A1 Prepositions & Connectors 7 min read Easy

French Subordinating Conjunctions: Linking Ideas (parce que, quand, si, que)

Subordinating conjunctions bridge two clauses to express reasons, time, conditions, and opinions clearly in French.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Subordinating conjunctions like 'parce que' and 'si' connect two ideas into one smooth sentence.

  • Use 'parce que' to give a reason: Je mange parce que j'ai faim.
  • Use 'quand' for time: Je dors quand je suis fatigué.
  • Use 'si' for conditions: Je sors si il fait beau.
Idea 1 + [Conjunction] + Idea 2

Overview

Learning French involves moving beyond simple, isolated sentences. To truly express yourself and connect ideas, you need to link your thoughts together. This is where subordinating conjunctions become indispensable.

These small but powerful words act as bridges, connecting a main clause (your primary idea) to a subordinate clause (a secondary idea that provides additional information, context, or condition). They are fundamental to constructing more complex and natural-sounding sentences in French, even at an A1 level.

Mastering these conjunctions allows you to explain why something is happening, when an action occurs, if a certain condition is met, or what you think about something. Without them, your French would remain a series of short, disconnected statements. Understanding their function and proper usage is a crucial step towards conversational fluency and comprehension of written French.

How This Grammar Works

Subordinating conjunctions introduce a clause that depends on another clause for its full meaning. This dependent clause is called the subordinate clause, and the clause it modifies is the main clause. The conjunction itself always appears at the beginning of the subordinate clause, linking it to the main idea.
In French, unlike English, these conjunctions are almost never omitted.
For A1 learners, the subordinate clause introduced by parce que, quand, si, and que will almost always use the indicative mood. This is the standard verb conjugation you are already familiar with (e.g., je suis, tu parles, il mange). You do not need to worry about more advanced moods like the subjunctive at this stage; focus on the consistent structure.
An important phonetic rule in French, particularly relevant for que, parce que, and si, is elision. When certain short words ending in e or a are followed by a word starting with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) or a silent h, the final vowel is dropped and replaced by an apostrophe. This prevents awkward vowel clashes and ensures a smoother pronunciation.
For instance, que becomes qu' before a vowel or silent h (qu'il). This rule is critical for both speaking and writing French correctly.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming sentences with subordinating conjunctions follows a consistent structure: a main clause, followed by the conjunction, and then the subordinate clause. The key is to select the correct conjunction that expresses the relationship you want between the two ideas. The subordinate clause contains its own subject and a verb conjugated in the indicative mood.
2
Basic Structure:
3
Main Clause + Conjunction + Subordinate Clause (Subject + Verb)
4
Let's examine the primary conjunctions for A1 French:
5
parce que (because): Used to provide a reason or explanation for the action in the main clause.
6
Example: Je suis fatigué parce que j'ai beaucoup travaillé. (I am tired because I worked a lot.)
7
quand (when): Used to indicate the time at which an action occurs.
8
Example: Je t'appelle quand j'arrive. (I'll call you when I arrive.)
9
si (if): Used to introduce a condition. The outcome in the main clause depends on the condition in the subordinate clause.
10
Example: Je vais au cinéma si tu veux. (I'm going to the cinema if you want.)
11
que (that): This is one of the most common and versatile conjunctions. It often introduces a clause that acts as the object of a verb, especially verbs of opinion, declaration, or perception (e.g., penser que, croire que, dire que).
12
Example: Je pense que c'est une bonne idée. (I think that it's a good idea.)
13
comme (as, since): Similar to parce que, comme also gives a reason, but it always places the reason at the beginning of the sentence. This offers a more nuanced way to express causality and is stylistically favored in certain contexts.
14
Example: Comme il fait beau, nous allons au parc. (Since the weather is nice, we are going to the park.)
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Elision Rules for Conjunctions
16
The rule of elision (dropping a vowel and adding an apostrophe) applies to que, parce que, and si under specific conditions. This is essential for smooth pronunciation and correct spelling. French avoids the direct meeting of certain vowel sounds.
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| Conjunction | Before a Vowel or Silent h (except si + elle/on) | Before a Consonant | Example |
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| :---------- | :------------------------------------------------------ | :----------------- | :--------------------------------------------- |
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| que | qu' | que | qu'il, qu'elle, qu'on vs. que tu |
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| parce que | parce qu' | parce que | parce qu'il, parce qu'elle vs. parce que vous |
21
| si | s' (only before il/ils) | si | s'il, s'ils vs. si elle, si on |
22
Important Note on si Elision: The conjunction si only contracts to s' when it is followed by the masculine singular subject pronoun il or the masculine plural subject pronoun ils. It does not contract before elle, elles, on, or any other subject that starts with a vowel. This is a common point of error for learners and reflects a specific historical phonetic development in French.

When To Use It

Subordinating conjunctions are integral to expressing a wide range of relationships between ideas. Understanding their specific functions will significantly expand your communicative abilities.
  1. 1To Express Cause or Reason (parce que, comme)
Use parce que to state the reason for an action or situation. It answers the question "Why?" (Pourquoi ?). The subordinate clause introduced by parce que usually follows the main clause.
  • J'apprends le français parce que j'aime la culture. (I am learning French because I like the culture.)
  • Nous restons à la maison parce qu'il pleut. (We are staying home because it's raining.)
Use comme when you want to put the reason at the beginning of the sentence. This can sound more formal or simply offer a different emphasis. It is never used in the middle of a sentence to introduce a reason.
  • Comme tu es en retard, nous commençons sans toi. (Since you are late, we are starting without you.)
  • Comme il fait froid, je mets un pull. (As it is cold, I am putting on a sweater.)
Distinction with similar expressions: While parce que introduces a clause with a subject and a verb, other expressions like grâce à (thanks to) and à cause de (because of) are followed by a noun or a pronoun. Grâce à implies a positive reason, while à cause de suggests a negative one.
  • J'ai réussi grâce à ton aide. (I succeeded thanks to your help.)
  • Il est en retard à cause de la circulation. (He is late because of the traffic.)
  1. 1To Express Time (quand)
Quand specifies the moment or period when an action takes place. It establishes a temporal link between the main and subordinate clauses.
  • Je te verrai quand je serai libre. (I will see you when I am free.)
  • Quand elle voyage, elle prend beaucoup de photos. (When she travels, she takes a lot of photos.)
Note: For A1, focus on quand with the present or future tense in both clauses, depending on the sequence of events. Future tense in the main clause often implies future tense in the subordinate clause after quand in French, even if English uses present.
  1. 1To Express Condition (si)
Si introduces a condition or hypothesis. The action in the main clause will only happen if the condition in the si-clause is met. For A1, you will primarily encounter Type 1 conditional sentences:
Si + Present Tense (in subordinate clause) -> Present Tense, Future Simple, or Imperative (in main clause).
  • Si tu étudies, tu réussis. (If you study, you succeed.) - General truth
  • Si vous avez le temps, venez nous voir. (If you have time, come see us.) - Imperative
  • S'il fait beau demain, nous irons à la plage. (If the weather is nice tomorrow, we will go to the beach.) - Future action
  1. 1To Introduce a Complement Clause (que)
Que is essential for forming sentences where a verb's object is an entire clause. This is common with verbs of opinion, knowledge, or declaration.
  • Je crois qu'il est intelligent. (I believe that he is intelligent.)
  • Nous espérons que vous allez bien. (We hope that you are doing well.)
  • Elle dit qu'elle part. (She says that she is leaving.)
The mandatory que: In English, you can often omit

Conjunction Usage Structure

Conjunction Function Example Placement
parce que
Reason
Je ris parce que c'est drôle
Middle/Start
quand
Time
Je pars quand il pleut
Middle/Start
si
Condition
Je viens si tu es là
Middle/Start

Elisions

Full Elided When
parce que
parce qu'
Before vowel/h

Meanings

These words act as bridges between two clauses, allowing you to explain reasons, timing, or conditions.

1

Reason (parce que)

Explaining why something happens.

“Je ris parce que c'est drôle.”

“Il part parce qu'il est tard.”

2

Time (quand)

Indicating when an action occurs.

“Je t'appelle quand j'arrive.”

“Il pleut quand je sors.”

3

Condition (si)

Setting a requirement for an action.

“Je viens si tu es là.”

“On mange si on a faim.”

Reference Table

Reference table for French Subordinating Conjunctions: Linking Ideas (parce que, quand, si, que)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Clause + Conj + Clause
Je mange parce que j'ai faim
Negative
Clause + Conj + Neg Clause
Je ne mange pas parce que je n'ai pas faim
Question
Conj + Clause, Clause?
Quand tu arrives, on mange?
Inverted
Conj + Clause, Clause
Parce qu'il est tard, je pars
Conditional
Si + Clause, Clause
Si tu viens, je suis content
Temporal
Quand + Clause, Clause
Quand il neige, je reste chez moi

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Je pars parce qu'il est tard.

Je pars parce qu'il est tard. (Leaving a party)

Neutral
Je m'en vais parce qu'il est tard.

Je m'en vais parce qu'il est tard. (Leaving a party)

Informal
Je me casse parce qu'il est tard.

Je me casse parce qu'il est tard. (Leaving a party)

Slang
Je me tire parce qu'il est tard.

Je me tire parce qu'il est tard. (Leaving a party)

Conjunction Map

Connectors

Reason

  • parce que because

Time

  • quand when

Condition

  • si if
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Examples by Level

1

Je mange parce que j'ai faim.

I eat because I am hungry.

2

Je dors quand je suis fatigué.

I sleep when I am tired.

3

Je sors si il fait beau.

I go out if it is nice out.

4

Il rit parce que c'est drôle.

He laughs because it is funny.

1

Nous partons quand le train arrive.

We leave when the train arrives.

2

Si tu veux, on peut manger ici.

If you want, we can eat here.

3

Elle pleure parce qu'elle est triste.

She cries because she is sad.

4

Appelle-moi quand tu es prêt.

Call me when you are ready.

1

Parce que le prix est élevé, je ne l'achète pas.

Because the price is high, I am not buying it.

2

Si j'avais le temps, je voyagerais plus.

If I had time, I would travel more.

3

Quand il aura fini, il nous rejoindra.

When he has finished, he will join us.

4

Je ne sais pas si elle viendra.

I don't know if she will come.

1

Il a réussi parce qu'il a travaillé dur.

He succeeded because he worked hard.

2

Quand bien même il pleuvrait, nous sortirons.

Even if it rains, we will go out.

3

Si jamais tu as besoin d'aide, dis-le-moi.

If ever you need help, tell me.

4

C'est parce que tu es là que je suis heureux.

It is because you are here that I am happy.

1

Parce qu'il s'agissait d'une urgence, nous avons agi vite.

Because it was an emergency, we acted quickly.

2

Quand on considère les faits, la décision est logique.

When one considers the facts, the decision is logical.

3

S'il devait arriver quelque chose, prévenez-moi.

Should anything happen, notify me.

4

Il est parti parce qu'il ne supportait plus la pression.

He left because he could no longer stand the pressure.

1

Parce que la situation l'exigeait, il a dû improviser.

Because the situation demanded it, he had to improvise.

2

Quand il fut arrivé, tout le monde se tut.

When he had arrived, everyone fell silent.

3

Si tant est qu'il soit possible de changer les choses, faisons-le.

If it is at all possible to change things, let's do it.

4

C'est parce qu'il a su écouter qu'il a convaincu.

It is because he knew how to listen that he convinced.

Easily Confused

French Subordinating Conjunctions: Linking Ideas (parce que, quand, si, que) vs Si vs Quand

Learners use 'si' for time and 'quand' for conditions.

French Subordinating Conjunctions: Linking Ideas (parce que, quand, si, que) vs Parce que vs Car

Both mean because, but 'car' is formal.

French Subordinating Conjunctions: Linking Ideas (parce que, quand, si, que) vs Si vs Que

Both can be used in indirect questions.

Common Mistakes

✗

Je mange si j'ai faim.

✓

Je mange parce que j'ai faim.

Si is for condition, parce que is for reason.
✗

Parce que je suis fatigué, je dors.

✓

Comme je suis fatigué, je dors.

Parce que is rarely used at the start of a sentence.
✗

Je viens quand tu es là.

✓

Je viens si tu es là.

Confusing time and condition.
✗

Je sais quand il vient.

✓

Je sais si il vient.

Confusing 'if' (si) with 'when' (quand).
✗

Si il viendra, je serai là.

✓

S'il vient, je serai là.

No future after si.
✗

Je mange quand j'ai faim.

✓

Je mange parce que j'ai faim.

Confusing time and reason.
✗

Il est parti parce que il est tard.

✓

Il est parti parce qu'il est tard.

Missing elision.
✗

Si j'aurais su, je serais venu.

✓

Si j'avais su, je serais venu.

Wrong tense after si.
✗

Je ne sais pas quand il est vrai.

✓

Je ne sais pas si c'est vrai.

Confusing si and quand.
✗

Parce que c'est cher, je l'aime.

✓

Bien que ce soit cher, je l'aime.

Wrong conjunction for contrast.
✗

Quand bien même il viendrait, je ne le verrais pas.

✓

Même s'il venait, je ne le verrais pas.

Stylistic mismatch.
✗

Si il est vrai que...

✓

S'il est vrai que...

Missing elision.
✗

Parce que je ne sais pas, je demande.

✓

Comme je ne sais pas, je demande.

Stylistic preference.
✗

Quand il aura fini, il partira.

✓

Quand il aura fini, il partira.

Actually correct, but often confused with 'si'.

Sentence Patterns

Je ___ parce que ___.

Quand ___, je ___.

Si ___, je ___.

C'est parce que ___ que ___.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

Je rentre parce qu'il pleut.

Job Interview very common

Je postule parce que votre entreprise est innovante.

Travel common

Je vous appelle quand j'arrive à l'hôtel.

Food Delivery occasional

Si vous avez du retard, prévenez-moi.

Social Media very common

Je suis heureux parce que c'est le week-end!

Academic Writing common

La théorie est valide parce que les preuves sont claires.

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💡

Elision is key

Always write 'parce qu'il' instead of 'parce que il'. It sounds much better.
⚠️

No future after SI

Never use the future tense after 'si'. Use the present instead.
🎯

Fronting for emphasis

Start a sentence with the conjunction to emphasize the reason or condition.
💬

Keep it natural

Use 'parce que' in casual speech; save 'car' for formal writing.

Smart Tips

Use 'parce que' for a direct reason.

Je suis triste. C'est la pluie. → Je suis triste parce qu'il pleut.

Use 'quand' to set a time.

Je viens. Tu es là. → Je viens quand tu es là.

Use 'si' for a condition.

Tu veux? On mange. → Si tu veux, on mange.

Use 'car' instead of 'parce que'.

Je pars parce que je suis fatigué. → Je pars car je suis fatigué.

Pronunciation

parce qu'il

Elision

Always drop the 'e' in 'que' before a vowel.

si tu

Liaison

No liaison between 'si' and a consonant.

Rising

Tu viens si il fait beau? ↑

Questioning tone

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember 'PQS': Parce que (Reason), Quand (Time), Si (Condition).

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge with three pillars: a 'Why' sign, a 'Clock', and a 'Question Mark' for conditions.

Rhyme

Parce que pour la raison, quand pour le moment, si pour la condition.

Story

I eat (parce que) I am hungry. I sleep (quand) I am tired. I will dance (si) you play music.

Word Web

parce quequandsicarlorsquepuisque

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about your day using each of the three conjunctions.

Cultural Notes

French speakers use 'parce que' frequently to justify actions.

Quebecois often use 'pis' as a connector, but 'parce que' remains standard.

Standard French is used, but 'parce que' is often pronounced clearly.

These conjunctions evolved from Latin roots.

Conversation Starters

“

Pourquoi tu apprends le français?

“

Tu sors quand il pleut?

“

Que fais-tu si tu gagnes au loto?

“

Est-ce que tu penses que le travail est important?

Journal Prompts

Pourquoi aimes-tu ta ville?
Que fais-tu quand tu es en vacances?
Si tu pouvais changer une chose dans le monde, quoi?
Explique une décision importante que tu as prise.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct conjunction.

Je mange ___ j'ai faim.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: parce que
Reason requires parce que.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: S'il vient, je pars.
No future after si.
Correct the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Parce que il est tard, je pars.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Parce qu'il est tard, je pars.
Elision is required.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je mange parce que j'ai faim.
Standard order.
Translate to French. Translation

I sleep when I am tired.

Answer starts with: Je ...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je dors quand je suis fatigué.
Quand is for time.
Match the conjunction to its function. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Reason, 2-Time, 3-Condition
Standard definitions.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use 'si' to make a condition.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si tu veux, on vient.
Correct structure.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

___ tu as besoin d'aide, appelle-moi.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
Condition.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct conjunction.

Je mange ___ j'ai faim.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: parce que
Reason requires parce que.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: S'il vient, je pars.
No future after si.
Correct the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Parce que il est tard, je pars.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Parce qu'il est tard, je pars.
Elision is required.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

faim / parce que / je / mange / j'ai

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je mange parce que j'ai faim.
Standard order.
Translate to French. Translation

I sleep when I am tired.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je dors quand je suis fatigué.
Quand is for time.
Match the conjunction to its function. Match Pairs

Match: 1. Parce que, 2. Quand, 3. Si

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Reason, 2-Time, 3-Condition
Standard definitions.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use 'si' to make a condition.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si tu veux, on vient.
Correct structure.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

___ tu as besoin d'aide, appelle-moi.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
Condition.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

On va à la plage ___ il fait chaud.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quand
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Je mange parce qu'il j'ai faim.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je mange parce que j'ai faim.
Put the words in the right order. Sentence Reorder

pense / que / Je / c'est / cool

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je pense que c'est cool
Translate into French. Translation

I am working because I need money.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je travaille parce que j'ai besoin d'argent.
Match the conjunction to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match them:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: que = that, si = if, quand = when, parce que = because
Which is correct? Multiple Choice

Starting a sentence with a reason:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Comme il est tard, je pars.
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Je ne sais pas ___ elle vient.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: si
Fix the mistake. Error Correction

Appelle-moi car tu arrives.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Appelle-moi quand tu arrives.
Translate: 'If you want.' Translation

If you want.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si tu veux.
Pick the most natural sentence. Multiple Choice

Expressing an opinion:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je trouve que c'est cher.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

It is possible but less common than using 'comme'.

It is a grammatical rule in French; use present instead.

Yes, it is strictly temporal.

'Si' is for conditions, 'que' is for statements.

It sounds like 'par-skil'.

Yes, but 'car' is preferred over 'parce que' in formal essays.

Yes, like 'puisque' or 'lorsque', but start with these three.

No, they are invariable.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

porque / cuando / si

Spanish uses the subjunctive after 'cuando' for future, French does not.

German partial

weil / wenn / wenn

Word order is the main difference.

Japanese low

kara / toki / tara

Conjunctions are suffixes in Japanese.

Arabic moderate

li-anna / 'indama / idha

Arabic has a more complex system of conditional particles.

Chinese moderate

yinwei / dang / ruguo

Chinese does not conjugate verbs, making the structure simpler.

English high

because / when / if

French has stricter rules about tense after 'si'.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Expressing Results: So and Therefore (donc, alors, du coup)

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