Meaning
Subject to further confirmation or change; not definitive.
Cultural Background
In French administration, 'la réserve' is a duty for civil servants (devoir de réserve), meaning they must remain neutral. This phrase stems from that culture of caution. In Quebec legal and business culture, this phrase is used very frequently, often influenced by the English 'Without Prejudice' in the bilingual legal environment. Belgian French uses this phrase in political reporting, especially during the long periods of government formation common in the country. Swiss French (Romandie) maintains the formal usage, particularly in the banking and diplomatic sectors of Geneva.
The Email Shield
If you're an intern or new employee, use this when sending data you haven't double-checked. It shows you are professional and aware of your limits.
Don't Overuse
If you use it in every sentence, you will sound like you have no confidence in anything you say.
Meaning
Subject to further confirmation or change; not definitive.
The Email Shield
If you're an intern or new employee, use this when sending data you haven't double-checked. It shows you are professional and aware of your limits.
Don't Overuse
If you use it in every sentence, you will sound like you have no confidence in anything you say.
Journalist Speak
When watching French TV news, listen for this phrase during the first 5 minutes of a breaking story.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate context for using 'Sous toutes réserves'.
In which situation would you use this phrase?
Journalism is the primary field where this phrase is used to handle unconfirmed rumors professionally.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
__________, les vols vers New York sont annulés à cause de la tempête.
The standard standalone disclaimer is plural: 'Sous toutes réserves'.
Match the phrase to its best equivalent in a different register.
Match 'Sous toutes réserves' with its informal equivalent.
'Sous toutes réserves' means it's not yet confirmed/sure.
Complete the professional dialogue.
Client: 'Est-ce que le projet sera livré demain ?' Chef de projet: '__________, oui, mais nous attendons le retour technique.'
The project manager uses this to protect themselves in case of a technical delay.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Sous toutes réserves'
Professional
- • Emails
- • Reports
- • Meetings
Media
- • Breaking News
- • Radio
- • Live Tweets
Legal
- • Contracts
- • Lawyer Letters
- • Disputes
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIn which situation would you use this phrase?
Journalism is the primary field where this phrase is used to handle unconfirmed rumors professionally.
__________, les vols vers New York sont annulés à cause de la tempête.
The standard standalone disclaimer is plural: 'Sous toutes réserves'.
Match 'Sous toutes réserves' with its informal equivalent.
'Sous toutes réserves' means it's not yet confirmed/sure.
Client: 'Est-ce que le projet sera livré demain ?' Chef de projet: '__________, oui, mais nous attendons le retour technique.'
The project manager uses this to protect themselves in case of a technical delay.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt's not grammatically 'wrong,' but the plural 'Sous toutes réserves' is the standard idiomatic form for the disclaimer.
Only if you are being sarcastic or talking about something very serious (like a legal issue). Otherwise, it's too formal.
Usually 'Without prejudice' or 'Subject to contract'.
Not exactly. 'Maybe' is about probability; 'Sous toutes réserves' is about professional liability and lack of confirmation.
Related Phrases
Sous réserve de
similarSubject to (something)
Sauf erreur ou omission
specialized formErrors and omissions excepted
À prendre avec des pincettes
similarTo take with a grain of salt
Donner sa langue au chat
contrastTo give up guessing
Mise en demeure
specialized formFormal notice
