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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.

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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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French Transition Words: A Comprehensive Manual

Transition words may not seem like much, but when added to sentences they can really make a whole world of difference. From literature to debates, they’re widely used and essential to learn if you’re looking to boost your conversational skills.

Are you ready to learn everything there is to know about French transition words?

Enfin (Finally)

If there’s a weapon you can use to end all sentences, it’s this word. It also doubles up as an interjection when fulfilling the role of words like “at least”, “well” and “all in all” to name a few.

Example: Enfin, le spectacle est terminé (Finally, the show is over)

Dès que (As soon as)

As you can probably guess from its English translation, dès que is used with future tenses. It works especially well when threatening someone, or discussing an unscheduled meeting or flaky ambitions.

Example: Dès que les nuages arrivent, il va pleuvoir (As soon as the clouds come, it’ll rain)

Comme / Puisque (Since)

Comme : It relays reason as well as outcome within a sentence. It’s usually placed at the beginning. Puisque: This is merely used to explain something. It has no set placement in a sentence, but you’re more likely to find it either at the beginning or somewhere in the middle.

Example: Puisque tu es debout, lave toi les dents! (Since you’re up, brush your teeth!)

En fait (In fact)

One of the easiest transition words to remember since it’s so alike its English counterpart, this one is practically self-explanatory. As well as being widely used in conversational and casual French as an equivalent to “basically”, one might also find it in a research paper at the beginning of a conclusive paragraph for instance.

Example: En fait, nous avons visité le parc l’année dernière (In fact, we visited the park last year)

En plus / En outre (Also or In addition)

If you’re having a conversation and want to add on to something that’s already been mentioned, other than opting for the mainstream aussi (also) it’s the perfect opportunity to use  en plus . Similarly, en outre  is a good one to use in writing.

Example: En plus, j’ai eu une pizza hier soir (In addition, I had a pizza last night)

Watch the video below to discover even more French transition words

À mon avis (In my opinion)

Before you start talking about all the scenes you loved in the latest big franchise film, start off with this transition and you’ll sound like a French pro from the get-go.

Example: À mon avis, les héros ne portent pas toujours de capes (In my opinion, heroes don’t always wear capes)

Après que (After/when)

Being a compound conjunction, this term requires to be used only when followed by a verb.

Example: Je vais lire après avoir regardé un episode (I’ll read after I watch an episode)

Bien que (Although / even though)

This French transition verb allows you to highlight a particular contrast or to add certain conditions to statements.

Example: Je vais danser, bien que j’aime chanter (I will dance, although I like to sing)

D’abord (First of all)

Whether you’re giving someone directions, talking about something exciting that happened to you or giving a set of instructions, this should be your go-to transition word.

Example: D’abord, tournez à gauche (First of all, take a left turn)

It may be small, but it can make all the difference in the world. This term can be placed in such a way that it implies causation within a sentence.

Example: Elle passait devant, donc je lui ai fais un signe (She passed by, so I waved her)

Pour ma part / Pour moi (For me)

It’s all about you! That’s right, when you’re discussing something regarding yourself these transition words are the ones to go for, especially if you’re in need of a little bit of that spotlight! The first one is best for stating opinions, while the second one is perfect for ordering food.

Example: Pourrais-je avoir des pâtes pour moi, s’il vous plaît? (For me, I’ll have the pasta please.)

Puis (Then)

This is one of the most frequently used terms in French, whether that’s verbally or in literature. Trust us, you won’t be able to stop noticing it everywhere from here on out!

Example: Puis, elle lava la vaisselle (Then, she washed the dishes)

Ainsi que (As well as)

When you’re having a conversation with someone and you want to extend or discuss more on a certain topic, ainsi que is the transition word for you. It’s also pretty useful if you’re listing a succession of things one after the other.

Example: Elle visiterait l’église ainsi que le temple (She would visit the Church as well as the Temple)

Avant que (Before)

Here, because of the que the phrase is a compound conjunction.

Example: Jenny va rentrer chez elle avant que sa mère se reveille. (Jenny is going home before her mother wakes up)

Quoi Que (No matter what)

Here’s another useful colloquial transition word to get familiar with. Let’s see how it’s used in an example.

Example: Quoi qu’il arrive, je vais le soumettre aujourd’hui (No matter what happens, I’ll submit it today)

Quoique (Even though)

No, you’re not seeing double – this transition word is completely different from the above. Yes, really! There are two things to keep in mind when it comes to quoique in one word – it never takes a space between the quoi and the que , and it’s the French equivalent of “even though”. It also happens to be exactly the same as bien que  too.

Example: Il viendra, quoique c’est tard (He will come, even though it’s late)

Cependant (However, nonetheless)

When you want to talk about a contradiction, then the adverb cependant can be used and placed at the start of a sentence to become a transition word instead.

Example: Cependant, le rendez-vous était plus long que prévu (However, the meeting was longer than expected)

Ensuite (Next)

If you are giving directions or simply recounting an event, this is the transition word to use.

Example: Ensuite, nous avons bu du lait (Next, we drank milk)

Parce que / Car (Because)

There’s a fine line between these two, and you’ll have to tread carefully. While the first one is widely used as the French equivalent of “because”, car   leans more towards meaning “since” or “for” instead.

Example: Ils adorent naviguer parce que ca donne de l’adrénaline (They love to sail, because it gives them adrenaline)

Tant que (As long as)

By itself, tant is used to express an undefined quantity of something. But with a slight modification and by adding the faithful que , it becomes a transitional word.

Example: Tant que tu m’aimes (As long as you love me)

Pour que (So that)

Not only will using pour que most likely earn you brownie points amongst native speakers, this transition word really makes your sentences stand out as well. It’s a win-win on both accounts!

Example: Mange maintenant pour que tu puisses aller au théâtre (Eat now so that you can go to theater)

Lorsque / Quand (When)

Although either of these can be used, the first one is usually used in a more formal context. It’s also good to know that lorsque can imply “whereas” and quand can also mean “whenever”

Example: Becky se baignait quand vous êtes arrivés (Becky was bathing when you arrived)

En revanche / Par contre (On the other hand, in opposition)

Last but not least, these transition words are used to create a clear contrast between two things.

Example: Henry était un mauvais politicien mais par contre Julien était pire (Henry was a bad politician, but on the other hand Julien was worse)

Yes, that’s finally it – we made it to the end!  À mon avis , you’ve now gained enough knowledge to easily manoeuvre your way through a conversation in French than avant que you started this lesson, no?

See you next lesson – and in the meantime, don’t forget to practice!  If you do need any help, don’t hesitate to get into contact with one of our online French Tutors .

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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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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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French Transition Words

Learn french online.

For anybody learning a language, transition words generally aren't first on the list. Once you've mastered nouns and basic French phrases, transition words are important key for hanging your sentences together.

What are French Transition words?

Pensent-ils comme nous? = Do they think like/as we do?

C'est une excuse comme une autre  = It's as good an excuse as any.

Elle est arrivé comme je commençais à manger: = She arrived as I was starting to eat.

Comme elle est pas là, je vais le faire: = Since she's not here, I'm going to do it.

C'est facile comme tout: = It's as easy as can be.

Tu peux partir puisque tu es malade: = You can leave, since you're sick.

Puisque c'était son erreur, il m'a aidé: = Since it was his mistake, he helped me.

Oui, puisque John ira avec elle: = Of course she will, because John's going with her.

La loi ontarienne prévoit cependant une classification puisque le par: = The Ontario Statute envisages, however, a classification system since

T'aurais du puisque c'est là que nous étions: = I was about to call the police. Well, you should have, since that's where we've been.

Chaque couche est déposée sous forme liquide puis solidifiée: = Each layer is deposited in a liquid form and is then solidified.

j'ai fait mes devoirs puis j'ai regardé la télé: = I did my homework then I watched TV.

Feuilles bronzées ou oranges puis brunissent et tombent: = Leaves turn bronze or orange, then brown and drop.

j'ai une soeur, Sonia, (et) puis il y a mon frère...: = I have a sister, Sonia, (and) then there's my brother...

Repérer Double- Face, puis le tuer: = Get a fix on Two- Face. Then I' il kill him.

Les chambres peuvent en outre être reliées: = The chambers may also be connected

L'image est, en outre, utilisée pour la détection et la poursuite de cibles ponctuelles: = The image is also used for point target detection and tracking.

Un principe biologiquement actif tel qu'un agent anti-thrombose peut en outre être fixé à la surface modifiée: = Also, a biologically active agent such as an anti-thrombotic agent may be attached to the modified surface.

Les ressorts peuvent en outre fixer mécaniquement le transformateur dans sa position: = The springs can additionally mechanically secure the transformer in position.

La tête peut en outre avoir un ou plusieurs trous pour outils: = Additionally, the head can have one or more tool holes.

Ça ne prouve rien parce que...: No. = No, this doesn't prove anything because...

Tout ça parce que je prends une journée de repos: = I don't see why you're being so disagreeable just because I got a chance for one day of rest.

Probablement parce que vous étiez avec moi: = I suppose it's because you happened to be with me in the runabout.

Excuse-moi, c'est parce que... = That's because I'm not used to having someboy next to me.

Ce feed-back est intéressant parce que nous travaillons souvent seuls = Such feedback is interesting because you are so often alone when carrying out your task.

On est brisés parce que tu as fui: = Well, if we're all broken, maybe it's because - You walked away.

Modéré, car nous devons être modestes = It is moderate because we have to be modest.

Cette mesure est décevante car incomplète = This measure is disappointing because it is deficient.

Saluons ces progrès et ces ouvertures car ils sont fondamentaux = Let us salute this progress and these achievements because they are fundamental.

Celui-ci est très complet car il comprend 4 mesures distinctes = It is a very comprehensive text because it contains four distinct measures.

Cette méthode est complètement Indolore car non-invasive et sécuritaire = This method is completely painless because it is non-invasive and secured.

On est sortis pour que John puisse trafiquer la voiture = Such as you went out with me last night... so that John could get a shot at the little car.

Je lui explique pour qu'il comprenne = I'm explaining to him so that he understands.

Aidez-nous pour que personne ne soit au milieu = We need you to help So that no one gets in the line of fire.

J'apprends le tango pour que nous dansions ensemble = I'm learning the tango so that we may dance together.

Nous devons collaborer pour que toutes les parties fonctionnent mieux = We need to collaborate with one another so that all of the parts work better.

Le grand disciplinaire... sait quand récompenser et quand punir = The great disciplinarian... knows when to reward and when to punish.

Ça disparaîtra peut-être quand tout sera transformé - je ne sais pas quand = Perhaps once everything has been transformed it will disappear - I don't know when.

Je sais quand accélérer et quand ralentir = I know when to speed up and when to slow down.

On me disait quand manger, quand dormir, quand marcher, quand parler, tout = It was like, they tell me when to eat, when to sleep, when to walk, when to talk, everything.

Final Words

Learning to speak and write French is quite tough endeavour with long-term benefits. Gather your knowledge and become an impressive smooth talker by keeping above French transition words in your back pocket.

Related Lessons in Newcomer Course, to further your understanding.

Top 5 Ways to Say You’re Welcome in French

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Ways to Say Beautiful in French

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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 Grammar: Transitional Words and Phrases

Posted by LEAF Architect on Thursday, June 26, 2014 · Leave a Comment  

French Grammar: Transitional Words and Phrases Creative Commons Image via The LEAF Project

French Grammar: Transitional Words and Phrases la grammaire française: les connecteurs logiques

Transitional words and phrases help to keep stories moving along. They can indicate the order or placement of events over time, and can help link events together in a cohesive manner.

d’abord : first

D’abord , allons au magasin. First, let’s go to the store.

tout d’abord : first of all

Tout d’abord , allons au magasin. First of all, let’s go to the store.

puis / ensuite / alors : next / then

Puis , nous promenons le chien. Ensuite , nous promenons le chien. Alors , nous promenons le chien. Next, we walk the dog.

Puis , nous arrosons les plantes. Ensuite , nous arrosons les plantes. Alors , nous arrosons les plantes. Then, we water the plants. 

enfin / finalement : finally

Enfin , nous prenons le déjeuner. Finalement , nous prenons le déjeuner. Finally, we have lunch.

avant : before

Fermez la porte avant de sortir, s’il vous plaît. Close the door before exiting, please.

après : after

Je vais faire une sieste après l’examen. I am going to take a nap after the exam.

bientôt : soon

Nous partons bientôt . We are leaving soon.

plus tard : later

À plus tard ! See you later!

aussi : also / too

Je parle français et espagnol aussi . I speak French and Spanish, also.

parce que : because

Je vais boire quelque chose parce que j’ai soif. I am going to drink something because I am thirsty.

donc : so / therefore

Je n’aime pas le fast-food; donc , je ne mange jamais chez MacDo. I don’t like fast food, so I never eat at McDonald’s.

Elle achète un magazine et il achète le journal. She is buying a magazine and he is buying the newspaper.

Il aime danser, mais pas trop. He likes to dance, but not too much.

même si : even if

Je vais à la bibliothèque même si tu ne veux pas. I am going to the library even if you ( familiar ) do not want to.

Tu préfères jouer au football ou au football américain? Do you ( familiar ) prefer to play soccer or football?

puisque : since

Puisqu’ il pleut aujourd’hui, le match a été annulé. Since it’s raining today, the game has been cancelled.

Je peux t’accompagner si tu veux. I can accompany you ( familiar ) if you want.

Nous devons travailler d’abord. We have to work first.

Et puis, nous allons au cinéma. And then, we will go to the movies.

Avant de manger, ouvrons le vin. Before we eat, let’s open the wine.

Les jeunes arrivent bientôt. The kids (youths) are arriving soon.

Elle va téléphoner plus tard à ses parents. She is going to phone her parents later.

J’aime les maths et mon frère aime les sciences. I like math and my brother likes science.

Puisque je ne me sens pas bien, je reste au lit aujourd’hui. Since I do not feel well, I am staying in bed today.

• YouTube/French From Beginners to Advanced: The connecting words

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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. 

Header Photo Credit by George Milton: https://www.pexels.com/photo/smiling-woman-in-eyeglasses-with-books-7034478/

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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20 French Filler Words [with Audio]

Filler words are used in every language, such as “um,” “well” or “like” in English.

Using the French versions can help you sound more like a native speaker and make your speech flow more naturally.

With these 20 indispensable French filler words, you’ll be able to take pauses while speaking without leaving awkward silences.

Some will also help you emphasize what you’re saying, contradict or affirm, summarize your thoughts or transition to another topic.

You’ve surely heard them, and by reading this post you’ll be able to use them, too!

Essential French Filler Words

6. ben oui , ben non, 7. en fait  , 9. quand même  , 15. tu vois, 16. franchement, 17. bah oui, 19. eh bien, 20. nan, mais…, why use french filler words, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

If you enjoy video lessons, check out this video to learn 12 phrases that will help you sound more natural when speaking French: 

And here are even more French filler words and phrases that are commonly used by native speakers:

A lors is probably the most common filler word and translates to “so” or “well” in English.   It’s often not regarded as an “informal” filler word. This word   can be heard in classrooms (by both students and teachers), speeches, business presentations and even in political proceedings. In fact, you can even use it in formal writing !

It’s often used as a transition word at the beginning of a sentence to draw attention to a topic or a change of topic, like in this example:

Alors , comment ça va ? (So, how’s it going?)

Ça va bien, merci. Et toi ? (It’s going well, thanks. And you?)

Alors can also be used in place of the English expression “So what?” In this sense, it asks for clarification of a previous statement, often in a rude or sarcastic way.

J’ai déjà lu ce livre. (I already read that book.)

Et alors ? (So what?)

Euh is another extremely common filler word. It’s the French equivalent of the English word “uh” or “um,” and it’s used pretty much the same way. Like in English, euh is generally used as a pause or a moment to think. Unlike alors , it’s very informal .

Est-ce que je peux avoir, euh … un stylo ? (Can I have, uh… a pen?)

Euh , oui. (Uh, yes.)

Quoi is perhaps the most confusing filler word for beginner French learners. Technically, it translates to “what” in English, and it’s used to ask questions.

Tu as fait quoi ? (You did what?)

As a filler word, quoi better translates as “you know?” or the British “innit?” It’s used to give weight or highlight what you’re saying.

C’est une belle tour, quoi ? (It’s a beautiful tower, you know?)

Related to quoi,   hein  is another popular French filler word.  Hein translates to the English word “huh,” and it can be used in many ways. Firstly, it can be used to indicate that you don’t understand something that has been said. However, be aware that this isn’t very polite.

Dépêche-toi ! Tu vas rater le train ! (Hurry up! You’re going to miss the train!)

Hein ? (Huh?)

J’ai dit que tu vas rater le train ! (I said that you’re going to miss the train!)

Secondly, you can use hein to mean “right?” or in place of the French n’est-ce  pas ?  (Isn’t that right?).

C’est un bon livre, hein ? (It’s a good book, right?)

Euh, oui. (Uh, yes.)

Bref translates to “brief” in English, and its function as a filler word is pretty self-explanatory. It’s the English equivalent of “basically” or “long story short,” and it’s generally used to sum up a long explanation and give the “low-down” on a particular topic.

Bref , j’ai raté l’interro de chimie . (Basically, I failed the chemistry test.)

Pronunciation tip: While you might be tempted to not pronounce the “f” at the end of the word  bref , it actually is pronounced. In theory, the French word  bref should rhyme with the English name “Steph.”

Ben oui  and  ben non are a bit confusing and there’s some debate as to their exact meaning and function . We know the word oui  means “yes,”and  non means “no,” but the word ben can be seen as an informal version of the French word bien (well).

Together, these two expressions translate to “well, yes” or “well, no.” Basically, they’re used as an affirmation or negation of a previous statement or question.

Est-ce que tu veux un boisson ? (Do you want a drink?)

Ben, oui . (Well, yes.)

Et un croissant ? (And a croissant?)

Ben, non . (Well, no.)

En fait literally translates to the English “in fact,” but it should only be used to contradict something. If you want to use the French phrase for “in fact” in order to confirm something, then you should say en effect instead .

The use of en fait  in different social contexts is quite flexible. It can be used in formal French speech as well as in formal French writing. In the informal way, it means “actually.” It can be used when changing your mind, contradicting something that’s been said or clarifying what you’re trying to say.

J’ai conduit pendant cinq heures. En fait , c’était six ! (I drove for five hours. Actually, it was six!)

Pronunciation tip: Like  bref, the “t” at the end of the expression  en fait  is pronounced to rhyme with the other French word  fête (party).

Genre is perhaps the filler word that’s most often confused by beginners.   It technically means “type” or “gender,” but in informal French, it translates more to the English filler word “like” and is used in the same way as “uh” or “like.” 

Je voudrais, genre , un autre crayon. (I want, like, another pencil.)

Pronunciation tip:  Keep in mind that this filler word is often pronounced very quickly in informal situations, so it can sound like  jor instead of what we’d expect:  jen-ruh .

The expression quand même has two meanings in French. It has a formal meaning of “even though” or “still,” but as a filler word, it can translate as “Wow!” or “No way!” In this sense, it’s used to show surprise or excitement about a given topic or revelation.

J’ai eu l’examen ! (I passed the exam!)

Quand même ! (Wow!)

Voilà is used to conclude a statement or to present something. It adds a sense of finality and indicates that the speaker has finished their thought or finished providing the necessary information. It’s similar to saying “That’s it” or “There it is.” 

Com’è il tuo nuovo appartamento ? (How’s your new apartment?)

Il est spacieux, lumineux et il a une belle vue sur la ville. Voilà , c’est ça. (It’s spacious, bright and it has a beautiful view of the city. Well, that’s it.)

Bon is an adjective that means “good” or “delicious,” but it’s also used as a versatile filler word similar to “well” or “OK” in English. It can be used to speed up a story, to begin or end a thought or even to express frustration or annoyance.

Bon , je vais y réfléchir. (Well, I’ll think about it).

When used to wrap up a thought or conversation, bon is often used together with ben. For example:

Bon , ben, je vais te laisser travailler alors. (Alright, well, I’ll let you work then.)

Enfin is used to express relief, satisfaction or the conclusion of a thought or situation. It can also be used to introduce a final point or to transition to a new topic. It adds emphasis and provides a sense of closure.

You can also say enfin bref  (“anyway” or “in short”) which is similar to just saying bref and is used to transition to a new topic or summarize a conversation.

J’ai finalement terminé mon travail, enfin ! (I finally finished my work, at last!)

Bah is a versatile filler word commonly used in French conversations. It can convey a range of meanings depending on the context and intonation, but it normally translates to “well” in English.

It can be used to express hesitation, disappointment or indifference. It can also be used as a way to fill a pause in conversation or express doubt or uncertainty. It’s often employed to express a casual or nonchalant attitude.

Bah , je pense que je vais rester à la maison ce soir. (Well, I think I’ll stay home tonight.)

D’accord, bah amuse-toi bien ! (Alright, well, have a good time!)

Donc is used to express a logical consequence or inference. It can be translated as “so,” “therefore” or “thus” in English and similarly adds coherence and clarity to the conversation by linking related thoughts or actions. 

J’ai oublié mes clés, donc je ne peux pas entrer. (I forgot my keys, so I can’t get in.)

Tu vois translates to “you see” in English. It’s commonly used in conversations to seek confirmation or emphasize a point. It serves as a rhetorical question to engage the listener and ensure their understanding. 

J’ai étudié toute la nuit, tu vois ? (I studied all night, you see?)

Franchement translates to “frankly” or “honestly” in English. It’s used to express sincerity or convey a personal opinion. It adds emphasis and indicates that the speaker is speaking candidly or from their genuine perspective.

Franchement , je pense que c’est une mauvaise idée. (Honestly, I think it’s a bad idea.)

The phrase bah oui is an expression of agreement or affirmation. It’s used to confirm or acknowledge something that’s obvious or known. It conveys a sense of certainty and agreement in a casual or colloquial manner.

Tu viens à la fête ce soir ? (Are you coming to the party tonight?)

Bah oui , bien sûr ! (Yes, of course!)

Tiens is a versatile expression used to express surprise, draw attention or indicate a discovery. It can be translated as “look,” “hey” or “here.” It’s commonly used in situations where something unexpected or interesting is being pointed out or shared. It can add a sense of immediacy and intrigue to the conversation.

Tiens , regarde ce que j’ai trouvé ! (Hey, look what I found!)

The phrase eh bien is used to express hesitation or uncertainty, or to gather one’s thoughts before speaking. It can be translated as “well,” “um” or “so.” It’s often used at the beginning of a sentence or as a pause in conversation. It helps to add a reflective or contemplative tone to the speech.

Eh bien , je ne suis pas sûr de ce que je vais faire. (Well, I’m not sure what I’m going to do.)

Nan, mais… is an informal expression used to convey disagreement or to counter a statement. Nan is a casual form of non meaning “no,” and mais means “but,” so it’s similar to saying “no, but…” in English. 

J’ai entendu dire que ce film était génial. (I heard that this movie was amazing.)

Nan, mais… je l’ai trouvé plutôt ennuyeux, en fait. (No, but… I actually found it rather boring.)

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

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While the topic of filler words may not seem like a big deal compared to French grammar and other vocabulary, these words play a bigger role than you might imagine. In spoken and even in formal written French, filler words make up a surprising amount of the language in terms of frequency. 

Filler words are used by French people every day, so they’re a big part of speaking like a native.  For more ways to sound like a native French speaker, watch the video below.

It’s nice to know that you don’t need to speak with perfection, no matter what language you’re using.

Pausing or hesitating is natural when speaking, and now you have some authentic ways to fill the space in your French sentences ! 

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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