comme (cause)
As/since with Comme
Comme is a subordinating conjunction used to express cause. It is unique because it must appear at the start of the sentence to set the scene for the main action.
How It Works
The causal use of comme is a high-frequency feature of both spoken and written French. Here are its key characteristics:
- Sentence Position: It is strictly sentence-initial. You cannot place it in the middle of a sentence to explain a preceding action.
- Mood: It is always followed by the indicative mood (the standard present, past, or future tenses). It never triggers the subjunctive.
- No Elision: Unlike many other French words ending in 'e', comme does not elide before a vowel. You must write Comme il... or Comme elle..., never *Comm'il.
- Nuance: It often presents a cause that is already known to the listener or is easily observable. It 'sets the stage' before the main point is delivered.
Examples (4)
- Comme il pleuvait, nous sommes restés à la maison.
As it was raining, we stayed at home.
Word by Word: As it was raining, we are stayed at the house.
The rain is the background reason for the decision to stay home. Note that 'comme' starts the sentence.
- Comme tu connais bien la ville, tu pourrais nous guider.
Since you know the city well, you could guide us.
Word by Word: As you know well the city, you could us guide.
This uses a known fact (the person knows the city) as the premise for the suggestion.
- Comme le magasin était fermé, j'ai dû revenir le lendemain.
As the store was closed, I had to come back the next day.
Word by Word: As the store was closed, I have had to return the next day.
The closed store is the cause that explains why the speaker had to return later.
- Comme elle était fatiguée, elle s'est couchée tôt.
Since she was tired, she went to bed early.
Word by Word: As she was tired, she herself is bedded early.
Note that 'comme' does not elide before 'elle'. It remains 'Comme elle'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'comme' in the middle of a sentence to express cause.
Je ne suis pas venu comme j'étais malade.Comme j'étais malade, je ne suis pas venu.In French, causal 'comme' must start the sentence. If you want to put the reason second, use parce que instead.
Eliding 'comme' before a vowel.
Comm'il fait beau, on sort.Comme il fait beau, on sort.Unlike 'que' or 'le', 'comme' never drops its final 'e' in written French, even before a vowel sound.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'comme' at the start of a sentence, you need to understand how French clauses are structured and how to express cause and effect. It is helpful to already be familiar with other causal conjunctions like 'parce que' and 'puisque' to understand when 'comme' is the appropriate choice for introducing a known circumstance.
Related Patterns
- parce queBecause with Parce Que
The most common way to say 'because', usually placed in the middle of a sentence.
Level 3 - pourquoiWhy with Pourquoi
The question word 'why' which is typically answered by 'parce que' or 'comme'.
Level 1 - Dropping a vowel before another vowel
While many French words elide, 'comme' is a notable exception to this rule.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice comme (cause) in Bubblegum
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