Meaning
In the specific instance or situation mentioned.
Cultural Background
In France, using 'en l'occurrence' in a political debate is a way to show authority and mastery of the facts. It is often used by ministers during 'Questions au Gouvernement'. In Quebec, the phrase is common in administrative and legal contexts, but in spoken 'Joual' or casual Quebecois, it is almost never used, replaced by 'dans ce cas-là'. Belgian French uses it similarly to France, especially in the complex federal bureaucracy where specific cases often need to be distinguished from general rules. In formal African French (news, law), this phrase is a sign of high education and is used to maintain a standard of 'Français soutenu'.
The Comma Rule
Always place 'en l'occurrence' between commas when it's in the middle of a sentence. It makes your writing look professional.
Don't Overdo It
Using it more than once in a conversation can make you sound like a lawyer. Save it for your strongest point.
Meaning
In the specific instance or situation mentioned.
The Comma Rule
Always place 'en l'occurrence' between commas when it's in the middle of a sentence. It makes your writing look professional.
Don't Overdo It
Using it more than once in a conversation can make you sound like a lawyer. Save it for your strongest point.
The 'Intellectual' Signal
Use this phrase in a French university setting to immediately signal that you are a serious student.
Test Yourself
Choisissez la meilleure option pour compléter la phrase formelle.
Le suspect a un alibi, _______ il était au travail au moment du vol.
We are specifying the exact nature of the alibi, so 'en l'occurrence' is the perfect formal connector.
Complétez avec 'en l'occurrence'.
Il y a une exception à la règle, _______ pour les étudiants étrangers.
The phrase specifies which group the exception applies to.
Associez la phrase à son contexte.
1. 'En l'occurrence, le contrat est nul.' | 2. 'En l'occurrence, il pleut.'
The phrase adapts to the specific topic being discussed.
Complétez le dialogue professionnel.
Directeur: 'Nous devons réduire les effectifs.' | Manager: '_______ dans le département marketing ?'
The manager is asking for clarification on the specific instance of the general statement.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLe suspect a un alibi, _______ il était au travail au moment du vol.
We are specifying the exact nature of the alibi, so 'en l'occurrence' is the perfect formal connector.
Il y a une exception à la règle, _______ pour les étudiants étrangers.
The phrase specifies which group the exception applies to.
1. 'En l'occurrence, le contrat est nul.' | 2. 'En l'occurrence, il pleut.'
The phrase adapts to the specific topic being discussed.
Directeur: 'Nous devons réduire les effectifs.' | Manager: '_______ dans le département marketing ?'
The manager is asking for clarification on the specific instance of the general statement.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe noun 'occurrence' is feminine, but the phrase is an adverbial locution and doesn't change.
Yes, e.g., 'En l'occurrence, nous ne pouvons rien faire.'
No. 'Notamment' means 'including/notably'. 'En l'occurrence' means 'in this specific case'.
Rarely. They would prefer 'pour le coup' or 'dans ce cas'.
Yes, it is very common and highly recommended for formal business communication.
The best equivalent is 'in the instant case'.
No, that is incorrect. Always use 'en'.
No, it is neutral. It can be used for positive or negative specificities.
There is no 'h'. It starts with 'o', so we elide: l'occurrence.
Because it requires an understanding of register and logical flow that lower levels haven't mastered yet.
Related Phrases
Dans ce cas
synonymIn this case
En l'espèce
specialized formIn this specific legal case
Pour le coup
similarFor once / In this instance
Notamment
similarNotably / Specifically
À savoir
builds onNamely
