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à l'issue de

A2 noun 11 min read

à l'issue de

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

Explanation à l'issue de in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to sequence events in time. You probably already know the word 'après' (after). The phrase 'à l'issue de' might look a bit complicated because it has several parts. However, you can think of it as a fancy way of saying 'at the end of'. Even though it is a bit formal, you might see it on signs or in simple school instructions. For example, if a teacher says 'À l'issue du cours, rangez vos livres', they are simply telling you to put your books away when the class is finished. At this level, don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet, but try to recognize it when you see it in a text. It always points to the time just after something specific has finished. Remember that 'issue' here means 'exit' or 'end', not a 'problem'. If you can remember that 'issue' is like the 'exit' of a building, it makes sense: you are at the exit of the event.

At the A2 level, you are expanding your vocabulary to include more formal expressions. 'À l'issue de' is a great phrase to add to your repertoire for writing short emails or describing your day in a more structured way. You should start to notice how it is used with specific events like 'le match', 'la réunion', or 'le spectacle'. At this level, it is important to practice the small grammar rules that go with it. For instance, if you follow it with a masculine noun like 'le match', it becomes 'à l'issue du match'. If you follow it with a plural noun like 'les examens', it becomes 'à l'issue des examens'. Using this phrase instead of always saying 'après' will make your French sound much more advanced. You might use it to describe what you did after a specific activity: 'À l'issue de la visite, nous avons mangé au restaurant'. This shows you can link two events together clearly and formally.

By the B1 level, you should be able to use 'à l'issue de' comfortably in both written and spoken contexts, especially in professional or academic settings. You are now expected to understand the difference in register between 'après' and 'à l'issue de'. When you are writing an essay or a formal letter, 'à l'issue de' provides a level of precision and formality that 'après' lacks. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'au terme de', which often implies a longer, more arduous process. At B1, you might use it to discuss outcomes: 'À l'issue de la discussion, nous sommes tombés d'accord'. This implies that the agreement was the result of the discussion that just finished. You should also be careful with the 'False Friend' aspect; ensure you never use 'issue' to mean 'problem' or 'topic' in this context. Your ability to use this phrase correctly in a job interview or a presentation will significantly improve your perceived fluency.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'à l'issue de' and its synonyms. You can use it to structure complex arguments or reports. At this stage, you should recognize that 'à l'issue de' focuses on the immediate aftermath and the transition from one state to another. You will encounter this phrase frequently in complex reading materials, such as newspaper articles from 'Le Monde' or 'Le Figaro'. You should be able to use it to describe legal or administrative procedures, such as 'à l'issue du délai de rétractation' (at the end of the cooling-off period). Your mastery of the phrase should include the ability to use it with abstract nouns, like 'à l'issue de la réflexion' (at the end of the reflection). You are also expected to use the correct register consistently; using this phrase in a casual text message to a close friend might be seen as ironic or overly formal, and as a B2 learner, you should be aware of these social nuances.

For C1 learners, 'à l'issue de' is a standard tool in your rhetorical kit. You should be able to use it with complete precision in high-level academic writing, professional reports, and sophisticated debates. At this level, you are exploring the stylistic impact of your word choices. Using 'à l'issue de' can help you create a sense of inevitability or formal closure in your narrative. You should be familiar with its use in very specific fields, such as law, where it defines the end of a period of validity or a mandate. You can also use it in literary analysis to describe the resolution of a conflict. Your understanding of the phrase should be so deep that you can identify when it is being used slightly out of context for stylistic effect by native speakers. You should also be able to contrast it effectively with other locutions like 'consécutivement à' or 'dans le prolongement de' to express different types of temporal and causal relationships between events.

At the C2 level, 'à l'issue de' is used with total ease and an instinctive sense of timing. You understand the historical development of the phrase from the noun 'issue' (exit) and how it has become a staple of 'langue soutenue' (formal language). You can use it in the most demanding contexts, such as drafting official policy, delivering a keynote speech, or writing a philosophical treatise. You are capable of using it to handle very subtle distinctions—for example, choosing 'à l'issue de' over 'au terme de' to emphasize the 'opening' into the next phase rather than the 'ending' of the previous one. Your command of the language allows you to use the noun 'issue' in all its various senses (exit, outcome, solution, end) and to use the prepositional phrase 'à l'issue de' as a precise marker of transition. At this level, you might also use it in complex structures, such as 'à l'issue d'une lutte acharnée' (at the end of a fierce struggle), where the phrase serves to heighten the drama and importance of the outcome.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

à l'issue de in 30 Seconds

A formal way to say 'at the end of' or 'following' a specific event like a meeting or a match.
Literally means 'at the exit of', focusing on the transition from a finished process to the next step.
Requires the preposition 'de' and must contract with articles (e.g., 'à l'issue du match', 'à l'issue des négociations').
Commonly heard in French news, sports commentary, and professional settings to announce results or subsequent actions.

The French locution à l'issue de is a sophisticated and formal way to express that something happens at the very end of a process, event, or period of time. While many beginners rely on the simpler word après (after) or the phrase à la fin de (at the end of), à l'issue de carries a weight of formality and completion that is essential for professional, legal, and journalistic contexts. It literally stems from the noun issue, which means 'exit' or 'outcome'. Therefore, when you use this phrase, you are not just talking about a point in time; you are talking about emerging from a specific situation or proceeding. It is used to describe the moment when a meeting concludes, a match finishes, or a long negotiation finally reaches its final stage.

Formal Context: This phrase is almost exclusively used in written reports, news broadcasts, and professional meetings. For example, a journalist might say that a statement was made 'à l'issue de la réunion' (at the conclusion of the meeting).

The Outcome Nuance: Unlike 'après', which is purely chronological, 'à l'issue de' implies that the event that just finished has led to a specific result or transition. It suggests a sequence where the second event is a direct consequence or the next logical step following the first.

Les joueurs ont échangé leurs maillots à l'issue de la rencontre sportive.

In everyday speech, you might hear a student say 'à l'issue de mes études' to discuss what they plan to do once they graduate. This usage highlights the transition from one life stage to another. It is important to note that 'issue' in French does not mean 'problem' as it often does in English. This is a classic false friend. In French, an 'issue' is a way out or a solution. Consequently, 'à l'issue de' signifies being at that 'way out' point of a time-bound event. Whether it is a trial, a concert, or a simple dinner, this phrase marks the finality and the immediate aftermath.

Une conférence de presse sera organisée à l'issue de la signature du contrat.

Grammatical Structure: The phrase is followed by a noun or a noun phrase. You must remember to contract the 'de' with the following article if necessary (à l'issue du, à l'issue des). It cannot be followed directly by a verb in the infinitive unless 'de' is part of a different construction.

To master this phrase, think of it as the 'red carpet' of temporal transitions. It announces that one thing is finished and something else is beginning as a result. It provides a sense of closure that simple prepositions lack. In literature, it often sets the scene for the resolution of a plot point. In business, it sets the stage for the next steps in a project timeline. By using 'à l'issue de', you demonstrate a command over the nuances of French time expressions and formal etiquette.

Using à l'issue de requires attention to the noun that follows it. It is most commonly paired with events that have a defined duration. You wouldn't typically say 'à l'issue de la pluie' (at the end of the rain) because rain isn't an organized event; instead, you would use it for 'la compétition', 'le débat', or 'la formation'. The structure is always à l'issue de + [noun phrase].

À l'issue de la formation, chaque participant recevra un certificat de réussite.

One of the most frequent mistakes is forgetting the required contractions. If the following noun is masculine singular (le), 'de le' becomes 'du'. If it is plural (les), 'de les' becomes 'des'. For example, 'à l'issue du match' or 'à l'issue des négociations'. This is a fundamental rule of French grammar that applies here just as it does elsewhere. When the noun is feminine (la) or starts with a vowel (l'), the phrase remains 'à l'issue de la' or 'à l'issue de l''.

Temporal Placement: The phrase can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to provide context for the main action, or it can be placed at the end to specify when the action occurs. 'À l'issue de son mandat, le président a pris sa retraite' (At the end of his term, the president retired).

Les résultats seront proclamés à l'issue de l'examen final par le jury.

Comparison with 'Au terme de': 'Au terme de' is a very close synonym. However, 'au terme de' often implies a long and perhaps difficult process that has reached its limit, whereas 'à l'issue de' simply focuses on the point of exit from the event.

When constructing your sentences, try to imagine a doorway. The 'issue' is the doorway leading out of the event. Everything that happens once you pass through that doorway is what follows 'à l'issue de'. This mental image helps distinguish it from 'pendant' (during) or 'avant' (before). If you are writing a formal email to a client, you might say, 'Nous vous recontacterons à l'issue de notre analyse interne'. This sounds much more professional and reassuring than 'après notre analyse'. It suggests a structured process that has a clear conclusion and subsequent action.

If you turn on a French news channel like BFMTV or France 24, you will hear à l'issue de almost every hour. It is the bread and butter of political and diplomatic reporting. Journalists use it to describe the aftermath of summits, parliamentary sessions, and international crises. Whenever a group of leaders meets behind closed doors, the public waits for what will be announced 'à l'issue de' that meeting. It provides a clean transition in the narrative of a news story.

Le ministre s'est exprimé devant la presse à l'issue de son entretien avec le Premier ministre.

In the world of sports, this phrase is equally prevalent. After a football match, the coach's reactions or the players' statistics are discussed 'à l'issue de la rencontre'. It marks the shift from the action on the field to the analysis in the studio. You will also find it in academic settings. Professors will tell students that their grades will be posted 'à l'issue du semestre' or 'à l'issue de la session d'examens'. In these cases, it implies a bureaucratic or official conclusion.

Legal and Administrative Use: In legal documents, 'à l'issue de' is used to define the expiration of a period. For instance, 'à l'issue d'un délai de préavis' (at the end of a notice period). It is precise and leaves no room for ambiguity about when a right or obligation ends.

Un cocktail sera servi à l'issue de la cérémonie de remise des prix.

Cultural Events: At the theater or the opera, announcements are often made regarding what will happen 'à l'issue de la représentation', such as a meet-and-greet with the artists or the opening of the cloakroom.

Finally, in the workplace, 'à l'issue de' is the standard way to refer to the end of a probationary period (période d'essai) or a fixed-term contract (CDD). If you are working in France, you will see this in your employment contract: 'À l'issue de la période d'essai, le contrat deviendra définitif'. Understanding this phrase is therefore not just a matter of vocabulary, but a matter of understanding your rights and the structure of French professional life. It signals the transition from a temporary state to a permanent one, or simply the completion of a required task.

The most significant pitfall for English speakers learning à l'issue de is the 'False Friend' trap. In English, the word 'issue' usually refers to a problem, a topic, or a magazine edition. In French, une issue primarily means an exit (like a 'sortie de secours' which is an 'issue de secours') or an outcome. Therefore, 'à l'issue de' does NOT mean 'at the problem of' or 'regarding the issue of'. It strictly means 'at the conclusion of'.

Incorrect: À l'issue de la pollution... (In the issue of pollution...)
Correct: À l'issue de la conférence sur la pollution... (At the end of the conference...)

Another common mistake is stylistic rather than grammatical. Using 'à l'issue de' in a very casual context can sound pretentious or stiff. If you are telling a friend that you'll call them after your lunch, saying 'Je t'appellerai à l'issue de mon déjeuner' sounds like you are a government official announcing a policy change. In casual settings, stick to après. Reserve 'à l'issue de' for situations where the event has an official or formal character.

Preposition Errors: Some learners try to say 'à l'issue' without the 'de'. This is only possible if the context is already very clearly established, but even then, it is rare. It almost always requires the 'de' to link it to the event being concluded.

Incorrect: À l'issue de vous voir... (At the end of seeing you...)
Correct: Après vous avoir vu... (After having seen you...)

Confusion with 'À la fin de': While often interchangeable, 'à la fin de' is more literal. 'À la fin du film' refers to the final minutes of the movie. 'À l'issue du film' refers to the moment the lights come up and people start leaving. The distinction is subtle but real.

Finally, avoid using it with durations that don't have a clear 'exit' or 'outcome'. You wouldn't say 'à l'issue de deux heures' (at the end of two hours) as easily as you would say 'au bout de deux heures'. 'À l'issue de' prefers events (meetings, matches, trials) over pure measurements of time. Keep this in mind to ensure your French sounds natural and idiomatic. By avoiding these common errors, you will use the phrase with the same precision as a native speaker.

To truly master à l'issue de, you must understand its place within the family of French temporal expressions. Depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey, several alternatives might be more appropriate. Understanding these differences will help you avoid repetitive writing and allow you to fine-tune your message.

Après (The Universal Alternative): This is the most common and versatile word. It is neutral in register and can be used in any situation. Use it when 'à l'issue de' feels too heavy or formal. 'Après le dîner' is much more natural than 'à l'issue du dîner'.

Au terme de (The Finality Alternative): This phrase is very similar but emphasizes the completion of a long process or a specific period. It often carries a sense of 'after all that time'. Example: 'Au terme de trois ans de travaux...' (At the end of three years of work...).

Comparaison :
1. À l'issue de la réunion (When the meeting broke up).
2. À la fin de la réunion (In the final part of the meeting).

Suite à (The Business Alternative): Common in emails, this means 'following' or 'further to'. It is used to reference a previous conversation or event that triggers the current communication. 'Suite à notre appel...' (Following our call...).

L'entreprise a déposé le bilan au terme de plusieurs mois de difficultés financières.

When choosing between these, consider the 'shape' of the event. Is it a journey that has reached its end (au terme de)? Is it a simple sequence in time (après)? Or is it a formal event that has just concluded, leading to a new state or action (à l'issue de)? By varying your choice among these synonyms, you can express subtle differences in meaning that will make your French sound more sophisticated and precise. In academic writing, 'à l'issue de' and 'au terme de' are often used to avoid repeating 'après', providing a more varied and professional tone to your essays and reports.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

While 'issue' in English has evolved to mean 'problem' or 'edition', the French 'issue' has stayed closer to its architectural roots of 'exit'. When you are 'à l'issue de' something, you are literally 'at the exit' of that event.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a lisi də/

US /ɑ lisu də/

The stress is even, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable of the noun following 'de'.

Rhymes With

tissu reçu perçu déçu conçu fessu bossu moussu

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'issue' like the English 'ish-oo'.
Forgetting the liaison between 'l'' and 'issue'.
Pronouncing the 's' in 'issue' like a 'z' (it should be a sharp 's' sound).
Failing to contract 'de' + 'le' into 'du'.
Making the 'u' sound in 'issue' too much like an 'o'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very common in news and books, easy to recognize.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'de' and the proper contractions.

Speaking 3/5

Sounds professional but needs correct pronunciation of 'issue'.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, often used at the start of news segments.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

après fin réunion match de

Learn Next

au terme de à la suite de consécutivement à préalablement à

Advanced

dénouement aboutissement épilogue conclusion

Grammar to Know

Contractions with 'de'

de + le = du; de + les = des

Prepositional phrases

à l'issue de, au milieu de, au début de

Noun-based time markers

à la fin de, au moment de

Elision

de + l'école = de l'école

Using formal phrases in formal writing.

Examples by Level

À l'issue du cours, la classe est finie.

At the end of the class, the school session is over.

Note the contraction: 'de' + 'le' = 'du'.

À l'issue du match, je rentre à la maison.

At the end of the match, I am going home.

Simple usage of the phrase followed by a masculine noun.

À l'issue de la fête, nous rangeons tout.

At the end of the party, we are tidying everything up.

No contraction needed with the feminine noun 'la fête'.

À l'issue du film, les gens applaudissent.

At the end of the movie, the people applaud.

The phrase indicates the moment the event finishes.

À l'issue du dîner, nous prenons un café.

At the end of the dinner, we are having a coffee.

Shows a sequence of events in a formal way.

À l'issue de la visite, on achète des cartes postales.

At the end of the visit, we buy postcards.

'De la' is used because 'visite' is feminine.

À l'issue du voyage, je suis fatigué.

At the end of the trip, I am tired.

The phrase sets the time for the state of being.

À l'issue de la leçon, posez vos questions.

At the end of the lesson, ask your questions.

Common imperative structure in a classroom.

À l'issue de la réunion, nous avons pris une décision.

At the conclusion of the meeting, we made a decision.

More formal than saying 'après la réunion'.

À l'issue de sa formation, il a trouvé un travail.

At the end of his training, he found a job.

Shows the outcome of a process.

À l'issue du concert, les musiciens ont salué le public.

At the end of the concert, the musicians bowed to the audience.

Standard formal description of an event's end.

À l'issue de l'entretien, le directeur était content.

At the end of the interview, the director was happy.

Note the elision: 'de' + 'l'entretien'.

À l'issue du semestre, il y aura des examens.

At the end of the semester, there will be exams.

Used for formal academic periods.

À l'issue de la conférence, il y a un buffet.

At the end of the conference, there is a buffet.

Describes the logistical follow-up of an event.

À l'issue de l'été, nous retournons à l'école.

At the end of the summer, we go back to school.

Can be used for seasons, though 'à la fin de' is also common.

À l'issue de la lecture, fermez votre livre.

At the end of the reading, close your book.

Instructional use of the phrase.

À l'issue de la période d'essai, vous recevrez une réponse.

At the end of the trial period, you will receive an answer.

Common in HR and employment contexts.

À l'issue de ce débat, les électeurs devront choisir.

At the conclusion of this debate, the voters will have to choose.

Used in political journalism to show consequence.

À l'issue de la compétition, les médailles ont été distribuées.

At the end of the competition, the medals were distributed.

Passive voice construction following the phrase.

À l'issue du processus, nous avons amélioré notre service.

At the end of the process, we improved our service.

Abstract noun 'processus' used with the phrase.

À l'issue de la négociation, un accord a été signé.

At the conclusion of the negotiation, an agreement was signed.

Formal business/legal usage.

À l'issue de son discours, l'assemblée s'est levée.

At the end of his speech, the assembly stood up.

Shows the immediate reaction to an event ending.

À l'issue de l'enquête, la police a arrêté le suspect.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the police arrested the suspect.

Used in news reporting for legal outcomes.

À l'issue de la séance, les députés ont voté la loi.

At the end of the session, the deputies voted on the law.

Specific to legislative procedures.

À l'issue de la délibération, le jury a rendu son verdict.

At the conclusion of the deliberation, the jury delivered its verdict.

Highly formal legal context.

À l'issue de cette analyse, nous pouvons conclure que le projet est viable.

At the end of this analysis, we can conclude that the project is viable.

Academic and professional reasoning.

À l'issue de la manifestation, quelques incidents ont été signalés.

At the end of the demonstration, a few incidents were reported.

Journalistic reporting of social events.

À l'issue de son mandat, il a laissé un héritage complexe.

At the end of his term, he left a complex legacy.

Used for political or professional terms of office.

À l'issue de la consultation, le médecin a prescrit un repos total.

At the end of the consultation, the doctor prescribed total rest.

Formal medical context.

À l'issue de la réflexion, j'ai décidé de changer de carrière.

At the end of the reflection, I decided to change careers.

Abstract use referring to an internal process.

À l'issue des vendanges, les vignerons célèbrent la récolte.

At the end of the grape harvest, the winemakers celebrate.

Note the plural contraction 'des'.

À l'issue de la confrontation, les deux parties ont trouvé un compromis.

At the end of the confrontation, both parties found a compromise.

Describes the resolution of a conflict.

À l'issue de cette longue procédure judiciaire, la vérité a enfin éclaté.

At the conclusion of this long legal procedure, the truth has finally come out.

Complex sentence structure with emotional weight.

À l'issue de la médiation, un protocole d'accord a été paraphé par les syndicats.

Upon the conclusion of the mediation, a memorandum of understanding was initialed by the unions.

Technical vocabulary (paraphé, syndicats).

À l'issue de l'examen des candidatures, seuls trois profils ont été retenus.

At the end of the review of applications, only three profiles were selected.

Formal HR selection process description.

À l'issue de la tragédie, les survivants ont dû reconstruire leur vie.

Following the tragedy, the survivors had to rebuild their lives.

Used for historical or significant events.

À l'issue de la séance boursière, l'indice a clôturé en forte hausse.

At the end of the trading session, the index closed sharply higher.

Financial terminology (séance boursière, clôturé).

À l'issue de la réflexion philosophique, l'auteur propose une nouvelle éthique.

At the conclusion of the philosophical reflection, the author proposes a new ethic.

High-level academic/literary context.

À l'issue de la période de concertation, le projet de loi a été modifié.

At the end of the consultation period, the bill was modified.

Administrative and political nuance.

À l'issue de la mission, un rapport détaillé a été remis au gouvernement.

Upon completion of the mission, a detailed report was submitted to the government.

Professional project management language.

À l'issue de tractations acharnées, un compromis précaire fut enfin trouvé.

After relentless negotiations, a precarious compromise was finally reached.

Use of literary past (fut) and advanced vocabulary (tractations).

À l'issue de la gestation du projet, l'œuvre fut enfin révélée au grand public.

At the conclusion of the project's gestation, the work was finally revealed to the general public.

Metaphorical use of 'gestation'.

À l'issue de ce périple intellectuel, nous parvenons à une synthèse inédite.

At the end of this intellectual journey, we arrive at an unprecedented synthesis.

Abstract and sophisticated academic language.

À l'issue de la péripétie finale, le dénouement de la pièce s'avéra surprenant.

At the conclusion of the final incident, the play's resolution proved surprising.

Literary analysis terms (péripétie, dénouement).

À l'issue de la vacance du pouvoir, une nouvelle ère politique commença.

Following the power vacuum, a new political era began.

Historical and political gravitas.

À l'issue de l'instruction, le juge a prononcé un non-lieu.

At the end of the investigation, the judge ordered a dismissal of the case.

Highly technical legal terminology (instruction, non-lieu).

À l'issue de la joute oratoire, l'éloquence du candidat a convaincu l'auditoire.

At the end of the oratorical contest, the candidate's eloquence convinced the audience.

Sophisticated vocabulary (joute oratoire, éloquence).

À l'issue de la déliquescence de l'empire, de nouveaux royaumes émergèrent.

Following the decay of the empire, new kingdoms emerged.

Historical/philosophical register (déliquescence).

Common Collocations

à l'issue du match

à l'issue de la réunion

à l'issue des négociations

à l'issue de la formation

à l'issue du processus

à l'issue de la séance

à l'issue de l'examen

à l'issue du délai

à l'issue de la rencontre

à l'issue du mandat

Common Phrases

À l'issue de quoi

— At the end of which; following which. Used to link two clauses formally.

Il a parlé pendant une heure, à l'issue de quoi il est parti.

À l'issue de la période

— At the end of the period. Often used in financial or legal contexts.

À l'issue de la période fiscale, nous ferons les comptes.

À l'issue de la cérémonie

— At the end of the ceremony. Standard for weddings, funerals, or awards.

À l'issue de la cérémonie, un vin d'honneur sera servi.

À l'issue de la visite guidée

— At the end of the guided tour. Common in tourism.

À l'issue de la visite guidée, vous pourrez acheter des souvenirs.

À l'issue de l'enquête publique

— At the end of the public inquiry. Administrative term.

À l'issue de l'enquête publique, le maire prendra sa décision.

À l'issue de la confrontation

— At the end of the confrontation. Used in police or legal work.

À l'issue de la confrontation, le témoin a maintenu sa version.

À l'issue de la discussion

— At the end of the discussion. General formal usage.

À l'issue de la discussion, nous avons trouvé une solution.

À l'issue de la représentation

— At the end of the performance. Used for theater or music.

À l'issue de la représentation, les acteurs rencontrent le public.

À l'issue de la session

— At the end of the session. Used for training or parliament.

À l'issue de la session, les documents seront archivés.

À l'issue de la journée

— At the end of the day. Slightly more formal than 'à la fin de la journée'.

À l'issue de la journée, un bilan sera effectué.

Often Confused With

à l'issue de vs Issue

In English, 'issue' means a problem; in French, it means an exit or outcome.

à l'issue de vs À la fin de

More literal and less formal than 'à l'issue de'.

à l'issue de vs En cas de

Means 'in case of' (conditional), whereas 'à l'issue de' is temporal (after).

Idioms & Expressions

"Trouver une issue"

— To find a way out or a solution to a problem.

Nous devons trouver une issue à cette crise politique.

neutral

"Être sans issue"

— To be in a dead-end or a situation with no possible solution.

Leurs négociations semblent être dans une impasse sans issue.

neutral

"Une issue de secours"

— An emergency exit.

En cas d'incendie, utilisez l'issue de secours la plus proche.

neutral

"À l'issue fatale"

— With a fatal outcome. Often used in medical or tragic contexts.

L'accident a malheureusement eu une issue fatale.

formal

"Une issue favorable"

— A positive outcome.

Nous espérons une issue favorable à ce procès.

formal

"Prendre l'issue"

— Literally taking the exit, but sometimes used metaphorically for leaving a situation.

Il a pris l'issue dès qu'il a pu.

informal

"Chercher une issue"

— To search for a solution or a way out of a predicament.

Elle cherche désespérément une issue à ses problèmes financiers.

neutral

"L'issue du combat"

— The outcome of the fight or struggle.

L'issue du combat reste encore incertaine.

literary

"Forcer l'issue"

— To force a result or a conclusion to a situation.

Le général a décidé de forcer l'issue en lançant l'attaque.

formal

"À double issue"

— Something that has two possible outcomes.

C'est un pari à double issue : soit on gagne, soit on perd tout.

neutral

Easily Confused

à l'issue de vs Issue

False friend with English 'issue'.

French 'issue' is an exit or outcome; English 'issue' is a problem or topic.

L'issue de secours est là (The exit is there).

à l'issue de vs Après

Same general meaning.

Après is simple and casual; à l'issue de is formal and structured.

Après manger (After eating) vs À l'issue du repas (At the end of the meal).

à l'issue de vs Fin

Both refer to the end.

Fin is the point in time; issue is the way out or the result of a process.

La fin du monde vs L'issue du match.

à l'issue de vs Terme

Both used in formal 'end' phrases.

Terme implies a limit or fixed end; issue implies an exit or consequence.

Au terme du contrat vs À l'issue de la réunion.

à l'issue de vs Suite

Both used for sequencing.

Suite implies following immediately or as a result; à l'issue de marks the conclusion point.

Suite à votre appel vs À l'issue de l'appel.

Sentence Patterns

À l'issue du [noun], [subject] [verb].

À l'issue du cours, je pars.

À l'issue de la [noun], nous avons [past participle].

À l'issue de la fête, nous avons rangé.

[Subject] [verb] à l'issue de [noun phrase].

Les résultats seront publiés à l'issue de la session.

C'est à l'issue de [noun] que [subject] [verb].

C'est à l'issue du débat que le public a voté.

À l'issue d'un(e) [adjective] [noun], [subject] [verb].

À l'issue d'une longue négociation, l'accord fut signé.

Nul ne savait, à l'issue de [noun], ce qu'il adviendrait.

Nul ne savait, à l'issue de la guerre, ce qu'il adviendrait du pays.

À l'issue de quoi, [subject] [verb].

Il a fini son travail, à l'issue de quoi il est sorti.

À l'issue de [possessive] [noun], [subject] [verb].

À l'issue de son stage, elle a été embauchée.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in professional and media French.

Common Mistakes

À l'issue de le match → À l'issue du match
You must contract 'de' and 'le' into 'du'.
À l'issue de manger → Après avoir mangé
'À l'issue de' must be followed by a noun, not a verb.
L'issue de la pollution → Le problème de la pollution
Don't use 'issue' to mean 'problem' (English false friend).
À l'issue de deux jours → Au bout de deux jours
Use 'au bout de' for simple durations; 'à l'issue de' is for events.
À l'issue la réunion → À l'issue de la réunion
Don't forget the 'de' which links the phrase to the noun.

Tips

Watch the Contractions

Don't forget that 'de' + 'le' becomes 'du' and 'de' + 'les' becomes 'des'. This is the most common grammatical error with this phrase.

The False Friend

Remember that 'issue' means exit/outcome, not problem. Don't use 'à l'issue de' to mean 'regarding the problem of'.

Elevate Your French

Use 'à l'issue de' in professional emails to sound more like a native professional. It shows a high level of language mastery.

News Marker

When you hear 'à l'issue de' on the news, get ready for the summary or the result of a political meeting.

Workplace Standard

In a French office, use this phrase when discussing the end of projects, meetings, or probationary periods.

Pronunciation of 'U'

Focus on the tight 'u' sound in 'issue'. Round your lips as if to whistle, but say 'ee'. It's a key French sound.

Sentence Variety

In an essay, use 'à l'issue de' to avoid repeating 'après' or 'à la fin de'. It improves the flow and register of your writing.

Legal Precision

In contracts, 'à l'issue de' defines exact deadlines. Pay close attention to it to understand when rights or obligations expire.

The Exit Door

Visualize an exit door at the end of every event. That door is the 'issue'. When you pass it, you are 'à l'issue de' the event.

Diplomatic Language

This is a key phrase in 'langue de bois' (political jargon). It allows for a formal summary without being too informal.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'ISSUE' as the 'EXIT' sign at the end of a movie. 'À l'issue de' means you are standing right under that EXIT sign after the show is over.

Visual Association

Imagine a large door at the end of a long hallway labeled 'MEETING'. Once you walk through that door, you are 'à l'issue de la réunion'.

Word Web

fin terme conclusion résultat sortie aboutissement conséquence après

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your last workday using 'à l'issue de' for the end of a meeting, the end of your shift, and the end of a project.

Word Origin

From the Old French 'issue', which is the feminine past participle of the verb 'issir' (to go out). 'Issir' comes from the Latin 'exire' (ex- 'out' + ire 'to go').

Original meaning: The act of going out or the place through which one goes out (an exit).

Romance (Latin origin).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but ensure the register matches the context (don't use it for very casual events).

English speakers often misuse this because of the false friend 'issue'. In English, 'at the issue of' makes no sense; we say 'at the end of'.

Official government communiqués always start with 'À l'issue de...' Sports news headlines: 'À l'issue d'un match intense, la France gagne.' Legal verdicts: 'À l'issue du délibéré...'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports

à l'issue du match
à l'issue de la compétition
à l'issue du tournoi
à l'issue de la rencontre

Business

à l'issue de la réunion
à l'issue du contrat
à l'issue de la formation
à l'issue de l'entretien

Politics

à l'issue du scrutin
à l'issue du débat
à l'issue du sommet
à l'issue du mandat

Education

à l'issue de l'examen
à l'issue du semestre
à l'issue du cours
à l'issue de l'année scolaire

Legal

à l'issue du procès
à l'issue du délai
à l'issue de l'enquête
à l'issue de la garde à vue

Conversation Starters

"Qu'allez-vous faire à l'issue de votre formation actuelle ?"

"À l'issue de la réunion de ce matin, quelle a été la décision finale ?"

"Pensez-vous que l'issue du match de ce soir sera positive pour notre équipe ?"

"Qu'avez-vous prévu de faire à l'issue de vos vacances en France ?"

"À l'issue de ce projet, quels seront les prochains objectifs de l'entreprise ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez ce que vous ressentez généralement à l'issue d'une longue journée de travail.

Racontez un événement important et expliquez ce qui s'est passé à l'issue de celui-ci.

À l'issue de votre apprentissage du français, comment imaginez-vous votre vie ?

Réfléchissez à une décision difficile que vous avez prise à l'issue d'une longue réflexion.

Écrivez sur les changements qui surviennent dans une ville à l'issue d'un grand événement comme les JO.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it must be followed by a noun or noun phrase. To use a verb, you would use 'après avoir' or 'après que'. For example, 'À l'issue de la lecture' (noun) vs 'Après avoir lu' (verb).

Yes, significantly. It is common in professional, legal, and journalistic contexts, whereas 'après' is used in everyday conversation.

Not always. It can also mean a physical 'exit' (like 'issue de secours') or a 'solution' to a problem.

The best translations are 'at the end of', 'following', 'upon the conclusion of', or 'at the close of'.

Rarely. It is almost always followed by 'de' and a noun. You might hear 'une issue' as a noun, but the prepositional phrase needs the object.

It is always 'à l'issue du'. You must contract 'de' + 'le' into 'du' and 'de' + 'les' into 'des'.

It is less common for pure durations. 'Au bout de deux heures' is more natural. Use 'à l'issue de' for events (meetings, matches, etc.).

It is common in formal spoken French, such as news reports, speeches, or business meetings, but rare in casual chats with friends.

They are very similar. 'Au terme de' often implies a long, drawn-out process reaching its final limit, while 'à l'issue de' focuses on the point of exit from the event.

Often, yes. It suggests that the event led to what follows, whereas 'après' can just be a chronological sequence.