la vraisemblable sentence
the vraisemblable sentence
Literally: {"la":"the","vraisemblable":"likely, plausible, probable","sentence":"sentence, judgment, verdict"}
In 15 Seconds
- Predicts the most likely outcome.
- Often used in legal or moral judgments.
- Based on available evidence and logic.
- Carries a sense of expected consequence.
Meaning
Imagine you're watching a courtroom drama or even just discussing a tricky situation. `La vraisemblable sentence` is that outcome everyone *expects* to happen. It's not just a guess; it's the most logical conclusion based on what's known. It carries a bit of weight, suggesting a sense of inevitability or strong probability, often in a context where judgment or consequence is involved.
Key Examples
3 of 12Reading a news article about a trial
Au vu des preuves, la vraisemblable sentence semble être une peine de prison.
Given the evidence, the likely sentence appears to be a prison term.
Discussing a friend's repeated bad behavior
Il continue de sortir tard, la vraisemblable sentence sera une interdiction de sortie.
He keeps going out late, the likely sentence will be a curfew.
Job interview feedback
Après son manque de préparation, la vraisemblable sentence est qu'il n'obtiendra pas le poste.
After his lack of preparation, the likely outcome is that he won't get the job.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'vraisemblance' is a pillar of 17th-century French literature. It means that an audience must believe a story could happen, even if it's fiction. This phrase applies that literary logic to real-life consequences. In France, a 'sentence' is specifically a decision by a civil court or an arbitrator. Using this word instead of 'verdict' (used in criminal assize courts) shows a high level of legal precision. In Quebec, while the legal system is a mix of Civil and Common law, the formal French register remains very similar to France. However, 'sentence' is frequently used in criminal contexts due to English influence ('sentencing'). In international diplomacy (often conducted in French), this phrase is used to describe the 'inevitable' sanctions or resolutions that follow a treaty violation.
Use it in Essays
If you are taking the DELF B2 or DALF C1 exam, using this phrase in your formal writing will instantly impress the examiners with your register awareness.
The 'False Friend' Trap
Never use 'sentence' to mean a group of words. If you want to say 'This is a long sentence,' say 'C'est une longue phrase.'
In 15 Seconds
- Predicts the most likely outcome.
- Often used in legal or moral judgments.
- Based on available evidence and logic.
- Carries a sense of expected consequence.
What It Means
This phrase isn't about a simple prediction. It's about the *most probable* outcome. Think of it as the verdict the judge or jury is leaning towards. Or perhaps the consequence a friend is likely to face after a major screw-up. It’s the judgment that makes the most sense given the facts. It feels solid, grounded in evidence, not just a wild guess.
How To Use It
You use la vraisemblable sentence when discussing potential outcomes. It's often found in legal contexts, but can extend to moral or social judgments. You're talking about what's *likely* to happen. It implies a degree of certainty, but not absolute. It’s the best guess backed by solid reasoning. Use it when you want to sound informed and logical. It’s like saying, 'Based on everything, this is what I think will happen.'
Real-Life Examples
Picture a news report about a trial. The reporter might say, 'Given the evidence presented, la vraisemblable sentence appears to be X years.' Or in a more casual chat, 'He kept breaking curfew; la vraisemblable sentence is losing his car privileges.' It’s about the consequence that logically follows the action. It’s not a happy thought, but it’s a realistic one. You might even use it when talking about a difficult exam; 'After skipping all the classes, la vraisemblable sentence is failing.' Ouch!
When To Use It
Use this phrase when discussing legal judgments. It's perfect for predicting court decisions. Also, use it for serious moral or social consequences. Think about situations with clear cause and effect. When the outcome feels almost inevitable based on the facts, it fits. It's for when you need to convey a strong sense of probability. It adds a touch of gravitas to your prediction. It’s not for predicting the weather, unless the weather forecast is *really* dire!
When NOT To Use It
Don't use la vraisemblable sentence for casual predictions. Predicting the winner of a football match? Probably not. Guessing what your friend will eat for lunch? Definitely not. It’s too formal and serious for everyday guesses. Avoid it for positive outcomes unless you're being ironic. It implies a negative or consequential judgment. It's not for predicting lottery numbers either – that’s pure luck, not probability!
Common Mistakes
Using la vraisemblable sentence for simple predictions is a common slip-up. It sounds overly dramatic. You might also confuse vraisemblable with vrai (true). Vraisemblable means likely, not absolutely true. It's a subtle but crucial difference. Another mistake is using it for happy outcomes. It carries a sense of impending consequence. Think 'likely negative outcome' rather than 'likely positive outcome.'
la vraie sentence
✓la vraisemblable sentence (if you mean likely)
la probable sentence
✓la vraisemblable sentence (more idiomatic)
la sentence probable
✓la vraisemblable sentence (word order matters)
Similar Expressions
There are other ways to express likelihood. La décision probable (the probable decision) is similar. Le verdict attendu (the expected verdict) is very close, especially in law. La conséquence logique (the logical consequence) captures the cause-and-effect aspect. Ce qui va arriver (what will happen) is more general. La vraisemblable sentence has a specific legal or moral weight, though.
Common Variations
Sometimes you might hear une vraisemblable sentence. The article une makes it less definitive. It's like saying 'a likely sentence' rather than 'the likely sentence.' You might also see la sentence vraisemblable, though this word order is less common and sounds a bit clunky. Stick to the standard la vraisemblable sentence for clarity. It’s the most natural phrasing.
Memory Trick
Imagine a courtroom scene. The judge looks *very plausible* (vraisemblable) in his robe, about to deliver the final *sentence*. He's not guessing; he’s delivering the outcome that seems most likely based on the trial. Vraisemblable sounds a bit like 'very plausible'. So, the 'very plausible sentence' is the one you expect. It's the sentence that makes sense!
Quick FAQ
Q. Is it always about legal trials?
A. Not strictly. While common in legal settings, it can apply to any situation with probable consequences. Think of a teenager's likely punishment for breaking rules. It’s about the outcome that seems most logical and expected based on the situation and actions taken.
Usage Notes
This is a formal phrase, primarily used in legal contexts or serious discussions about probable consequences. Avoid using it in casual conversation or for lighthearted predictions, as it carries significant weight. The key is the basis in evidence or logical reasoning, making the outcome seem highly likely.
Use it in Essays
If you are taking the DELF B2 or DALF C1 exam, using this phrase in your formal writing will instantly impress the examiners with your register awareness.
The 'False Friend' Trap
Never use 'sentence' to mean a group of words. If you want to say 'This is a long sentence,' say 'C'est une longue phrase.'
The Weight of Words
French people value 'le mot juste' (the exact word). Using 'sentence' instead of 'verdict' implies you understand the gravity and the formal nature of the situation.
Examples
12Au vu des preuves, la vraisemblable sentence semble être une peine de prison.
Given the evidence, the likely sentence appears to be a prison term.
Here, it refers to the probable judicial decision based on the facts presented.
Il continue de sortir tard, la vraisemblable sentence sera une interdiction de sortie.
He keeps going out late, the likely sentence will be a curfew.
Applies the concept to a domestic consequence, showing it's not strictly legal.
Après son manque de préparation, la vraisemblable sentence est qu'il n'obtiendra pas le poste.
After his lack of preparation, the likely outcome is that he won't get the job.
Used metaphorically for a professional consequence.
Vu les accusations, la vraisemblable sentence pour sa carrière est sombre.
Given the accusations, the likely sentence for his career is bleak.
A dramatic, slightly hyperbolic use for a career's fate.
J'ai tellement révisé, j'espère que ce n'est pas la vraisemblable sentence qui m'attend !
I studied so much, I hope that's not the likely sentence awaiting me!
Expresses hope against a feared, probable negative outcome.
✗ Si je ne fais pas attention, la probable sentence est une mauvaise note.
✗ If I'm not careful, the probable sentence is a bad grade.
Incorrect usage: 'probable' is less idiomatic here, and the structure is slightly off.
✗ Il a reçu la vraie sentence pour son crime.
✗ He received the true sentence for his crime.
Incorrect usage: 'vraie' means 'true', not 'likely'. The phrase requires 'vraisemblable'.
Après avoir vu le dernier épisode, la vraisemblable sentence pour le personnage principal est... une fin tragique, bien sûr !
After seeing the last episode, the likely sentence for the main character is... a tragic end, of course!
Used humorously for a predictable, dramatic plot twist.
Si tu triches dans ce jeu, la vraisemblable sentence sera un bannissement permanent.
If you cheat in this game, the likely sentence will be a permanent ban.
Relates to digital consequences and rules.
Perdre mon passeport à l'aéroport, c'était la vraisemblable sentence pour manquer mon vol.
Losing my passport at the airport was the likely sentence for missing my flight.
Describes a probable negative consequence in a travel context.
L'avocat a plaidé que la vraisemblable sentence devrait tenir compte des circonstances atténuantes.
The lawyer argued that the likely sentence should take mitigating circumstances into account.
Standard legal usage, focusing on the probable judicial decision.
Ne pas aider son voisin dans le besoin, c'est s'exposer à la vraisemblable sentence de l'isolement social.
Not helping one's neighbor in need is exposing oneself to the likely sentence of social isolation.
Used for a probable social/moral consequence.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Après avoir entendu tous les témoins, le public attendait la ________ ________.
'Sentence' is the correct term for a verdict in this formal context.
Which context is most appropriate for this phrase?
Where would you likely read 'la vraisemblable sentence'?
The phrase is highly formal and relates to judgments and consequences.
Match the register with the correct sentence.
Match the following:
The phrase itself is the marker of the formal register.
Fill in the missing line in this formal dialogue.
Journaliste A: 'Le verdict sera-t-il surprenant ?' Journaliste B: 'Non, au vu des preuves, ________.'
Journaliste B is confirming that the outcome is expected and logical.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sentence vs. Phrase
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAprès avoir entendu tous les témoins, le public attendait la ________ ________.
'Sentence' is the correct term for a verdict in this formal context.
Where would you likely read 'la vraisemblable sentence'?
The phrase is highly formal and relates to judgments and consequences.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The phrase itself is the marker of the formal register.
Journaliste A: 'Le verdict sera-t-il surprenant ?' Journaliste B: 'Non, au vu des preuves, ________.'
Journaliste B is confirming that the outcome is expected and logical.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsAlmost always. It implies a judgment or a consequence for an action, usually one that involves a penalty or a loss.
Yes! You can say 'une histoire vraisemblable' (a plausible story) or 'un candidat vraisemblable' (a likely candidate).
'Probable' is based on statistics or chance. 'Vraisemblable' is based on how much something 'looks like the truth' or fits logically.
Yes, but mostly in high-quality newspapers like Le Monde or Le Figaro, rather than in tabloid news.
Only if you want to sound very dramatic or intellectual about a team's loss.
Open your mouth slightly and let the air go through your nose. It's the same sound as in 'pendant'.
Yes: 'les vraisemblables sentences', but it is very rare to have multiple 'likely verdicts' at once.
Only if you are discussing a complex legal or ethical case. Otherwise, it's too formal.
An 'issue imprévisible' (unpredictable outcome) or an 'acquittement surprise' (surprise acquittal).
No, it has always carried the meaning of 'opinion' or 'judgment' from its Latin roots.
Related Phrases
Le verdict attendu
synonymThe expected verdict.
Une issue fatale
similarA fatal/deadly outcome.
La force des choses
builds onThe way things are / inevitability.
C'était couru d'avance
informal alternativeIt was a foregone conclusion.
