donc (conséquence)
Therefore with Donc
Donc is the standard French word for "therefore" or "so." It links a cause to a logical result and is used in both formal writing and everyday speech.
How It Works
1. Logical Consequence
The primary use of donc is to show that one thing leads to another. It is the French equivalent of "therefore."
Example: Je pense, donc je suis. (I think, therefore I am.)
2. Placement in a Sentence
- Beginning: Common in speech to start a conclusion. (Donc, on y va ?)
- After the Verb: In simple tenses, it follows the conjugated verb. (Il est donc nécessaire de partir.)
- Compound Tenses: In tenses like the passé composé, donc is placed between the auxiliary and the past participle. (J'ai donc décidé de rester.)
3. Emphatic Use
When used with the imperative mood, it adds emphasis or a sense of invitation.
Example: Entrez donc ! (Do come in!)
4. Pronunciation Note
The final 'c' in donc is often pronounced (/dɔ̃k/), but in natural, rapid speech, it is frequently silent (/dɔ̃/) when the next word begins with a consonant (e.g., Va donc voir).
5. Register Differences
While donc is neutral, in very casual modern French, speakers often use du coup instead. In very formal contexts, you might see par conséquent.
Examples (4)
- Il n'a pas étudié, donc il a échoué à l'examen.
He didn't study, therefore he failed the exam.
Word by Word: He not has not studied, therefore he has failed at the exam.
Here, 'donc' shows a direct logical consequence of not studying.
- La situation est grave ; nous devons donc agir vite.
The situation is serious; we must therefore act quickly.
Word by Word: The situation is serious; we must therefore to act fast.
In this formal sentence, 'donc' is placed after the conjugated verb 'devons'.
- Regardez donc cette photo !
Just look at this photo!
Word by Word: Look therefore this photo!
Used with an imperative, 'donc' adds emphasis, similar to 'just' or 'do' in English.
- Donc, tu ne viens pas avec nous ?
So, you aren't coming with us?
Word by Word: So, you not come not with us?
At the start of a question, 'donc' acts as a transition to confirm a conclusion.
Common Mistakes
Using 'donc' to mean 'very' (it normally means 'so, therefore').
Different MeaningC'est donc bon !C'est si bon ! / C'est tellement bon !'C'est donc bon !' is correct French, but it reads as 'so it is good' (a conclusion). To say 'very good', use 'si' or 'tellement'.
Believing the 'c' of 'donc' must always be said (or always dropped).
Va donc voir (always pronouncing the 'c')Va donc voir (often silent 'c' before a consonant)The 'c' in 'donc' is usually pronounced, and in fast speech it is sometimes dropped before a consonant. Both are heard, so there is nothing to avoid.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'donc' (therefore), you need to be able to construct complete sentences using standard subject-verb-object order. It is also helpful to understand how French expresses cause and effect relationships generally.
Related Patterns
- alorsSo/then with Alors
'Alors' is often used for temporal sequences ('then'), while 'donc' is strictly for logical results.
Level 3 - du coupSo/as a Result with Du Coup
'Du coup' is the informal, spoken equivalent of 'donc' used frequently by native speakers.
Level 4 - par conséquentConsequently with Par Consequent
'Par conséquent' is a more formal alternative to 'donc', used primarily in writing.
Level 4 - donc (emphatique)Emphatic Donc in Questions and Commands
This pattern explores the specific use of 'donc' to add emotional weight or emphasis.
Level 4
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Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice donc (conséquence) in Bubblegum
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