tellement + adjective + que
The construction tellement + adjective + que expresses a degree or intensity so strong that it leads to a consequence. It corresponds to the English structure so + adjective + that. The clause introduced by que gives the result or consequence of the intensity described.
This structure is part of the broader category of les subordonnées consécutives (consecutive clauses), where an effect or result is explicitly stated.
Basic structure
- Tellement (so)
- adjective
- que (that)
- subordinate clause (result)
This structure is used with both singular and plural subjects. The verb in the que clause is usually in the indicative mood, as the result is presented as factual.
Examples with common adjectives
- Il est tellement fatigué qu’il s’endort debout.
He is so tired that he falls asleep standing up. - Elle est tellement gentille que tout le monde l’aime.
She is so kind that everyone loves her. - Ce film est tellement ennuyeux que j’ai arrêté au bout de dix minutes.
This film is so boring that I stopped after ten minutes. - Ils étaient tellement bruyants que le voisin a appelé la police.
They were so noisy that the neighbour called the police. - Tu es tellement drôle que j’en pleure de rire.
You are so funny that I’m crying with laughter. - La ville est tellement grande qu’on s’y perd facilement.
The city is so big that you get lost easily.
Difference from similar forms
This structure must be distinguished from si + adjective + que, which has the same meaning but uses si instead of tellement. Both are correct and common, with si being slightly more frequent in spoken French.
- Il est si intelligent qu’il comprend tout.
He is so intelligent that he understands everything. - Il est tellement intelligent qu’il comprend tout.
He is so intelligent that he understands everything.
Both forms are grammatically correct and interchangeable in most contexts.
Word order and punctuation
Tellement always precedes the adjective. The que clause follows immediately after the adjective phrase and is never separated by a comma.
Correct:
- Elle est tellement rapide qu’on ne la voit pas passer.
She is so fast that you don’t see her go by.
Incorrect:
- Elle est tellement rapide, qu’on ne la voit pas passer. ✗
Register and tone
This construction is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal registers. It is common in written and spoken French.
Summary
- Tellement + adjective + que means so + adjective + that.
- It expresses intensity followed by a consequence.
- The verb in the que clause is in the indicative.
- It can often be replaced by si + adjective + que.
- Do not insert a comma before que.
