French grammar: emploi des expressions de cause, conséquence, but, opposition et concession

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

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.