encore que + Subjunctive

Although/granted That with Encore Que

Level 6

Use encore que to say "although" or "granted that" when you want to add a second thought or a minor correction to what you just said.

How It Works

1. Function and Meaning
Encore que is a sophisticated conjunction used in formal or literary French. It translates to "although," "even though," or "granted that." Its specific role is concession rectificative—it doesn't just show opposition; it corrects or nuances the preceding clause. Think of it as saying: "This is true... but I should add this detail to be more precise."

2. Grammatical Mood

  • Subjunctive: This is the standard and most common mood used after encore que (e.g., encore qu'il soit...).
  • Indicative: Occasionally used when the speaker wants to emphasize that the concession is an absolute, undeniable fact rather than a subjective nuance.
  • Conditional: Used if the reservation being added is purely hypothetical.

3. Elliptical Construction
In very formal writing, the verb following encore que is often omitted (ellipsis) when it is a form of être. In these cases, the conjunction is followed directly by an adjective or a past participle (e.g., encore que nécessaire, encore que peu probable). This construction helps you become proficient in high-level literary style.

4. Syntax and Register
Because it serves to 'rectify' a previous statement, it almost always follows a main clause. Starting a sentence with encore que is rare and usually avoided in favor of quoique. In terms of register, it is formal (langue soignée). You will find it in literature, high-quality journalism, and academic writing, but rarely in casual conversation where même si or mais bon are preferred.

5. Phonological Note
Like other conjunctions ending in que, it undergoes elision before a vowel or a silent 'h' (encore qu'il, encore qu'elle).

Examples (5)

  1. Il est très compétent, encore qu'il soit parfois un peu distrait.

    He is very competent, although he is sometimes a bit distracted.

    Word by Word: He is very competent, still that he be sometimes a bit distracted.

    Here, the speaker uses the subjunctive 'soit' to add a minor reservation to the praise of the person's competence.

  2. Je viendrai vous voir demain, encore que je ne sache pas encore à quelle heure.

    I will come see you tomorrow, granted that I don't know at what time yet.

    Word by Word: I will come you to see tomorrow, still that I not know not yet at what hour.

    The second clause nuances the first by clarifying that the exact time is still unknown.

  3. Ce témoignage, encore qu'il est véridique, ne suffit pas à prouver son innocence.

    This testimony, although it is [factually] true, is not enough to prove his innocence.

    Word by Word: This testimony, still that it is truthful, not suffices not to prove his innocence.

    The indicative 'est' is used here instead of the subjunctive to stress the absolute reality that the testimony is true.

  4. C'est une solution possible, encore que difficile à mettre en œuvre.

    It is a possible solution, although difficult to implement.

    Word by Word: It is a solution possible, still that difficult to put in work.

    This demonstrates the elliptical construction where the verb is omitted, leaving 'encore que' followed directly by an adjective.

  5. Le projet avance bien, encore qu'il reste beaucoup à faire.

    The project is progressing well, although much remains to be done.

    Word by Word: The project advances well, still that it remains much to to do.

    A classic use of 'encore que' to prevent the first statement from sounding too optimistic.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'encore que' in casual conversation.

    On va au ciné ? Encore qu'il pleuve ?
    On va au ciné ? Même s'il pleut ?

    'Encore que' is very formal. In a casual setting with friends, it sounds unnaturally stiff. Use 'même si' or 'bien que' instead.

  • Starting a sentence with 'encore que' to mean 'although'.

    Encore qu'il soit tard, je travaille.
    Bien qu'il soit tard, je travaille.

    Because 'encore que' is meant to rectify a previous thought, it sounds awkward at the start of a sentence. Use 'bien que' or 'quoique' for sentence-initial concessions.

How It Connects

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

encore que + SubjunctiveLevel 6Although/granted That with Encore Que

Learn This First

To learn 'encore que', you must first be comfortable with the formation of the subjunctive mood. Since 'encore que' is a formal concessive connector, it is helpful to already understand more common 'although' structures like 'bien que' or 'quoique', which follow the same grammatical rules but are used in broader contexts.

Words in This Pattern

encore que