par conséquent

Consequently with Par Consequent

Level 4

Use par conséquent in formal writing or professional contexts to introduce a logical conclusion. It is the high-register equivalent of donc.

How It Works

1. Meaning and Usage
Par conséquent translates to 'consequently,' 'therefore,' or 'as a result.' It indicates that the second statement is a direct and necessary outcome of the first. While donc is the standard way to express consequence in any register, par conséquent adds a layer of formality and logical weight.

2. Sentence Position and Punctuation
Because it is an adverbial phrase and not a simple coordinating conjunction, its placement affects punctuation:

  • Sentence-initial: Followed by a comma. Par conséquent, le projet est annulé.
  • Between clauses: Usually preceded by a semicolon or the conjunction 'et'. Il n'a pas plu ; par conséquent, le sol est sec.
  • Parenthetical: Placed after the conjugated verb, surrounded by commas. Il est, par conséquent, responsable.

3. Register Distinctions
In French, there are several ways to say 'so' or 'therefore' depending on the situation:

Examples (4)

  1. Le contrat n'a pas été signé ; par conséquent, l'accord est nul.

    The contract was not signed; consequently, the agreement is void.

    Word by Word: The contract not has past been signed; by consequence, the agreement is null.

    This shows the typical formal use in a legal or professional context, preceded by a semicolon.

  2. Vous l'avez promis et, par conséquent, vous y êtes obligé.

    You promised it and, therefore, you are obliged to do it.

    Word by Word: You it have promised and, by consequence, you to-it are obliged.

    Here, it is used parenthetically after 'et' to emphasize the logical obligation resulting from the promise.

  3. Les preuves sont insuffisantes. Par conséquent, la cour rejette la demande.

    The evidence is insufficient. Consequently, the court rejects the request.

    Word by Word: The proofs are insufficient. By consequence, the court rejects the request.

    Starting a new sentence with 'par conséquent' is common in academic or judicial writing to state a final conclusion.

  4. Il a échoué à l'examen et doit, par conséquent, redoubler son année.

    He failed the exam and must, therefore, repeat his year.

    Word by Word: He has failed at the exam and must, by consequence, repeat his year.

    In this example, the phrase is placed after the modal verb 'doit' for stylistic emphasis.

Common Mistakes

  • Spelling it as 'par conséquence'.

    Il a plu, par conséquence le match est annulé.
    Il a plu, par conséquent le match est annulé.

    Even though 'conséquence' is the noun for 'consequence', the fixed adverbial phrase always uses the form 'par conséquent'.

  • Using it in casual conversation.

    J'ai faim, par conséquent je vais manger un sandwich.
    J'ai faim, donc je vais manger un sandwich.

    Using 'par conséquent' for trivial daily matters sounds overly stiff or robotic. Use 'donc' or 'du coup' instead.

  • Following it with 'de' to mean 'because of'.

    Par conséquent de la pluie, nous restons ici.
    À cause de la pluie, nous restons ici.

    'Par conséquent' cannot be used as a preposition. To say 'because of [noun]', use 'à cause de' or 'en raison de'.

How It Connects

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

par conséquentLevel 4Consequently with Par Consequent

Learn This First

To use 'par conséquent' effectively, a learner should already be familiar with basic logical connectors like 'donc' and have a firm grasp of standard sentence structure, as this expression is a formal way to link two complete thoughts.

Words in This Pattern

par conséquent