étant donné
étant donné 30초 만에
- A formal logical connector meaning 'given' or 'considering'.
- Used with a noun or with 'que' + a full clause.
- Essential for professional, legal, and academic French communication.
- Remains invariable (no agreement) when starting a sentence in modern usage.
The French phrase étant donné is a sophisticated linguistic tool used to establish a logical premise or to acknowledge a specific set of circumstances that influence a subsequent conclusion. While it technically originates from the past participle of the verb être (to be) combined with donner (to give), it functions primarily as a complex preposition or, when followed by que, as a subordinating conjunction. In English, we most frequently translate it as 'given', 'considering', or 'in light of'. It is an essential component for B2 learners because it allows for the construction of nuanced arguments and the clear articulation of cause-and-effect relationships in both formal writing and professional speech. Imagine you are building a house of logic; étant donné is the foundation upon which you lay your next brick of reasoning.
- The Prepositional Use
- When followed immediately by a noun or a noun phrase, it acts as a preposition. For example, 'Étant donné les circonstances' (Given the circumstances). In this context, it is traditionally invariable, meaning it does not change for gender or number, regardless of the noun that follows, especially when it appears at the beginning of a sentence.
- The Conjunctional Use
- When you add 'que' to the phrase—'étant donné que'—it becomes a conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause. This is used to explain the reason behind an action. 'Étant donné qu'il pleut, nous resterons à l'intérieur' (Given that it is raining, we will stay inside). This structure is vital for complex sentence formation in academic and business French.
« Étant donné la complexité du projet, nous avons décidé d'allouer des ressources supplémentaires pour garantir son succès dans les délais impartis. »
Historically, the phrase carries a certain weight of authority. It is the language of legal documents, scientific reports, and philosophical treatises. However, in modern French, it has permeated daily life to some extent, though it remains slightly more formal than parce que (because) or puisque (since). It suggests a factual basis rather than a subjective opinion. When you use étant donné, you are telling your listener that the fact you are about to mention is indisputable and provides the necessary context for what follows. It is the 'given' in a mathematical equation of life.
« Étant donné que vous avez terminé votre travail en avance, vous pouvez partir plus tôt aujourd'hui. »
In summary, this phrase is your go-to for establishing causality based on facts. Whether you are analyzing a market trend, discussing the weather, or explaining a personal choice, étant donné provides a bridge of logic that elevates your French from basic communication to sophisticated discourse. It helps you avoid repetitive use of 'car' or 'parce que' and adds a layer of precision to your speech that is highly valued in Francophone cultures.
Mastering the use of étant donné requires understanding its two primary structures: the prepositional form and the conjunctional form. Each serves a specific grammatical purpose and requires a different follow-up. Let's break down how to weave this phrase into your sentences to sound like a native speaker at a B2 level.
- Structure 1: Étant donné + Noun Phrase
- This is the simplest way to use the phrase. You simply place it before a noun that represents the 'given' fact. Note that there is no 'que' here. Example: 'Étant donné son jeune âge, il est très mature.' (Given his young age, he is very mature). This structure is concise and punchy.
- Structure 2: Étant donné que + Clause
- When the 'given' information is an entire action or state, you must use 'que'. This introduces a subordinate clause with its own subject and verb. Example: 'Étant donné que le train est en retard, j'arriverai après le dîner.' (Given that the train is late, I will arrive after dinner). Remember that the verb following 'que' is usually in the indicative mood, not the subjunctive, because 'étant donné que' introduces a fact, not a doubt.
« Étant donné l'inflation actuelle, les prix de l'immobilier continuent de grimper de manière inquiétante. »
« Nous ne pouvons pas sortir ce soir, étant donné que nous avons encore beaucoup de travail à finir. »
You can also place the phrase in the middle of a sentence to provide justification for an action already mentioned. In the example above, the decision (not going out) comes first, followed by the justification (having work to do). This flexibility allows you to vary your sentence rhythm. In formal writing, such as a cover letter or a report, starting with the premise is often preferred as it sets a logical tone from the outset. For instance: 'Étant donné mes compétences en marketing, je suis convaincu de pouvoir contribuer à votre équipe.' (Given my marketing skills, I am convinced I can contribute to your team).
- Common Pairing: Étant donné + Le fait que
- Sometimes you might see 'Étant donné le fait que' (Given the fact that). While slightly wordy, it is common in legal or highly formal French. It functions similarly to 'étant donné que' but emphasizes the factual nature of the statement.
Finally, pay attention to the negative form. While rare, you might say 'N'étant pas donné que...' which is extremely formal and usually replaced by other structures like 'Bien que...' (Although) or 'Malgré le fait que...' (Despite the fact that). Stick to the positive use to establish your logical foundations clearly and effectively.
While étant donné might sound purely academic, it is surprisingly prevalent in various sectors of French society. Understanding where and how it is used will help you recognize it in the wild and use it appropriately. It bridges the gap between the rigid formality of law and the logical flow of professional conversation.
- In the Media and News
- Journalists and news anchors frequently use 'étant donné' to provide context for a story. You'll hear phrases like 'Étant donné la situation géopolitique...' (Given the geopolitical situation...) or 'Étant donné la hausse des températures...' (Given the rise in temperatures...). It allows them to state a fact quickly before diving into the implications of that fact.
- In Corporate Environments
- During meetings, French professionals use it to justify decisions or propose changes. 'Étant donné notre budget limité, nous devons prioriser la publicité en ligne.' (Given our limited budget, we must prioritize online advertising). It sounds more objective and less like a personal opinion than saying 'Je pense que' (I think that).
« Étant donné les prévisions météorologiques, le match de tennis est reporté à demain. »
In the legal world, étant donné is a staple. It often appears in the 'attendu que' or 'considérant que' sections of a judgment, where the judge lists the facts that led to the verdict. While 'étant donné' is slightly less formal than 'attendu que', it still carries the same weight of logical necessity. If you ever find yourself reading a French contract or a formal letter from a notary, you are almost guaranteed to encounter it.
« Étant donné que vous n'avez pas respecté les termes du contrat, nous sommes dans l'obligation de résilier notre accord. »
Even in casual conversation, you might hear a more 'relaxed' version of this logic. While a teenager might just say 'Comme il pleut...' (Since it's raining...), an adult discussing a serious topic—like a mortgage or a health issue—will naturally gravitate toward étant donné to emphasize the gravity of the situation. It’s a word that demands attention and respect for the facts being presented.
Even advanced learners can stumble when using étant donné. Because it sits at the intersection of verbs and prepositions, its grammar can be tricky. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid so your French remains impeccable.
- Mistake 1: Unnecessary Agreement
- Many students try to make 'donné' agree with the noun that follows. They might write 'Étant données les circonstances' (plural feminine). While this isn't strictly 'forbidden' in all contexts of literature, modern standard French dictates that when it precedes the noun, it is an invariable preposition. Correct: Étant donné les circonstances.
- Mistake 2: Forgetting the 'Que'
- You cannot follow 'étant donné' directly with a verb. You must use 'étant donné que'. Incorrect: 'Étant donné il fait froid...' Correct: 'Étant donné qu'il fait froid...' This is a very common error for English speakers who are used to the flexibility of the word 'given'.
« Étant donné (NOT Étant données) toutes les erreurs dans ce rapport, nous devons le recommencer. »
Another mistake is overusing it. While it's a great phrase, using it in every sentence can make your French sound stiff or overly legalistic. If you are just talking about why you're late for coffee, 'parce que' or 'vu que' might be more natural. Save étant donné for when you want to sound precise and professional.
- Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Donné' as a simple adjective
- Sometimes 'donné' is just an adjective meaning 'given' (as in 'at a given time'). In 'à un moment donné', the word 'donné' must agree with 'moment'. This is different from the fixed expression 'étant donné'. Don't mix up the two rules!
« Étant donné que nous n'avons plus de temps, passons à la conclusion. »
By keeping these rules in mind—invariability, the necessary 'que' for clauses, and the use of the indicative mood—you will avoid the most common traps and use this powerful phrase with confidence.
In French, there are several ways to express causality and premises. Choosing the right one depends on the register (formal vs. informal) and the specific nuance you want to convey. Here is how étant donné compares to its closest relatives.
- Vu / Vu que
- Register: Neutral to Informal. Comparison: 'Vu' is the more casual cousin of 'étant donné'. It also means 'given' or 'considering'. In spoken French, you'll hear 'Vu le prix...' much more often than 'Étant donné le prix...'. However, in a formal essay, 'étant donné' is preferred.
- Compte tenu de
- Register: Formal / Professional. Comparison: This literally means 'taking into account'. It is almost identical in usage to 'étant donné' when followed by a noun. It is very common in business reports. Note: You cannot say 'Compte tenu que'; you must say 'Compte tenu du fait que'.
- Puisque
- Register: Neutral. Comparison: 'Puisque' (since) is used when the reason is already known to the listener. 'Étant donné que' is slightly more formal and emphasizes the factual premise more strongly.
« Vu l'heure, je pense qu'il est temps de rentrer. » vs « Étant donné l'heure tardive, la séance est levée. »
- Du fait de / En raison de
- Register: Formal. Comparison: These focus more on the cause itself. 'En raison de la pluie' means 'Due to the rain'. 'Étant donné la pluie' means 'Given the rain'. They are often interchangeable, but 'étant donné' feels more like a logical starting point for an argument.
Understanding these subtle differences will allow you to tailor your French to your audience. Whether you want to sound like a lawyer, a business executive, or just a well-educated friend, having this palette of causative expressions at your disposal is key to reaching C1/C2 fluency.
How Formal Is It?
재미있는 사실
The phrase is so common in legal French that it helped shape the 'Cartesian' style of French thinking, which always starts with a clear, given premise.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing the final 't' in 'étant' (it is silent).
- Making the nasal 'an' sound like 'on'.
- Pronouncing 'donné' like 'don-nee' (the 'é' should be short and sharp).
- Adding a 'd' sound to the start of 'étant'.
- Over-stressing the first syllable.
난이도
Easy to recognize once you know the two parts.
Requires care with the 'que' and avoiding the subjunctive.
Hard to use spontaneously without sounding too formal.
Common in news and professional contexts.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Invariability of 'Étant donné'
Étant donné (not données) les circonstances.
Use of Indicative after 'Étant donné que'
Étant donné qu'il est (not soit) malade.
Ellipsis of 'que' is impossible
Must be 'Étant donné qu'il pleut' not 'Étant donné il pleut'.
Position at the start of a sentence
Étant donné l'heure, partons. (Common structure)
Replacing with 'Vu que' for lower register
Vu qu'il pleut... (Less formal)
수준별 예문
Étant donné le froid, je porte un pull.
Given the cold, I am wearing a sweater.
Simple use with a noun.
Étant donné la pluie, nous restons ici.
Given the rain, we are staying here.
Shows cause and effect.
Étant donné l'heure, je vais dormir.
Given the time, I am going to sleep.
Common way to justify an action.
Étant donné le soleil, je mets mes lunettes.
Given the sun, I'm putting on my glasses.
Prepositional use.
Étant donné le prix, c'est cher.
Given the price, it's expensive.
Expressing an opinion based on a fact.
Étant donné mon âge, je suis à l'école.
Given my age, I am at school.
Personal context.
Étant donné le bruit, je ferme la fenêtre.
Given the noise, I'm closing the window.
Justifying a simple action.
Étant donné la fête, il y a du gâteau.
Given the party, there is cake.
Linking a situation to a fact.
Étant donné le retard du bus, je serai en retard.
Given the bus delay, I will be late.
Using a noun phrase to explain a future state.
Étant donné qu'il fait beau, on va au parc.
Given that the weather is nice, we're going to the park.
Introducing 'que' with a simple clause.
Étant donné ton aide, j'ai fini vite.
Given your help, I finished quickly.
Expressing gratitude/reason.
Étant donné le menu, je prends du poisson.
Given the menu, I'm having fish.
Making a choice based on context.
Étant donné que c'est gratuit, j'en prends deux.
Given that it's free, I'll take two.
Logical conclusion from a fact.
Étant donné la distance, on prend la voiture.
Given the distance, we're taking the car.
Justifying transportation choice.
Étant donné que tu es là, on peut commencer.
Given that you are here, we can start.
Condition for starting an action.
Étant donné le vent, ne sors pas en bateau.
Given the wind, don't go out by boat.
Giving advice based on circumstances.
Étant donné la situation économique, nous devons économiser.
Given the economic situation, we must save money.
Abstract noun use.
Étant donné que vous avez de l'expérience, vous êtes engagé.
Given that you have experience, you are hired.
Professional context with a clause.
Étant donné l'absence du directeur, la réunion est annulée.
Given the director's absence, the meeting is cancelled.
Formal justification.
Étant donné que le film est long, partons maintenant.
Given that the movie is long, let's leave now.
Planning based on information.
Étant donné les résultats, nous sommes satisfaits.
Given the results, we are satisfied.
Linking outcome to feeling.
Étant donné que c'est ton anniversaire, je t'offre un cadeau.
Given that it's your birthday, I'm giving you a gift.
Social context.
Étant donné la complexité, il faut plus de temps.
Given the complexity, more time is needed.
Argument for resources.
Étant donné que personne n'est venu, je ferme le magasin.
Given that no one came, I'm closing the store.
Decision based on an observation.
Étant donné l'envergure du projet, nous avons besoin d'experts.
Given the scale of the project, we need experts.
Formal professional vocabulary.
Étant donné que la loi a changé, nous devons adapter nos contrats.
Given that the law has changed, we must adapt our contracts.
Legal/Business context.
Étant donné l'urgence de la situation, agissons sans tarder.
Given the urgency of the situation, let's act without delay.
Persuasive call to action.
Étant donné que les ressources sont limitées, la gestion est clé.
Given that resources are limited, management is key.
Discussing constraints.
Étant donné le manque de preuves, le suspect a été libéré.
Given the lack of evidence, the suspect was released.
Legal reasoning.
Étant donné que vous n'avez pas répondu, nous avons annulé.
Given that you didn't reply, we cancelled.
Professional consequence.
Étant donné la hausse des prix, le pouvoir d'achat diminue.
Given the price increase, purchasing power is decreasing.
Socio-economic analysis.
Étant donné que le quorum n'est pas atteint, on ne peut pas voter.
Given that the quorum is not reached, we cannot vote.
Administrative procedure.
Étant donné la volatilité des marchés, la prudence est de mise.
Given the market volatility, caution is advised.
Advanced financial vocabulary.
Étant donné que l'éthique prime sur le profit, nous refusons ce deal.
Given that ethics take precedence over profit, we refuse this deal.
Philosophical/Moral stance.
Étant donné l'ampleur des dégâts, la reconstruction prendra des années.
Given the extent of the damage, reconstruction will take years.
High-level descriptive language.
Étant donné que le paradigme a changé, nos théories sont obsolètes.
Given that the paradigm has shifted, our theories are obsolete.
Academic/Scientific discourse.
Étant donné la fragilité de l'écosystème, le tourisme est régulé.
Given the ecosystem's fragility, tourism is regulated.
Environmental policy context.
Étant donné que la souveraineté est en jeu, le débat est intense.
Given that sovereignty is at stake, the debate is intense.
Political science terminology.
Étant donné l'opacité du système, la corruption s'est installée.
Given the system's opacity, corruption has taken root.
Critical social analysis.
Étant donné que la technologie évolue, nous devons nous former.
Given that technology evolves, we must train ourselves.
Continuous professional development context.
Étant donné l'inanité de ses propos, je n'ai pas daigné répondre.
Given the inanity of his words, I did not deign to reply.
Literary/Sarcastic tone.
Étant donné que l'ontologie précède l'épistémologie dans ce système...
Given that ontology precedes epistemology in this system...
Highly academic/philosophical.
Étant donné la récurrence de ces phénomènes, une loi s'impose.
Given the recurrence of these phenomena, a law is necessary.
Formal legislative reasoning.
Étant donné que l'art est un miroir social, cette œuvre est capitale.
Given that art is a social mirror, this work is vital.
Art criticism.
Étant donné la prépondérance du numérique, l'humain s'efface.
Given the preponderance of digital, the human element is fading.
Sociological critique.
Étant donné que le sort en est jeté, nous devons assumer.
Given that the die is cast, we must take responsibility.
Idiomatic/Historical reference (Alea jacta est).
Étant donné l'hermétisme du texte, peu de gens le comprennent.
Given the text's hermeticism, few people understand it.
Literary analysis.
Étant donné que la vérité est plurielle, le dialogue est requis.
Given that truth is plural, dialogue is required.
Philosophical pluralism.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— Considering everything that has been provided or stated.
Tout étant donné, la décision est juste.
— Used to suggest it's time to end something or leave.
Étant donné l'heure, nous devrions conclure.
— A way to say 'given that it is not the case'.
Étant donné que non, nous changeons de plan.
— Used to explain failure due to absence of something.
Étant donné le manque de temps, j'ai abrégé.
— Considering how close something is.
Étant donné la proximité, j'y vais à pied.
— Considering the essence or type of something.
Étant donné la nature de son travail, il voyage.
— Considering how serious a situation is.
Étant donné la gravité des faits, il risque gros.
— Considering how things have progressed.
Étant donné l'évolution du marché, on s'adapte.
— Considering the evidence available.
Étant donné les preuves, il est coupable.
— Considering the level of interest or need.
Étant donné la demande, nous en produisons plus.
자주 혼동되는 단어
'Étant donné que' is more formal and factual; 'Puisque' is used for reasons already known to the listener.
'Étant donné' is a fixed phrase; 'donné' as an adjective must agree with the noun (e.g., une heure donnée).
'Vu que' is more casual and common in spoken French.
관용어 및 표현
— At a certain point in time; eventually.
Il faudra bien qu'il comprenne à un moment donné.
Common— To mislead someone or keep up appearances (related to 'donner').
Il sourit pour donner le change, mais il est triste.
Idiomatic— To do something with great pleasure and without restraint.
Les enfants s'en sont donné à cœur joie dans la neige.
Informal— To give someone full authority to do as they wish.
Le patron lui a donné carte blanche pour le projet.
Neutral— To give up trying to guess a riddle.
Je ne sais pas, je donne ma langue au chat.
Child-friendly— To set the standard or the mood.
Son discours a donné le ton de la conférence.
Neutral— To cause a lot of trouble or difficulty.
Ce problème nous donne du fil à retordre.
Common— To help someone out.
Tu peux me donner un coup de main avec ces cartons ?
Common— To give permission to start something.
Ils ont enfin donné le feu vert pour les travaux.
Neutral혼동하기 쉬운
Both mean 'considering'.
'Attendu que' is strictly legal/formal, while 'étant donné' is more versatile.
Attendu que le contrat est signé...
Both can introduce a cause.
'Comme' is more neutral and always comes at the start of a sentence.
Comme il pleut, je reste.
Both explain why.
'Car' is a coordinating conjunction and never starts a sentence.
Je reste, car il pleut.
Both translate to 'since/given'.
'Puisque' implies the listener already knows the reason.
Puisque tu es là, mange.
Both introduce a fact.
'Du fait que' is slightly heavier and more bureaucratic.
Du fait qu'il est absent...
문장 패턴
Étant donné [Nom]
Étant donné le froid.
Étant donné que [Sujet] [Verbe]
Étant donné que je suis fatigué.
Étant donné [Adjectif] [Nom]
Étant donné l'extrême urgence.
[Action], étant donné que...
Je pars, étant donné que c'est fini.
Étant donné le fait que...
Étant donné le fait que vous saviez...
Étant donné [Nom composé]
Étant donné la mise en œuvre du plan.
Tout étant donné...
Tout étant donné, nous acceptons.
N'étant pas donné que...
N'étant pas donné qu'il puisse venir...
어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
사용법
High in written French; Medium-High in spoken French.
-
Étant données les circonstances
→
Étant donné les circonstances
When it precedes the noun, it acts as a preposition and remains invariable.
-
Étant donné qu'il soit là
→
Étant donné qu'il est là
The phrase introduces a fact, so the indicative mood is required, not the subjunctive.
-
Étant donné il fait froid
→
Étant donné qu'il fait froid
You must include 'que' when introducing a clause with a subject and verb.
-
Étant donné de la pluie
→
Étant donné la pluie
Do not add 'de' after 'étant donné'. It is followed directly by the noun phrase.
-
C'est étant donné que...
→
C'est parce que...
You don't usually start a 'C'est...' sentence with 'étant donné que'. It's not a direct replacement for 'parce que' in all positions.
팁
Vary your connectors
Don't use 'étant donné' in every sentence. Mix it with 'compte tenu de' and 'vu' to make your writing more professional and engaging.
Check the mood
Always follow 'étant donné que' with the indicative. For example: 'Étant donné qu'il *est* là' (not *soit*).
The Comma Rule
Always use a comma to separate the 'given' clause from the main clause when starting a sentence.
Use it for authority
When you want to sound sure of yourself in a meeting, start your sentence with 'Étant donné'. It grounds your opinion in facts.
Noun vs Clause
Decide if you want to follow it with a single noun ('Étant donné le prix') or a whole action ('Étant donné que le prix est haut').
Nasal sounds
Practice the nasal 'an' in 'étant'. If you say it like 'étang' (pond), people will still understand, but a pure nasal sound is better.
DELF/DALF Tip
Using 'étant donné' correctly in the writing section can help you score higher in the 'cohesion and coherence' category.
Legal Roots
Knowing that this comes from legal French helps you understand why it feels so 'serious' and 'logical'.
Emails
It's the perfect phrase for professional emails when you need to explain a delay or a change in plans.
Try 'Vu'
If 'étant donné' feels too long, try 'Vu'. It's punchy and serves the same purpose in most neutral contexts.
암기하기
기억법
Think of 'Étant Donné' as 'It's Done'. Once a fact is 'done' (established), you can use it to explain what happens next.
시각적 연상
Imagine a judge handing over a piece of paper (the given fact) to a lawyer before they start speaking.
Word Web
챌린지
Write three sentences about your day using 'étant donné' to justify your lunch choice, your bedtime, and your outfit.
어원
Formed from the present participle of 'être' (étant) and the past participle of 'donner' (donné). This structure appeared in Old French to translate Latin 'dato' or 'posito', used in logical and legal reasoning.
원래 의미: Literally 'it being given' or 'having been given'.
Romance (Latin roots: 'stans' for being and 'donatus' for given).문화적 맥락
No specific sensitivities, but using it in very casual settings (like with friends at a bar) can sound a bit 'stuck-up' or overly serious.
English speakers often use 'Given...' at the start of sentences. 'Étant donné' is the direct equivalent, but feels slightly more formal in French than 'Given' does in English.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
Legal/Official
- Étant donné les preuves
- Étant donné les termes du contrat
- Étant donné la loi
- Étant donné les faits
Business
- Étant donné le budget
- Étant donné le retard
- Étant donné la demande
- Étant donné la concurrence
Weather/Environment
- Étant donné la tempête
- Étant donné la sécheresse
- Étant donné le froid
- Étant donné la pollution
Personal Justification
- Étant donné mon état de santé
- Étant donné mes obligations
- Étant donné mon manque de temps
- Étant donné mes compétences
Academic Writing
- Étant donné les recherches précédentes
- Étant donné les résultats obtenus
- Étant donné le cadre théorique
- Étant donné les limites de l'étude
대화 시작하기
"Étant donné la situation actuelle, que penses-tu de l'avenir de l'économie ?"
"Étant donné que nous avons du temps libre, on pourrait aller au musée ?"
"Étant donné ton expérience, quel conseil donnerais-tu à un débutant ?"
"Étant donné les prévisions météo, devrions-nous annuler le pique-nique ?"
"Étant donné que tu connais bien la ville, quel est ton restaurant préféré ?"
일기 주제
Étant donné mes objectifs pour cette année, voici les trois actions que je vais entreprendre dès demain.
Étant donné les changements récents dans ma vie, je me sens plus capable de relever de nouveaux défis.
Étant donné que le temps est précieux, je vais essayer de passer moins de temps sur les réseaux sociaux.
Étant donné la complexité des relations humaines, j'ai appris que la communication est la clé du succès.
Étant donné mes passions, je pense que ma carrière idéale serait dans le domaine de l'art.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문In modern French, when it starts a sentence as a preposition, it is invariable. You write 'Étant donné les erreurs'. In very old literature, you might see agreement, but don't do it in modern exams or work.
No. Always use the indicative mood (like the present or past tense) because it introduces a fact, not a doubt or a wish.
Yes, much more formal. 'Parce que' is the basic way to say 'because'. 'Étant donné' is used for structured arguments and professional contexts.
No. It is either 'Étant donné' + noun or 'Étant donné que' + clause. Adding 'de' is a common mistake for English speakers.
If 'étant donné' starts the sentence, put a comma after the 'given' part: 'Étant donné le froid, je sors peu.'
It might sound a bit too formal. Use 'vu que' or 'comme' instead if you're talking to a close friend.
They are almost identical in meaning. 'Vu' is slightly shorter and more common in speech; 'étant donné' is slightly more elegant and common in writing.
Yes, it is correct, but it's a bit wordy. 'Étant donné que' is usually enough.
No, it must introduce the reason. You can't just end with '...étant donné'.
You can say 'Tout étant donné' or 'Étant donné l'ensemble des faits'.
셀프 테스트 180 질문
Write a sentence using 'étant donné' and 'le froid'.
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Write a sentence using 'étant donné que' and 'pleuvoir'.
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Explain why you are late using 'étant donné'.
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Use 'étant donné' in a formal business context about a budget.
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Write a sentence using 'étant donné que' and the verb 'être'.
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Describe a decision based on the weather using 'étant donné'.
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Use 'étant donné' to justify a medical absence.
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Create a sentence about market volatility using 'étant donné'.
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Justify a change in a contract using 'étant donné que'.
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Use 'étant donné' to talk about a lack of evidence.
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Write a sentence about time using 'étant donné l'heure'.
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Use 'étant donné' to explain a choice at a restaurant.
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Write a sentence about a project's complexity.
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Justify a vacation using 'étant donné que'.
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Use 'étant donné' in an environmental context.
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Write a sentence about professional experience.
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Use 'étant donné' to describe a city's traffic.
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Write a sentence about a text's difficulty.
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Justify a price increase using 'étant donné'.
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Use 'étant donné que' to explain a refusal.
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Say: 'Given the cold, I'm staying home' in French.
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Say: 'Given that it's raining, let's go' in French.
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Tell a colleague you are late because of the bus using 'étant donné'.
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Propose a plan because it is sunny using 'étant donné'.
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Explain a business decision based on the budget.
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Justify leaving a meeting because of the time.
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Say: 'Given your help, I finished' in French.
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Express satisfaction with results using 'étant donné'.
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Warn someone about the wind using 'étant donné'.
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Discuss market stability using 'étant donné'.
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Say: 'Given that you are here...' in French.
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Explain a lack of time using 'étant donné'.
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Justify a medical absence to a boss.
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Say: 'Given the price...' in French.
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Describe a complex situation at work.
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Say: 'Given that it's free...' in French.
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Explain a project delay using 'étant donné'.
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Justify an emergency call.
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Discuss the importance of a document.
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Say: 'Considering everything...' in French.
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Transcribe: Étant donné le froid, je reste.
Transcribe: Étant donné qu'il pleut, on rentre.
Transcribe: Étant donné votre aide, merci.
Transcribe: Étant donné la situation, c'est dur.
Transcribe: Étant donné qu'il est tard, bye.
Transcribe: Étant donné le budget, on arrête.
Transcribe: Étant donné l'heure, je file.
Transcribe: Étant donné les prix, c'est cher.
Transcribe: Étant donné que tu es là, viens.
Transcribe: Étant donné le manque de temps.
Transcribe: Étant donné l'urgence, agissons.
Transcribe: Étant donné les preuves, il est coupable.
Transcribe: Étant donné la hausse des prix.
Transcribe: Étant donné la complexité du dossier.
Transcribe: Étant donné l'inanité de ses propos.
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Summary
Use 'étant donné' to sound professional and logical when providing a factual reason. Example: 'Étant donné la météo, le vol est annulé.'
- A formal logical connector meaning 'given' or 'considering'.
- Used with a noun or with 'que' + a full clause.
- Essential for professional, legal, and academic French communication.
- Remains invariable (no agreement) when starting a sentence in modern usage.
Vary your connectors
Don't use 'étant donné' in every sentence. Mix it with 'compte tenu de' and 'vu' to make your writing more professional and engaging.
Check the mood
Always follow 'étant donné que' with the indicative. For example: 'Étant donné qu'il *est* là' (not *soit*).
The Comma Rule
Always use a comma to separate the 'given' clause from the main clause when starting a sentence.
Use it for authority
When you want to sound sure of yourself in a meeting, start your sentence with 'Étant donné'. It grounds your opinion in facts.
관련 콘텐츠
general 관련 단어
à cause de
A2부정적이거나 중립적인 사건의 원인을 설명할 때 사용하는 전치사구입니다. '... 때문에'라는 뜻입니다.
à côté
A2~옆에; ~곁에.
à côté de
A2Next to, beside.
À droite
A2오른쪽으로 또는 오른쪽에. 예: '모퉁이에서 오른쪽으로 도세요'.
À gauche
A2To the left; on the left side.
à la
A2전치사 'à'와 여성 정관사 'la'의 결합으로, '~에' 또는 '~로'를 의미합니다.
à laquelle
B2To which; at which (feminine singular).
à mesure que
B2~함에 따라.
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.