Mastering Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are the glue of complex French sentences. They link a dependent clause to an independent one, establishing relationships of time, cause, or condition. Practice this with PrepMyFrench exercises to master the flow of your speech.
Logical Foundations
Cause & Reason
Parce queThe most common 'because'
Je mange parce que j'ai faim.
PuisqueSince / As (known reason)
Puisque tu es là, aide-moi !
CommeSince (placed at start)
Comme il pleut, je reste à la maison.
Time & Sequence
QuandWhen / Whenever
Quand je serai grand, je serai pilote.
Pendant queWhile / During
Je lis pendant que tu dors.
Dès queAs soon as
Dès que j'arrive, je t'appelle.
The Magic of Que
The word 'que' is the ultimate universal linker in French. It often acts as a bridge to introduce a complement clause, and its usage is frequently tied to specific verb moods.
Je pense que tu as raison
I think that you are right
Hypotheticals & Conditions
SiIf / Whether
Si j'avais le temps, je voyagerais.
À condition queProvided that
Je viendrai à condition que tu m'invites.
The Subjunctive Trigger
Warning! Many subordinating conjunctions force the use of the Subjunctive mood instead of the Indicative. If you're unsure, check the PrepMyFrench verb conjugator to find the correct form.
Bien que
Pour que
Avant que
Quoique
Aesthetic Precision
To sound like a native, distinguish between Parce que (neutral cause) and Car (more formal, written style). Mastering these nuances is a key part of the Advanced French Grammar journey.