French, you’ll need those special linking words and transitions to make your speech or paper flow smoothly. Connecting words also serve a guide for your audience into your next set of thoughts. For example, read any well-constructed French text and you’ll find these words. So, French connecting words are hence, vital to any French learner because of their common application. My article below will present for you a list of French connecting words, indicators of when they are used and a couple example sentences of mine.

Phrases to introduce a topic

d’abord tout d’abord avant tout premièrement en premier lieu

Tout d’abord , il faut que vous résolviez le problème avant de continuer. First of all, you must solve the problem before continuing.

Words to oppose a topic

mais cependant néanmoins pourtant toutefois or d’un autre côté par contre en revanche tout de même quant même

Parfois la lecture est fatigante, néanmoins elle est nécessaire pour le succès au niveau universitaire. Sometimes reading is tiring, however it is necessary to being successful at the university level.

Phrases to focus in

à ce sujet à ce propos en ce domaine du point de vue de dans ce cas dans le cadre de quant à Dans ce cas , il n’y avait pas de victoire pour l’armée française pendant la guerre. In this case, there wasn’t a victory for the French army during the war.

Words to express an alternative

d’une côte…, de l’autre… soit…, soit… ou…, ou… ou bien

Soit vous attaquez, soit vous préparez les défenses mon capitaine. Either you attack or prepare the defenses captain.

Words to generalize

d’une facon générale en général globalement en règle générale

En général , les américains adorent McDo. In general, Americans love Mcdonalds.

Words to justify actions

d’ailleurs par exemple justement la preuve (c’est que) ça prove que ça montre que ça confirm que

D’ailleurs , s’il avait mangé le gâteau, il aurait eu un crise cardiaque.  Incidentally, if he had eaten the cake, he would’ve had a heart attack.

Terms for precision

en fait en réalité à vrai dire autrement dit en d’autres termes en un mot

Les “patriots” pendant la guerre d’indépendance des États-Unis étaient, en réalité , des insurgents contre la Couronne. The patriots during the American revolution   were, in reality, insurgents against the Crown.

Phrases to conclude with

en tout cas de toute façon cela étant cela dit quoi qu’il en soit après tout en définitive finalement en somme somme toute en find de compte apès réflexion (en) bref en conclusion pour conclure en résumé En conclusion , je suis encore un peu sceptique à dire qu’il y a l’américanisation en France. In conclusion, I am still a bit skeptical to say there is Americanization in France.

Additional French phrases suggested in the comment section

quand même d’un côté…, de l’autre… ça prouve que ça confirme que en fin de compte après réflexion

I hope you enjoyed the list! Remember to sprinkle these words in when you need them. The list allows you to do things, such as oppose a viewpoint, without having to use the same connecting word over and over again. If you have any more connecting words that you don’t see above, share them below in the comment section!

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11 Comments

Great list for those who are advanced French speakers. May I suggest that definitions for each (rather than simply categories) would help one to learn to use them correctly?

Hi, Kathleen! No problem, I can put definitions and some example sentences in the future.

Le verbe résolussiez n’existe pas en français ! Tout d’abord, il faut que vous résolviez le problème avant de continuer.

There is not a very good list of words there should be a better list of words but the words that are there are good.

I disagree. This list has almost 70 French terms that you can use in a paper or debate with example sentences. How does that not constitute a good list? Other sources give you 10 words and expect you to be fine with that.

Your comment is borderline contradictory and doesn’t make much sense. For this reason, I was considering moderating it. If you would like to make the list better, you can always suggest more words to add.

quanD meme?

Yep, plus *d’un côté…, de l’autre… *ça prouve que *ça confirme que *en fin de compte *après réflexion

Thank you for this list :)

No problem for the list, thanks for suggesting terms I did not include! I can’t believe I originally forgot “quand même”, which is used very often in French.

Bonne journée :)

I think the comment was about the spelling mistake : quand, not quant… Good list anyway!

quant is correct (different from quand)

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Writing essays in French Cheat Sheet by JAM

Useful expressions to help structure your A level French essay.

Introd­ucing the first argument

Adding and listing arguments

Listing arguments - start.

Listing arguments - middle

Listing arguments - end

Indicating the reason for something

Expressing contrast / concession

Introd­ucing one's own point of view.

In conclusion

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• Languages: English français (French)
• Published: 21st September, 2013
• Last Updated: 26th February, 2020
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these are very helpful thank you

Simple et utile, j'aime.

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Published on October 6th, 2023 | by Adrian Lomezzo

How to Write an Essay in French Without Giving Yourself Away as a Foreigner

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-quote-on-a-paper-5425603/

Bienvenue! Do you dream of unleashing your inner French literary genius, but worry that your writing might inadvertently reveal your foreign roots? Fret not, mes amis, as we have the ultimate guide to help you master the art of essay writing en Français!

Within these pages, we’ll navigate the intricate waters of linguistic nuances, cultural subtleties, and grammatical finesse, allowing you to exude the aura of a native French speaker effortlessly. Many students like you have embarked on this journey, seeking academic assistance from platforms like  https://paperwritten.com/  to conquer their writing pursuits.

From crafting a compelling introduction to fashioning impeccable conclusions, we’ll unveil the secrets that will leave your professors applauding your newfound linguistic prowess. So, bid adieu to those awkward linguistic giveaways and embrace the sheer elegance of French expression – all while keeping your foreign identity beautifully concealed! Let’s embark on this adventure together and unlock the true essence of writing like a native French virtuoso.

1.   Mastering French Grammar and Vocabulary: Building a Strong Foundation

To create a compelling French essay, it’s essential to lay a solid groundwork. Ensure that your French grammar is accurate and that you possess a rich vocabulary. Avoid relying on online translators, as they may yield awkward or incorrect sentences. Instead, embrace reputable dictionaries and language resources to enhance your language skills effectively.

2.   Mimic Sentence Structures: The Art of Authentic Expression

To truly immerse yourself in the French language, observe and mimic the sentence structures used by native speakers. Analyzing essays written by experienced writers can prove invaluable in grasping the authentic style required to compose a captivating essay.

3.   Use Transition Words: Crafting a Smooth Flow of Ideas

In French essays, the use of transition words and phrases plays a pivotal role in connecting ideas seamlessly. Incorporate expressions like “de plus,” “en outre,” “en conclusion,” “tout d’abord,” and “par conséquent” to add coherence and elegance to your writing.

4.   Embrace French Idioms and Expressions: Unveiling Cultural Fluency

Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the French language and culture by incorporating idioms and expressions where appropriate. However, remember to use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming your essay.

5.   Pay Attention to Formality: Striking the Right Tone

Tailor the formality of your writing to suit the context of your essay. Whether you are crafting an academic piece or a more personal creation, be mindful of your choice of vocabulary and sentence structures to match the required tone.

6.   Research Cultural References: The Power of In-depth Knowledge

If your essay touches upon French culture, history, or literature, extensive research is key. Delve into your subjects to avoid mistakes and showcase your genuine interest in the matter at hand.

7.   Avoid Direct Translations: Let French Be French

To avoid awkward phrasing, strive to think in French rather than translating directly from your native language. This will lead to a more natural and eloquent essay.

8.   Practice Writing Regularly: The Path to Proficiency

Mastering the art of French writing requires regular practice. Embrace writing in French frequently to grow more comfortable with the language and refine your unique writing style.

9.   Read French Literature: A Gateway to Inspiration

Explore the world of French literature to expose yourself to diverse writing styles. This practice will deepen your understanding of the language and immerse you further in French culture and history.

10.   Connect with French Culture: Bridges of Cultural Resonance

Incorporate cultural references that resonate with French readers, such as art, cuisine, festivals, historical figures, or social customs. Authenticity is key, so avoid relying on stereotypes.

11.   Use a French Thesaurus: Expanding Your Linguistic Palette

Discovering new contextually appropriate words can elevate your writing. Embrace a French thesaurus to find synonyms that may not be apparent through direct translations.

12.   Master French Punctuation: The Finishing Touch

Take care to use correct French punctuation marks, such as guillemets (« ») for quotes and proper accent marks. These subtle details add a professional touch to your essay.

13.   Practice French Rhetorical Devices: Crafting Eloquent Prose

Experiment with rhetorical devices like parallelism, repetition, and antithesis to lend depth and sophistication to your writing.

14.   Pay Attention to Word Order: Unlocking French Sentence Structure

French boasts a unique sentence structure distinct from English. Dive into the intricacies of subject-verb-object order and grasp the art of organizing sentences to sidestep common foreign mistakes. Embracing this essential aspect will elevate your writing to a truly native level.

15.   Use French Idiomatic Expressions: Infuse Cultural Flair

Enrich your prose with the colorful tapestry of French idioms, reflecting the vibrant essence of the culture. Yet, a word of caution – wield them with finesse, for the strategic placement of an idiom can imbue your essay with unparalleled flair and authenticity.

16.   Master Pronouns and Agreement: The Dance of Language

The dance of pronouns, nouns, and adjectives requires your keen attention. Like a skilled performer, ensure their seamless alignment to avoid inadvertently revealing your non-native status. Mastering this harmony is key to writing like a true Francophone.

17.   Understand Subtle Connotations: Unveiling Linguistic Shades

Delve into the labyrinth of French words, where subtle connotations diverge from their English counterparts. Familiarize yourself with these delicate nuances, for it is in their mastery that your writing shall find refinement.

18.   Study Formal and Informal Registers: Tailoring Language to Purpose

Akin to selecting the perfect outfit for each occasion, comprehend the art of using formal and informal language. Consider your essay’s purpose and audience, and with this knowledge, enhance your authenticity, seamlessly aligning with the appropriate linguistic register.

19.   Practice Dialogue Writing: Conversing with Eloquence

Embark on the journey of dialogue writing to enrich your linguistic repertoire. As you hone your conversational skills, watch as authenticity gracefully weaves itself into your written work, enchanting readers with its charm.

20.   Seek Feedback: A Second Set of Eyes

To refine your essay further, seek the guidance of a native French speaker or language tutor from the  best cheap essay writing services . Their valuable feedback can uncover any language or cultural mistakes you may have made, allowing you to make necessary improvements.

Equip yourself with these priceless tips and set forth on your quest to master the art of French writing. Embrace the language’s allure, immerse in its rich culture, and watch your words flow with grace and poise. À la plume! Let the pen become your ally in crafting captivating prose that echoes with authenticity and charm. 

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About the Author

Adrian Lomezzo is a content writer and likes to write about technology and education. He understands the concern of parents due to the evolving technology and researches deeply in that area. When he is not researching, he buries himself in books along with his favorite cup of hot chocolate.

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