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conséquence

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At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to understand basic cause and effect. The word 'conséquence' might be slightly advanced for absolute beginners, who usually rely on simple conjunctions like 'parce que' (because) to link ideas. However, introducing 'conséquence' early on helps build a foundation for logical thinking in French. A1 learners will primarily encounter the word in its simplest form, usually as a direct translation of 'consequence' or 'result'. They might learn to recognize it in simple sentences provided by the teacher, such as 'C'est une conséquence' (It is a consequence). The focus at this stage is purely on recognition and basic vocabulary acquisition rather than active, complex usage. Teachers might use visual aids, showing a picture of rain and then a picture of a wet street, labeling the latter as 'la conséquence'. The goal is to plant the seed of the concept. Learners at this level will not be expected to use complex phrases like 'par conséquent', but they should be able to understand that the word refers to what happens after an action. They might practice simple matching exercises where an action is linked to its obvious consequence. Pronunciation practice is also crucial here, focusing on the nasal vowels 'on' and 'en', which are notoriously difficult for beginners. By slowly integrating 'conséquence' into their passive vocabulary, A1 learners prepare themselves for the more structured logical expressions they will need in subsequent levels. The emphasis is on the singular form 'la conséquence' and associating it with very concrete, tangible everyday events, like eating too much and feeling sick, or studying hard and getting a good grade.
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As learners progress to the A2 level, their ability to express relationships between events grows. They move beyond simply saying 'because' and start to explore the results of actions. At this stage, 'conséquence' becomes an active part of their vocabulary. They learn to use it in simple, compound sentences. A key development at the A2 level is the introduction of the phrase 'par conséquent' (therefore). This phrase acts as a magic key, allowing learners to sound significantly more fluent and logical. Instead of saying 'Il pleut. Je reste ici', they can say 'Il pleut, par conséquent je reste ici'. This represents a major leap in conversational ability. Learners also begin to use the plural form 'les conséquences' and pair the noun with basic adjectives like 'bon' (good) or 'mauvais' (bad) to express 'une bonne conséquence' or 'une mauvaise conséquence'. They practice talking about the outcomes of daily routines, health habits, and simple choices. Role-playing exercises often involve giving advice and warning about the consequences of bad decisions, such as 'Si tu ne dors pas, la conséquence est la fatigue' (If you don't sleep, the consequence is fatigue). The focus is on practical, everyday situations. Teachers will encourage students to identify the cause and the consequence in short reading passages. While their grammar might still be basic, the logical structure of their thoughts becomes much clearer through the use of this word. They also start to understand the verb 'avoir' in relation to the noun: 'Ça a des conséquences' (That has consequences). This functional approach ensures that the vocabulary is immediately useful in their daily interactions in French.
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The B1 level is where 'conséquence' truly shines and becomes an indispensable tool for the learner. At this intermediate stage, learners are expected to narrate events, express opinions, and provide reasons and explanations for their viewpoints. The concept of causality is central to these tasks. B1 learners use 'conséquence' to structure their arguments and tell more complex stories. They move beyond simple 'good' or 'bad' consequences and start using more nuanced adjectives like 'grave' (serious), 'directe' (direct), or 'logique' (logical). They are expected to comfortably use phrases like 'en conséquence' (accordingly) and 'avoir pour conséquence de' (to result in). This is also the level where learners start discussing broader societal issues, such as the environment, technology, or education, where 'les conséquences' are frequently debated. For example, they might write a short essay on 'Les conséquences de la pollution' (The consequences of pollution). The ability to link paragraphs and ideas using 'par conséquent' is a key marker of B1 proficiency. Furthermore, learners at this level begin to distinguish 'conséquence' from similar words like 'résultat' and 'effet', understanding the subtle differences in context. They practice using the word with verbs like 'subir' (to suffer) and 'assumer' (to assume/take responsibility for), which adds emotional and moral depth to their communication. Listening comprehension exercises will frequently feature news clips or interviews where consequences are discussed, challenging the learner to identify the cause-and-effect relationships in spoken French. Mastery of 'conséquence' at the B1 level is a clear indicator that the learner is transitioning from simple sentence construction to cohesive, logical discourse.
At the B2 level, the use of 'conséquence' becomes highly sophisticated and nuanced. Learners at this upper-intermediate stage are expected to be able to construct clear, detailed arguments on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. 'Conséquence' is a critical vocabulary item for achieving this. B2 learners use the word effortlessly in complex sentence structures, often involving the subjunctive mood or conditional tenses to discuss hypothetical consequences: 'Si nous faisions cela, quelles en seraient les conséquences ?' (If we did that, what would the consequences be?). They are comfortable with a wide array of collocations, such as 'tirer les conséquences' (to draw conclusions/learn the lessons), 'lourdes de conséquences' (fraught with consequences), and 'une conséquence inéluctable' (an inevitable consequence). At this level, the distinction between 'conséquence', 'répercussion', 'retombée', and 'aboutissement' is fully understood and actively utilized to provide precise meaning. In written French, such as formal essays or professional emails, B2 learners use 'en conséquence de quoi' to link complex legal or administrative ideas. They can analyze abstract concepts, such as the economic consequences of a political decision, using appropriate domain-specific vocabulary alongside 'conséquence'. Furthermore, they are adept at understanding the implicit consequences in a text or speech, even when the word itself is not explicitly used. The focus is on rhetorical effectiveness, using the concept of consequences to persuade, warn, or analyze deeply. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a structural pillar of their advanced communication skills, allowing them to participate fully in debates and complex discussions.
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For C1 learners, the word 'conséquence' is a tool for elegant, precise, and highly articulate expression. At this advanced level, learners possess a vast vocabulary and can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Their use of 'conséquence' reflects a deep understanding of French syntax and stylistics. They employ the word in highly abstract, academic, or professional contexts. C1 learners manipulate idiomatic expressions effortlessly, such as 'sans conséquence' (inconsequential) or 'cela ne tire pas à conséquence' (it is of no great matter). They are capable of writing complex dissertations where the logical flow is seamlessly guided by varied expressions of causality, avoiding the repetitive use of 'par conséquent' by substituting it with 'de ce fait', 'ainsi', or 'dès lors'. They understand the subtle philosophical and legal weights the word carries. In a debate, a C1 speaker might deconstruct an opponent's argument by meticulously analyzing the unintended consequences ('les conséquences inattendues' or 'les effets pervers') of a proposed policy. They are highly sensitive to register, knowing exactly when to use 'conséquence' versus a more colloquial or a more literary alternative. Their reading comprehension includes classic literature and complex journalistic texts where the consequences of historical events or intricate social dynamics are explored. At this level, the learner's relationship with the word is native-like; they use it not just to communicate a basic idea, but to shape the tone, rhythm, and persuasive power of their discourse, demonstrating complete mastery over the mechanics of cause and effect in the French language.
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At the C2 level of mastery, the learner's command of 'conséquence' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The word is utilized with absolute precision, embedded within complex, multi-layered sentences that explore profound philosophical, scientific, or literary themes. C2 speakers do not merely use the word; they play with its implications. They can engage in deep discussions about consequentialism in ethics, the butterfly effect in chaos theory, or the intricate, cascading consequences of geopolitical shifts. They possess an exhaustive knowledge of all related terminology, synonyms, and archaic or highly specialized usages. In writing, they can craft compelling narratives or rigorous academic papers where the exploration of consequences forms the central thesis. They might use sophisticated syntactic inversions or rhetorical devices involving the word to create emphasis or poetic effect. For instance, 'De cette erreur découlèrent des conséquences d'une ampleur insoupçonnée' (From this error flowed consequences of an unsuspected magnitude). They are completely comfortable with the legalistic 'en conséquence de quoi' and can draft formal documents using precise causal language. Furthermore, a C2 speaker understands the cultural and historical weight of certain consequences within the Francophone world, allowing them to contextualize their arguments deeply. They can effortlessly correct subtle logical fallacies in others' speech regarding cause and effect. At this ultimate level of proficiency, 'conséquence' is a brush used to paint intricate pictures of reality, demonstrating a profound, nuanced, and effortless mastery of the French language's capacity for logical expression.
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  • Refers to the result or effect of an action.
  • Often used with verbs like 'assumer', 'subir', and 'avoir'.
  • Key phrases include 'par conséquent' (therefore) and 'en conséquence' (accordingly).
  • Can be positive or negative, but often implies a serious outcome.
The French noun 'conséquence' is a fundamental vocabulary word that serves as a cornerstone for expressing causality, relationships between events, and logical progressions in both spoken and written discourse. At its core, a consequence represents the direct or indirect result, effect, or outcome of a specific action, decision, condition, or series of events. Understanding this word is absolutely essential for anyone aiming to achieve fluency in French, as it allows speakers to move beyond simple descriptive language and engage in complex analytical thinking, argumentation, and storytelling. When we examine the concept of a consequence, we are essentially looking at the second half of the cause-and-effect equation. Every action taken by an individual, a group, or even natural forces sets off a chain reaction, and the endpoints of these reactions are what we label as conséquences. In everyday life, these can range from the trivial to the life-altering. For instance, if you forget your umbrella on a rainy day, the immediate consequence is getting wet. If a government implements a new economic policy, the consequences might ripple through global markets for decades.

Chaque action a une conséquence inévitable.

The beauty of the word 'conséquence' lies in its versatility. It does not inherently carry a positive or negative connotation, although, in practical usage, people often use it to refer to negative outcomes, much like in English. When someone says 'Il faut assumer les conséquences' (One must face the consequences), there is usually an implication that the results are burdensome or difficult. However, one can also speak of 'heureuses conséquences' (happy consequences) or 'conséquences positives' (positive consequences). Let us delve deeper into the nuances. The word originates from the Latin 'consequentia', meaning 'that which follows'. This etymological root perfectly encapsulates its modern usage. It is not just a random event that happens after another; it is an event that happens *because* of the other. This logical link is what distinguishes a consequence from a mere sequence of events.
Causality
The direct relationship where one event makes another event happen.
In philosophical contexts, the study of consequences is tied to ethics and morality, particularly in consequentialism, where the morality of an action is judged solely by its consequences. In legal contexts, 'conséquence' is used to describe the damages or liabilities arising from a breach of contract or a tort.

Le juge a évalué la conséquence de la faute.

Furthermore, in scientific literature, consequences are the observed phenomena resulting from experimental variables.
Scientific Method
Observing the consequences of a controlled variable change.
When learning French, mastering 'conséquence' also means mastering the transitional phrases associated with it, such as 'par conséquent' (therefore) and 'en conséquence' (accordingly). These phrases act as logical bridges in sentences, guiding the listener or reader from the premise to the conclusion.

Il a plu, par conséquent nous restons à l'intérieur.

The ability to articulate consequences effectively demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency, moving the learner from the B1 threshold towards B2 and beyond. It shows that the speaker can not only describe the world but also analyze it, predict outcomes, and construct coherent arguments.
Argumentation
The process of using logical consequences to persuade an audience.

La conséquence de ce choix est claire.

Il refuse d'accepter la conséquence de ses actes.

Ultimately, 'conséquence' is a word that bridges the gap between action and reality, making it indispensable for meaningful communication in French.
Using the word 'conséquence' correctly in French involves understanding its grammatical properties, its common collocations, and the specific prepositions that often accompany it. As a feminine noun (la conséquence), it requires feminine articles and adjectives. The plural form (les conséquences) is extremely common, perhaps even more so than the singular, because actions rarely have just one single outcome. When constructing sentences, the placement of the word and its surrounding syntax are crucial for conveying the exact logical relationship you intend. One of the most frequent ways to use this word is as the direct object of a verb. Verbs that deal with experiencing, causing, or analyzing outcomes pair naturally with it. For example, 'avoir des conséquences' (to have consequences) is a staple phrase. You might say, 'Cette décision aura de graves conséquences' (This decision will have serious consequences).

La tempête a eu une conséquence désastreuse sur les récoltes.

Other common verbs include 'subir' (to suffer/undergo), 'assumer' (to take responsibility for), 'entraîner' (to lead to/bring about), and 'tirer' (to draw). 'Tirer à conséquence' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'to be of consequence' or 'to matter', often used in the negative: 'Cela ne tire pas à conséquence' (It doesn't matter / It has no serious consequences).
Verbal Collocations
Pairing the noun with specific verbs like assumer, subir, and entraîner changes the focus from the cause to the reaction.
Beyond being a simple noun, 'conséquence' forms the basis of several essential adverbial and prepositional phrases that act as logical connectors. 'Par conséquent' is perhaps the most vital of these. It translates to 'therefore' or 'consequently' and is used to introduce the result of a preceding statement. It is a formal, elegant way to link ideas.

Je suis malade, par conséquent je ne viendrai pas.

Another key phrase is 'en conséquence', which means 'accordingly' or 'in consequence'. It implies acting in a way that is appropriate given a specific situation or previous event. For instance, 'La loi a changé, nous devons agir en conséquence' (The law has changed, we must act accordingly).
En conséquence
Used to indicate that an action is being adapted to fit a new reality or result.

Il a été averti et a agi en conséquence.

You will also frequently encounter the phrase 'en conséquence de quoi', which is a more formal, almost legalistic way of saying 'as a result of which'. It is often found in administrative documents or formal storytelling. When modifying the noun with adjectives, the placement follows standard French rules. Descriptive adjectives like 'grave' (serious), 'lourde' (heavy/severe), 'directe' (direct), or 'inévitable' (inevitable) usually precede or follow the noun depending on their specific grammatical rules, but often follow to provide emphasis. 'Une conséquence fâcheuse' (an unfortunate consequence) or 'les conséquences économiques' (the economic consequences).

Nous évaluons la conséquence à long terme.

Adjectival Agreement
Always ensure the adjective agrees in gender (feminine) and number with the noun.

C'est une conséquence logique de son comportement.

Mastering these structures allows learners to express complex causal relationships with precision and fluency, making their French sound much more natural and sophisticated.
The word 'conséquence' is ubiquitous in the French language, appearing across a wide spectrum of contexts, from the most casual daily conversations to the highest levels of formal discourse. Because the concept of cause and effect is universal, the vocabulary used to describe it naturally permeates every aspect of communication. One of the most common places you will hear and read this word is in the news media. Journalists rely heavily on 'conséquence' to explain the impact of events to their audience. Whether they are discussing the aftermath of a natural disaster, the fallout from a political scandal, or the projected results of a new economic policy, the word is indispensable. For example, a news anchor might say, 'Les conséquences de la grève se font sentir dans tout le pays' (The consequences of the strike are being felt across the country).

Le journal a détaillé chaque conséquence du nouveau traité.

In these journalistic contexts, the word is often paired with strong adjectives like 'désastreuses', 'incalculables', or 'bénéfiques' to emphasize the scale of the impact.
Media Usage
Used to summarize the broader societal impacts of isolated news events.
In the workplace and professional environments, 'conséquence' is frequently used in meetings, reports, and strategic planning. Business professionals use it to evaluate risks and project future outcomes. A manager might warn a team, 'Une erreur à ce stade aurait de lourdes conséquences pour le projet' (An error at this stage would have heavy consequences for the project). It is also a key term in legal and administrative jargon. Contracts often contain clauses detailing the consequences of a breach, and legal judgments are essentially the formal imposition of consequences for unlawful actions.

L'avocat a expliqué la conséquence pénale de l'infraction.

Environmental discussions are another major domain where the word is prevalent. With the growing focus on climate change, scientists and activists constantly speak of 'les conséquences du réchauffement climatique' (the consequences of global warming). Here, the word underscores the urgency and the direct link between human activity and environmental degradation.
Environmental Context
Highlighting the long-term ecological results of current human behaviors.

La fonte des glaces est une conséquence directe de la pollution.

On a more personal level, you will hear it in everyday conversations, often when people are giving advice, issuing warnings, or reflecting on their choices. Parents use it with children to teach responsibility: 'Si tu ne fais pas tes devoirs, tu devras en assumer les conséquences' (If you don't do your homework, you will have to face the consequences). Friends might use it when discussing life decisions, such as changing careers or moving to a new city.

Il n'avait pas prévu cette conséquence inattendue.

Interpersonal Communication
Used to establish boundaries and explain the logical outcomes of personal behavior.

Chaque mensonge a une conséquence sur la confiance.

In literature and storytelling, consequences drive the plot. The entire narrative arc of a novel often revolves around the protagonist dealing with the consequences of an initial inciting incident. Therefore, whether you are reading a classic French novel, watching a modern film, or simply chatting with a friend over coffee, 'conséquence' is a word that you will encounter repeatedly, serving as the glue that holds logical narratives together.
While 'conséquence' is a relatively straightforward word to understand, learners of French often make several common mistakes when trying to incorporate it into their active vocabulary. These errors usually stem from direct translation from their native language, confusion with similar French words, or misunderstandings of specific grammatical structures. One of the most frequent mistakes involves the misuse of prepositions, particularly when forming adverbial phrases. English speakers, for example, might try to translate 'as a consequence' literally and say 'comme une conséquence'. While this might be understood, it sounds unnatural in French. The correct, idiomatic phrases are 'en conséquence' (accordingly) or 'par conséquent' (therefore/as a result).

Il a échoué, par conséquent il doit recommencer.

Another common error is confusing 'conséquence' with 'suite'. While both can refer to what happens after an event, 'suite' simply means the continuation or the next thing in a sequence, without necessarily implying a strong cause-and-effect relationship. 'Conséquence' strictly implies that the first event caused the second. For example, 'la suite du film' is the sequel to the movie, not the consequence of the movie. Using 'conséquence' when you mean 'suite' disrupts the logical flow of the sentence.
Conséquence vs. Suite
Conséquence implies causality; suite implies chronological order.
Learners also frequently struggle with the gender of the word. Because it ends in '-ence', it is feminine ('la conséquence'), but learners sometimes mistakenly treat it as masculine, leading to errors in adjectival agreement, such as saying 'un conséquence grave' instead of the correct 'une conséquence grave'.

C'est une conséquence fâcheuse, mais inévitable.

Furthermore, there is a tendency to overuse 'conséquence' in situations where a simpler word like 'résultat' (result) or 'effet' (effect) might be more appropriate. While 'conséquence' is excellent for formal or serious contexts, using it for trivial matters can sound overly dramatic. For instance, saying 'La conséquence de mon mélange de couleurs est le vert' (The consequence of my mixing colors is green) sounds too heavy; 'Le résultat' is much better here.
Overuse
Reserve 'conséquence' for significant outcomes rather than trivial daily results.

Il n'a pas mesuré la conséquence de ses mots.

Pronunciation can also be a stumbling block. The word contains two nasal vowels: the 'on' /ɔ̃/ and the 'en' /ɑ̃/. Learners often fail to distinguish between these two sounds, or they pronounce the 'qu' as /kw/ instead of the correct /k/. The correct pronunciation is /kɔ̃.se.kɑ̃s/. Mispronouncing these nasal sounds can sometimes make the word difficult for native speakers to understand in rapid speech.
Pronunciation
Ensure the 'qu' is pronounced as a hard 'k', not 'kw'.

La conséquence économique sera évaluée demain.

Toute action entraîne une conséquence spécifique.

By being aware of these common pitfalls—correcting prepositional usage, distinguishing it from similar words, ensuring correct gender agreement, avoiding overuse, and practicing the nasal pronunciation—learners can significantly improve their accuracy and sound much more natural when discussing causes and effects in French.
The French language is rich in vocabulary related to cause, effect, and outcomes. While 'conséquence' is a highly versatile and common word, it exists within a network of synonyms and related terms that offer subtle nuances in meaning. Understanding these similar words allows a learner to express ideas with greater precision and stylistic variety. The most direct synonym is 'résultat' (result). 'Résultat' is often used interchangeably with 'conséquence', but it tends to be more neutral and objective. It is frequently used in mathematics, sports, and science to denote the final state of a process, without necessarily implying a moral or heavy burden. For example, 'le résultat du match' (the result of the match) is preferred over 'la conséquence du match'.

Le résultat est la conséquence de nos efforts.

Another closely related word is 'effet' (effect). 'Effet' focuses more on the immediate impression or the direct physical or psychological change caused by something. We speak of 'l'effet d'un médicament' (the effect of a medicine) rather than its consequence, although the long-term side effects might be termed 'conséquences'. 'Effet' is immediate; 'conséquence' can be delayed.
Effet vs Conséquence
Effet is the immediate change; conséquence is the broader, often longer-term outcome.
'Répercussion' is a fantastic word that implies a consequence that echoes or ripples outward, affecting secondary or tertiary areas. It is highly favored in economic and political contexts. For instance, 'Les répercussions de la crise financière' suggests that the crisis didn't just have one direct result, but rather a series of cascading effects across different sectors.

Cette loi aura une conséquence et de multiples répercussions.

Similarly, 'retombée' (fallout/spinoff) is used for indirect consequences, often those that settle after a major event. It can be used negatively (radioactive fallout) or positively (economic spinoffs from a festival).
Retombée
Focuses on the indirect, secondary effects that 'fall' from the main event.
'Suite' (continuation/aftermath) is another word often found in this semantic field. As mentioned in the common mistakes section, 'suite' emphasizes the chronological sequence rather than strict causality, though in phrases like 'donner suite à' (to follow up on), it touches upon consequential action. 'Aboutissement' (culmination/outcome) represents the final consequence of a long process or effort, carrying a sense of finality and completion.

Son succès est la conséquence de son travail acharné.

Finally, 'corollaire' (corollary) is a formal, logical, or mathematical term used to describe a consequence that naturally and inevitably follows from a proven proposition. It is rarely used in everyday speech but is excellent for academic writing.
Corollaire
A direct, undeniable logical consequence.

La pauvreté est souvent une conséquence du chômage.

Il faut distinguer la cause de la conséquence.

By carefully selecting among 'conséquence', 'résultat', 'effet', 'répercussion', and others, speakers can paint a much more accurate and vivid picture of how events unfold and influence one another.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Agreement (Feminine)

Adverbial Phrases (par conséquent)

Prepositions with Verbs (avoir pour conséquence de)

Logical Connectors

Subjunctive with hypothetical consequences (Si... quelles en seraient...)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

C'est une conséquence.

It is a consequence.

Basic noun usage with indefinite article.

2

La conséquence est mauvaise.

The consequence is bad.

Noun with a simple descriptive adjective.

3

Il y a une conséquence.

There is a consequence.

Using 'il y a' to state existence.

4

Je vois la conséquence.

I see the consequence.

Direct object of the verb 'voir'.

5

C'est la conséquence de la pluie.

It is the consequence of the rain.

Linking two nouns with 'de'.

6

Une bonne conséquence.

A good consequence.

Adjective placed before the noun.

7

Quelle est la conséquence ?

What is the consequence?

Basic interrogative structure.

8

La conséquence est claire.

The consequence is clear.

Using 'être' to describe the noun.

1

Il pleut, par conséquent je reste ici.

It is raining, therefore I am staying here.

Introduction of the adverbial phrase 'par conséquent'.

2

Cette action a des conséquences.

This action has consequences.

Using 'avoir' with the plural form.

3

Tu dois accepter les conséquences.

You must accept the consequences.

Direct object of the verb 'accepter'.

4

C'est une conséquence très grave.

It is a very serious consequence.

Adding an adverb to intensify the adjective.

5

Je ne veux pas de conséquences.

I don't want any consequences.

Negative structure 'pas de'.

6

Les conséquences sont importantes.

The consequences are important.

Plural subject and verb agreement.

7

Il a agi sans penser aux conséquences.

He acted without thinking of the consequences.

Preposition 'à' contracted with 'les' to form 'aux'.

8

Nous verrons les conséquences demain.

We will see the consequences tomorrow.

Using the future tense.

1

Il faut assumer les conséquences de ses actes.

One must take responsibility for the consequences of one's actions.

Common collocation 'assumer les conséquences'.

2

La pollution a des conséquences désastreuses sur l'environnement.

Pollution has disastrous consequences on the environment.

Using 'sur' to indicate the target of the consequences.

3

En conséquence, nous avons décidé d'annuler le projet.

Accordingly, we have decided to cancel the project.

Using 'en conséquence' at the beginning of a sentence.

4

C'est la conséquence directe de votre retard.

It is the direct consequence of your delay.

Using 'directe' to emphasize causality.

5

Quelles seront les conséquences à long terme ?

What will be the long-term consequences?

Phrase 'à long terme'.

6

Cette décision risque d'entraîner de lourdes conséquences.

This decision risks bringing about heavy consequences.

Using 'de' instead of 'des' before a plural adjective.

7

Il a perdu son emploi et, par conséquent, sa maison.

He lost his job and, consequently, his house.

Using 'par conséquent' to link two nouns.

8

Nous subissons les conséquences de la crise économique.

We are suffering the consequences of the economic crisis.

Verb 'subir' paired with the noun.

1

Il est impératif de tirer les conséquences de cet échec.

It is imperative to draw the lessons from this failure.

Idiomatic expression 'tirer les conséquences'.

2

Bien que l'intention fût bonne, la conséquence fut tragique.

Although the intention was good, the consequence was tragic.

Contrast using 'bien que' and the passé simple.

3

Les conséquences inattendues de cette loi sont nombreuses.

The unintended consequences of this law are numerous.

Adjective 'inattendues' for complex situations.

4

Il a agi en conséquence des informations reçues.

He acted in accordance with the information received.

Structure 'en conséquence de'.

5

Cette erreur ne tire pas à conséquence.

This error is of no consequence.

Idiomatic phrase 'ne pas tirer à conséquence'.

6

Nous devons évaluer les conséquences potentielles avant d'agir.

We must evaluate the potential consequences before acting.

Using 'avant de' + infinitive.

7

La démission du ministre est une conséquence logique du scandale.

The minister's resignation is a logical consequence of the scandal.

Linking political events logically.

8

Il s'agit d'une conséquence fâcheuse à laquelle nous n'avions pas pensé.

It is an unfortunate consequence that we had not thought of.

Relative pronoun 'à laquelle'.

1

Les conséquences de cette politique macroéconomique se feront sentir pendant des décennies.

The consequences of this macroeconomic policy will be felt for decades.

Pronominal passive 'se feront sentir'.

2

Il a été reconnu coupable, en conséquence de quoi il a été condamné à une amende.

He was found guilty, as a result of which he was fined.

Formal relative phrase 'en conséquence de quoi'.

3

Il faut pallier les conséquences néfastes de cette décision hâtive.

We must mitigate the harmful consequences of this hasty decision.

Advanced verb 'pallier' (takes a direct object).

4

L'effet pervers est une conséquence négative non désirée d'une action bien intentionnée.

The perverse effect is an unintended negative consequence of a well-intentioned action.

Defining complex sociological concepts.

5

Cette mesure, bien que drastique, est sans conséquence sur le fond du problème.

This measure, although drastic, has no consequence on the core of the problem.

Phrase 'sans conséquence sur'.

6

Mesurer l'ampleur des conséquences requiert une analyse systémique.

Measuring the scale of the consequences requires a systemic analysis.

Infinitive subject 'Mesurer'.

7

C'est le corollaire, la conséquence inéluctable de notre inaction climatique.

It is the corollary, the inevitable consequence of our climate inaction.

Using synonyms 'corollaire' and 'conséquence' for rhetorical emphasis.

8

Il s'est dédouané de toute responsabilité quant aux conséquences ultérieures.

He absolved himself of all responsibility regarding subsequent consequences.

Advanced vocabulary 'se dédouaner' and 'quant aux'.

1

L'effondrement de l'empire fut la conséquence ultime d'une myriade de facteurs endogènes.

The collapse of the empire was the ultimate consequence of a myriad of endogenous factors.

Historical and academic register.

2

Il convient d'en assumer les conséquences inéluctables avec une stoïque résignation.

It is fitting to bear the inevitable consequences thereof with stoic resignation.

Use of pronoun 'en' and highly formal vocabulary.

3

Toute altération du paradigme initial engendre des conséquences en cascade difficilement modélisables.

Any alteration of the initial paradigm generates cascading consequences that are difficult to model.

Scientific/epistemological terminology.

4

Le législateur a prévu cette disposition pour parer aux conséquences dommageables de la rupture de contrat.

The legislator provided this provision to ward off the damaging consequences of the breach of contract.

Legal jargon 'parer aux conséquences dommageables'.

5

L'auteur explore les conséquences psychologiques insidieuses de l'aliénation moderne.

The author explores the insidious psychological consequences of modern alienation.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

6

C'est une assertion dont les conséquences épistémologiques sont vertigineuses.

It is an assertion whose epistemological consequences are dizzying.

Relative pronoun 'dont' indicating possession.

7

Il a balayé d'un revers de main ces objections, les jugeant sans conséquence pour son dessein.

He brushed aside these objections, judging them of no consequence to his design.

Participial phrase 'les jugeant'.

8

La réification de l'individu n'est que la conséquence logique du capitalisme tardif.

The reification of the individual is but the logical consequence of late capitalism.

Philosophical/sociological critique using 'ne... que'.

Häufige Kollokationen

assumer les conséquences
subir les conséquences
tirer les conséquences
lourdes conséquences
graves conséquences
conséquence directe
conséquence logique
conséquence inévitable
en conséquence
par conséquent

Häufige Phrasen

par conséquent
en conséquence
en conséquence de quoi
tirer à conséquence
sans conséquence
avoir pour conséquence de
les conséquences fâcheuses
assumer toutes les conséquences
mesurer les conséquences
peser les conséquences

Wird oft verwechselt mit

conséquence vs suite

conséquence vs résultat

conséquence vs effet

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"ne pas tirer à conséquence"
"payer les pots cassés (related concept)"
"récolter ce que l'on a semé (related concept)"
"effet boule de neige (related concept)"
"effet papillon (related concept)"
"qui sème le vent récolte la tempête (related concept)"
"de cause à effet"
"en fin de compte"
"au bout du compte"
"faire face à la musique (Quebec)"

Leicht verwechselbar

conséquence vs

conséquence vs

conséquence vs

conséquence vs

conséquence vs

Satzmuster

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So verwendest du es

nuance

While neutral by definition, it often carries a negative connotation unless modified by a positive adjective.

formality

Can be used in all registers, but phrases like 'en conséquence de quoi' are strictly formal/administrative.

Häufige Fehler
  • Translating 'as a consequence' literally to 'comme une conséquence' instead of 'par conséquent'.
  • Using the masculine article 'le conséquence' instead of the feminine 'la conséquence'.
  • Pronouncing the 'qu' as 'kw' instead of a hard 'k'.
  • Confusing it with 'suite', which only implies chronological order, not causality.
  • Forgetting to change 'des' to 'de' before a plural adjective (e.g., writing 'des graves conséquences' instead of 'de graves conséquences').

Tipps

Feminine Agreement

Always remember that 'conséquence' is feminine. Ensure all adjectives agree: 'une conséquence fâcheuse'.

Use 'Par conséquent'

Elevate your French by using 'par conséquent' instead of always using 'donc'. It sounds much more sophisticated.

Nasal Vowels

Practice the difference between the 'on' and 'en' sounds. They are distinct nasal vowels in French.

Avoid 'Comme une conséquence'

Never translate 'as a consequence' literally. Use 'en conséquence' instead.

Assumer les conséquences

Memorize the chunk 'assumer les conséquences'. It is the most natural way to say 'face the consequences'.

De graves conséquences

In writing, remember the rule: 'des' becomes 'de' before a plural adjective. 'De graves conséquences'.

Conséquence vs Suite

Use 'suite' for what happens next, and 'conséquence' for what happens *because* of what happened first.

Tirer à conséquence

Use 'ça ne tire pas à conséquence' to reassure someone that their mistake isn't a big deal.

Spotting the Cause

When you hear 'conséquence', train your brain to immediately look for the cause that preceded it in the sentence.

Vary Your Words

If you find yourself using 'conséquence' too much, switch to 'répercussion' or 'impact' for variety.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a CON SEQUENCE: A con artist runs a SEQUENCE of tricks, and the CONSEQUENCE is you lose your money.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a line of dominoes falling; the last domino falling is the 'conséquence'.

Wortherkunft

Latin

Kultureller Kontext

Highly used in formal debates and media.

Used similarly, though colloquialisms for dealing with consequences might differ (e.g., 'faire face à la musique').

Standard usage.

Standard usage.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"Quelles sont les conséquences du réchauffement climatique selon vous ?"

"As-tu déjà pris une décision sans penser aux conséquences ?"

"Penses-tu que les réseaux sociaux ont des conséquences négatives sur les jeunes ?"

"Quelle a été la conséquence la plus inattendue de la pandémie ?"

"Comment peut-on éviter les conséquences d'une mauvaise alimentation ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez une situation où vous avez dû assumer les conséquences de vos actes.

Quelles pourraient être les conséquences de l'intelligence artificielle dans 10 ans ?

Écrivez sur une petite action qui a eu une grande conséquence dans votre vie.

Analysez les conséquences d'un événement historique majeur.

Comment gérez-vous la peur des conséquences avant de prendre un risque ?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is a feminine noun. You must say 'la conséquence' or 'une conséquence'. Any adjectives modifying it must also be in the feminine form, such as 'une conséquence directe'.

You use the phrase 'par conséquent'. It is a very common and elegant way to link a cause to its effect in French. For example, 'Il pleut, par conséquent je reste.'

'Résultat' is often more neutral and used for concrete outcomes like test scores or math problems. 'Conséquence' implies a stronger logical or causal link and is often used for broader impacts or serious outcomes.

Yes, it can be positive, but you usually need to add a positive adjective to clarify this, like 'une conséquence positive' or 'une heureuse conséquence'. Without an adjective, it often implies a negative or serious outcome.

It means 'accordingly' or 'as a result'. It is used when an action is taken in response to a previous event. For example, 'La loi a changé, agissez en conséquence.'

The 'qu' is pronounced like a hard 'k', not like 'kw'. The pronunciation is /kɔ̃.se.kɑ̃s/.

Common verbs include 'avoir' (to have), 'subir' (to suffer/undergo), 'assumer' (to take responsibility for), and 'entraîner' (to lead to).

No, this is a direct translation from English and sounds unnatural in French. You should use 'en conséquence' or 'par conséquent' instead.

It is an idiom that means 'to be of consequence' or 'to matter'. It is usually used in the negative: 'Cela ne tire pas à conséquence' (It doesn't matter).

Simply add an 's' to make it 'les conséquences'. It is very frequently used in the plural because actions often have multiple outcomes. Remember to change 'des' to 'de' if a plural adjective comes before it: 'de graves conséquences'.

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