10 Indispensable Logical Connectors to improve your French speaking skills!

Summary

This video lesson introduces ten essential logical connectors in French to improve fluency and coherence in both speech and writing. Each connector is explained with practical examples, demonstrating its usage in various contexts such as presentations, essays, and formal communication. The connectors covered include 'en l'occurrence', 'tel que', 'à savoir', 'entre autres', and others. The video aims to help learners enhance their sentence structure and express ideas more clearly, providing useful tips on common mistakes and proper usage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Logical connectors are essential for fluent, well-organized, and coherent expression in French, both in writing and speaking.
• 😀 The connector 'en l'occurrence' is used to provide clarification or precision to a statement, meaning 'in this case' or 'in this situation'.
• 😀 'Tel que' is used to introduce examples and must agree with the noun it modifies. It can also be used to emphasize the manner in which an action is performed.
• 😀 'À savoir' is used to introduce an explanation or enumeration, meaning 'that is to say'. It often follows a noun and is followed by a comma or colon.
• 😀 'Entre autres' means 'among others' and is used to specify particular examples. It is often preferred in speech, while 'entre autres choses' is more formal in writing.
• 😀 'À moins que' introduces a condition and is followed by the subjunctive when there are two subjects in the sentence.
• 😀 'D'ailleurs' has multiple meanings, such as confirming a prior statement, providing new information, or expressing concession. It can be used in a more familiar or colloquial context.
• 😀 'Par ailleurs' is used to introduce a new, sometimes unrelated piece of information, often in writing rather than speech.
• 😀 'Faute de' indicates a lack of something and is followed by a noun or infinitive. It means 'due to a lack of' or 'for want of'.
• 😀 'Encore que' introduces a concession and is used to nuance or rectify the preceding statement. It is followed by the subjunctive.
• 😀 'Étant donné que' introduces a cause and is equivalent to 'since' or 'because'. It is followed by an indicative verb and remains invariable.

Q & A

What is the purpose of logical connectors in French?

Logical connectors in French are essential for making speech and writing more fluent, organized, and coherent. They help structure and clarify ideas in both oral and written communication.

How is the connector 'en l'occurrence' used in French?

'En l'occurrence' is used to provide clarification or a specific example in a given situation. It means 'in this case' or 'in this situation,' and is often used to refine or elaborate on a previous statement.

What is the difference between 'tel que' and 'comme'?

'Tel que' is similar to 'comme' and is used to introduce examples or lists. However, 'tel que' must agree in gender and number with the noun it refers to, while 'comme' does not require this agreement.

What is the correct usage of the connector 'à savoir'?

'À savoir' means 'that is to say' and is used to introduce an explanation or enumeration. It follows a noun or noun phrase that needs further clarification.

What is the function of the connector 'entre autres'?

'Entre autres' is used to introduce specific examples or items within a larger group. It can be placed either between two clauses or at the end of a sentence.

When is the connector 'à moins que' followed by the subjunctive?

'À moins que' introduces a condition and is followed by the subjunctive when there are two different subjects in the sentence. For example, 'Nous irons la chercher à la gare, à moins qu'elle préfère rentrer à pied.'

How does 'd'ailleurs' differ from 'par ailleurs'?

'D'ailleurs' is used to confirm or add something to the previous information, and it can also mean 'by the way.' On the other hand, 'par ailleurs' introduces new, often unrelated, information or an additional argument.

What does 'faute de' express in French?

'Faute de' means 'for lack of' or 'due to the absence of,' and it indicates that the absence of something leads to a specific consequence. It is never followed by a negation.

What does the connector 'encore que' introduce?

'Encore que' is used to introduce a concession or to correct or nuance a previous statement. It is followed by the subjunctive and typically appears in the second clause of a sentence.

When is 'étant donné que' used, and how does it function?

'Étant donné que' means 'given that' and introduces a cause or reason. It is synonymous with 'puisque' and is followed by the indicative. This connector is often used to explain the reason behind an action or situation.