Je suis resté à la maison parce qu'il pleuvait.
English: I stayed at home because it was raining.
- Language
- French
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Expressions complexes et idiomatiques
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
These are common French expressions used to show cause (why something happens), consequence (what results), goal (the purpose), opposition (contrasting ideas), and concession (unexpected contrast).
When to use it
Use these expressions to connect ideas in a sentence or between sentences. They help explain reasons, results, intentions, differences, or unexpected situations.
Key forms
- Cause: parce que, puisque, à cause de, en raison de
- Consequence: donc, alors, c'est pourquoi, ainsi, par conséquent
- Goal: pour, afin de, dans le but de
- Opposition: mais, alors que, tandis que, en revanche
- Concession: bien que, quoique, malgré, même si
Examples
Il a beaucoup travaillé, donc il a réussi.
English: He worked a lot, so he succeeded.
Elle étudie pour réussir l'examen.
English: She studies in order to pass the exam.
Il aime le café, alors que je préfère le thé.
English: He likes coffee, whereas I prefer tea.
Bien qu'il soit fatigué, il continue à travailler.
English: Although he is tired, he keeps working.
Tips
- After 'pour', use the infinitive form of the verb: 'pour réussir'.
- 'Bien que' and 'quoique' are followed by the subjunctive mood.
- Do not confuse 'parce que' (cause) with 'pour' (goal/purpose).
Exceptions and edge cases
- 'Malgré' is followed by a noun, not a verb: 'malgré la pluie'.
- Some expressions require the subjunctive, like 'bien que', but others do not.