Recipe for Perfection: 23 Transition Words for

Concocting the Best French Sentences

fluentu.com/blog/french/french-transition-words/

Marissa Macy

Choppy French is a recipe for disaster.

Okay, so maybe it’s not that bad…

But nobody wants their French to sound choppy, right?

Luckily, the French language has quite the catalog of transition words to help hold it all
together.

And let me tell you, the French love their transition words!

Not only do they keep you from sounding robotic, but they’re also the key to writing effective
essays, understanding the literature you’re reading and improving (never stop!) your
comprehension and conversation.

They may be little words, and you could ignore them and get the bare gist of things anyway,
but you’re not that kind of learner, now, are you?

Let’s get to it and start adding these key ingredients to our nouns, verbs and adjectives.

How to Integrate French Transition Words into Your Diet

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Get your feet wet with quizzes
How much do you really know about these words, anyway? Gauging your knowledge with a
few quizzes before you delve into any topic is always a good idea. You may even get a little
confidence boost when you realize that you already know a sizable handful of transition
words!

Check out this quiz from Quizlet.

This one makes noise when you click on words, if you’re into that kind of thing.
And for a challenge, this fill-in-the-blank quiz is the ticket.

If your knowledge is looking kind of rough, make sure to study away using the methods
below.

Extract transition words from real French materials

Transition words are sprinkled all over your French texts (you’re doing your reading, right?).
In order to fully understand what you’re reading, knowing transition words is the final
frontier. The clarity will be unreal! With this in mind, use the words around transition words
to try and guess from context if you’re unsure. If you still aren’t positive as to what a word
means, highlight it for later and look it up in one of your French dictionaries.

You’ll find these fun tie-in words in every type of French literature, from children’s books to
young adult fiction to classic literary masterpieces. Once you know the bulk of them, you can
revel in the wonderful feeling of understanding that much more French text.

Authentic French movies, TV shows and videos are another great place to look and listen for
transition words. You’ll hear how they’re used naturally by real French speakers,
which is invaluable to incorporating them into your own French.

Of course, it’s a little harder to pick out transition words with native French speech
whooshing past your ears. To make things easier, try watching on FluentU.

FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and
inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

Other sites use scripted content. FluentU uses a natural approach that helps you ease into
the French language and culture over time. You’ll learn French as it’s actually spoken by real
people.

FluentU has a wide variety of great content, like interviews and web series, as you can see
here:

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FluentU brings native videos within reach with interactive subtitles.

You can tap on any word to look it up instantly. Every definition has examples that have been
written to help you understand how the word is used.

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For example, if you tap on the word "crois," you'll see this:

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Practice and reinforce all the vocabulary you've learned in a given video with FluentU's
adaptive quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning and
play the mini-games found in the dynamic flashcards, like "fill in the blank."

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As you study, FluentU tracks the vocabulary that you’re learning and uses this information to
give you a 100% personalized experience.

You'll receive video recommendations that suit your interests and current level of progress.

Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the
FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play stores.

Write your own beautiful sentences

I didn’t want to say it, but here it is…practice makes perfect, guys. So get out your pens and
paper, and start on those French sentences! Try writing a paragraph that uses four or five
transition words.

If you’re more into immersion-based learning, make sure to include appropriate transition
words when writing emails to your pen pals, writing entries in your French journal or even in
text messages with another French-speaking friend. You’ll sound oh-so-sophisticated.

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Use transition words with the subjunctive
The subjunctive is nothing to fear, but sometimes it can be difficult to integrate into the
French you actually use. The tendency of some learners is to avoid it (we’ve all been there).
Lucky for you, I’ve noted which of the transitional words and phrases below take the
subjunctive. It shall be ignored no longer! This will give you some French to use right away
while practicing both your transitions and the subjunctive.

If you’re still a beginner, no worries here. Many of these words and phrases don’t require the
subjunctive mood. On the other hand, you always could take the opportunity to learn about
this ultra-useful and fun French staple.

Tying It All Together: 23 Transition Words for Seamless French

1. D’abord
Translation: First of all

D’abord, il faut réchauffer le four. (First of all, you must preheat the oven.)

When you think “transition word,” this may be what you’re thinking. To start with the basics,
here’s one of the first transition words you likely learned in French class. It’s best at the
beginning of sentences, when giving directions or when recounting a series of events.

Subjunctive-friendly? Nah.

2. Ensuite
Translation: Next

Ensuite, je prépare la tarte aux cerises. (Next, I prepare the cherry pie.)

An easy way to remember this one (yet another in the series of your basic transition words),
is that la suite is the sequel or “the next one” in French. It’s a useful piece of vocab when
delving into French book series and films, and this transition word is obviously useful for
continuing a series of events or directions you may be giving.

Subjunctive-friendly? Nuh-uh.

3. Puis

Translation: Then

Puis, je coupe les pêches. (Then, I cut the peaches.)

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Then, you’ve got puis. If you’re unfamiliar with this one, just know that it’ll come up a lot in
literature and conversation. It’s a very useful transition word to have under your belt.
Puis proves to be a good fallback word to have when some of the more specific transition
words slip your mind.

Subjunctive-friendly? Not this one, either.

4. Enfin
Translation: Finally

Enfin, on mange tout. (Finally, we eat everything.)

In our d’abord, ensuite, puis sequence, we end with enfin. This useful word is not only used
as a transition to mark la fin (the end) of something, but is also an interjection—a filler
word, if you will. It can mean “well,” “all in all,” “I mean” or “at least.” It’s a multi-edged
sword. Use it as a transition to an end or to make your conversational French more authentic.

Subjunctive-friendly? Pas du tout (not at all).

5. Ainsi que
Translation: As well as

Je voudrais une tarte aux pommes ainsi que deux boules de glace. (I would like apple pie
as well as two scoops of ice cream.)

Getting into some more advanced vocabulary now, this means “just as.” This conjunction is
useful when elaborating on something you’re already discussing. It can also be used with a
different meaning of “just as,” as in “It went just as I thought.”

Subjunctive-friendly? Nope!

6. Après que
Translation: After/when

Je vais dormir après que je mange toute cette tarte. (I’m going to sleep after I eat all this
pie.)

Bet you’re wondering what the difference is between après que and that old favorite après.
Après is a preposition, and après que is a compound conjunction. All that means is you
use the latter when it’s followed by a verb (like in the example). If you wanted to start a
sentence with “after,” then you would use the preposition:

Après, on va partir. (After, we’re going to leave.)

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Remember that the que helps link the clauses, and you should be good to link the night
away.

Subjunctive-friendly? Technically, no, but French speakers tend to use the subjunctive
after it regardless. So go ahead and get the extra practice.

7. Avant que

Translation: Before

Je vais finir la tarte avant que je nettoie la cuisine. (I’m going to finish the pie before I
clean the kitchen.)

Similar to après que, this conjunction is not to be confused with its definition
without que. The same distinction can be made—avant being the preposition in this case
and avant que the compound conjunction.

Subjunctive-friendly? Yes, and don’t you forget it!

8. Bien que
Translation: Although/even though

Il m’a donné une tarte aux pêches bien que j’aie commandé une tarte aux pommes ! (He
gave me peach pie even though I ordered an apple pie!)

Careful not translate this one to “good that.” This conjunctive phrase is great for showing
contrast and adding “conditions” to things, even though you have to know your subjunctive
to use it.

Subjunctive-friendly? Oh, most definitely.

9. Dès que
Translation: As soon as

Dès que la tarte arrive, je vais la détruire. (As soon as the pie arrives, I will destroy it.)

This is usually followed by not the subjunctive, but by a future tense! Makes sense
considering the context. This is a great conjunctive phrase to use when making threats, lofty
goals and uncertain plans. Très useful.

Subjunctive-friendly? Never, ever.

10. Parce que/car

Translation: Because

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J’aime les tartes plus que les gâteaux parce que (car) la croûte est magnifique. (I like pies
more than cakes because the crust is magnificent.)

You’re likely familiar with parce que, and maybe less so with car. There are some slight
distinctions to keep in mind for you nit-picky French speakers out there: Car leans slightly
more towards “since” or “for.” Parce que is a little stronger when used in speech. They both
mean essentially the same thing, but it’s good to know both of them to add variety to your
French conversation.

Subjunctive-friendly? No.

11. Pour que

Translation: So that

Je fais une tarte pour que tu aies quelque chose à manger ce soir. (I’m making a pie so that
you have something to eat tonight.)

Oh, isn’t it great when such a useful conjunction takes the subjunctive? Well, sure it is! That’s
how you get practice. Pour means for, but for translation purposes, “so that”makes more
sense when using this phrase.

Subjunctive-friendly? You better believe it!

12. Quoi que

Translation: No matter what

Quoi que ma mère fasse en cuisine, c’est délicieux. (No matter what my mom makes in the
kitchen, it’s delicious.)

I bet your mind is reeling with how much better your French will sound once you get this one
down. No matter what the medium is, it’s useful. But you may be noticing an interesting
trend: A word that you’re well-versed in (bien, quoi, pour), whenadded to our favorite little
word que, can bring out a completely different definition. Keep this in your mental notebook
when you read these phrases or hear them spoken!

Subjunctive-friendly? Yes…yet again!

13. Tant que

Translation: As long as

Tant que cette tarte est là, je serai tenté de la manger. (As long as this pie is here, I will be
tempted to eat it.)

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What’s tant mean anyway? Funny you should ask, because this here is yet another example
of fun words being transformed by their trusty sidekick que. Tant by itself means “so much or
many,” or can be used to express an indefinite quantity. If you apply that definition back to
this transitional phrase, then you can see something of a rough translation that matches “as
long as.” But as long as you remember the definition, you’ll be good to go.

Subjunctive-friendly? No, you’re safe on this one.

14. Comme/puisque
Translation: Since

Comme j’ai mangé trop de tarte, je ne peux pas manger mes légumes. (Since I ate too much
of the pie, I can’t eat my vegetables.)

Puisque je l’ai fait, je goûte en premier. (Since I made it, I’ll taste [it] first.)

Even though the definition is the same on these two, there is a slight distinction. Comme is
useful for showing both the cause and result in a sentence, whereas puisque just gives an
explanation. Comme also likes to hang around at the beginning of sentences,
whereas puisque can go in the middle if it so pleases. This distinction will help you sound
extra-super pro!

Subjunctive-friendly? No and no.

15. Lorsque/quand
Translation: When

Je cuisinais quand/lorsque tu es arrivé. (I was cooking when you arrived.)

These are interchangeable when talking about time, though lorsque is a formal upgrade of
quand. Gauge the situation when you pick. They both have their own special purpose as
well: Quand can mean “whenever,” and lorsque can mean “whereas.”

Subjunctive-friendly? Sadly, no.

16. Quoique
Translation: Even though

Je mangerai une autre tranche quoique je n’aie pas faim. (I will eat another slice even
though I’m not hungry.)

Okay, I’ll admit…it does get a bit confusing here. We just did quoi que, meaning “no matter
what,”and now we’ve got the same thing minus the space in between and all of a sudden it
means “even though”? These sound the same when spoken, but you should be able to figure it

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out based on the context. In addition, bien que and quoique can be used interchangeably.
Just another opportunity for you to diversify.

Subjunctive-friendly? You better believe it.

17. Donc
Translation: So

Je veux que tu la goûtes, donc je garde une part. (I want for you to taste it, so I’m saving a
piece.)

There is so much to say about this little word. Donc is one of the holy grails of French filler
words, one of the little idiosyncrasies of French speech that you’ll pick up while in France and
carry with you, smiling, forever. They use it both in the “correct” fashion, showing causation,
as well as how we use it in English: “So, here’s the thing.” “So, I was heading to the store.”
“So… So… So…” Remember donc. Cherish it. Can you tell this is my favorite French transition
word?

Subjunctive-friendly? Not even close.

18. En fait
Translation: In fact

En fait, l’année dernière j’ai gagné une competition. (In fact, last year I won a competition.)

You have no excuses for not remembering this one. It’s spelt and sounds similar to the
English definition. Use this phrase before emphasizing an important conclusion or key point.

Subjunctive-friendly? No.

19. Cependant
Translation: However, nonetheless

Cependant, j’aime un bon gâteau de temps en temps. (However, I enjoy a nice cake from
time to time.)

Cependant is actually an adverb, but it still functions as a transition word. Use it at the
beginning of a sentence to point out an opposition or contradiction. Pourtant is a close
cousin, but it’s a little more nuanced, as it indicates that one thing happened when another
one was expected to.

Subjunctive-friendly? No! No!

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20. En revanche/par contre
Translation: On the other hand, in opposition

Une tarte aux pommes est classique. Par contre, une tarte aux tomates est bonne pour le
petit-déjeuner, le déjeuner et le dîner. (An apple pie is classic. On the other hand, a tomato
pie is good for breakfast, lunch and dinner.)

The definition is close to cependant, but provides a little clearer contrast. Those make for two
great transition words when you’re writing essays in French or can’t decide which type of pie
is better.

Subjunctive-friendly? Mais non !

21. En plus/en outre

Translation: Also

En outre, il faut choisir un bon parfum de glace pour accompagner la tarte. (Also, one
must choose a good ice cream flavor to go with the pie.)

Need to add something that you forgot before? These two are good ways to vary your
language and avoid using aussi (also) at every turn. En plus is common in conversation,
and it, as well as en outre, is often a better alternative to aussi in written French.

Subjunctive-friendly? Jamais (never).

22. Pour ma part/pour moi

Translation: For me

Pour moi/ma part, je préfère la tarte au citron. (For me, I prefer lemon pie.)

Here are two phrases to use when you want to put emphasis on “me! me! me!” Pour moi is a
good way to order at a restaurant, and pour ma part is best for stating opinions.

Subjunctive-friendly? Stop asking. It’s another “no.”

23. À mon avis

Translation: In my opinion

À mon avis, tous ces phrases sont ridicules ! (In my opinion, all of these sentences are
ridiculous!)

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But when you really want to make it all about you and your opinions, this is the best phrase.
To qualify a statement as an opinion, or before you go on a rant about something you’re
passionate about, this is a great transitional phrase to use and abuse!

Subjunctive-friendly? This is the last time I’m saying it…nope.

Enfin, you’re well-equipped to speak like a pro, write like an essayist and understand all the
details in the French literature you’re devouring.

While there are far more transition words than those listed, knowing the basics will do
wonders for your fluency.

Choppy French no more!

Watch Video At:

https://youtu.be/IEuh17Uik7k

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