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à l'écart de

B1 noun 12 min read

à l'écart de

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips à l'écart de in 30 Seconds

Explanation à l'écart de in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe where things are. You usually learn 'loin de' (far from) and 'près de' (near to) first. 'À l'écart de' is a bit more advanced because it uses the word 'écart,' which means a gap. At this level, you can think of it as a special way to say 'away from a group' or 'in a quiet corner.' Imagine you are at a big party with many people, but you go to a small corner to talk to one friend. You are 'à l'écart de la foule' (away from the crowd). It is important to remember that 'de' changes to 'du' for masculine words and 'des' for plural words. Even as a beginner, using this phrase makes you sound much more like a native speaker because it shows you understand more than just basic distance; you understand the feeling of being in a separate space. Try to use it when talking about your favorite quiet place in a park or your house. For example, 'Mon chat dort à l'écart du bruit' (My cat sleeps away from the noise). It is a very useful phrase for describing simple safety, like staying away from a hot stove or a busy road. Don't worry about the complex social meanings yet; just focus on the idea of 'being in a separate, quiet spot' away from something busy or dangerous.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'à l'écart de' more confidently in both physical and social contexts. You already know how to describe your environment, and this phrase adds a layer of 'isolation' or 'privacy' to your descriptions. Instead of just saying a house is 'loin de la ville' (far from the city), which might mean it's 50 kilometers away, you can say it is 'à l'écart de la ville,' which suggests it is just outside the city in a peaceful, secluded spot. This is a key distinction at the A2 level. You will also start to see this phrase in instructions and signs. For example, 'Gardez ce produit à l'écart des enfants' (Keep this product away from children). This is a very common way to express safety warnings in French. You should also practice using it to describe people's behavior in simple stories. If a character in a book is shy, they might 'rester à l'écart' during a game. Notice how we often use the verb 'rester' (to stay) or 'se tenir' (to stand/stay) with this expression. It describes a state of being. Remember the grammar: 'à l'écart de la' (feminine), 'à l'écart du' (masculine), 'à l'écart de l'' (vowel), and 'à l'écart des' (plural). Mastering these contractions is essential for A2 students to move toward the B1 level.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more abstract concepts and nuanced social situations. 'À l'écart de' becomes a vital tool for discussing social exclusion, privacy, and intentional isolation. You are no longer just describing physical distance; you are describing a person's relationship with a group. For instance, you might discuss a news article about a country that stays 'à l'écart des négociations internationales' (apart from international negotiations). This implies a choice or a specific political position. You will also encounter the transitive construction 'mettre quelqu'un à l'écart' (to sideline or exclude someone). This is very important for talking about workplace dynamics or school social lives. At B1, you should be able to explain *why* someone is 'à l'écart.' Is it because they are shy? Is it for their safety? Or are they being excluded by others? You can also use it to describe settings in more detail, such as a 'bureau à l'écart du passage' (an office away from the hallway traffic), showing you can describe the functionality of a space. This phrase helps you avoid repeating 'loin de' and allows you to express the idea of 'seclusion' or 'being out of the loop.' It is a hallmark of an intermediate learner who can distinguish between simple distance and situational isolation.

For B2 learners, 'à l'écart de' is a phrase you should use naturally to express complex social and metaphorical ideas. At this level, you can use it to talk about being 'marginalized' or 'on the periphery' of society or a movement. You might analyze a literary text where a character lives 'à l'écart du monde' (away from the world/society) to explore themes of solitude or rebellion. You should also be comfortable using it in professional contexts, such as describing a project that is being developed 'à l'écart des activités principales de l'entreprise' (separately from the company's main activities). This shows a high level of precision. B2 students should also recognize the subtle difference between 'à l'écart de' and its synonyms like 'en marge de' or 'en retrait de.' For example, 'en marge de' is often used for events happening at the same time but separately, while 'à l'écart de' emphasizes the distance or isolation. You can also use 'à l'écart' as an adverbial phrase to describe a state of mind. 'Il se sentait à l'écart' (He felt left out). This level of emotional and situational nuance is exactly what examiners look for in B2 speaking and writing exams. You should also be able to use it in the passive voice: 'Il a été tenu à l'écart de la décision' (He was kept out of the decision), which is a common way to describe corporate or political exclusion.

At the C1 level, your use of 'à l'écart de' should be sophisticated and varied. You can use it to discuss complex sociological or philosophical themes, such as the 'mise à l'écart' (marginalization) of certain populations in urban planning. You understand that this phrase carries a weight of intentionality and structural positioning. In academic writing, you might use it to describe a variable that is kept 'à l'écart' of an experiment to serve as a control, or a theory that remains 'à l'écart des courants dominants' (away from mainstream trends). Your vocabulary is rich enough to contrast 'à l'écart de' with more literary terms like 's'abstraire de' or 'se murer dans.' You also recognize the phrase's use in formal legal and administrative French, where it can refer to the segregation of duties or the isolation of specific files for security reasons. At C1, you should also be sensitive to the rhythmic and stylistic qualities of the phrase in literature. For instance, how an author uses 'à l'écart' to create a sense of 'locus amoenus' (a pleasant, secluded place) or, conversely, a place of exile. You can use the phrase to build complex arguments about social dynamics, where being 'à l'écart' is not just a physical state but a strategic or forced position within a power structure. Your mastery of this phrase reflects a deep understanding of French prepositional locutions and their ability to convey subtle shades of meaning.

At the C2 level, 'à l'écart de' is just one of many tools you use to achieve precise, elegant, and highly nuanced expression. You can use it in highly formal or archaic-leaning contexts, or in very modern, technical discussions with equal ease. You might use it to describe a 'politique de mise à l'écart' in a historical analysis of diplomacy, or to discuss the 'maintien à l'écart' of certain data sets in a high-level scientific paper. You are fully aware of the historical development of the word 'écart' and how it influences the current usage of the phrase—implying a 'swerve' or a 'stepping aside.' In a literary context, you might use it to describe a character's 'mise à l'écart volontaire' (voluntary isolation) as a form of asceticism or intellectual independence. You can play with the word's polysemy, perhaps contrasting 'à l'écart' (the state) with 'faire un écart' (to make a mistake or a sudden movement). At this level, you can also use the phrase in complex rhetorical structures, such as 'Se tenir à l'écart de la mêlée' (to stay out of the fray), which is a common idiom for remaining neutral in a heated debate. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, utilizing the phrase to add clarity, stylistic flair, and conceptual depth to your discourse, whether you are writing a philosophical essay, a legal brief, or a piece of creative fiction.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

à l'écart de in 30 Seconds

Used to express being 'away from' or 'apart from' something, emphasizing isolation or a quiet position.
Commonly used with state verbs like 'rester', 'se tenir', or 'vivre' to describe a situation of seclusion.
Essential for safety warnings (stay away from) and social contexts (feeling left out or choosing privacy).
Requires grammatical contractions: 'du' (masculine), 'des' (plural), and 'de la' (feminine).

The French expression à l'écart de is a sophisticated prepositional phrase that translates most commonly to 'away from,' 'apart from,' or 'isolated from.' While basic learners might rely on loin de to express physical distance, à l'écart de carries a specific nuance of intentional separation or being situated on the periphery of a group or location. It suggests a sense of seclusion or being out of the main flow of activity. This phrase is built upon the noun écart, which means a gap, a deviation, or a space between two things. Therefore, when you are à l'écart de something, you are positioned in that gap, intentionally removed from the center of attention or the density of a crowd.

Physical Distance: Used to describe an object or person situated at a distance from a specific point. For example, a house built away from the village noise.
Social Isolation: Refers to a person choosing to stay away from a group, a conversation, or a social event, often due to shyness or a desire for privacy.
Metaphorical Exclusion: Describes being kept out of a process, a decision-making circle, or a specific topic of discussion.

Elle a choisi de construire sa maison à l'écart de l'agitation urbaine pour trouver la paix.

In everyday French, you will hear this in contexts ranging from architecture (a quiet room away from the hallway) to psychology (feeling left out). It is more formal than simply saying 'pas avec' (not with) and more precise than 'loin de' (far from). When you use à l'écart de, you are painting a picture of a boundary. It implies that there is a 'center' or a 'main group' and that the subject is deliberately or significantly positioned outside that circle. It is a vital phrase for moving beyond basic B1 French into more descriptive, nuanced communication.

Il se tenait à l'écart de la foule, observant les passants avec curiosité.

Furthermore, the expression can be used both with a complement (à l'écart de quelque chose) or autonomously (à l'écart). If you say 'Il vit à l'écart,' it means he lives in isolation. If you specify 'à l'écart du monde,' it means he lives away from the world. This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for describing spatial and social relationships in French literature and journalism alike.

Le petit village restait à l'écart des grandes routes commerciales pendant des siècles.

Maintenez les produits inflammables à l'écart de toute source de chaleur.

Pendant la réunion, il a été mis à l'écart des discussions importantes.

Using à l'écart de correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure and the way it interacts with articles. Because it ends with the preposition de, it is subject to the standard French contractions: de + le = du, de + les = des, and de + la = de la. Mastering these contractions is the first step to sounding natural. For instance, you don't say 'à l'écart de le groupe,' but rather 'à l'écart du groupe.' This small detail is a hallmark of B1-level proficiency.

With Singular Masculine: Use 'du'. Example: 'Il se tient à l'écart du bruit.' (He stays away from the noise.)
With Plural Nouns: Use 'des'. Example: 'Nous vivons à l'écart des grandes villes.' (We live away from the big cities.)
With People: Use 'de' followed by a name or pronoun. Example: 'Il reste à l'écart d'eux.' (He stays apart from them.)

Il est important de garder les enfants à l'écart de la route principale.

Syntactically, the phrase can function as an adverbial modifier of a verb (usually verbs of position like se tenir, rester, vivre, se situer) or as an adjective-like phrase modifying a noun. When it modifies a verb, it tells us *where* the action is happening in relation to something else. When you say 'Il s'est mis à l'écart de la foule,' the verb 'se mettre' indicates the movement toward that state of isolation. This is a common way to describe social dynamics in French storytelling.

Veuillez rester à l'écart de la zone de construction pour votre sécurité.

One of the most frequent uses in professional or academic French is the expression mettre à l'écart. This is a transitive construction meaning 'to sideline' or 'to exclude.' If a manager 'met un employé à l'écart des projets,' they are intentionally excluding that employee from work tasks. This usage is common in discussions about workplace bullying (harcèlement moral) or political maneuvering. Understanding this nuance allows you to navigate more complex social and professional discussions in French-speaking environments.

L'entraîneur a décidé de mettre le joueur à l'écart de l'équipe première.

Le jardin est situé à l'écart du passage des voitures.

Pourquoi restes-tu à l'écart de nos conversations ces derniers temps ?

You will encounter à l'écart de in a variety of real-world scenarios, from the mundane to the highly formal. In public transport, such as the Paris Métro or the SNCF trains, you might hear announcements or see signs advising passengers to stay 'à l'écart de la bordure du quai' (away from the platform edge). This is a standard safety instruction. In this context, the phrase is functional and direct, emphasizing the physical gap required for safety. It is much more common in these official warnings than the simpler 'loin de,' which can feel too vague.

News and Media: Journalists use it to describe countries or politicians that are isolated from international agreements or coalitions. 'La France est restée à l'écart de ce conflit.'
Literature and Novels: Authors use it to set the scene, describing a character's house or their psychological state of being a 'misfit' or an outsider.
Real Estate and Tourism: Property listings often boast of a cottage 'à l'écart du bruit' (away from the noise) to attract those seeking tranquility.

Attention ! Veuillez vous tenir à l'écart de la fermeture des portes.

In social settings, if someone is being quiet at a party, a friend might ask, 'Pourquoi tu te tiens à l'écart ?' (Why are you standing apart?). Here, it's used to address social behavior. It suggests that the person is physically present but emotionally or socially disconnected from the group's energy. This usage is very common in French films and series, where character dynamics are often portrayed through their physical positioning in a room. Someone standing à l'écart is usually a character with a secret or someone who feels they don't belong.

Ce petit restaurant est situé à l'écart de la zone touristique, c'est un vrai secret local.

Furthermore, in French business culture, the phrase mettre à l'écart is a serious term. It often appears in legal documents or HR discussions regarding workplace exclusion. If a manager is accused of 'mettre à l'écart' a subordinate, it implies a systematic isolation that could be interpreted as a form of harassment. Thus, the phrase moves from a simple spatial description to a significant legal and ethical concept. Hearing this in a corporate environment usually signals a conflict or a strategic shift in team dynamics.

Le diplomate a été tenu à l'écart de la négociation finale.

Nous avons trouvé un coin tranquille à l'écart du vent pour pique-niquer.

Gardez toujours vos mots de passe à l'écart de toute vue indiscrète.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using à l'écart de is confusing it with the much simpler loin de (far from). While both involve distance, loin de is purely quantitative—it just means there is a lot of space between two points. À l'écart de, however, is qualitative; it implies a state of being 'out of the way' or 'isolated.' For example, if a city is 100km away, you use loin de. If a house is just 50 meters from the road but hidden behind trees and quiet, you use à l'écart de. Using loin de in social contexts often sounds less precise than à l'écart de.

Mistake: Forgetting Contractions: Saying 'à l'écart de le' instead of 'à l'écart du'. This is a common beginner mistake that persists into intermediate levels.
Mistake: Using 'à l'écart' with 'que': You cannot use 'à l'écart de' to start a subordinate clause like 'away from that...'. You must use a noun or a pronoun after 'de'.
Mistake: Overusing it for simple distance: Don't use it for long geographical distances. Use it for local, situational, or social isolation.

Incorrect: J'habite à l'écart de Paris (if you mean 200km away). Correct: J'habite loin de Paris.

Another common pitfall is the confusion between à l'écart de and en dehors de (outside of). While they can sometimes be synonyms, en dehors de is more about being outside a physical or conceptual boundary (like 'outside the box' or 'outside the city limits'). À l'écart de focuses on the *isolation* resulting from that position. If you are 'en dehors de la ville,' you are simply not in it. If you are 'à l'écart de la ville,' you are near it but tucked away in a quiet spot where the city's influence is minimized. This distinction is subtle but important for high-level fluency.

Incorrect: Il a mis son sac à l'écart de la boîte. Correct: Il a mis son sac en dehors de la boîte.

Lastly, watch out for the reflexive verb s'écarter de. While related, it means 'to move away from' or 'to deviate from' (like a path). À l'écart de is a state or position, whereas s'écarter de is the action of moving. Students often mix them up, saying 'Il est s'écarter de la route' when they mean 'Il est à l'écart de la route.' Always remember that à l'écart de is used with state verbs like être, rester, or se tenir, rather than being a verb itself.

Il ne faut pas s'écarter du sujet principal (action). Il reste à l'écart du sujet (state).

Confusion: Ne confondez pas à l'écart de avec 'à côté de' (beside).

Attention à l'accord : à l'écart des (plural) est obligatoire devant un nom pluriel.

To truly master French, you need to know when to use à l'écart de and when a synonym might be more appropriate. French is a language of precision, and shifting between these alternatives can change the tone of your sentence from casual to literary or technical. The most common alternative is en marge de. While à l'écart de suggests isolation, en marge de (literally 'on the margin of') suggests being on the edge of something, often used for events happening alongside a main event. For example, 'une réunion en marge du sommet' means a meeting happening on the sidelines of a summit.

Loin de vs. À l'écart de: 'Loin de' is about distance (km/miles). 'À l'écart de' is about isolation and being 'out of the way'.
Isolé de vs. À l'écart de: 'Isolé de' is stronger and often negative, implying a lack of connection. 'À l'écart de' can be a peaceful choice.
En retrait de vs. À l'écart de: 'En retrait de' is often used for physical positioning (set back from the road). It is very similar but slightly more formal.

Sa maison est en retrait de la rue, cachée par de grands arbres.

Another interesting alternative is à distance de. This is often used in technical or safety contexts, meaning 'at a distance from.' It lacks the social nuance of à l'écart de. If you are told to 'rester à distance des machines,' it is a purely spatial instruction. In contrast, à l'écart de would imply that you are avoiding the machines as if they were a crowd or a busy zone. For social contexts, you might also use seul (alone) or à part (aside). 'Il est à part' means he is different or separate from the others, which is very close to 'Il se tient à l'écart.'

Il a été mis au ban de la société (very strong, meaning ostracized).

In summary, while there are many ways to say 'away from' in French, à l'écart de remains the most versatile for describing a deliberate or significant state of being 'out of the loop' or 'in a quiet spot.' It bridges the gap between physical location and social standing, making it an essential part of the B1 and B2 vocabulary toolkit. By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your French to be more expressive and precise depending on whether you are talking about safety, social dynamics, or simple geography.

Il vit en ermite, totalement à l'écart du monde moderne.

Maintenez une distance de sécurité à l'écart des autres véhicules.

Cette question est hors sujet (outside the topic), ce qui est différent d'être à l'écart.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'écart' is also used in dance and gymnastics (le grand écart) to mean 'the splits.' So, being 'à l'écart' is like being at the far end of a split!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a le.kaʁ də/

US /ɑ leɪ.kɑːr də/

The primary stress falls on the syllable 'kaʁ' in 'écart'.

Rhymes With

regard départ bavard placard canard retard hasard buvard

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 't' in 'écart'. It is silent.
Failing to make the elision between 'l'' and 'écart'.
Pronouncing 'de' like 'day'. It should be a short 'uh' sound.
Over-emphasizing the 'à' at the beginning.
Confusing 'écart' with 'escalier' or other 'ec-' words.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts but requires understanding the 'de' contractions.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct application of contractions (du/des) and proper verb pairing.

Speaking 4/5

Natural pronunciation of 'l'écart' with elision can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Common in public announcements and movies; usually clear context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

loin de près de de le/la/les rester

Learn Next

en marge de en retrait de s'écarter isolement parmi

Advanced

ostracisme marginalisation retrait social solitude misanthropie

Grammar to Know

Contractions with 'de'

à l'écart + le = à l'écart du

Elision with 'l''

à l'écart de l'eau (not 'de la eau')

Placement of adverbial phrases

Il vit [à l'écart du village].

Imperative Mood

Tenez-vous à l'écart !

Passive Voice with 'être mis'

Il a été mis à l'écart.

Examples by Level

Le chat est à l'écart du chien.

The cat is away from the dog.

Note the contraction 'du' (de + le).

Mets tes jouets à l'écart de la porte.

Put your toys away from the door.

Simple imperative use with 'à l'écart de'.

Il reste à l'écart de la foule.

He stays away from the crowd.

Use of 'rester' to describe a state.

La maison est à l'écart de la route.

The house is away from the road.

Describing physical location.

Le parc est à l'écart du centre-ville.

The park is away from the city center.

Using 'du' for masculine 'centre-ville'.

Tiens-toi à l'écart du feu.

Stay away from the fire.

Reflexive imperative 'tiens-toi'.

Elle s'assoit à l'écart des autres.

She sits apart from the others.

Using 'des' for plural 'autres'.

Le village est à l'écart du bruit.

The village is away from the noise.

Abstract use of 'bruit' (noise).

Gardez les médicaments à l'écart des enfants.

Keep medicines away from children.

Common safety warning structure.

Nous avons trouvé une plage à l'écart des touristes.

We found a beach away from the tourists.

Using 'des' for plural 'touristes'.

Il préfère travailler à l'écart de l'agitation.

He prefers to work away from the hustle and bustle.

Describing a work preference.

Le jardin se trouve à l'écart de la maison principale.

The garden is located away from the main house.

Verbs of location like 'se trouver'.

Pourquoi restes-tu à l'écart de notre groupe ?

Why are you staying away from our group?

Questioning social behavior.

Veuillez vous tenir à l'écart de la bordure du quai.

Please stay away from the edge of the platform.

Formal safety instruction.

Le petit chaton se cache à l'écart de la lumière.

The little kitten is hiding away from the light.

Feminine 'la lumière'.

Ils habitent dans une ferme à l'écart de tout.

They live in a farm away from everything.

The phrase 'à l'écart de tout' (away from everything).

Il s'est mis à l'écart de la foule pour réfléchir.

He stepped away from the crowd to think.

The verb 'se mettre à l'écart' (to move oneself away).

La direction a tenu les employés à l'écart de la décision.

Management kept the employees out of the decision.

Transitive use 'tenir quelqu'un à l'écart de'.

Ce projet a été développé à l'écart des regards indiscrets.

This project was developed away from prying eyes.

Idiomatic expression 'regards indiscrets'.

Elle vit à l'écart de la société depuis des années.

She has been living apart from society for years.

Describing a long-term lifestyle choice.

Essayez de rester à l'écart des polémiques inutiles.

Try to stay away from useless controversies.

Abstract metaphorical use.

Le nouveau bâtiment sera construit à l'écart du centre historique.

The new building will be built away from the historical center.

Future tense with 'sera construit'.

Il a été mis à l'écart de l'équipe après son erreur.

He was sidelined from the team after his mistake.

Passive construction 'a été mis à l'écart'.

L'hôtel est situé à l'écart du passage des voitures.

The hotel is located away from the car traffic.

Describing the quality of a location.

La Suisse est longtemps restée à l'écart des conflits européens.

Switzerland long remained apart from European conflicts.

Historical and political usage.

Il est difficile de rester à l'écart de la technologie moderne.

It is difficult to stay away from modern technology.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

Le chercheur a travaillé à l'écart des théories dominantes.

The researcher worked apart from the dominant theories.

Academic and intellectual isolation.

Sa mise à l'écart du gouvernement a surpris tout le monde.

His exclusion from the government surprised everyone.

Noun phrase 'mise à l'écart' (exclusion/sidelining).

Elle se sentait à l'écart de sa propre famille.

She felt alienated from her own family.

Expressing a psychological state of alienation.

Il faut maintenir les produits chimiques à l'écart de toute source d'ignition.

Chemical products must be kept away from any source of ignition.

Formal safety/technical requirement.

Le village reste à l'écart du progrès technologique.

The village remains apart from technological progress.

Sociological description.

Il s'est tenu à l'écart des débats politiques pendant la campagne.

He stayed out of the political debates during the campaign.

Intentional neutrality.

L'artiste a choisi de vivre en retrait, à l'écart des mondanités parisiennes.

The artist chose to live in retreat, away from Parisian socialite life.

Nuanced description of lifestyle.

Cette mesure vise à tenir les mineurs à l'écart de certains contenus sensibles.

This measure aims to keep minors away from certain sensitive content.

Formal policy language.

Le pays a été progressivement mis à l'écart de la scène diplomatique mondiale.

The country was progressively sidelined from the global diplomatic stage.

Passive voice with an adverb 'progressivement'.

Il a toujours cultivé une certaine singularité, se tenant à l'écart des modes passagères.

He has always cultivated a certain uniqueness, staying away from fleeting fashions.

Literary characterization.

Le juge a ordonné que le témoin soit tenu à l'écart des autres suspects.

The judge ordered the witness to be kept away from the other suspects.

Legal context with subjunctive 'soit tenu'.

La villa, située à l'écart de tout voisinage, offre une discrétion absolue.

The villa, located away from any neighbors, offers absolute discretion.

Appositive phrase describing a noun.

Il est impératif de rester à l'écart des préjugés lors d'une évaluation objective.

It is imperative to stay away from prejudices during an objective evaluation.

Abstract intellectual imperative.

Sa mise à l'écart systématique des cercles de pouvoir a fini par l'isoler totalement.

His systematic exclusion from circles of power eventually isolated him completely.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

L'œuvre de cet auteur demeure injustement à l'écart des anthologies classiques.

This author's work remains unjustly excluded from classic anthologies.

Academic critique.

Il s'agit de sanctuariser ces espaces naturels en les tenant à l'écart de l'exploitation humaine.

It is a matter of hallowing these natural spaces by keeping them away from human exploitation.

Advanced environmental discourse.

La mise à l'écart délibérée de ces données fausse l'intégralité de l'étude statistique.

The deliberate exclusion of this data skews the entirety of the statistical study.

Technical/Scientific precision.

Le philosophe prônait une vie contemplative, à l'écart du tumulte des passions.

The philosopher advocated for a contemplative life, away from the tumult of passions.

Elevated literary style.

Elle a su rester à l'écart des intrigues de cour qui ont causé la perte de ses rivaux.

She managed to stay away from the court intrigues that caused the downfall of her rivals.

Historical narrative style.

Le projet fut mené dans le plus grand secret, à l'écart de toute interférence bureaucratique.

The project was carried out in the greatest secrecy, away from any bureaucratic interference.

Passive voice with 'fut mené'.

On ne saurait tenir ce facteur à l'écart de l'analyse globale de la crise.

One cannot keep this factor out of the global analysis of the crisis.

Formal 'on ne saurait' construction.

Le poète se complaisait dans une solitude féconde, à l'écart des rumeurs du monde.

The poet delighted in a fruitful solitude, away from the world's rumors.

Highly evocative literary French.

Common Collocations

se tenir à l'écart de

rester à l'écart de

mettre à l'écart

vivre à l'écart de

à l'écart du bruit

à l'écart de la ville

tenir à l'écart de

mise à l'écart

à l'écart de tout

se mettre à l'écart

Common Phrases

À l'écart du monde

— To live in total isolation from society or modern life. It often implies a choice of solitude.

Il a passé dix ans à l'écart du monde dans un monastère.

Se tenir à l'écart des ennuis

— To stay out of trouble or avoid difficult situations. A common piece of advice.

Mon père m'a toujours dit de me tenir à l'écart des ennuis.

Mettre quelqu'un à l'écart

— To exclude or sideline someone from a group or activity, often unfairly.

Elle se sent mise à l'écart par ses collègues.

À l'écart de la foule

— Away from the busy masses of people. Suggests peace and quiet.

Nous avons cherché un petit restaurant à l'écart de la foule.

Rester à l'écart des projecteurs

— To stay out of the limelight or avoid public attention. Used for celebrities.

L'acteur préfère rester à l'écart des projecteurs.

À l'écart du passage

— Out of the way of traffic or people walking by. Used for furniture or rooms.

Place le fauteuil à l'écart du passage.

Vivre à l'écart

— To live in a secluded way. Does not always need 'de' if context is clear.

Depuis sa retraite, il vit totalement à l'écart.

Tenir à l'écart de la vue

— To keep something hidden or out of sight.

Gardez les cadeaux à l'écart de la vue des enfants.

À l'écart de l'agitation

— Away from the hustle and bustle. Very common in travel writing.

Un hôtel de charme à l'écart de l'agitation urbaine.

Se mettre à l'écart du sujet

— To deviate from the main topic. Similar to 'hors sujet'.

Tu te mets un peu à l'écart du sujet principal.

Often Confused With

à l'écart de vs loin de

Loin de refers to distance in space/time, while à l'écart de refers to isolation/seclusion.

à l'écart de vs en dehors de

En dehors de means 'outside of' a boundary, while à l'écart de means 'away from the center/group'.

à l'écart de vs à côté de

À côté de means 'next to', which is the opposite of being 'à l'écart'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Se tenir à l'écart de la mêlée"

— To remain neutral in a conflict or to stay out of a chaotic situation. Literally 'stay away from the fray'.

Le ministre a préféré se tenir à l'écart de la mêlée politique.

formal

"Faire un écart"

— To make a sudden movement to avoid something, or metaphorically, to make a mistake or a social slip-up.

La voiture a fait un écart pour éviter le cycliste.

neutral

"Être mis au ban"

— To be completely ostracized or excluded from society. Related to the concept of 'mise à l'écart'.

Après le scandale, il a été mis au ban de la société.

literary

"Prendre ses distances"

— To distance oneself from someone or something, often socially or emotionally.

Elle a pris ses distances à l'écart de son ancien groupe d'amis.

neutral

"Vivre en vase clos"

— To live in a closed, isolated environment. Related to being 'à l'écart'.

Cette communauté vit en vase clos, à l'écart du monde extérieur.

neutral

"Faire bande à part"

— To act separately from the rest of the group. Often implies a choice to stay 'à l'écart'.

Pendant le voyage, il a toujours fait bande à part.

neutral

"Être sur la touche"

— To be sidelined (like in sports). A more informal way of saying 'être mis à l'écart'.

Depuis son accident, il est sur la touche.

informal

"S'écarter du droit chemin"

— To stray from the right path (metaphorically, to do something wrong).

Il a peur que son fils ne s'écarte du droit chemin.

neutral

"Tenir en respect"

— To keep someone at a distance or under control. A different kind of being 'à l'écart'.

La police a tenu la foule en respect à l'écart du bâtiment.

formal

"Mettre de côté"

— To put aside or to save. Can also mean to sideline a person.

Il a été mis de côté à l'écart des promotions.

neutral

Easily Confused

à l'écart de vs écarter

It is the verb form.

Ecarter is an action (to move something away), while à l'écart de is a position or state.

Il écarte les rideaux (action). Il est à l'écart (state).

à l'écart de vs écarté

It is the past participle used as an adjective.

Un endroit écarté is a remote place. À l'écart de is the prepositional phrase.

Un village écarté vs. un village à l'écart de la ville.

à l'écart de vs s'écarter

Reflexive verb.

S'écarter de means to move oneself away or to deviate. À l'écart de is the static position.

Il s'écarte du chemin (movement). Il est à l'écart du chemin (static).

à l'écart de vs écart

The base noun.

Écart means the gap itself. À l'écart de uses the noun to describe location.

Il y a un grand écart entre les prix.

à l'écart de vs en retrait

Very similar meaning.

En retrait often implies being 'set back' physically, while à l'écart is more general isolation.

La maison est en retrait de la rue.

Sentence Patterns

Le [Sujet] est à l'écart de [Nom].

Le chat est à l'écart de la table.

Gardez [Objet] à l'écart de [Nom].

Gardez les allumettes à l'écart des enfants.

[Sujet] se tient à l'écart de [Groupe/Concept].

Il se tient à l'écart de la politique.

[Sujet] a été mis à l'écart de [Activité].

Elle a été mise à l'écart du projet.

Vivre [Adverbe] à l'écart de [Monde/Société].

Vivre paisiblement à l'écart du monde.

Une [Nom] située à l'écart de [Voisinage/Passage].

Une villa située à l'écart de tout voisinage.

Se tenir à l'écart de [Modes/Tendances].

Se tenir à l'écart des modes passagères.

La mise à l'écart de [Données/Facteurs] entraîne [Conséquence].

La mise à l'écart de ces données entraîne une erreur.

Word Family

Nouns

écart (gap/distance)

écartement (spacing)

écarteur (spreader/device)

Verbs

écarter (to push aside/separate)

s'écarter (to move away/deviate)

Adjectives

écarté (remote/isolated)

écarquillé (wide open - for eyes)

isolement

retrait

distance

marge

séparation

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both written and spoken French, especially in descriptive and formal contexts.

Common Mistakes

à l'écart de le groupe → à l'écart du groupe
You must use the contracted article 'du' because 'de' + 'le' is mandatory in French grammar.
Il est loin à l'écart. → Il est à l'écart.
You don't need 'loin' and 'à l'écart' together; it's redundant. 'À l'écart' already implies distance.
Je me tiens à l'écart de que tu dis. → Je me tiens à l'écart de ce que tu dis.
You cannot follow 'de' directly with 'que'. You need 'ce que' to create a noun-like clause.
Mettre à l'écart de la valise. → Mettre en dehors de la valise.
Use 'en dehors de' for simple physical placement outside an object. 'À l'écart' is for isolation/seclusion.
Il s'est à l'écart. → Il s'est mis à l'écart.
You need a verb like 'mettre' or 'tenir' with the reflexive pronoun to describe the action of moving away.

Tips

Master the Contractions

Always remember that 'à l'écart de' + 'le' becomes 'à l'écart du'. This is the most common mistake for learners. Practice saying 'du groupe' and 'des gens' until it feels natural.

Paint a Picture

Use 'à l'écart de' when you want to describe a scene vividly. It tells the reader that there is a main area of activity and your subject is specifically outside of it.

Describe Feelings

Use 'se sentir à l'écart' to describe feeling left out. It is a very common way for French people to express social alienation or shyness.

Read the Signs

When traveling in France, look for this phrase on warning labels and in train stations. It will help you remember its practical meaning of 'keeping a safe distance'.

Vary Your Synonyms

Don't just use 'loin de'. Switching to 'à l'écart de' or 'en retrait de' makes your French sound more advanced and precise, especially in written essays.

The Silent 'T'

Remember that the 't' in 'écart' is silent. If you pronounce it, you might be confused with 'écarte' (the verb form). Keep the end of the word soft.

Listen for Elision

In the phrase 'à l'écart', the 'l' and 'é' slide together. It sounds like 'ah lay-car'. Listening for this specific sound pattern will help you catch it in fast speech.

Geographical Nuance

Use it for things that are nearby but separated. A cabin in the woods near a city is 'à l'écart de la ville', but a city in another country is just 'loin'.

Corporate French

Understand that 'mettre à l'écart' is a serious term. Use it carefully in business contexts as it implies intentional exclusion or sidelining.

The 'Apart' Trick

Think: 'À l'écart' = 'Apart'. Both start with 'A' and describe a similar state of separation. This simple link can help you recall the word in a pinch.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'E' in 'Écart' as 'Exit.' When you are 'à l'écart,' you have 'exited' the group to be alone.

Visual Association

Imagine a single red chair sitting in the far corner of a large white room filled with blue chairs. That red chair is 'à l'écart de' the others.

Word Web

écart écarter distance seul silence loin marge isolement

Challenge

Try to describe your three favorite quiet places using 'à l'écart de'. Then, write a sentence about a time you felt left out using 'mis à l'écart'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French verb 'escarter,' which comes from the Vulgar Latin '*exquartare,' meaning 'to divide into four' or 'to tear apart.'

Original meaning: To separate or divide something into pieces, eventually evolving to mean creating a gap or distance.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'mettre à l'écart' in a workplace; it is a strong accusation of exclusion.

English speakers often just say 'away from.' Using 'à l'écart de' adds a layer of 'seclusion' that is very French.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's 'Les Rêveries du promeneur solitaire' often discusses living apart. The film 'À l'écart du monde' (various documentaries/titles). SNCF safety announcements: 'Tenez-vous à l'écart...'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Physical Location

à l'écart du centre
à l'écart de la route
situé à l'écart
une maison à l'écart

Social Situations

rester à l'écart
se tenir à l'écart
se sentir à l'écart
être mis à l'écart

Safety and Warnings

à l'écart des enfants
à l'écart du feu
à l'écart du quai
tenir à l'écart

Work/Professional

à l'écart des discussions
mise à l'écart du projet
travailler à l'écart
être tenu à l'écart

Abstract/Intellectual

à l'écart des modes
à l'écart des conflits
à l'écart du sujet
à l'écart des théories

Conversation Starters

"Préfères-tu vivre en centre-ville ou à l'écart de l'agitation ?"

"T'es-tu déjà senti à l'écart lors d'une fête ou d'une réunion ?"

"Est-il important pour un artiste de vivre à l'écart du monde ?"

"Comment peut-on rester à l'écart des fausses informations sur internet ?"

"Quels endroits à l'écart des touristes recommanderais-tu dans ta ville ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris un moment où tu as choisi de te mettre à l'écart pour réfléchir à un problème important.

Imagine une maison idéale située à l'écart de toute civilisation. À quoi ressemblerait-elle ?

Penses-tu que la technologie nous rapproche ou nous met à l'écart les uns des autres ?

Écris sur une situation professionnelle où quelqu'un a été mis à l'écart d'une décision.

Que signifie pour toi 'vivre à l'écart du bruit' ? Est-ce un luxe ou une nécessité ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, if the context is clear. For example, 'Il préfère rester à l'écart' means 'He prefers to stay apart.' You don't need to repeat what he is staying apart from if it was already mentioned.

It is neutral to slightly formal. It is perfectly fine to use in everyday conversation, but you will also see it in high-level literature and official safety signs. It is more sophisticated than 'pas avec'.

'Loin de' is about how many kilometers or meters are between two things. 'À l'écart de' is about being in a separate, often quiet or isolated, spot. A house can be 'à l'écart de la ville' even if it's quite close to it.

You follow 'de' with a person's name or a disjunctive pronoun. For example: 'à l'écart de Marie' or 'à l'écart d'eux' (away from them).

No, 'à l'écart de' is almost exclusively used for spatial, social, or metaphorical isolation. For time, use 'loin de' or 'à distance de'.

The phrase 'à l'écart' is invariable. Only the following article changes (du, de la, des).

It refers to the act of excluding an employee from meetings, projects, or social interactions. It is often discussed in the context of workplace bullying or 'quiet firing'.

Not at all! It is often positive, describing a peaceful, quiet place away from noise and stress. 'Un coin à l'écart' is usually a compliment for a vacation spot.

No, you cannot say 'à l'écart de que...'. You would need to rephrase using a noun or a different structure like 'pendant que' or 'loin de l'idée que'.

Yes, 'grand écart' means 'the splits' in gymnastics. It uses the same word 'écart' (gap/distance) to describe the wide distance between the legs.