French linking words: a useful list for writing and for the DELF
By Thierry Gustin
Published
Updated
4 min read
Contents
French linking words are the words that connect your ideas: d'abord, cependant, donc, en conclusion… A text without them reads like a list of sentences; with well-chosen linking words, it becomes an argument. In the DELF B1, B2 and DALF, examiners assess them explicitly.
What are linking words for?
They show the relationship between your ideas: order, addition, contrast, cause, consequence, example or conclusion. A good linking word saves you explanations and lets the reader (or the examiner) follow your argument effortlessly.
Linking words to order your ideas
| Function | Linking words |
|---|---|
| Starting | d'abord, tout d'abord, premièrement, pour commencer (first, first of all, firstly, to begin with) |
| Continuing | ensuite, puis, deuxièmement, par ailleurs (next, then, secondly, moreover) |
| Finishing | enfin, finalement, pour finir (finally, in the end, to finish) |
Tout d'abord, je présenterai le problème ; ensuite, j'analyserai ses causes ; enfin, je proposerai des solutions. (First of all, I will present the problem; next, I will analyse its causes; finally, I will suggest solutions.)
Linking words to add ideas and give examples
- Adding: de plus, en outre, également, par ailleurs, non seulement… mais aussi (furthermore, in addition, also, moreover, not only… but also).
- Giving an example: par exemple, ainsi, notamment, comme (for example, thus, in particular, such as).
- Clarifying: en effet (indeed, in fact), c'est-à-dire (that is to say), autrement dit (in other words).
Le télétravail réduit les trajets. De plus, il permet de mieux organiser sa journée. (Remote working cuts down on commuting. Furthermore, it lets you organise your day better.)
Linking words to contrast and qualify
These are the most valued at B2 and C1, because they show you can see both sides of an issue.
| Linking word | Construction | Example |
|---|---|---|
| mais, cependant, pourtant, toutefois (but, however, yet, nevertheless) | + clause | C'est cher ; cependant, c'est utile. |
| en revanche, par contre (on the other hand) | + clause | Paris est cher ; en revanche, Lille est abordable. |
| alors que, tandis que (whereas, while) | + indicative | Il travaille alors que je me repose. |
| bien que, quoique (although) | + subjunctive | Bien qu'il soit tard, je continue. |
| malgré, en dépit de (despite, in spite of) | + noun | Malgré la pluie, nous sommes sortis. |
| même si (even if) | + indicative | Même s'il pleut, je viendrai. |
Par contre is more conversational; in a formal text, prefer en revanche.
Linking words for cause and consequence
- Cause: parce que, car, puisque, comme (because, for, since, as) + indicative; grâce à (thanks to, a positive cause) and à cause de (because of, a negative cause) + noun; en raison de (owing to) + noun, formal.
- Consequence: donc, alors, c'est pourquoi, par conséquent, ainsi (so, then, that is why, consequently, thus) + clause; si bien que, de sorte que (so that, with the result that) + indicative.
Comme il pleuvait, nous sommes restés à la maison. (As it was raining, we stayed at home.) Le train était en retard ; par conséquent, j'ai raté mon rendez-vous. (The train was late; consequently, I missed my appointment.)
Linking words to conclude
En conclusion, pour conclure, en somme, en définitive, bref (the last one is more conversational). Do not introduce new arguments in the conclusion: sum up your position and, if you wish, open up a wider perspective.
How to use them well in the DELF
- Vary them: repeating mais five times costs you points; alternate with cependant, pourtant or en revanche.
- Do not pile them up: one linking word per idea is enough. A text full of artificial linking words sounds mechanical.
- Respect the construction: malgré + noun (✗ malgré que il pleut), bien que + subjunctive. If you are unsure about the subjunctive, review the French subjunctive.
- Watch the punctuation: linking words at the start of a sentence are usually followed by a comma: Cependant, …
In the DELF B2 guide you will find an argumentative text structure in which to fit these linking words, and in the DALF C1 and C2 guide, the keys to the synthesis. The Académie française also publishes recommendations on doubtful usages, such as malgré que.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between "car" and "parce que"?
They mean the same thing, but car is more written and cannot start a sentence, whereas parce que can: Parce qu'il pleut, je reste. (Because it is raining, I am staying.)
Is "par contre" incorrect?
It is not incorrect, but it is more colloquial. In a formal text or in the DELF, en revanche makes a better impression.
How many linking words should you use in the DELF B2?
There is no set number. What matters is that each part of the text is linked to the previous one and that you use a variety of linking words for contrast, cause and consequence.
Does "malgré que" exist?
It exists in spoken French, but it is considered incorrect in careful French. Use bien que + subjunctive or malgré + noun.
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