aussi (conséquence)

This pattern is a hallmark of the style soutenu (formal/literary register).

1. Meaning and Position:
When aussi is at the very beginning of the sentence or clause, it functions as a conjunction and acts as a synonym for par conséquent or ainsi (therefore/consequently). Because it indicates a consequence, it must logically follow a preceding statement. It can appear at the start of a new sentence, after a semicolon, or even after a comma to join two independent clauses. It can also start a new paragraph if that paragraph is drawing a conclusion from the preceding one.

2. Word Order and Punctuation:

• With Inversion (Traditional): Aussi est-il parti. (Therefore he left.) No comma is used. In formal writing (style soutenu), this inversion is expected and considered mandatory when aussi leads the clause without a comma.
• Standard Order: Aussi, il est parti. (Therefore, he left.) A comma is frequently used here. Using standard order lowers the register from soutenu to standard.

3. Types of Inversion:

• With Pronouns: Use simple inversion with a hyphen. While everyday usage restricts simple inversion with je to a few verbs (suis-je, ai-je, etc.), the true literary register allows inversion with other verbs by changing a silent -e to -é (e.g., Aussi pensé-je). Note that the 1990 spelling reform recommends using a grave accent (Aussi pensè-je) to match the open 'è' pronunciation.
• With Nouns: Use complex inversion. The noun stays in its normal position before the verb, followed by the inverted pronoun: [Noun Subject] + [Verb] + [Hyphen] + [Subject Pronoun] (e.g., Aussi mon ami a-t-il...). That echoing pronoun agrees with the noun in gender and number: Aussi Marie est-elle partie. / Aussi mes amis sont-ils partis.
• In Compound Tenses: When using a compound tense (like the passé composé), the inverted pronoun goes immediately after the auxiliary verb, not the past participle (e.g., Aussi mon ami est-il parti.).
• Phonetics: Use a euphonic -t- for third-person singular verbs ending in a vowel (e.g., -a, -e). It is written with a hyphen on each side, so the verb and the pronoun both hang off it: Aussi a-t-il compris, Aussi parlera-t-elle, Aussi aime-t-on. If the verb already ends in a consonant like -d or -t, no extra letter is added (e.g., Aussi prend-il...). Note that in this specific inversion, the 'd' is pronounced as a [t] due to liaison (sounding exactly like prend-t-il).

4. Common Traps:

• The 'Also' Trap: English speakers often start a sentence with 'Also, ...' and translate it as 'Aussi, ...'. In French, this means 'Therefore'. To say 'Also' at the start of a sentence, use Également, de plus, or move aussi after the verb (Il est aussi...). This is because aussi meaning 'also' is an adverb (placed after the verb), whereas aussi meaning 'therefore' functions as a conjunction (placed at the head of the clause).
• The 'As... as' Trap: Beware of the structure Aussi + [adjective] + que... at the start of a sentence (e.g., Aussi surprenant que cela paraisse...). This means 'As [adjective] as' or 'However [adjective]', not 'Therefore', and it triggers the subjunctive mood (as seen with paraisse), whereas aussi meaning 'therefore' takes the indicative.

5. The Negative Rule:
When aussi means 'therefore', it can be used with negative verbs (e.g., Aussi n'est-il pas venu. - Therefore he did not come). This is a key distinction, as aussi meaning 'also' cannot be used with a negative verb (which requires non plus).

6. Register Note:
Inversion after aussi is common in journalism and literature. In casual speech, speakers prefer donc or du coup.