Questions and Answers
What does 'd'abord' mean?
What is the meaning of 'on commence par/ à'?
What does 'aborder' signify?
this is commencer at a higher level
What does 'examiner' mean?
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What does 'd'une part....d'autre part' express?
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What does 'c'est-à-dire' mean?
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What does 'cependant' mean?
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What is the meaning of 'donc'?
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What does 'en effet,' indicate?
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What does 'en conclusion, bref' mean?
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What is the meaning of 'pour conclure,'?
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Study Notes
French Transition Words and Their Uses
- Transition words enhance writing coherence by linking ideas and structuring arguments.
Beginning Expressions
- d'abord: Used to introduce the first point.
- on commence par/ à: Indicates the start of a discussion.
- aborder: Means to begin an analysis or discussion at a deeper level.
Examination and Analysis
- examiner: To examine; fundamental for critical evaluation.
Presenting Opposing Opinions
- d'une part....d'autre part: Presents contrasting viewpoints; on one hand... on the other hand.
- d'un côte......d'autre côté: Similar use to present opposing arguments.
Referencing Sources
- selon & d'après: Both mean "according to" and introduce quotes or sources.
- au dire de: More formal way to say "according to," often introducing a quote.
Author's Position
- auteur affirme que: The author states or confirms a point.
- auteur soutient que: The author holds or supports an argument.
Indicating Contrast or Change
- cependant: Means "however," signaling a significant change in argument.
- pourtant,: Signifies 'yet' or 'though,' used after a comma for strong breaks.
- mais,: Translates to 'but,' requiring a comma for a complete break.
- or,: A stronger contrasting word used to introduce a new idea.
Conditional or Concessive Expressions
- encore que: Indicates contrast, similar to "although," takes subjunctive mood.
- quand même: Functions similarly to encore que, indicating contrast.
Conclusion Indicators
- aussi: Can mean 'therefore,' at the start of a sentence for logical progression.
- ainsi: Means 'in this way,' with subject-verb inversion when not preceded by a comma.
Continuing Ideas
- d'ailleurs: Used to add information incidentally.
- en plus: Means 'furthermore' or 'additionally.'
- en outre: Similar to en plus, indicates additional points.
Cause and Effect
- du fait que + indicatif: Means 'owing to the fact that,' linking cause and effect in discussions.
- alors que: Translates to 'while' or 'even though,' used to transition between points.
Expressing Concessions
- bien que + sujet + verb: Indicates concession (subjunctive).
- quoique: Similar to "although," used in the indicative mood.
Summative Expressions
- en effet,: Concludes with "in effect," summarizing preceding arguments.
- donc,: Signifies 'therefore,' used to lead to logical conclusions.
Finalization Phrases
- pour conclure,: Directly summarizes and closes a discussion.
- en conclusion, bref: Means 'in conclusion, briefly,' for summarizing key points.
- en fin,: Indicates closure, summarizing the final thoughts.
- finalement: Signifies the final point, typically used in concluding paragraphs.
Manner and Virtue Expressions
- de la manière dont: Suggests "in the manner" of something discussed.
- en vertu de: Means "in virtue of," often used in legal or formal contexts.
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Description
This quiz features essential French transition words along with their meanings. Use these flashcards to enhance your understanding of structuring essays and improving your French writing skills. Ideal for students looking to elevate their language proficiency.
