Meaning
There are many indications that something is true or will happen.
Cultural Background
In French 'dissertations', students are discouraged from using 'Je' (I). Phrases like 'Tout porte à croire que' allow the writer to present arguments objectively. Journalists use this phrase to respect the 'présomption d'innocence'. It allows them to report on evidence without declaring someone guilty before the judge does. The phrase reflects the French value of 'clarté' (clarity) and 'raison' (reason). It suggests that the world is intelligible through careful observation. News anchors on channels like TF1 or France 2 use this phrase to introduce 'breaking news' that hasn't been 100% confirmed but is highly likely.
The DALF Secret
Use this phrase in the introduction of your DALF C1 essay to instantly signal to the examiner that you have a high-level academic register.
Mood Alert
Never use the subjunctive after this phrase. It's a common trap for advanced learners who over-apply the 'doubt = subjunctive' rule.
Meaning
There are many indications that something is true or will happen.
The DALF Secret
Use this phrase in the introduction of your DALF C1 essay to instantly signal to the examiner that you have a high-level academic register.
Mood Alert
Never use the subjunctive after this phrase. It's a common trap for advanced learners who over-apply the 'doubt = subjunctive' rule.
The 'Detective' Vibe
If you use this in a casual setting, you might sound like you're playing a character in a mystery movie. Use it sparingly with friends!
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb in the indicative mood.
Tout porte à croire que le coupable _______ (être) déjà loin.
We use the indicative 'est' because 'Tout porte à croire que' expresses a strong probability based on logic.
Which phrase is the most formal equivalent to 'On dirait que'?
_______ la situation va s'améliorer.
'Tout porte à croire que' is the most formal and analytical option.
Choose the best response for the detective.
Adjoint: 'Le coffre est vide et la fenêtre est ouverte.' Inspecteur: '_______'
The detective is making a logical deduction based on the evidence provided.
Match the evidence to the conclusion using 'Tout porte à croire que'.
Evidence: Dark clouds, rising wind, drop in temperature.
The evidence logically leads to the conclusion of an approaching storm.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Indicative vs Subjunctive
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTout porte à croire que le coupable _______ (être) déjà loin.
We use the indicative 'est' because 'Tout porte à croire que' expresses a strong probability based on logic.
_______ la situation va s'améliorer.
'Tout porte à croire que' is the most formal and analytical option.
Adjoint: 'Le coffre est vide et la fenêtre est ouverte.' Inspecteur: '_______'
The detective is making a logical deduction based on the evidence provided.
Evidence: Dark clouds, rising wind, drop in temperature.
The evidence logically leads to the conclusion of an approaching storm.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! 'Tout portait à croire que' is very common in storytelling to describe a past deduction that might have been proven wrong later.
It is always 'Tout' (singular) because it refers to 'everything' as a collective concept.
It is more common in formal writing (news, essays) but frequently used in formal spoken contexts like news broadcasts or business presentations.
Yes, adding 'me' makes it slightly more personal ('Everything leads ME to believe'), but the standard form is more objective.
'Il semble que' is more neutral and often takes the subjunctive. 'Tout porte à croire que' is more emphatic and based on specific evidence.
Absolutely. It makes you sound analytical and thoughtful when discussing market trends or your own experience.
Yes, if a clause follows. If you want to end the sentence, you'd say 'Tout porte à le croire' (Everything leads one to believe it).
Yes, it is standard across the entire Francophonie, especially in formal media.
Yes, it is neutral. You can use it for 'Tout porte à croire que le projet va échouer' (failure) or 'Tout porte à croire qu'il va réussir' (success).
It is used, but 'Tout laisse à penser' or 'Tout porte à croire' are much more common and 'correct' in a formal sense.
Related Phrases
Tout laisse à penser que
synonymEverything leaves one to think that
Il y a tout lieu de croire que
specialized formThere is every reason to believe that
Tout indique que
similarEverything indicates that
À en juger par
builds onJudging by...
Selon toute vraisemblance
similarIn all likelihood
