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…

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