Meaning
Immediately, right away.
Cultural Background
In French media, this phrase is the 'signature' of a professional host. If you watch 'The Voice France' or 'Miss France', you will hear it dozens of times. Quebecers use this phrase in professional settings just like in France, but in very informal speech, they might prefer 'tout de suite' or 'drette là' (slang). In formal speeches in countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, high-register French is prized. 'Sans plus attendre' is a staple of political and social oratory. Using this phrase in a French business context signals that you are 'réactif' (proactive), a highly valued trait in modern French corporate environments.
The Comma is Key
When using it as a transition at the start of a sentence, always follow it with a comma for the correct rhythmic pause.
Silent S
Never pronounce the 's' in 'plus' in this phrase. If you do, it sounds like you are saying 'without waiting more' (comparative), which is not the idiom.
Meaning
Immediately, right away.
The Comma is Key
When using it as a transition at the start of a sentence, always follow it with a comma for the correct rhythmic pause.
Silent S
Never pronounce the 's' in 'plus' in this phrase. If you do, it sounds like you are saying 'without waiting more' (comparative), which is not the idiom.
TV Talk
Listen for this phrase on French news or talk shows. It's the most common way they switch segments.
Email Power
Use this in professional emails to sound more decisive and efficient than just using 'immédiatement'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Mesdames et Messieurs, _______ _______ _______, voici votre hôte !
The fixed expression uses the infinitive 'attendre' without 'de'.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for 'Sans plus attendre'?
Select the best context:
The phrase is a formal transition ideal for introductions.
Complete the professional email response.
Client: 'J'ai besoin de ces documents d'ici ce soir.' Manager: 'D'accord, je m'en occupe _______.'
'Sans plus attendre' shows professional urgency.
Match the French phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
While all mean 'immediately', 'Sans plus attendre' is the specific rhetorical bridge.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sans plus attendre vs. Alternatives
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMesdames et Messieurs, _______ _______ _______, voici votre hôte !
The fixed expression uses the infinitive 'attendre' without 'de'.
Select the best context:
The phrase is a formal transition ideal for introductions.
Client: 'J'ai besoin de ces documents d'ici ce soir.' Manager: 'D'accord, je m'en occupe _______.'
'Sans plus attendre' shows professional urgency.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
While all mean 'immediately', 'Sans plus attendre' is the specific rhetorical bridge.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is grammatically correct but much less common. 'Sans plus attendre' is the standard idiomatic formula.
Yes, it sounds a bit 'theatrical' with friends. Use 'tout de suite' or 'direct' instead.
They are 99% synonymous. 'Tarder' is slightly more common in writing, 'attendre' in speaking.
No, it always stays in the infinitive form in this expression.
Yes, e.g., 'Il est parti sans plus attendre.' It's very natural.
In this specific phrase, never. It follows the rule of 'plus' in a negative sense.
Use it right after your hook: 'Aujourd'hui on parle de X. Sans plus attendre, c'est parti !'
Yes, it is perfectly standard in Quebec French, especially in media.
No, that sounds like a literal translation and loses the idiomatic 'flow'.
Usually, it's for positive actions (starting, doing, giving). You wouldn't say 'I didn't eat without further delay.'
Related Phrases
Sans plus tarder
synonymWithout further delay
Sur-le-champ
similarOn the spot / immediately
Aussitôt
similarAs soon as / immediately
Sans autre forme de procès
specialized formWithout further ceremony / summarily
D'ores et déjà
similarFrom now on / already
