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

  • dont

    ByFast French

    The French word “dont” is a relative pronoun. It is used to link two clauses together, just like “who,” “whom,” “which,” or “whose” in English. “Dont” specifically replaces a phrase with “de.” This makes it different from other relative pronouns like “qui,” “que,” “lequel,” or “où.” “Dont” usually means “whose,” “of whom,” “of which,” or…

  • verlan

    ByFast French

    Verlan is a form of French slang created by inverting syllables within words. The term verlan itself comes from l’envers (“the reverse”), reversed phonetically. It’s like changing “flipside” to “sideflip.” Verlan is mostly used in informal spoken French, often to mark social identity, humour, or secrecy. While once associated with street slang, many verlan words…

  • bouder

    ByFast French

    Bouder is a common French verb meaning to show displeasure by withdrawing, sulking, or deliberately refusing to engage. It is frequently used to describe emotional reactions by children and adults, and it also extends to situations where someone avoids an activity, a person, or an offer. Meaning and core use At its core, bouder describes…

  • six and dix

    ByFast French

    In French, the numbers six (6) and dix (10) have pronunciation patterns that often confuse learners. Depending on context, these words can be pronounced with three different sounds: The pronunciation changes depending on: 1. Pronouncing Six and Dix with an “S” Sound This happens when the number is part of a series of numbers being…

  • il s’agit de

    ByFast French

    The impersonal French expression il s’agit de is extremely common in both formal and neutral language. It does not translate neatly into English, because its meaning depends on context. It can correspond to “it is about,” “it concerns,” “it is a question of,” “it involves,” or “it’s a matter of.” The literal meaning (“it acts…

  • faire le malin

    ByFast French

    The French phrase “faire le malin” translates literally as “to make the clever (person),” but it really means “to show off,” “to play it smart,” “to try to be clever,” “to get cute,” or “to boast.” It can also mean “to con” or “to cheat.” Examples Expression A saying that is derived from this phrase…