Meaning
A practical and workable answer.
Cultural Background
The French government often uses 'solution viable' when discussing the 'Grand Débat National' or social reforms to show they are listening to practical concerns. In Quebec, while 'solution viable' is used, you will also hear 'solution durable' more frequently in the context of ecology due to the influence of North American environmental terminology. In Belgian French, 'solution viable' is common in the complex political negotiations between the Flemish and Walloon regions. Swiss French uses this phrase frequently in the context of direct democracy and referendums, where a proposal must be 'viable' to be accepted by the public.
Use it in exams
Using 'solution viable' in the DELF B2 writing section when discussing social issues will earn you high marks for vocabulary range.
Gender check
Even though 'viable' doesn't change, 'solution' is always feminine. Don't say 'un solution'.
Meaning
A practical and workable answer.
Use it in exams
Using 'solution viable' in the DELF B2 writing section when discussing social issues will earn you high marks for vocabulary range.
Gender check
Even though 'viable' doesn't change, 'solution' is always feminine. Don't say 'un solution'.
The 'Cartesian' touch
French people love logic. If you call something 'viable', be ready to explain the 'why' with facts.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Pour sauver l'entreprise, nous devons trouver une ________ ________.
The noun 'solution' is feminine and the adjective 'viable' follows it.
Which sentence is the most formal?
Choose the best option for a business report.
'Constitue' and 'solution viable' are high-register professional terms.
Match the context with the appropriate phrase.
Contexts: 1. Long-term law, 2. Backup plan, 3. Workable idea
Pérenne is for long-term, de rechange is for backup, viable is for workable.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesPour sauver l'entreprise, nous devons trouver une ________ ________.
The noun 'solution' is feminine and the adjective 'viable' follows it.
Choose the best option for a business report.
'Constitue' and 'solution viable' are high-register professional terms.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Pérenne is for long-term, de rechange is for backup, viable is for workable.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsOnly in a medical context (a newborn). Never use it to mean a person is 'practical' or 'workable'.
Mostly, yes. 'Sustainable' is usually translated as 'durable', but 'viable' is a key part of being 'durable'.
Une 'solution vouée à l'échec' (a solution doomed to fail) or 'une solution irréaliste'.
Yes! 'Viable' works with any noun that describes a plan or idea.
Related Phrases
Solution pérenne
similarA lasting solution
Faisabilité
builds onFeasibility
Solution de facilité
contrastThe easy way out
Modèle économique
specialized formBusiness model
Développement durable
similarSustainable development
