Conjunctions — AQA GCSE French
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Conjunctions explained
Conjunctions link words and clauses to create fluent sentences in French.
Read the full explanation
Coordinating conjunctions connect items of equal rank. Key examples include 'car' (because), 'donc' (therefore), 'ensuite' (next), 'et' (and), 'mais' (but), 'ou' (or), 'ou bien' (or else), and 'puis' (then). Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses. Common examples are 'comme' (as/since), 'lorsque' (when), 'parce que' (because), 'puisque' (since), 'quand' (when), 'que' (that), and 'si' (if). For instance, "Je mange parce que j'ai faim" uses a subordinating conjunction, whereas "J'ai faim donc je mange" uses a coordinating one. Mastering these conjunctions allows for more sophisticated expression and better flow in both written and spoken French.
Your focus
- Differentiate between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
- Apply appropriate conjunctions to link ideas logically in sentences.
- Translate sentences containing complex conjunctions accurately.
Conjunctions exam tips
Marking Points
- Identify coordinating conjunctions in a given sentence.
- Identify subordinating conjunctions in a given sentence.
- Select the correct conjunction to logically link two clauses.
- Recognise the specific meaning of conjunctions such as 'puisque' or 'lorsque' in context.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Memorise the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions to structure complex sentences logically.
- 💡Always check for elision when using 'que', 'puisque', 'lorsque', and 'si' before words starting with a vowel.
- 💡Use a variety of conjunctions in your writing to avoid repetition and demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'parce que' and 'à cause de': 'parce que' is a conjunction followed by a clause, whereas 'à cause de' is a preposition followed by a noun.
- Misusing 'si' before 'il' or 'ils': 'si' must elide to 's'il' or 's'ils', but it does not elide before 'elle' or 'elles'.
- Using 'que' without elision: 'que' must become 'qu'' before a vowel or silent h, which is often forgotten when writing quickly.