French Transition Words Flashcards

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.

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.