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Aussitôt que

A2 conjunction #4,000 most common 11 min read

Aussitôt que

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Aussitôt que in 30 Seconds

Explanation Aussitôt que in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are learning the very basics of how to connect ideas. 'Aussitôt que' might feel a bit advanced, but you can think of it as a 'super-charged' version of 'quand' (when). While 'quand' just tells us the time, 'aussitôt que' tells us that the second thing happens right away. At this stage, focus on using it with simple present tense sentences to describe your routine. For example, 'Aussitôt que je me lève, je mange' (As soon as I get up, I eat). It helps you show a clear order of actions. Don't worry too much about complex future tenses yet; just understand that it means 'right after.' It is a great word to make your simple stories sound more dynamic and connected. You might see it in simple instructions or very basic stories. The key is to remember the 'que' part—it's not just 'aussitôt,' but 'aussitôt que' when you are followed by a subject and a verb. Practice by thinking of two things you do in a row every morning and connecting them with this phrase. This will help you build the habit of sequencing events in French.

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk more about the future and your plans. This is where 'aussitôt que' becomes really important because of a specific French grammar rule. In English, we say 'As soon as I arrive, I will call you.' Notice how 'arrive' is in the present tense? In French, you cannot do that. You must use the future tense: 'Aussitôt que j'arriverai, je t'appellerai.' This is the biggest challenge for A2 learners. You are learning the 'Futur Simple' now, and 'aussitôt que' is the perfect place to practice it. You will use this word to make promises or explain your upcoming schedule. It shows that you are moving beyond simple sentences and starting to use 'subordination'—where one part of the sentence depends on the other. You will also see this word in more formal contexts, like signs in a shop or simple emails from a teacher. Pay attention to the 'ô' in 'aussitôt'—it's a small detail that shows you are paying attention to spelling. Try to use it in your next writing assignment to show you can handle future tense sequences.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex temporal relationships. This is the stage where you introduce the 'Futur Antérieur' (Future Anterior) into your usage of 'aussitôt que.' The future anterior is used to show that one future action will be completely finished before another one starts. For example: 'Aussitôt que j'aurai fini mes devoirs, je sortirai' (As soon as I have finished my homework, I will go out). This level of precision makes your French sound much more native-like. You are also becoming more aware of 'register.' You should know that 'aussitôt que' is slightly more formal than 'dès que.' In a professional email or a job interview, 'aussitôt que' is the better choice to show your professionalism and command of the language. You will also encounter this phrase more frequently in the news or in longer articles. You should be able to identify the sequence of events in a complex sentence and understand which action is the 'trigger.' Practice by rewriting sentences that use 'dès que' into 'aussitôt que' to feel the difference in tone. This will help you refine your 'voice' in French.

At the B2 level, you are refining your stylistic choices and expanding your vocabulary of connectors. You should be comfortable using 'aussitôt que' in a variety of tenses, including the 'Plus-que-parfait' and the 'Passé Antérieur' in written contexts. You understand that 'aussitôt que' is not just about time, but about the logical connection between events. At this level, you can use it to create nuance in your arguments or narrations. For instance, in a debate, you might say, 'Aussitôt que nous aurons mis en œuvre cette politique, nous verrons des résultats.' This sounds assertive and well-structured. You are also aware of the common pitfall of using the subjunctive after 'aussitôt que' and you avoid it, sticking firmly to the indicative mood. You can compare 'aussitôt que' with other similar phrases like 'sitôt que' or 'au fur et à mesure que' and choose the one that fits your specific meaning. Your listening skills should allow you to catch the elision (aussitôt qu'on...) in fast speech. You are now using the word not just for its meaning, but for its ability to structure a sophisticated paragraph or speech.

At the C1 level, 'aussitôt que' is a tool for stylistic mastery. You use it to manage the 'rhythm' of your writing and speech. You might use it in combination with inversion or other advanced structures to create a specific literary effect. You have a deep understanding of how this conjunction functions within the broader landscape of French temporal markers. You can distinguish between the slight nuances of 'aussitôt que' and 'sitôt que' (which is even more literary). You are likely using 'aussitôt que' in complex academic or professional writing where precision and formality are paramount. You also understand the historical evolution of the term and how its usage has shifted over time. In your own productions, you use it to create seamless transitions between ideas, ensuring that your logic is tight and your timing is clear. You might also explore its use in the 'Style Indirect' (reported speech), where tense changes become even more intricate: 'Il a dit qu'il partirait aussitôt qu'il aurait fini.' Your command of 'aussitôt que' at this level is instinctive, allowing you to focus on the content of your message while the grammar supports it perfectly.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for the use of 'aussitôt que.' You can play with the word's placement and the surrounding tenses to achieve subtle rhetorical effects. You are fully aware of the most archaic and literary uses, such as pairing it with the 'Passé Simple' to evoke a specific historical or dramatic tone. Your usage is flawless, and you can even identify and correct subtle misuses of the word in others' writing. You understand the philosophical implications of 'immediacy' that the word conveys and can use it in high-level discussions about time, causality, or logic. For you, 'aussitôt que' is just one of many options in a rich arsenal of connectors, and you choose it with the same precision a painter chooses a specific shade of blue. You are comfortable using it in any context, from a rapid-fire legal debate to a delicate piece of poetry. You can explain the grammatical nuances to others and appreciate the word as a classic element of French linguistic structure. At this level, the word is no longer a 'learning point' but a fully integrated part of your linguistic identity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Aussitôt que in 30 Seconds

Means 'as soon as' and shows immediate sequence.
Requires future tense in the subordinate clause if the main clause is future.
Slightly more formal than the common alternative 'dès que'.
Always used with the indicative mood, never the subjunctive.

The conjunction aussitôt que is a fundamental tool for expressing temporal relationships in French, specifically indicating that one action occurs immediately after another. In English, we translate this as 'as soon as' or 'the moment that.' It is composed of the adverb 'aussitôt' (immediately/promptly) and the subordinating conjunction 'que.' While it is widely understood and used, it carries a slightly more formal or precise weight than its common counterpart, 'dès que.' Understanding aussitôt que is essential for intermediate learners because it introduces the logic of temporal sequence and the necessity of tense agreement, which differs significantly from English grammar.

Immediacy: The primary function is to eliminate any perceived gap between two events. It suggests a trigger-and-response mechanism.

Aussitôt que le soleil se lèvera, nous partirons en randonnée.

Translation: As soon as the sun rises, we will go hiking.

In everyday French, you will encounter this phrase in professional emails, news reports, and literature. It signals a high level of responsiveness. For instance, a waiter might say, 'Je vous apporte l'addition aussitôt que vous aurez fini' (I will bring you the bill as soon as you have finished). This usage demonstrates the speaker's commitment to promptness. Unlike 'quand' (when), which can imply a general timeframe, aussitôt que pinpoints the exact start of the second action based on the completion of the first.

Register: Standard to Formal. While 'dès que' is the go-to for casual speech, 'aussitôt que' adds a layer of precision often found in written instructions or formal promises.

Appelez-moi aussitôt que vous recevrez les résultats.

Historically, the term emphasizes 'tôt' (early). By adding 'aussi' (as), the language creates an equality of time between the cause and the effect. It is a logical connector that builds narrative momentum. In storytelling, it is used to create suspense or rapid-fire action sequences. 'Aussitôt que le cri retentit, la foule se dispersa' (As soon as the cry rang out, the crowd dispersed). This usage highlights the reactive nature of the subject.

Comparison with English: English speakers often struggle with the future tense here. In English, we say 'As soon as he arrives (present), I will leave.' In French, it must be 'Aussitôt qu'il arrivera (future), je partirai.'

Je vous préviendrai aussitôt que j'aurai des nouvelles.

Mastering aussitôt que requires a solid grasp of French verb tenses, particularly the relationship between the main clause and the subordinate clause. The most critical rule for English speakers is the 'Future-Future' rule. When the main action takes place in the future, the action introduced by aussitôt que must also be in the future (either the futur simple or the futur antérieur). This is a stark contrast to English, which uses the present tense after 'as soon as' to refer to future events.

Future Context: Main Clause: Futur Simple | Subordinate: Futur Simple or Futur Antérieur.

Nous mangerons aussitôt que le dîner sera prêt.

Incorrect: ...aussitôt que le dîner est prêt (English logic).

When describing past events, the tenses usually match in a way that reflects the completion of the first action. Often, the passé composé or the passé simple is used in both clauses, or a combination of the passé antérieur and passé simple in more formal writing. This ensures that the sequence is clear: Action A finished, and Action B immediately followed. For example: 'Aussitôt qu'il a vu son erreur, il l'a corrigée' (As soon as he saw his mistake, he corrected it).

Habitual Context: Main Clause: Présent | Subordinate: Présent. This is used for general truths or routines.

Je bois un verre d'eau aussitôt que je me réveille.

The placement of the aussitôt que clause is flexible. It can appear at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis or in the middle to connect two thoughts. When placed at the beginning, a comma usually separates the two clauses. 'Aussitôt que les invités seront là, nous commencerons la fête.' In this structure, the emphasis is on the condition (the arrival of the guests) that triggers the event.

Negation: Negation applies to the verbs within the clauses, not the conjunction itself. Example: 'Ne partez pas aussitôt qu'il arrive.'

Aussitôt que j'aurai terminé ce livre, je te le prêterai.

Finally, remember that aussitôt que is a subordinating conjunction. This means it introduces a dependent clause. The entire clause functions as an adverbial of time for the main sentence. If you are ever in doubt about whether to use 'quand' or 'aussitôt que,' ask yourself: Is the timing exact and immediate? If yes, aussitôt que is your best choice.

In the real world, aussitôt que is a marker of efficiency and reliability. While 'dès que' is the king of the street and casual coffee shop talk, aussitôt que thrives in environments where precision matters. You will hear it frequently in professional settings, corporate communications, and news broadcasts. For example, a news anchor might say, 'Nous vous donnerons plus de détails aussitôt que nous les recevrons' (We will give you more details as soon as we receive them). This sounds more authoritative and professional than using 'dès que.'

In the Office: It is the standard for setting expectations. 'Je vous envoie le rapport aussitôt que possible' is a classic email closer.

Veuillez nous contacter aussitôt que vous aurez signé le contrat.

In literature and formal writing, aussitôt que is used to maintain a high linguistic register. French authors use it to create a sense of 'vitesse' (speed) in their prose. It acts as a rhythmic device, pushing the reader from one event to the next without pause. In classic novels, you might see the 'passé simple' paired with it: 'Aussitôt qu'elle entra, le silence se fit.' This creates a dramatic effect that 'quand' simply cannot achieve.

Public Announcements: Train stations and airports use it for clarity. 'Le train partira aussitôt que tous les passagers seront montés.'

Le magasin fermera aussitôt que le dernier client sera parti.

In French cinema, particularly in thrillers or dramas, aussitôt que is used in dialogue to establish urgency. A character might whisper, 'Aussitôt que je donne le signal, cours !' (As soon as I give the signal, run!). The choice of this phrase over 'quand' signals to the audience that the timing is critical to the character's survival or success. It is a word that carries the weight of the 'now.'

Customer Service: Used to reassure customers. 'Nous traiterons votre commande aussitôt que nous recevrons le paiement.'

Revenez me voir aussitôt que possible.

Even in modern tech contexts, you'll see this phrase in user interfaces or automated emails: 'Votre mot de passe sera réinitialisé aussitôt que vous aurez cliqué sur ce lien.' It provides a clear, logical sequence that users can follow easily. Whether in a 19th-century novel or a 21st-century app, aussitôt que remains the gold standard for expressing immediate sequence.

The most pervasive mistake English speakers make when using aussitôt que is failing to use the future tense in the subordinate clause. In English, we naturally use the present tense after 'as soon as' to describe a future event: 'As soon as he calls, I will leave.' If you translate this literally into French as 'Aussitôt qu'il appelle...', it is grammatically incorrect. In French, if the main event is in the future, the condition must also be in the future: 'Aussitôt qu'il appellera...'

Tense Mismatch: Using the present tense instead of the future or future anterior when referring to future actions.

Mistake: Je partirai aussitôt que tu es prêt.
Correct: Je partirai aussitôt que tu seras prêt.

Another common error is confusing aussitôt que with après que regarding the mood of the verb. Many learners (and even some native speakers) mistakenly use the subjunctive after 'après que' and 'aussitôt que.' However, aussitôt que always takes the indicative mood (the normal tenses). It is based on reality and certainty—one event happens, then the next. There is no doubt or desire involved, so the subjunctive is not required. 'Aussitôt que tu sois là' is wrong; it must be 'Aussitôt que tu es là' or 'tu seras là.'

Spelling Errors: Forgetting the grave accent on the 'ô' in 'aussitôt.' Writing 'aussitot' is a common spelling mistake.

Vérifiez l'accent : aussitôt (correct) vs aussitot (incorrect).

Overusing 'aussitôt que' in casual conversation can also be a stylistic 'mistake.' While not grammatically wrong, it can sound a bit stiff or overly formal if you use it in every sentence while hanging out with friends. In those cases, 'dès que' is the more natural choice. Using 'aussitôt que' when you really just mean 'quand' (when) also dilutes the sense of urgency. If there is a delay between the two events, aussitôt que is inaccurate.

Word Order: Sometimes learners place 'aussitôt' at the end of the sentence without 'que.' Example: 'Je viens aussitôt.' This is correct but means 'I'm coming immediately,' not 'As soon as...'.

Attention : 'Aussitôt' (adverb) vs 'Aussitôt que' (conjunction).

Finally, be careful with the elision. The 'que' must become 'qu'' before a vowel or a mute 'h.' Failing to do this ('aussitôt que il') sounds very clunky to a native ear. Correct: 'aussitôt qu'il,' 'aussitôt qu'elle,' 'aussitôt qu'on.' Mastery of these small details separates the beginner from the fluent speaker.

In French, there are several ways to express that one thing happens right after another. Choosing the right one depends on the register (formal vs. informal) and the specific nuance you want to convey. The most direct competitor to aussitôt que is dès que. While they are often interchangeable, dès que is much more common in everyday spoken French. It feels slightly more 'instant' and less 'prepared' than aussitôt que.

Dès que: The most common alternative. Used in 90% of daily conversations. 'Dès que j'arrive, je t'appelle.'

Comparaison : Aussitôt que (formel) vs Dès que (courant).

Another alternative is sitôt que. This is even more formal and literary than aussitôt que. You will rarely hear it in conversation, but you will see it in classic literature or very formal speeches. It implies an even tighter link between the two actions. 'Sitôt qu'il eut fini de parler, il s'assit.' This structure often uses the 'passé antérieur' for a very refined, old-fashioned feel.

Une fois que: Translates to 'once.' It is less about 'immediacy' and more about 'completion.' It suggests that once a condition is met, the next thing can happen.

Une fois que tu auras fini tes devoirs, tu pourras sortir.

For a more descriptive approach, you can use au moment où (at the moment when). This focuses on the exact point in time. It is very useful for vivid descriptions. 'Au moment où il a ouvert la porte, le téléphone a sonné.' This emphasizes the synchronicity of the two events. While aussitôt que implies a sequence (A then B), au moment où implies they happen simultaneously.

Après que: Meaning 'after.' It is less immediate than 'aussitôt que.' There could be a significant gap between the two events.

Après qu'il est parti, j'ai commencé à pleurer.

Lastly, in very informal speech, you might hear quand used as a catch-all. 'Quand t'arrives, appelle-moi.' While common, it lacks the 'immediacy' that aussitôt que provides. By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your French to any situation, from a casual chat with a neighbor to a high-stakes business negotiation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'tôt' actually comes from the Latin word for 'toasted'. In ancient times, 'toasted' things were seen as happening quickly or being done in a hurry, which is how we got the word for 'early' in French!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /o.si.to kə/

US /oʊ.si.toʊ kə/

The primary stress is on the last syllable of 'aussitôt', though French stress is generally even.

Rhymes With

Plutôt que Bientôt que Sitôt que Tant que Même que Alors que Parce que Puisque

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 't' in 'aussitôt' (it's silent unless followed by a vowel, but in this phrase 'que' follows, so 't' is silent). Wait, in 'aussitôt que', the 't' is silent. Some learners try to pronounce it.
Pronouncing 'que' as 'kay' instead of a neutral 'kuh'.
Forgetting the 'o' sound in 'au' is closed.
Nasalizing the 'o' in 'tôt' incorrectly.
Over-emphasizing the 'que'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize as 'as soon as' once you know the word.

Writing 4/5

Difficult due to the future/future anterior tense agreement rules.

Speaking 3/5

Requires quick thinking to get the future tenses right in conversation.

Listening 2/5

Clearly audible, though the 'que' can sometimes blend into the next word.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Quand Après Avant Aussi Tôt

Learn Next

Dès que Sitôt que Futur Simple Futur Antérieur Passé Antérieur

Advanced

Au fur et à mesure que Tant que D'ici à ce que

Grammar to Know

Tense Harmony in the Future

Je mangerai (future) aussitôt que tu arriveras (future).

Use of Future Anterior

Je partirai aussitôt que j'aurai mangé.

Indicative vs Subjunctive

Aussitôt que tu es (indicative) là. (Not 'sois').

Elision of 'Que'

Aussitôt qu'il (not que il).

Spelling of 'Aussitôt'

Always include the circumflex accent on the 'ô'.

Examples by Level

Aussitôt que je mange, je me sens mieux.

As soon as I eat, I feel better.

Present tense used for a general habit.

Aussitôt que le cours finit, je rentre.

As soon as the class ends, I go home.

Simple sequence of events.

Appelle-moi aussitôt que tu es là.

Call me as soon as you are there.

Imperative followed by present tense.

Il dort aussitôt que le film commence.

He sleeps as soon as the movie starts.

Habitual action in the present.

Aussitôt que j'arrive, je bois un café.

As soon as I arrive, I drink a coffee.

Simple present sequence.

Le chien aboie aussitôt que quelqu'un frappe.

The dog barks as soon as someone knocks.

Cause and effect in the present.

Je souris aussitôt que je te vois.

I smile as soon as I see you.

Immediate reaction.

Aussitôt que la pluie s'arrête, nous sortons.

As soon as the rain stops, we go out.

Condition in the present.

Aussitôt que j'arriverai à Paris, je t'enverrai un message.

As soon as I arrive in Paris, I will send you a message.

Future + Future rule.

Nous partirons aussitôt que tu seras prêt.

We will leave as soon as you are ready.

Future tense in both clauses.

Aussitôt que le magasin ouvrira, j'achèterai le pain.

As soon as the store opens, I will buy the bread.

Future tense required after the conjunction.

Elle chantera aussitôt que la musique commencera.

She will sing as soon as the music starts.

Futur simple used for both actions.

Aussitôt que vous finirez, nous pourrons manger.

As soon as you finish, we will be able to eat.

Future tense for both verbs.

Je te donnerai le livre aussitôt que je le trouverai.

I will give you the book as soon as I find it.

Future tense match.

Aussitôt que le soleil brillera, nous irons à la plage.

As soon as the sun shines, we will go to the beach.

Future simple in both parts.

Il répondra aussitôt qu'il recevra ton mail.

He will reply as soon as he receives your email.

Future tense for immediate future response.

Aussitôt que j'aurai terminé ce projet, je prendrai des vacances.

As soon as I have finished this project, I will take a vacation.

Future anterior used to show completion.

Je vous enverrai le contrat aussitôt qu'il aura été signé.

I will send you the contract as soon as it has been signed.

Passive future anterior.

Aussitôt que nous serons arrivés, nous irons au restaurant.

As soon as we have arrived, we will go to the restaurant.

Future anterior with 'être'.

Il vous préviendra aussitôt qu'il aura pris sa décision.

He will let you know as soon as he has made his decision.

Future anterior for a completed future action.

Aussitôt que vous aurez lu ce livre, vous comprendrez tout.

As soon as you have read this book, you will understand everything.

Future anterior + future simple.

Je rangerai ma chambre aussitôt que j'aurai fini mon film.

I will clean my room as soon as I have finished my movie.

Future anterior for sequence.

Aussitôt que le chef sera revenu, la réunion commencera.

As soon as the boss has returned, the meeting will start.

Future anterior showing the prerequisite.

Nous achèterons la maison aussitôt que nous aurons vendu l'autre.

We will buy the house as soon as we have sold the other one.

Future anterior sequence.

Aussitôt qu'il a appris la nouvelle, il s'est précipité chez elle.

As soon as he heard the news, he rushed to her place.

Passé composé in both clauses for past immediacy.

Aussitôt que la loi sera votée, elle entrera en vigueur.

As soon as the law is passed, it will come into effect.

Formal context with future tenses.

Je vous répondrai aussitôt que j'en aurai l'occasion.

I will reply to you as soon as I have the opportunity.

Formal future usage.

Aussitôt que l'alarme a sonné, tout le monde est sorti.

As soon as the alarm rang, everyone went out.

Past sequence of events.

Aussitôt que nous aurons identifié le problème, nous le résoudrons.

As soon as we have identified the problem, we will solve it.

Professional future anterior.

Il a démissionné aussitôt qu'il a trouvé un nouvel emploi.

He resigned as soon as he found a new job.

Past completion sequence.

Aussitôt que le signal sera donné, vous devrez courir.

As soon as the signal is given, you must run.

Imperative-like future structure.

Aussitôt qu'elle l'a vu, elle a su qu'il mentait.

As soon as she saw him, she knew he was lying.

Immediate past realization.

Aussitôt que les troupes eurent franchi la frontière, la guerre fut déclarée.

As soon as the troops had crossed the border, war was declared.

Literary tenses: Passé antérieur and Passé simple.

Aussitôt que l'obscurité se fut installée, les loups commencèrent à hurler.

As soon as darkness had set in, the wolves began to howl.

Literary past sequence.

Je vous ferai part de mes conclusions aussitôt que j'aurai analysé les données.

I will share my findings with you as soon as I have analyzed the data.

High-level professional future anterior.

Aussitôt que la vérité éclata, le scandale devint inévitable.

As soon as the truth came out, the scandal became inevitable.

Dramatic past simple usage.

Aussitôt que l'hiver approchait, ils migraient vers le sud.

As soon as winter approached, they would migrate south.

Imparfait for habitual past actions.

Aussitôt que le rideau tomba, les applaudissements éclatèrent.

As soon as the curtain fell, the applause erupted.

Classical narrative sequence.

Aussitôt que l'on eut découvert le vaccin, l'espoir renaquit.

As soon as the vaccine had been discovered, hope was reborn.

Literary past anterior.

Aussitôt que vous aurez pris connaissance du dossier, nous en discuterons.

As soon as you have reviewed the file, we will discuss it.

Formal register future anterior.

Aussitôt que l'aube pointait, il se mettait à son bureau pour écrire.

As soon as dawn broke, he would sit at his desk to write.

Nuanced use of imparfait for routine.

Aussitôt que le silence fut rétabli, l'orateur reprit son discours.

As soon as silence was restored, the speaker resumed his speech.

Refined historical narrative.

Aussitôt que la structure s'effondra, la panique s'empara de la ville.

As soon as the structure collapsed, panic took hold of the city.

Sophisticated narrative past simple.

Aussitôt que vous en aurez exprimé le souhait, nous procéderons au remboursement.

As soon as you express the wish, we will proceed with the refund.

Extremely formal polite future anterior.

Aussitôt que l'idée lui vint à l'esprit, il l'inscrivit dans son carnet.

As soon as the idea came to mind, he wrote it in his notebook.

Internal narrative past simple.

Aussitôt que l'incendie se fut déclaré, les pompiers arrivèrent sur les lieux.

As soon as the fire had broken out, the firefighters arrived on the scene.

Literary past anterior for speed.

Aussitôt que la brume se sera dissipée, nous pourrons admirer le paysage.

As soon as the mist has cleared, we will be able to admire the landscape.

Poetic future anterior.

Aussitôt que le décret fut signé, les réformes commencèrent.

As soon as the decree was signed, the reforms began.

Administrative/Historical past simple.

Common Collocations

Aussitôt que possible

Aussitôt que possible après

Aussitôt que le jour se lève

Aussitôt que j'aurai fini

Aussitôt que vous pourrez

Aussitôt qu'il sera là

Aussitôt que les résultats seront connus

Aussitôt que la pluie cessera

Aussitôt que faire se peut

Aussitôt que possible en retour

Common Phrases

Aussitôt dit, aussitôt fait

— No sooner said than done. Used when an action follows a request immediately.

Il a demandé de l'aide et, aussitôt dit, aussitôt fait, ils sont arrivés.

Aussitôt que possible

— As soon as possible. Extremely common in emails.

Merci de me répondre aussitôt que possible.

Aussitôt que l'occasion se présentera

— As soon as the opportunity arises.

Je lui en parlerai aussitôt que l'occasion se présentera.

Aussitôt que besoin sera

— As soon as there is a need. Formal usage.

Nous interviendrons aussitôt que besoin sera.

Aussitôt que vous aurez un moment

— As soon as you have a moment. Polite request.

Passez me voir aussitôt que vous aurez un moment.

Aussitôt que le soleil se couche

— As soon as the sun sets.

Il fait froid aussitôt que le soleil se couche.

Aussitôt que la cloche sonne

— As soon as the bell rings.

Les enfants courent aussitôt que la cloche sonne.

Aussitôt que tout sera prêt

— As soon as everything is ready.

Nous mangerons aussitôt que tout sera prêt.

Aussitôt que les conditions le permettront

— As soon as conditions allow.

Nous reprendrons le travail aussitôt que les conditions le permettront.

Aussitôt que vous recevrez ce message

— As soon as you receive this message.

Rappelez-moi aussitôt que vous recevrez ce message.

Often Confused With

Aussitôt que vs Dès que

Very similar, but 'dès que' is more common in spoken French and sounds slightly more informal.

Aussitôt que vs Après que

Means 'after', but 'aussitôt que' is much more immediate. Also, 'après que' technically takes the indicative, though often misused.

Aussitôt que vs Quand

Means 'when'. It is less specific about the immediate nature of the action than 'aussitôt que'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Aussitôt dit, aussitôt fait"

— Immediate execution of an order or idea.

Il voulait une pizza : aussitôt dit, aussitôt fait !

Neutral

"Prendre ses jambes à son cou aussitôt que"

— To run away as fast as possible as soon as something happens.

Il a pris ses jambes à son cou aussitôt qu'il a vu le lion.

Informal

"Sauter sur l'occasion aussitôt que"

— To jump at the chance as soon as it appears.

Il a sauté sur l'occasion aussitôt qu'elle s'est présentée.

Neutral

"Changer de disque aussitôt que"

— To change the subject immediately when a certain topic comes up.

Elle change de disque aussitôt qu'on parle de son ex.

Informal

"Faire volte-face aussitôt que"

— To do a complete turnaround immediately.

Il a fait volte-face aussitôt qu'il a vu son erreur.

Neutral

"Mettre les voiles aussitôt que"

— To leave immediately.

On met les voiles aussitôt que le concert finit.

Informal

"Se mettre en quatre aussitôt que"

— To go out of one's way immediately to help.

Elle se met en quatre aussitôt que son fils a besoin d'elle.

Neutral

"Tourner les talons aussitôt que"

— To turn around and walk away immediately.

Il a tourné les talons aussitôt qu'il a vu son patron.

Neutral

"Battre le fer quand il est chaud (aussitôt que)"

— Strike while the iron is hot (act as soon as possible).

Il faut battre le fer aussitôt que possible.

Neutral

"Pousser comme des champignons aussitôt que"

— To pop up everywhere as soon as conditions are right.

Les magasins poussent comme des champignons aussitôt que le quartier s'améliore.

Informal

Easily Confused

Aussitôt que vs Sitôt que

They sound similar and mean the same thing.

Sitôt que is much more literary and formal than aussitôt que.

Sitôt que le roi parut, la foule se tut.

Aussitôt que vs Bientôt

Both contain 'tôt'.

Bientôt means 'soon' (adverb), while aussitôt que is a conjunction meaning 'as soon as'.

Il arrivera bientôt.

Aussitôt que vs Plutôt que

Both end in 'tôt que'.

Plutôt que means 'rather than'.

Je préfère le thé plutôt que le café.

Aussitôt que vs Tant que

Both are temporal conjunctions.

Tant que means 'as long as' (duration), while aussitôt que means 'as soon as' (start point).

Tant qu'il pleut, je reste ici.

Aussitôt que vs Puisque

Both are conjunctions ending in 'que'.

Puisque means 'since' or 'because'.

Puisque tu es là, aide-moi.

Sentence Patterns

Aussitôt que + [Subject] + [Present Verb], [Subject] + [Present Verb]

Aussitôt que je bois, j'ai faim.

Aussitôt que + [Subject] + [Futur Simple], [Subject] + [Futur Simple]

Aussitôt que tu viendras, nous rirons.

Aussitôt que + [Subject] + [Futur Antérieur], [Subject] + [Futur Simple]

Aussitôt que j'aurai fini, je partirai.

Aussitôt que + [Subject] + [Passé Composé], [Subject] + [Passé Composé]

Aussitôt qu'il a vu le chat, il a souri.

Aussitôt que + [Subject] + [Passé Antérieur], [Subject] + [Passé Simple]

Aussitôt qu'il eut fini, il sortit.

Aussitôt que + [Subject] + [Imparfait], [Subject] + [Imparfait]

Aussitôt qu'il pleuvait, il rentrait.

Mixed

Imperative + aussitôt que + [Subject] + [Futur Simple]

Viens aussitôt que tu pourras.

Mixed

Aussitôt que possible

Faites-le aussitôt que possible.

Word Family

Nouns

Aussitôt (adverbial noun in some contexts)

Dès que

Sitôt que

Plutôt que

Bientôt

Aussi

How to Use It

frequency

Common in writing and professional speech; moderate in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Aussitôt que j'arrive, je t'appellerai. → Aussitôt que j'arriverai, je t'appellerai.
You must use the future tense in the subordinate clause if the main clause is future.
Aussitôt que tu sois prêt. → Aussitôt que tu es prêt.
Do not use the subjunctive after 'aussitôt que'. Use the indicative.
Aussitot que possible. → Aussitôt que possible.
Missing the circumflex accent on the 'ô'.
Je partirai aussitôt que il vient. → Je partirai aussitôt qu'il viendra.
Failure to elide 'que' before a vowel and failure to use the future tense.
Aussitôt que j'ai fini, je sortirai. → Aussitôt que j'aurai fini, je sortirai.
Mixing passé composé with future simple is usually avoided in this structure; use futur antérieur.

Tips

The Future Rule

Always remember the 'Future-Future' harmony. If you have a future in the main clause, you MUST have a future after 'aussitôt que'. This is the #1 rule to master.

Vary Your Connectors

Use 'dès que' for friends and 'aussitôt que' for work. This subtle shift will make your French sound more socially appropriate and nuanced.

The Circumflex

The accent on the 'ô' in 'aussitôt' is not just for show; it's part of the word's history. Think of it as a little hat the word wears because it's in a hurry!

Silent T

The 't' at the end of 'aussitôt' is silent. Don't pronounce it like 'aussitotte'. It should sound like 'o-si-to'.

Catch the Elision

Train your ear to hear 'aussitôt qu'un' or 'aussitôt qu'on'. The 'k' sound attaches to the next word, which can be tricky for beginners.

Idiom Alert

Learn the phrase 'Aussitôt dit, aussitôt fait'. It's a great way to show you're ready to help and sounds very native.

Comma Usage

If you start your sentence with 'Aussitôt que...', use a comma before the main clause. If 'aussitôt que' is in the middle, you usually don't need a comma.

Trigger and Result

Think of the 'aussitôt que' clause as the trigger. The other part of the sentence is the result. This helps you organize your thoughts in French.

Futur Antérieur

To sound really advanced, use the futur antérieur after 'aussitôt que' to show one action is totally finished. 'Aussitôt que j'aurai mangé...'

Daily Routine

Try to narrate your day in your head using 'aussitôt que'. 'Aussitôt que je finis mon café, je commence à bosser.' It's the best way to make it natural.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Aussitôt' as 'A-C-Toe'. You have to move your toe as soon as (aussitôt que) you see a spider!

Visual Association

Imagine a starting pistol at a race. The runners move 'aussitôt que' the gun fires. The 'ô' in 'aussitôt' looks like the barrel of the gun.

Word Web

Time Immediate Sequence Future Tense Formal Dès que Logic Action

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your morning routine using 'aussitôt que'. Then, rewrite them in the future tense using the correct French grammar rule.

Word Origin

Formed from the combination of 'aussi' (from Latin 'aliud sic') and 'tôt' (from Latin 'tostum', meaning toasted or parched, which came to mean promptly/quickly).

Original meaning: Literally 'as promptly as'.

Romance (French).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral temporal conjunction.

English speakers often find the future tense rule difficult because English is more relaxed about using the present tense for future timing.

Used frequently in the 'Fables de La Fontaine' to describe the quick reactions of animals. A common phrase in French military history to describe rapid maneuvers. Appears in the titles of various French news segments focusing on immediate updates.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Work/Professional

Aussitôt que possible
Aussitôt que j'aurai votre accord
Aussitôt que les fonds seront reçus
Aussitôt que le projet sera fini

Travel

Aussitôt que le train arrive
Aussitôt que nous serons à l'hôtel
Aussitôt que j'aurai mon passeport
Aussitôt que l'avion décolle

Daily Routine

Aussitôt que je me réveille
Aussitôt que je finis de manger
Aussitôt que je rentre du travail
Aussitôt que les enfants dorment

Instructions

Cliquez ici aussitôt que possible
Appuyez sur le bouton aussitôt que la lumière s'allume
Sortez aussitôt que vous entendez l'alarme
Signez aussitôt que vous aurez lu

Narrative/Storytelling

Aussitôt que le loup parut
Aussitôt que la porte s'ouvrit
Aussitôt que le soleil se coucha
Aussitôt que le silence revint

Conversation Starters

"Qu'est-ce que tu fais aussitôt que tu te réveilles le matin ?"

"Aussitôt que tu auras fini tes études, quel est ton projet ?"

"Où iras-tu aussitôt que les vacances commenceront ?"

"Aussitôt que tu arrives dans une nouvelle ville, que visites-tu en premier ?"

"Appelles-tu tes parents aussitôt que tu reçois une bonne nouvelle ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris ta routine matinale en utilisant 'aussitôt que' au moins trois fois.

Quels sont tes projets pour l'été ? Utilise le futur simple après 'aussitôt que'.

Raconte un souvenir d'enfance qui commence par 'Aussitôt que l'école finissait...'.

Imagine que tu gagnes au loto. Que ferais-tu aussitôt que tu aurais l'argent ?

Écris sur une situation stressante où tout s'est passé 'aussitôt que' un événement s'est produit.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is a common mistake for English speakers. In French, you must use the future tense (futur simple or futur antérieur) if the main action is in the future. For example: 'Je t'appellerai aussitôt que j'arriverai' (not 'j'arrive').

No, 'aussitôt que' always takes the indicative mood because it describes a real, certain sequence of events. You use tenses like the present, future, or past, but never the subjunctive.

They are almost identical in meaning. However, 'dès que' is much more frequent in everyday conversation, while 'aussitôt que' sounds slightly more formal or precise. You can use either in most situations.

It is always 'aussitôt que' when followed by a subject and a verb. 'Aussitôt' can be used alone as an adverb (meaning 'immediately'), but it is not used with 'de'.

It is spelled with two 's's and a circumflex accent on the second 'o': a-u-s-s-i-t-ô-t. Don't forget the accent, as it is a common spelling error!

Yes, it is very common to start a sentence with the 'aussitôt que' clause to emphasize the timing. Example: 'Aussitôt que le soleil se lève, je commence à travailler.'

If you are describing something that used to happen immediately after something else in the past, use the imparfait for both verbs. Example: 'Aussitôt qu'il rentrait, il se déshabillait.'

It is considered standard French. It is not overly formal like 'sitôt que', but it is slightly more polished than 'dès que'. It is perfectly appropriate for both business and daily use.

Yes, 'que' becomes 'qu'' whenever the following word starts with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u, y) or a mute 'h'. Example: 'aussitôt qu'il', 'aussitôt qu'elle'.

Yes, you can give an order that should be followed as soon as something happens. Example: 'Appelle-moi aussitôt que tu reçois le colis!'