The french word sauf functions primarily as a preposition or an adjective. Its core meaning is “except” or “save for,” indicating an exclusion. It can also mean “safe” or “unharmed” when used as an adjective. Sauf as a preposition meaning “except” or “but” This is the most common use. Sauf introduces an exception to a…
The English conjunction unless expresses a condition that prevents something from happening. In French, there is no exact one-word equivalent. It is typically translated using the conjunction à moins que, which requires the subjunctive mood. Other constructions are possible depending on formality, register, and clarity, including sauf si, excepté si, si ce n’est que, and…
The French expression dès que is a common conjunction that means “as soon as.” The phrase combines dès, meaning “from” or “since,” and que, meaning “that” or “when.” Literally, it means “from the moment that.” dès que is followed by a verb in the indicative mood, not the subjunctive, because it refers to a factual…
The subjunctive mood is one of the most distinctive and sometimes challenging aspects of French grammar. It is used to express doubt, necessity, emotion, purpose, uncertainty, and hypothetical situations. One of the key triggers for the subjunctive is a set of subordinating conjunctions – commonly referred to as subjunctive conjunctions – which introduce dependent clauses…
How do you say “because” in French? Most learners are familiar with “parce que,” meaning “because.” “Parce que” is followed by a phrase containing a verb. That means you can’t use “parce que” to say something like “I won’t go to the beach, because of the rain.” The words “the rain” don’t contain a verb,…
The French word “comme” can function either as an adverb or as a conjunction. Adverb As an adverb, “comme” means “how.” Another word that is used similarly is “que.” Conjunction Comme as a conjunction can mean “as” or “like.” Idiomatic expressions Etymology: The word “comme” comes from the Latin word “quam.” In Old French, it…