In 15 Seconds
- Describes a plan or story that is clearly logical.
- Used when all parts of an argument fit together.
- Reflects the French cultural value of intellectual clarity.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that is clearly logical and consistent. It's what you say when a plan, story, or argument makes perfect sense to anyone looking at it.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a professional meeting
La nouvelle stratégie marketing est visiblement cohérente avec nos objectifs.
The new marketing strategy is visibly consistent with our goals.
Discussing a movie plot
Le scénario est complexe, mais il reste visiblement cohérent.
The script is complex, but it remains clearly coherent.
Texting a friend about their travel plans
Ton itinéraire est visiblement cohérent, tu vas bien en profiter !
Your itinerary is clearly well-thought-out, you'll really enjoy it!
Cultural Background
In France, 'la cohérence' is a pillar of the 'esprit critique'. A lack of coherence is often seen as a lack of intelligence or preparation. Quebec uses this phrase similarly, though in casual speech, they might favor 'ça fait du sens' (a calque from English), which is often criticized by purists. In formal Senegalese French (administration, law), this phrase is used to denote the reliability of a witness or a document. Belgian French uses this phrase in its robust legal and European Union administrative contexts to describe policy alignment.
Use it in the DELF exam
Using this collocation in the B2 or C1 writing exam will instantly signal to the examiner that you have a high-level command of academic French.
Watch the gender
Remember that 'cohérent' is an adjective. If you are talking about 'une idée' or 'une proposition', you MUST add the 'e'.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes a plan or story that is clearly logical.
- Used when all parts of an argument fit together.
- Reflects the French cultural value of intellectual clarity.
What It Means
Imagine you are looking at a complex puzzle. Every piece fits perfectly without being forced. That is what visiblement cohérent feels like. It describes a situation or a set of ideas that hold together. There are no contradictions or weird gaps. It is the opposite of a mess. It implies that the logic is so clear that it is 'visible' to the eye.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this as an adjective phrase after the verb être. You can describe a person's speech or a company's strategy. For example, Ton plan est visiblement cohérent. It sounds smart and observant. Use it when you want to show you've analyzed something. It’s a great way to give a compliment that feels professional and thoughtful.
When To Use It
This is a star phrase in professional meetings. Use it when a colleague presents a new project. It is also perfect for discussing books or movies with friends. If a character's actions make sense, they are visiblement cohérent. You can even use it when a friend explains a complicated life choice. It shows you agree with their reasoning.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for purely emotional or aesthetic things. You wouldn't call a sunset visiblement cohérent. That would sound very strange and robotic. Also, avoid it in very high-stress, casual arguments. If you are shouting at someone, using such a 'clean' phrase feels sarcastic. It’s too intellectual for a heated moment about who did the dishes.
Cultural Background
France is the birthplace of René Descartes and modern logic. The French culture deeply values 'la clarté' (clarity). Being told your argument is cohérent is a high compliment in French schools. It means you have mastered the art of structured thinking. If something lacks 'cohérence', it is often dismissed as 'du n'importe quoi' (nonsense).
Common Variations
You will often hear parfaitement cohérent for extra emphasis. If things are a bit shaky, people say pas vraiment cohérent. Another common one is globalement cohérent. This means it makes sense overall, even if some details are fuzzy. It’s a softer way to give feedback without being too harsh.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the sweet spot of neutral-formal. It is highly effective in professional environments to show you are following the logic of a presentation. Remember to add an 'e' for feminine nouns: `une proposition visiblement cohérente`.
Use it in the DELF exam
Using this collocation in the B2 or C1 writing exam will instantly signal to the examiner that you have a high-level command of academic French.
Watch the gender
Remember that 'cohérent' is an adjective. If you are talking about 'une idée' or 'une proposition', you MUST add the 'e'.
The Cartesian Mindset
French people value logic. If you call something 'visiblement cohérent', you are giving a very high compliment to the person's thinking process.
Examples
6La nouvelle stratégie marketing est visiblement cohérente avec nos objectifs.
The new marketing strategy is visibly consistent with our goals.
Shows you've analyzed the strategy and find it logical.
Le scénario est complexe, mais il reste visiblement cohérent.
The script is complex, but it remains clearly coherent.
A compliment to the writer's ability to handle complexity.
Ton itinéraire est visiblement cohérent, tu vas bien en profiter !
Your itinerary is clearly well-thought-out, you'll really enjoy it!
Validating that their travel plan makes sense logistically.
Sa logique de chat n'est pas toujours visiblement cohérente pour nous.
His cat logic isn't always visibly coherent to us.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation adds humor.
Votre argumentation est visiblement cohérente et bien structurée.
Your argument is clearly coherent and well-structured.
Standard academic praise for logical flow.
Ton choix est difficile, mais il est visiblement cohérent avec tes valeurs.
Your choice is difficult, but it is clearly consistent with your values.
Provides emotional support by validating their logic.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'cohérent'.
Sa stratégie marketing est visiblement ________.
'Stratégie' is feminine singular, so we add an 'e'.
Which adverb best fits the context of 'obvious logic'?
L'argument de l'avocat était ________ cohérent.
'Visiblement' is the standard adverb for 'clearly/evidently' in abstract contexts.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Where would you most likely hear 'C'est visiblement cohérent'?
The phrase is formal and intellectual, suited for academic or professional settings.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Que penses-tu de son explication ?' B: 'Je ne sais pas, elle ne me semble pas ________.'
'Explication' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'cohérente'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSa stratégie marketing est visiblement ________.
'Stratégie' is feminine singular, so we add an 'e'.
L'argument de l'avocat était ________ cohérent.
'Visiblement' is the standard adverb for 'clearly/evidently' in abstract contexts.
Where would you most likely hear 'C'est visiblement cohérent'?
The phrase is formal and intellectual, suited for academic or professional settings.
A: 'Que penses-tu de son explication ?' B: 'Je ne sais pas, elle ne me semble pas ________.'
'Explication' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'cohérente'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it describes their behavior or logic, not their appearance. 'Il est visiblement cohérent dans ses choix.'
Yes, in this context it means 'obviously' or 'clearly'.
The opposite is 'visiblement incohérent' or 'totalement illogique'.
Yes, it's a bit heavy for a text. Use 'ça se tient' instead.
Sometimes it means 'apparently' (it seems so, but I'm not 100% sure). Context is key.
Yes, but 'visiblement cohérent' is a more common and sophisticated collocation.
You don't! The 'h' is completely silent in French.
Absolutely. It is very common in the 'Discussion' section of a research paper.
Only if you are talking about the 'logic' of a collection. Otherwise, use 'harmonieux'.
It is always 'cohérent avec' (consistent with).
Related Phrases
Se tenir
synonymTo hold up / to be logical
Tirer par les cheveux
contrastFar-fetched
Faire sens
similarTo make sense
Logique implacable
builds onUnstoppable logic
