alors

So/then with Alors

Level 3

Alors is a versatile word most commonly used to mean 'so' or 'then' in a narrative context. It links events where one happens because of another, or marks a specific moment in time ('at that time').

How It Works

Alors is a versatile word that you will encounter frequently as you become proficient in French. It serves several primary functions:

1. Narrative Consequence: It connects two clauses where the second is a result of the first. It is less formal than donc and emphasizes the sequence of events.
Example: Il pleuvait, alors j'ai pris mon parapluie.

2. Temporal Marker: It can mean 'at that time' or 'back then.' In this sense, it usually follows the conjugated verb. In compound tenses like the passé composé, it is placed between the auxiliary and the past participle.
Example: Il a alors compris la vérité. (He then understood the truth.)

3. Discourse Marker: In spoken French, it starts conversations or fills pauses, similar to 'So...' in English. You will also hear idiomatic expressions like Et alors ? (So what?) or Alors là ! (used to express strong emphasis, surprise, or disagreement).

4. Alors que (Conjunction): This compound form means 'while' or 'whereas.' It is used to contrast two simultaneous actions or situations.
Example: Elle étudie alors que ses amis s'amusent. (She is studying while her friends are having fun.)

5. Conditional 'Then': In conditional structures, 'alors' can be used to introduce the result clause (the 'then' part), though it is often optional.
Example: Si tu as faim, alors mange quelque chose.

Phonology Note: The final 's' is silent. While you can make a liaison with a following vowel (sounding like a /z/), it is optional and often skipped in casual speech.

Examples (6)

  1. Le magasin était fermé, alors je suis rentré.

    The store was closed, so I went home.

    Word by Word: The store was closed, so I am returned.

    Here, 'alors' shows a narrative consequence: the action of going home followed naturally from the store being closed.

  2. Alors, qu'est-ce que tu as fait ce week-end ?

    So, what did you do this weekend?

    Word by Word: So, what is it that you have done this weekend?

    In this context, 'alors' acts as a conversation starter or filler word.

  3. La vie était alors bien différente.

    Life was very different at that time.

    Word by Word: The life was then well different.

    In this sentence, 'alors' refers to a specific point in the past ('back then').

  4. Il a alors décidé de partir.

    He then decided to leave.

    Word by Word: He has then decided to leave.

    In compound tenses, 'alors' typically follows the conjugated auxiliary verb.

  5. Il dort alors que je travaille.

    He is sleeping while I am working.

    Word by Word: He sleeps while that I work.

    'Alors que' is a conjunction used to show simultaneity or opposition (while/whereas).

  6. Si tu ne viens pas, alors je resterai ici.

    If you don't come, then I will stay here.

    Word by Word: If you not come not, then I will stay here.

    'Alors' can introduce the 'then' clause in a conditional sentence.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'alors' as an intensifier for adjectives (like 'so good').

    C'est alors bon !
    C'est tellement bon !

    In English, 'so' can mean 'very' or 'to such an extent.' In French, you must use 'si' or 'tellement' for this purpose. 'Alors' only refers to consequence or time.

  • Using 'alors' for strict logical or mathematical deductions.

    Deux plus deux font quatre, alors c'est un chiffre pair.
    Deux plus deux font quatre, donc c'est un chiffre pair.

    While 'alors' is common in speech, 'donc' is the correct choice for logical proofs or formal deductions.

How It Connects

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

alorsLevel 3So/then with Alors

Learn This First

To use 'alors' effectively, a learner needs to be able to construct basic sentences and understand the logical relationship between a cause and its consequence. It is often used to transition between two complete thoughts.

Words in This Pattern

alorsalors