Introduction
Complex sentence structures in French allow for nuanced expression and detailed descriptions. By using multiple layers of subordination, conjunctions, and relative clauses, you can convey intricate ideas with clarity and precision.
Components of Complex Sentences
1. Main Clause (Proposition Principale)
The main clause is the core of the sentence, containing the primary idea or action. It can stand alone as a complete sentence.
- Example: Je vais à la bibliothèque.
(I am going to the library.)
2. Subordinate Clause (Proposition Subordonnée)
A subordinate clause depends on the main clause for meaning. It adds extra information, detail, or clarification to the main clause.
- Example: parce que j’ai besoin de travailler.
(because I need to work.)
3. Relative Clause (Proposition Relative)
A relative clause provides additional information about a noun in the sentence. It is introduced by a relative pronoun such as qui (who/which), que (that/which), or dont (of which).
- Example: Le livre que tu as recommandé est fascinant.
(The book that you recommended is fascinating.)
4. Conjunctions (Conjonctions)
Conjunctions link clauses together, creating complex and multi-layered sentences. Common conjunctions include et (and), mais (but), ou (or), parce que (because), puisque (since), and bien que (although).
- Example: Il étudie le français parce que c’est nécessaire pour son travail.
(He studies French because it is necessary for his job.)
Examples of Complex Sentences
Here are some examples of complex sentences in French, showcasing the use of subordinate clauses, relative clauses, and conjunctions.
Example 1
Sentence:
Lorsque je suis arrivé à la gare, j’ai réalisé que j’avais oublié mon billet, ce qui m’a obligé à retourner chez moi.
Translation:
When I arrived at the train station, I realized that I had forgotten my ticket, which forced me to return home.
Structure:
- Main Clause: J’ai réalisé
(I realized)
- Subordinate Clause: que j’avais oublié mon billet
(that I had forgotten my ticket)
- Relative Clause: ce qui m’a obligé à retourner chez moi
(which forced me to return home)
Example 2
Sentence:
Bien qu'il pleuve, nous avons décidé de partir en randonnée, ce qui a surpris tout le monde.
Translation:
Although it is raining, we decided to go hiking, which surprised everyone.
Structure:
- Main Clause: Nous avons décidé de partir en randonnée
(We decided to go hiking)
- Subordinate Clause: Bien qu'il pleuve
(Although it is raining)
- Relative Clause: ce qui a surpris tout le monde
(which surprised everyone)
Example 3
Sentence:
Mon frère, qui vit à Paris, m’a appelé pour me dire qu’il viendrait nous visiter le mois prochain.
Translation:
My brother, who lives in Paris, called me to say that he would visit us next month.
Structure:
- Main Clause: Mon frère m’a appelé
(My brother called me)
- Relative Clause: qui vit à Paris
(who lives in Paris)
- Subordinate Clause: pour me dire qu’il viendrait nous visiter le mois prochain
(to say that he would visit us next month)
Example 4
Sentence:
La voiture que j’ai achetée l’année dernière est tombée en panne, même si le mécanicien m’avait assuré qu’elle était en parfait état.
Translation:
The car that I bought last year broke down, even though the mechanic had assured me it was in perfect condition.
Structure:
- Main Clause: La voiture est tombée en panne
(The car broke down)
- Relative Clause: que j’ai achetée l’année dernière
(that I bought last year)
- Subordinate Clause: même si le mécanicien m’avait assuré qu’elle était en parfait état
(even though the mechanic had assured me it was in perfect condition)
Example 5
Sentence:
Puisque tu as terminé ton travail plus tôt que prévu, nous pouvons aller au cinéma ce soir, à moins que tu aies d'autres plans.
Translation:
Since you finished your work earlier than expected, we can go to the cinema tonight, unless you have other plans.
Structure:
- Main Clause: Nous pouvons aller au cinéma ce soir
(We can go to the cinema tonight)
- Subordinate Clause 1: Puisque tu as terminé ton travail plus tôt que prévu
(Since you finished your work earlier than expected)
- Subordinate Clause 2: à moins que tu aies d'autres plans
(unless you have other plans)
Common Conjunctions and Their Uses
Conjunctions are essential in building complex sentences, as they connect clauses and indicate the relationship between them. Here is a table of common French conjunctions and their English equivalents:
| French Conjunction | English Translation | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| et | and | Il aime lire et écrire.<br>(He likes reading and writing.)* |
| mais | but | Je voulais sortir, mais il pleut.<br>(I wanted to go out, but it’s raining.)* |
| ou | or | Tu peux choisir ce livre ou celui-là.<br>(You can choose this book or that one.)* |
| parce que | because | Elle est restée à la maison parce que elle était malade.<br>(She stayed home because she was sick.)* |
| puisque | since | Je ne peux pas partir, puisque je n’ai pas fini mon travail.<br>(I can’t leave since I haven’t finished my work.)* |
| car | because (for) | Il est parti tôt car il avait un rendez-vous.<br>(He left early because he had an appointment.)* |
| bien que | although | *Bien que il fasse froid, je vais courir.<br>(Although it’s cold, I’m going to run.) |
| même si | even though | Je vais y aller même si je suis fatigué.<br>(I’ll go even though I’m tired.)* |
| quand | when | Appelle-moi quand tu arriveras.<br>(Call me when you arrive.)* |
| lorsque | when | Il pleuvait lorsque je suis sorti.<br>(It was raining when I went out.)* |
| si | if | Je viendrai si tu m’invites.<br>(I will come if you invite me.)* |
| à moins que | unless | Je ne partirai pas à moins que tu sois prêt.<br>(I won’t leave unless you’re ready.)* |
| avant que | before | Finis tes devoirs avant que nous sortions.<br>(Finish your homework before we go out.)* |
| après que | after | Nous irons manger après que le film sera terminé.<br>(We’ll go eat after the movie is finished.)* |
| pour que | so that | Je travaille dur pour que nous puissions voyager.<br>(I work hard so that we can travel.)* |
| afin que | in order that | Elle étudie afin que elle réussisse ses examens.<br>(She studies in order that she succeeds in her exams.)* |
| comme | as (since) | *Comme il pleuvait, nous sommes restés à l’intérieur.<br>(As it was raining, we stayed inside.) |
| pendant que | while | Il a lu un livre pendant que je cuisinais.<br>(He read a book while I was cooking.)* |
| tandis que | while (whereas) | Elle aime le café, tandis que je préfère le thé.<br>(She likes coffee, whereas I prefer tea.)* |
| jusqu’à ce que | until | Attends ici jusqu’à ce que je revienne.<br>(Wait here until I come back.)* |
| en tant que | as (in the role of) | Il travaille en tant que professeur.<br>(He works as a teacher.)* |
Conclusion
Complex sentence structures in French enable you to express detailed and layered thoughts, making your communication more effective and sophisticated. By mastering the use of subordinate clauses, relative clauses, and conjunctions, you can create sentences that are rich in meaning and clarity.