What are causal conjunctions?
Causal conjunctions link a result or consequence to its reason or cause. Car (because), parce que (because), and étant donné que (given that) explain why something happens or is true.
Causal conjunctions (car, parce que, étant donné que, puisque) connect a consequence to its cause — they answer the 'why' behind actions, events, or states.
- 1↓Result/ConsequenceStatement of an outcome or event
- 2↓Causal ConjunctionIntroduces the reason or cause (car, parce que, étant donné que)
- 3Cause/ReasonExplanation for why the result occurred
Step-by-step worked examples
I stayed home because it was raining. Je suis resté à la maison parce qu'il pleuvait.
parce que = because (most common causal conjunction) Reasons: 'it was raining' → consequence: 'I stayed home' Answers 'why did you stay home?'
Since you're here, let's start. Puisque tu es là, commençons.
puisque = since (slightly formal) Cause: you're present → consequence: let's start Expresses both reason and mild urgency
Given that the store closes at 5, we must hurry. Étant donné que le magasin ferme à 17h, nous devons nous dépêcher.
étant donné que = given that (formal/written) Cause: store closing time → consequence: must hurry Often appears at sentence start
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.'Il n'est pas venu _____ il était malade.'
Q2.Puisque means…
Q3.'_____ qu'il pleut, nous resterons à la maison.'
Q4.Étant donné que is used for…
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Common mistakes
Saying 'Je viens que...' instead of 'parce que'. — Correct: Always use parce que (not just que) for causation.
Using si (if) for causation. — Correct: si introduces conditions, not reasons; use parce que for causes.
Confusing parce que and puisque. — Correct: parce que = everyday reason; puisque = since (acknowledges known fact).
Forgetting the structure 'parce QUE'. — Correct: Never say 'parce que' is optional — it's one word, always complete.
FAQ
What is a causal conjunction?
A causal conjunction links a consequence to its reason or cause — car, parce que, étant donné que answer 'why'.
When do I use car vs. parce que?
car is more formal/literary; parce que is everyday and most common.
Can I use puisque in spoken French?
Yes, but it implies an obvious or assumed reason — slightly different tone from parce que.
What's the word order with causal conjunctions?
No fixed rule: 'Je reste parce qu'il pleut' or 'Parce qu'il pleut, je reste.'