compte tenu

ByFast French

The French expression compte tenu is a formal prepositional phrase meaning “taking into account,” “considering,” or “in view of.” It introduces a factor or circumstance that affects a situation or decision. The phrase is always followed by de when introducing a noun or noun phrase.

Meaning and usage

Compte tenu de functions similarly to English phrases like:

  • “Given”
  • “In light of”
  • “Bearing in mind”

It is commonly used in:

  • Formal writing (reports, academic papers)
  • Professional contexts (business, law)
  • Official communications

Grammatical structure

The phrase follows this pattern:
Compte tenu de + [noun/noun phrase]

For clauses, use:
Compte tenu du fait que + [subject + verb]

Examples of usage

With nouns/noun phrases

  • Compte tenu des circonstances, nous annulons la réunion. (Given the circumstances, we are canceling the meeting.)
  • Compte tenu de la météo, le match est reporté. (Considering the weather, the game is postponed.)
  • Compte tenu de votre expérience, vous êtes qualifié. (Taking into account your experience, you are qualified.)

With clauses (compte tenu du fait que)

  • Compte tenu du fait qu’il pleut, restons à l’intérieur. (Given that it’s raining, let’s stay inside.)
  • Compte tenu du fait que les prix augmentent, nous devons économiser. (Considering that prices are rising, we need to save.)

In professional contexts

  • Compte tenu des résultats financiers, des ajustements sont nécessaires. (In light of the financial results, adjustments are necessary.)
  • Compte tenu des réglementations nouvelles, notre procédure doit changer. (Given the new regulations, our procedure must change.)

Alternative expressions

While compte tenu de is formal, similar meanings can be expressed with:

  • Étant donné (given)
  • Vu (seeing that)
  • En considération de (in consideration of)

However, compte tenu de carries a more precise nuance of careful consideration.

Important notes

  1. The phrase is invariable – it never changes form.
  2. Always requires de after it when introducing a noun.
  3. For verbs, must use du fait que construction.
  4. More formal than alternatives like vu que.

Common mistakes to avoid

Incorrect: Compte tenu les circonstances… (missing de)
Correct: Compte tenu des circonstances…

Incorrect: Compte tenu qu’il pleut… (missing du fait)
Correct: Compte tenu du fait qu’il pleut…

Don’t miss new articles!

Get 1 email a week with new articles about French

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

Similar Posts

  • saint, sain, sein, ceins

    ByFast French

    French has many homonyms—words that sound the same, but have different meanings or spellings. Among these, saint, sain, sein and occasionally ceins often confuse learners. Let’s look at their meanings and uses, while focusing only on forms that are true homonyms. 1. Saint (masculine noun or adjective) Meaning: Refers to a saint (a holy person…

  • habitude & d’habitude

    ByFast French

    The French language is full of nuanced words and expressions that convey precise meanings. Among these, habitude and the related expression d’habitude are widely used to describe habits, customs, and typical routines. In this article, we’ll explore their meanings, usage, and even a common conversational shortcut, d’hab. 1. The Noun “Habitude” Definition and MeaningThe noun…

  • jusqu’à

    ByFast French

    Jusqu’à is a common French preposition meaning “until,” “up to,” or “as far as,” depending on context. It expresses a limit in time, space, quantity, or extent. Its form changes slightly when combined with certain words, producing variants such as jusqu’au, jusqu’aux, jusqu’en, and jusqu’à ce que. 1. Temporal use: “until” When referring to time,…

  • Comparative adjectives

    ByFast French

    How to Form and Use Comparative Adjectives in French Comparative adjectives in French are used to compare two things or people. They allow you to express that something is either more, less, or equally “something” (big, small, interesting, etc.) than another thing. 1. Comparing with “More” (Plus…que) To say that something is more of a…

  • Countries I

    ByFast French

    In French, the names of countries are always preceded by a definite article (meaning “the”). This article agrees in gender and number with the name of the country. In English, you just say “France,” but in French, you need to say the equivalent of “The France,” if you want to talk about a country. Let’s…