doncs (consecutiu)

Doncs as Consequential, Not Causal

Level 6

Doncs introduces an inference, consequence or return to the discussion, not a causal because.

How It Works

Use doncs when the preceding statement supports what follows: no hi ha ningú; doncs, tornem demà. The second clause is a response or inference from the first. A cause explaining an assertion instead normally uses perquè or ja que.

In an argument, place the evidence before the inference: no hi ha prou membres; doncs, no podem votar. The second clause does not explain why there are too few members; it states what follows from that fact. If you need to explain an absence, choose perquè or ja que instead. The conversational resuming doncs bé can open a new stage of the discussion without claiming that a previous event caused it.

Examples (3)

  1. No hi ha prou membres; doncs, no podem votar.

    There are not enough members, so we cannot vote.

  2. Ja s’ha verificat? Doncs, podem continuar.

    Has it been checked? Then we can continue.

  3. Doncs bé, passem al segon punt.

    Well then, let us move to the second item.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

doncs (consecutiu)Level 6Doncs as Consequential, Not Causal

Learn This First

Distinguish an inference from a causal explanation before using doncs in argument.

Words in This Pattern

doncs