In 15 Seconds
- Used for decisions or opinions that lack logical consistency.
- Common in debates, professional feedback, or reviewing works of art.
- Highlights a contradiction rather than just a simple error.
Meaning
This phrase describes a decision or opinion that makes absolutely no sense. It is used when someone's logic is messy, contradictory, or totally disconnected from the facts.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reviewing a confusing movie
Le critique a rendu des jugements incohérents sur ce film.
The critic gave incoherent judgments about this movie.
Discussing a boss's erratic decisions
La direction prend des jugements incohérents depuis un mois.
Management has been making incoherent judgments for a month.
Debating politics with a friend
Tes arguments reposent sur des jugements incohérents.
Your arguments are based on incoherent judgments.
Cultural Background
The French legal system (Civil Law) relies heavily on written logic. An 'incoherent judgment' is grounds for an immediate appeal to the Cour de Cassation. In Quebec, the phrase is used similarly, but you might also hear 'un jugement qui ne fait pas de sens', influenced by English 'doesn't make sense'. Belgian French speakers use this in administrative contexts, often when dealing with the complex bureaucracy of the federal vs. regional governments. In formal Senegalese French (used in law and media), this phrase maintains its high-register status to critique institutional decisions.
Use 'Rendre'
To sound like a native, always use the verb 'rendre' when talking about official or professional judgments.
Agreement is Key
Don't forget to add an 's' to both words if you are talking about multiple judgments!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for decisions or opinions that lack logical consistency.
- Common in debates, professional feedback, or reviewing works of art.
- Highlights a contradiction rather than just a simple error.
What It Means
Imagine someone tells you it is raining while they are standing in bright sunshine. That is the essence of des jugements incohérents. It refers to thoughts or decisions that lack a logical thread. In French, this suggests a lack of intellectual rigor. It is not just a mistake; it is a failure of logic. You are pointing out that the pieces of their argument do not fit together.
How To Use It
You will usually use this as a plural noun phrase. It often follows verbs like porter (to carry/deliver) or rendre (to issue). For example, you might say someone is 'making' these judgments. Note that in French, the adjective incohérent must agree with the plural noun jugements. It sounds sophisticated but packs a punch. It is like calling someone out for being a bit of a mess.
When To Use It
Use this when you are debating a topic and your opponent's points clash. It is perfect for discussing a movie review that makes no sense. You can also use it in a professional setting to describe a flawed strategy. If a boss changes their mind every five minutes, their decisions are incohérents. It is a great way to sound smart while being critical.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for simple physical clumsiness. If someone drops a glass, that is not an incoherent judgment. Also, avoid it in very casual slang-heavy settings with close friends. It might sound a bit too 'academic' or stiff for a rowdy bar conversation. In those cases, you would just say 'c'est n'importe quoi'. Keep this phrase for when logic is actually the problem.
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on 'Cartesian' logic—clear, structured thinking. Because of this, calling someone's judgment incohérent is a specific kind of insult. It implies they aren't being rational or 'serious.' It is a common critique in French political talk shows. Intellectual consistency is a point of pride in French discourse.
Common Variations
You might hear un jugement incohérent in the singular for one specific bad call. People also use des propos incohérents if someone is just babbling nonsense. If you want to be more formal, use une absence de cohérence. For something much stronger, you could say un jugement absurde. However, incohérent remains the most common way to describe a logical train wreck.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly effective in debates or professional settings to point out logical fallacies without being vulgar.
Use 'Rendre'
To sound like a native, always use the verb 'rendre' when talking about official or professional judgments.
Agreement is Key
Don't forget to add an 's' to both words if you are talking about multiple judgments!
The Cartesian Sin
Calling a French person's logic 'incohérent' is a strong critique of their education and intellect.
Examples
6Le critique a rendu des jugements incohérents sur ce film.
The critic gave incoherent judgments about this movie.
Used here to describe a review that contradicts itself.
La direction prend des jugements incohérents depuis un mois.
Management has been making incoherent judgments for a month.
Professional context describing a lack of clear strategy.
Tes arguments reposent sur des jugements incohérents.
Your arguments are based on incoherent judgments.
A slightly sharp but intellectual way to disagree.
L'arbitre a encore eu des jugements incohérents ce soir !
The ref made some incoherent judgments again tonight!
Commonly used in sports when a referee is inconsistent.
Le dossier est affaibli par des jugements incohérents.
The file is weakened by incoherent judgments.
Very formal use indicating a serious flaw in a case.
Arrête avec tes jugements incohérents, ça ne m'aide pas !
Stop with your incoherent judgments, it's not helping me!
Used when advice is contradictory and confusing.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the adjective.
Leurs ______ (jugement) sont totalement ______ (incohérent).
Both the noun and the adjective must be plural to match 'Leurs'.
Which verb is most commonly used with 'un jugement' in a legal context?
Le juge a ______ un jugement incohérent.
'Rendre un jugement' is the standard legal collocation in French.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
Where would you most likely hear 'C'est un jugement incohérent'?
The phrase is formal and intellectual, making it perfect for policy critique.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi es-tu en colère ? B: Parce que le patron a décidé de nous faire travailler plus pour moins d'argent. C'est un ______.
The decision is logically contradictory (more work for less pay).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLeurs ______ (jugement) sont totalement ______ (incohérent).
Both the noun and the adjective must be plural to match 'Leurs'.
Le juge a ______ un jugement incohérent.
'Rendre un jugement' is the standard legal collocation in French.
Where would you most likely hear 'C'est un jugement incohérent'?
The phrase is formal and intellectual, making it perfect for policy critique.
A: Pourquoi es-tu en colère ? B: Parce que le patron a décidé de nous faire travailler plus pour moins d'argent. C'est un ______.
The decision is logically contradictory (more work for less pay).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, you can say 'Il est incohérent', but 'un jugement incohérent' specifically targets their decision-making.
Yes, but 'jugement incohérent' is more formal and suggests a structural failure in reasoning.
Use 'un jugement cohérent' or 'un jugement constant'.
Almost always. It implies a lack of clarity and reliability.
It's a bit heavy for a text. Better to use 'C'est n'importe quoi' with friends.
Related Phrases
un raisonnement fallacieux
similarA flawed or deceptive argument.
un non-sens
synonymNonsense.
une contradiction flagrante
builds onA blatant contradiction.
un jugement de Salomon
contrastA very wise and fair judgment.
