Expressing Results: So and Therefore (donc, alors, du coup)
donc or alors to show the result of an action and make your French sentences flow naturally.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'donc', 'alors', or 'du coup' to link a cause to its result in a sentence.
- Use 'donc' for formal or standard logical results: 'Il pleut, donc je prends mon parapluie.'
- Use 'alors' for conversational sequences or time-based results: 'Il est tard, alors je rentre.'
- Use 'du coup' for informal, spontaneous consequences: 'J'ai raté le bus, du coup je suis en retard.'
Overview
Expressing results and consequences is fundamental to constructing coherent thoughts and communicating effectively in any language. In French, several key connectors allow you to link an action or situation to its outcome, transforming simple statements into logical arguments. For learners at the A1 CEFR level, mastering these connectors is crucial for moving beyond isolated sentences and beginning to form more complex ideas.
These words act as bridges, guiding your listener or reader from a cause to its logical conclusion.
This guide focuses on the most common and essential French words for expressing results: donc, alors, and du coup. While other, more formal options exist, these three form the bedrock of everyday communication. Understanding their specific nuances and appropriate contexts will significantly enhance your ability to convey logical flow and sound more natural.
We will explore not just what these words mean, but why they are used in particular situations, providing you with a robust framework for applying them correctly from your very first steps in French.
Even as a beginner, you will encounter these terms frequently in spoken and written French. Their consistent use is a hallmark of native speech, making them indispensable tools for comprehension and active communication. By the end of this explanation, you will possess a clear understanding of when and how to use each, enabling you to express logical connections with confidence and precision.
How This Grammar Works
donc, alors, and du coup primarily depends on the type of logical connection you wish to establish and the level of formality required by the context. Each carries a distinct nuance, much like the difference between "therefore," "so," or "as a result" in English. Mastering these subtleties allows you to convey precise meaning and adapt your speech to various social situations.donc: This is the most versatile and generally formal of the three, signifying a logical conclusion or a deduction. It translates most directly to "therefore" or "so." It indicates that the result is a reasoned or expected outcome of the preceding statement. It can appear after the verb in the second clause, but for A1 learners, placing it at the beginning of the second clause is safer and more common. Its usage implies a clear, direct causal link.
Il fait froid, donc je ferme la fenêtre. (It's cold, so I'm closing the window.)
Tu as étudié, donc tu auras une bonne note. (You studied, therefore you will have a good grade.)
alors: Often used at the beginning of a sentence or clause,alorsintroduces a consequence, a reaction, or a transition. It can mean "then," "so," or "in that case." It often implies a more immediate or responsive outcome, or simply marks a sequential action that results from a previous event. It is highly common in spoken French for initiating a new thought that logically follows.
Je n'ai pas de voiture. Alors, je prends le bus. (I don't have a car. So, I'll take the bus.)
Tu es fatigué ? Alors, va dormir. (You're tired? Then, go to sleep.)
du coup: This is a highly common, informal, and often conversational phrase. It indicates an immediate, often spontaneous, or unexpected consequence of a prior action or situation. It is colloquially equivalent to "so," "as a result," "because of that," or "suddenly" and implies a direct, unmediated effect. While very prevalent in modern spoken French, especially among younger generations, its overuse or use in formal contexts is generally frowned upon.
Le magasin est fermé. Du coup, je ne peux pas acheter de pain. (The store is closed. So, I can't buy bread.)
Il a plu. Du coup, la route est glissante. (It rained. As a result, the road is slippery.)
Formation Pattern
Il pleut. | , donc | je reste à la maison. |
Tu as faim. | Alors, | mange quelque chose. |
Le train est annulé. | . Du coup, | nous allons en voiture. |
donc (Therefore, So)
[Clause 1 (Cause)], donc [Clause 2 (Result)].
donc directly follows the comma that separates the two clauses. This is the safest and most frequently used structure for beginners.
J'ai beaucoup travaillé, donc je suis fatigué. (I worked a lot, so I am tired.)
Elle est malade, donc elle ne vient pas. (She is sick, so she isn't coming.)
[Clause 1 (Cause)], [Subject] [Verb] donc [Complement].
Vous êtes en retard, vous perdrez donc votre bus. (You are late, therefore you will miss your bus.)
Nous avons faim, nous mangerons donc. (We are hungry, we will therefore eat.)
alors (Then, So, In that case)
Alors, [Clause 2 (Result)].
Alors frequently begins the second sentence or an independent clause, acting as a conversational bridge. It is often followed by a comma, especially when introducing a new idea or consequence.
Je n'ai pas d'argent. Alors, je ne peux pas acheter ça. (I don't have money. So, I can't buy that.)
Tu veux sortir ? Alors, habille-toi. (You want to go out? Then, get dressed.)
[Clause 1 (Cause)], alors [Clause 2 (Result)].
donc, alors can appear mid-sentence, but its sentence-initial use is more characteristic of its function as a conversational transition.
S'il pleut, alors nous resterons à l'intérieur. (If it rains, then we will stay inside.)
du coup (So, As a result, Suddenly)
[Clause 1 (Cause)]. Du coup, [Clause 2 (Result)].
[Clause 1 (Cause)], du coup, [Clause 2 (Result)].
du coup typically follows a completed thought, either after a period or a comma. It is highly informal and almost exclusively found in spoken French or informal writing (texts, social media). It suggests a direct, often unpredicted or spontaneous outcome.
Mon réveil n'a pas sonné. Du coup, je suis en retard. (My alarm didn't ring. So, I'm late.)
Le restaurant était complet, du coup on a mangé à la maison. (The restaurant was full, so we ate at home.)
par conséquent (Consequently, As a consequence)
[Clause 1 (Cause)], par conséquent, [Clause 2 (Result)].
Par conséquent, [Clause 2 (Result)].
Les preuves étaient insuffisantes. Par conséquent, l'accusé fut acquitté. (The evidence was insufficient. Consequently, the accused was acquitted.)
donc when it links two clauses. Alors often takes a comma when sentence-initial. Du coup can have a comma before it, or follow a period. Punctuation with these connectors primarily aids readability.
[Cause], donc [Result] and Alors, [Result], and recognize Du coup, [Result] in informal contexts.
When To Use It
donc – The Logical Concluder (Versatile)- General Purpose:
doncis your go-to for expressing a straightforward, logical consequence or deduction. It's suitable for most situations, from casual conversations to moderately formal discussions. J'ai mal à la tête, donc je prends un médicament.(I have a headache, so I'm taking medicine.)Il fait beau, donc nous allons nous promener.(The weather is nice, so we're going for a walk.)- Summarizing: You can use
doncat the beginning of a sentence to summarize a previous point or to transition back to a main idea after a digression, often translating to "So, anyway..." or "So, to conclude...". Nous avons discuté de tous les détails. Donc, nous sommes prêts.(We discussed all the details. So, we are ready.)- Emphasis (less common at A1): When placed after the verb, it adds a slight emphasis to the conclusion. While you'll hear it, focus on the mid-sentence placement first.
Vous partez donc demain ?(So, you are leaving tomorrow then? - rhetorical/confirmatory)
alors – The Responsive Consequence (Conversational & Immediate)- Introducing a Consequence/Reaction:
alorsis frequently used at the beginning of a statement that expresses a direct reaction or consequence to what was just said or observed. It often implies a more immediate and less formal deduction thandonc. Le magasin est fermé ? Alors, on va ailleurs.(The store is closed? So, we'll go somewhere else.)Tu ne comprends pas ? Alors, je vais expliquer à nouveau.(You don't understand? Then, I will explain again.)- Decision-Making: When proposing a course of action based on a preceding condition,
alorsis ideal. Il pleut beaucoup. Alors, restons à la maison.(It's raining a lot. So, let's stay home.)- Conversational Opener/Transition:
alorsis an excellent filler or conversational starter, meaning "Well, then..." or "So...". It indicates a shift or a continuation of thought. Alors, qu'est-ce que tu vas faire ?(So, what are you going to do?)
du coup – The Spontaneous Result (Informal & Spoken)- Immediate, Often Unplanned Consequence:
du coupis characteristic of modern, informal spoken French. It signals that the result is a direct, often immediate, or even somewhat spontaneous outcome of the preceding event, without necessarily implying deep logical deduction. Mon téléphone n'avait plus de batterie. Du coup, je n'ai pas pu t'appeler.(My phone had no more battery. So, I couldn't call you.)Il y avait trop de monde. Du coup, on est partis.(There were too many people. So, we left.)- Emphasis on "As a Result": It strongly emphasizes the idea of "because of that" or "as a direct consequence of this event."
- Cultural Note: While often perceived as a verbal tic and sometimes criticized by purists,
du coupis undeniably part of everyday French, particularly among younger speakers. Use it in casual settings with friends, not in formal academic or professional contexts. Its usage reflects a dynamic and often rapid linking of ideas.
par conséquent – The Formal Consequence (Written & Formal)- Formal Contexts: This phrase is reserved for formal writing, official documents, academic papers, and highly structured discussions. It denotes a weighty, logical conclusion derived from premises, much like "consequently" or "as a consequence" in English.
Le budget est limité. Par conséquent, nous devons réduire nos dépenses.(The budget is limited. Consequently, we must reduce our expenses.)
donc | Logical conclusion, deduction | Medium-Formal | Mid-sentence, sometimes after verb | General statements, explanations, summaries: J'ai faim, donc je mange. Donc, c'est comme ça. |alors | Immediate consequence, reaction, transition | Medium-Informal | Sentence-initial | Conversational responses, decisions, initiating new topics: Tu as soif ? Alors, bois. Alors, on y va ? |du coup | Direct, spontaneous, often unexpected result | Informal | Mid-sentence, sentence-initial | Casual speech, explaining rapid sequence of events: Il a plu. Du coup, le sol est mouillé. J'étais pressé, du coup j'ai couru. |par conséquent | Formal, weighty logical consequence | Formal | Sentence-initial, mid-sentence | Academic, legal, official documents: Les données confirment l'hypothèse. Par conséquent, une nouvelle étude est nécessaire. |Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing
doncwithparce que(Cause vs. Consequence):
donc introduces the result of an action, while parce que introduces the reason or cause. They are opposites in terms of logical direction.- Incorrect:
Je mange donc j'ai faim.(I eat therefore I am hungry.) – This reverses the logic. - Correct:
J'ai faim, donc je mange.(I am hungry, so I eat.) – Hunger is the cause, eating is the result. - Correct (Cause):
Je mange parce que j'ai faim.(I eat because I am hungry.) – Eating is the action, hunger is the reason.
- 1Misusing
du coupin Formal Contexts:
du coup is undeniably part of contemporary French, but its informal nature means it is inappropriate for formal settings such as business emails, academic writing, or official conversations. Using it formally can make your French sound unpolished or even disrespectful.- Incorrect (Formal Email):
Le projet a pris du retard. Du coup, la réunion est reportée. - Correct (Formal Email):
Le projet a pris du retard. Par conséquent, la réunion est reportée. - Correct (Casual Chat):
La voiture est en panne. Du coup, on prend le bus.
du coup for casual, spoken, or informal written exchanges. For any formal communication, opt for donc or par conséquent.- 1Incorrect Punctuation:
- Often Recommended: A comma before
doncwhen connecting two clauses. Il pleut, donc je ne sors pas.(It's raining, so I'm not going out.)- Often Recommended: A comma after
alorsordu coupwhen they begin a sentence or independent clause. Alors, qu'est-ce que tu fais ?(So, what are you doing?)Mon vol a été annulé. Du coup, je suis resté à l'hôtel.(My flight was cancelled. As a result, I stayed at the hotel.)
- 1Over-translating "So":
- Intensity: For "so + adjective/adverb," use
siortellement. - Incorrect:
Il fait donc froid.(It is therefore cold.) - Correct:
Il fait si froid./Il fait tellement froid.(It is so cold.) - Question/Transition: For "So, what happened?",
alorsordonccan work, but context is key. Alors, qu'est-ce qui s'est passé ?(So, what happened?)
- 1Redundancy with
Alors donc:
alors and donc into alors donc is often redundant. It means "so therefore" or "well then, therefore," and typically one word is sufficient. Native speakers might use it for emphasis in very specific conversational contexts, but generally, it is best to choose one connector.- Less common/Redundant:
J'ai faim. Alors donc je mange. - Better:
J'ai faim, donc je mange.ORJ'ai faim. Alors, je mange.
Real Conversations
To truly grasp these connectors, observe how native speakers deploy them in authentic, everyday communication. Here, we'll look at examples across various informal and semi-formal contexts, showcasing their natural rhythm and function.
1. Casual Spoken French (Friends, Family):
In informal chats, du coup and alors dominate due to their immediacy and conversational flow. donc is also present but often for more direct logical conclusions.
- Scenario: Explaining why you're late.
- Mon train était en retard. Du coup, j'ai raté ma correspondance. (My train was late. As a result, I missed my connection.)
- J'ai dû travailler tard. Alors, je suis arrivée en retard. (I had to work late. So, I arrived late.)
- Scenario: Making plans.
- Il fait beau demain. Donc, on pourrait aller au parc ? (The weather's nice tomorrow. So, we could go to the park?)
- Tu es libre ce soir ? Alors, viens dîner à la maison ! (Are you free tonight? Then, come have dinner at my place!)
- Scenario: Explaining a quick change of plans.
- Le cinéma était complet. Du coup, on est allés au restaurant. (The cinema was full. So, we went to the restaurant.)
2. Texting / Social Media (Informal Written):
du coup is extremely prevalent in texts and online communication, mirroring its high frequency in spoken French. Abbreviations and less strict punctuation are common.
- Text Message 1:
- J'ai oublié mes clés. Du coup je dois attendre ma coloc. (I forgot my keys. So I have to wait for my flatmate.)
- Text Message 2:
- Il pleut fort. Donc rdv au café finalement ? (It's raining hard. So meet at the cafe after all?)
- Social Media Post:
- Mon chat a cassé mon vase préféré 😭 Du coup, journée pas top. (My cat broke my favourite vase 😭 As a result, not a great day.)
3. Semi-Formal Discussion (Work, School):
In contexts like a classroom discussion or a work meeting, donc is preferred for its logical precision. alors is also used for transitions or immediate deductions, but du coup is generally avoided.
- Scenario: Explaining a project decision.
- Les données montrent une baisse des ventes. Donc, nous devons ajuster notre stratégie. (The data shows a drop in sales. Therefore, we must adjust our strategy.)
- Scenario: Summarizing a point in a presentation.
- Nous avons vu les différentes options. Donc, la meilleure solution est X. (We've seen the different options. So, the best solution is X.)
- Scenario: Problem-solving in a group.
- Le délai est trop court. Alors, que pouvons-nous faire ? (The deadline is too short. So, what can we do?)
Key Observations from Real Usage:
- du coup as a default: In highly informal, fast-paced conversations, du coup often replaces donc even when the consequence isn't strictly spontaneous, simply because it's perceived as more dynamic and conversational. However, this is where it can become a 'verbal tic' if overused.
- alors for initiating action: You will frequently hear Alors, on y va ? (So, shall we go?) or Alors, qu'est-ce qu'on fait ? (So, what are we doing?) where alors prompts an immediate decision or next step.
- Punctuation in spoken language: In speech, the pauses and intonation replace written punctuation. When transcribing, a comma or period can be used, reflecting the speaker's natural break in thought.
- donc for clarity: When precise logical connections are important, donc remains the clearest choice, signaling a reasoned conclusion.
By immersing yourself in authentic French content – films, podcasts, social media – you will naturally develop an ear for the appropriate use of these connectors.
Quick FAQ
donc, alors, and du coup, providing concise and authoritative answers.du coup grammatically correct, or is it just slang?du coup is grammatically correct as an adverbial phrase meaning "as a result" or "consequently." However, its usage is decidedly informal and conversational. While it is extremely common in modern spoken French, especially among younger generations, it is considered informal language and can be seen as overused or unrefined in formal contexts. Think of it as equivalent to using "like" or "totally" frequently in English – acceptable in casual speech but not in a formal report.donc?donc is common, especially in spoken French, when you are summarizing a point, drawing a conclusion from a previous discussion, or resuming a thought. It acts as a clear signal that you are moving to a logical deduction or summation.J'ai expliqué les étapes. Donc, nous pouvons commencer maintenant. (I explained the steps. So, we can start now.)
Donc, vous avez compris le problème ? (So, you understood the problem?)
par conséquent or en conséquence. These phrases convey a rigorous and weighty logical deduction.Les faits sont avérés. Par conséquent, une action corrective est requise. (The facts are established. Therefore, corrective action is required.)
Il a beaucoup mangé, donc il est plein. (He ate a lot, so he is full. - Present tense)
Si tu viens, alors nous irons au cinéma. (If you come, then we will go to the cinema. - Future tense)
c'est pour ça que and donc?c'est pour ça que (that's why/that's the reason why) places more emphasis on the reason or cause for something. It highlights the preceding event as the definitive explanation.donc (so/therefore) focuses more on the result or consequence flowing from the preceding event.J'ai oublié mon portefeuille. C'est pour ça que je ne peux pas payer.(I forgot my wallet. That's why I can't pay.) – Emphasizes the wallet as the reason.J'ai oublié mon portefeuille, donc je ne peux pas payer.(I forgot my wallet, so I can't pay.) – Emphasizes the inability to pay as a consequence.
c'est pour ça que provides a slightly stronger causal explanation.alors and donc be used together (e.g., alors donc)?alors donc exists and can be heard, particularly in older or very specific conversational contexts, it is often redundant. It roughly translates to "well then, therefore." In most modern usage, one connector is sufficient. It's generally better practice to choose either alors or donc for clarity and conciseness.- Better:
Tu as faim ? Alors, mange. - Better:
Tu as faim, donc mange.
Connector Usage Summary
| Connector | Register | Best Use Case | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
donc
|
Formal/Neutral
|
Logical deduction
|
Il pleut, donc je sors.
|
|
alors
|
Neutral/Informal
|
Sequence/Time
|
Il est 10h, alors on part.
|
|
du coup
|
Informal
|
Spontaneous result
|
J'ai faim, du coup je mange.
|
Meanings
These connectors express a logical consequence or result of a previous action or state.
Logical Consequence
The standard way to show that B happens because of A.
“Je suis fatigué, donc je dors.”
“Il a faim, donc il mange.”
Conversational Flow
Used to move the narrative forward in spoken French.
“Il est 8h, alors on y va ?”
“Tu es prêt, alors on commence ?”
Spontaneous Result
Used for unexpected or immediate consequences in casual speech.
“Le train est annulé, du coup je prends le taxi.”
“Il pleut, du coup on reste à la maison.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Cause + donc + Result
|
Il est riche, donc il voyage.
|
|
Negative
|
Cause + donc + ne... pas + Result
|
Il est malade, donc il ne travaille pas.
|
|
Question
|
Cause + alors + Question?
|
Tu es fatigué, alors tu dors ?
|
|
Short Answer
|
Connector + Result
|
Donc, on y va ?
|
|
Spontaneous
|
Cause + du coup + Result
|
Il pleut, du coup je reste.
|
|
Formal
|
Cause + donc + Result
|
Le prix est élevé, donc je refuse.
|
Formality Spectrum
Je suis fatigué, par conséquent je vais dormir. (Daily life)
Je suis fatigué, donc je vais dormir. (Daily life)
Je suis fatigué, du coup je vais dormir. (Daily life)
J'suis crevé, du coup j'vais pioncer. (Daily life)
Consequence Connectors
Formal
- donc therefore
Conversational
- alors so
Informal
- du coup so/as a result
Connector Formality
Examples by Level
Il pleut, donc je prends un parapluie.
It is raining, so I take an umbrella.
J'ai faim, alors je mange.
I am hungry, so I eat.
Il est tard, donc je dors.
It is late, so I sleep.
Tu es là, alors on commence ?
You are here, so shall we start?
Le bus est en retard, du coup je marche.
The bus is late, so I am walking.
J'ai oublié mon sac, donc je retourne à la maison.
I forgot my bag, so I am going back home.
Il fait beau, alors on va au parc.
It is nice out, so we are going to the park.
J'ai fini mon travail, du coup je suis libre.
I finished my work, so I am free.
La réunion est annulée, donc nous pouvons partir plus tôt.
The meeting is cancelled, so we can leave earlier.
Il n'a pas étudié, alors il a échoué à l'examen.
He didn't study, so he failed the exam.
Le magasin est fermé, du coup j'ai dû aller ailleurs.
The store is closed, so I had to go elsewhere.
Elle est très intelligente, donc elle a réussi.
She is very smart, so she succeeded.
Les résultats sont positifs, donc nous allons continuer le projet.
The results are positive, so we will continue the project.
Il y a eu une grève, du coup le trafic est perturbé.
There was a strike, so traffic is disrupted.
Nous avons manqué le train, alors nous avons pris le bus.
We missed the train, so we took the bus.
Le budget est limité, donc nous devons faire des choix.
The budget is limited, so we must make choices.
La situation est complexe, donc une analyse approfondie est nécessaire.
The situation is complex, so an in-depth analysis is necessary.
Le consensus a été atteint, alors nous pouvons procéder à la signature.
Consensus has been reached, so we can proceed to signing.
Il a été pris au dépourvu, du coup il a improvisé.
He was caught off guard, so he improvised.
Les données sont claires, donc la conclusion est évidente.
The data is clear, so the conclusion is obvious.
La conjoncture économique est défavorable, donc nous devons réviser nos prévisions.
The economic climate is unfavorable, so we must revise our forecasts.
Le témoin a changé sa version, alors l'enquête a pris une nouvelle direction.
The witness changed his story, so the investigation took a new direction.
Il s'est senti trahi, du coup il a rompu tout contact.
He felt betrayed, so he cut all contact.
L'argument est fallacieux, donc il ne tient pas la route.
The argument is fallacious, so it doesn't hold up.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up the direction of the cause and result.
Both are used in stories, but 'alors' is for results, 'ensuite' is for time.
Register usage.
Common Mistakes
Donc je suis fatigué.
Je suis fatigué, donc je dors.
Il pleut, alors parce que je reste.
Il pleut, alors je reste.
Du coup je mange.
J'ai faim, du coup je mange.
Il est tard, donc.
Il est tard, donc je pars.
Je travaille, du coup je suis professionnel.
Je travaille, donc je suis professionnel.
Alors, je suis allé au cinéma.
Je voulais voir un film, alors je suis allé au cinéma.
Il est riche du coup il achète tout.
Il est riche, du coup il achète tout.
Du coup, la situation économique est grave.
Par conséquent, la situation économique est grave.
Je suis fatigué, alors je ne travaille pas.
Je suis fatigué, donc je ne travaille pas.
Il a fini, alors il est parti.
Il a fini, donc il est parti.
Du coup, nous concluons que...
Par conséquent, nous concluons que...
Il est donc, parti.
Il est donc parti.
C'est alors, qu'il a compris.
C'est alors qu'il a compris.
Sentence Patterns
___, donc ___.
___, alors ___?
___, du coup ___.
___, donc ___.
Real World Usage
J'ai raté le bus, du coup j'arrive en retard.
J'ai beaucoup appris, donc je suis prêt pour ce poste.
Il fait beau, alors je vais à la plage !
Le restaurant est fermé, du coup j'ai annulé la commande.
Le train est annulé, donc je prends un bus.
Les données sont claires, donc la conclusion est valide.
The 'Du Coup' Rule
Don't start with 'Donc'
Use 'Alors' for questions
Regional variations
Smart Tips
Always use 'donc' instead of 'du coup'.
Use 'du coup' to sound like a native.
Use 'alors' to move the conversation forward.
Use 'donc' to highlight the final result.
Pronunciation
Donc
The 'c' is silent. Pronounced /dɔ̃/.
Alors
The 's' is silent. Pronounced /alɔʁ/.
Du coup
The 'p' is silent. Pronounced /dy ku/.
Logical pause
Cause [pause] donc [result]
Shows a clear logical step.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
D.A.D. (Donc, Alors, Du coup) - The DAD of French logic!
Visual Association
Imagine a domino falling. The first domino is the 'Cause', the middle connector is the 'Bridge', and the last domino is the 'Result'.
Rhyme
Pour dire 'so' et être bien, 'donc' est le meilleur lien.
Story
Pierre was hungry. He saw a bakery. 'J'ai faim, donc je vais à la boulangerie.' He bought a croissant. He was happy. 'C'est bon, du coup je suis content.'
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your day using 'donc', 'alors', and 'du coup'.
Cultural Notes
The usage of 'du coup' is a national phenomenon. It is used in almost every sentence in casual conversation.
Quebecers use 'donc' and 'alors' but also have their own fillers like 'faque' (short for 'ça fait que').
Belgians often use 'donc' more frequently than the French in certain contexts.
These words evolved from Latin roots indicating sequence and consequence.
Conversation Starters
Tu as faim ? On mange quoi ?
Pourquoi tu es en retard ?
Qu'est-ce que tu fais ce week-end ?
Comment s'est passée ta journée ?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Il pleut, ___ je prends mon parapluie.
Select the best option.
Find and fix the mistake:
Donc je vais au cinéma.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I am hungry, so I eat.
Answer starts with: All...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use 'alors' with 'il est tard'.
Select the best option.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesIl pleut, ___ je prends mon parapluie.
Select the best option.
Find and fix the mistake:
Donc je vais au cinéma.
donc / je / faim / j'ai / mange
I am hungry, so I eat.
Match: 1. Donc, 2. Du coup
Use 'alors' with 'il est tard'.
Select the best option.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesJe n'ai plus d'argent, ___ je reste à la maison.
It is late, so go to bed.
donc / mangent / ils / faim / ont / ils
Match the pairs:
Votre paiement n'est pas arrivé. ___, nous suspendons le service.
Ce film est donc génial !
___, on y va ?
Which one makes sense?
That's why I'm here.
est / du / cassé / téléphone / coup / mon / je / pleure
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Mostly yes, but 'donc' is more logical and 'alors' is more temporal.
It is accepted in spoken French, but avoid it in formal writing.
It's a very convenient way to link thoughts in fast-paced conversation.
Only if it follows a clear logical progression from the previous sentence.
'Par conséquent' is much more formal.
Yes, it is standard to use a comma to separate the cause from the result.
Yes, e.g., 'Donc, tu viens ?' (So, are you coming?)
Your sentences will sound disconnected and robotic.
Scaffolded Practice
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Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
entonces / así que
Spanish 'entonces' can also mean 'at that time'.
also / deshalb
German verb position changes after these connectors.
so / therefore
English 'so' is much more versatile than 'donc'.
dakara / node
Japanese connectors are particles attached to the end of the cause clause.
li-dhalika / fa
Arabic 'fa' is a prefix, not a standalone word.
suoyi
Chinese does not have the same register-based connector variety.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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