Understanding French Conjunctions
Conjunctions are little words that help us connect other words or groups of words. They are like glue that holds sentences together. In French, just like in English, we use conjunctions to make our sentences more interesting and to show how ideas are related.
Important Points
- Coordinating Conjunctions
- Subordinating Conjunctions
- Correlative Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions join words or groups of words that are similar. They are like bridges connecting two equal parts of a sentence.
Examples
- Je veux un chat et un chien.
- Il est petit, mais fort.
- Elle chante ou danse.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions join a main part of a sentence with a part that depends on it. They help us add more information to our sentences.
Examples
- Je reste ici parce que je suis fatigué.
- Nous irons au parc si il fait beau.
- Elle mange quand elle a faim.
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to join words or groups of words that have a special relationship.
Examples
- Non seulement il est gentil, mais il est aussi intelligent.
- Soit tu viens, soit tu restes.
- Ni lui ni elle ne sait.
Using Conjunctions in Sentences
When using conjunctions, remember they help make your sentences smoother and show how ideas relate to each other. Practice using different conjunctions to get comfortable with them.
Examples
- Il aime lire et écrire.
- Elle est fatiguée, mais heureuse.
- Nous partirons quand tu seras prêt.