selon

The French preposition selon is a fundamental building block of the language, primarily translating to 'according to' in English. Its core function is to attribute information, opinions, or rules to a specific source. Whether you are citing a friend, a scientific study, or a legal document, selon provides the necessary bridge between the statement and its origin. In everyday French conversation, it is ubiquitous because it allows speakers to distance themselves from a claim, indicating that the information is not necessarily their own but comes from elsewhere. This nuance is crucial for polite and precise communication. For instance, saying 'Il va pleuvoir' (It is going to rain) is a definitive statement of fact, whereas 'Selon la météo, il va pleuvoir' (According to the weather report, it is going to rain) correctly identifies the source of the prediction, adding a layer of professional or objective distance. Beyond simple attribution, selon also carries the meaning of 'depending on.' When used in the phrase 'selon que' or simply 'c'est selon,' it indicates that a situation is contingent upon certain variables. This versatility makes it one of the most frequently used prepositions in both spoken and written French, appearing in news broadcasts, academic papers, and casual chats alike. Understanding selon is not just about learning a word; it is about mastering the art of perspective in French. It allows you to navigate the complex world of subjective opinions and objective data with ease. As you progress in your French studies, you will notice that selon often introduces a sense of relativity, acknowledging that different people or sources may have different views on the same subject. This is particularly important in French culture, where debate and the exchange of varying viewpoints are highly valued. By using selon, you signal to your interlocutor that you are aware of these different perspectives, which makes your speech sound more sophisticated and culturally attuned.

Attribution of Source

The most common use of selon is to introduce the person, group, or document that provided the information being discussed. It acts as a citation marker in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression of Dependency

When a situation is not fixed and depends on external factors, selon is used to describe that variability. For example, 'selon les circonstances' means 'depending on the circumstances.'

Subjective Opinion

Using selon moi (according to me) is a standard way to introduce a personal opinion, similar to 'in my opinion' or 'from my point of view,' though 'à mon avis' is also very common.

In more advanced contexts, you will encounter selon as part of a conjunction: 'selon que.' This is used to introduce two or more possibilities that determine an outcome. For example, 'Selon que vous choisissiez le train ou l'avion, le prix ne sera pas le même' (Depending on whether you choose the train or the plane, the price will not be the same). This construction requires a specific logical structure and is a hallmark of upper-intermediate and advanced French. Furthermore, the idiomatic expression 'c'est selon' is a perfect response when someone asks a question that doesn't have a simple yes or no answer. It translates roughly to 'it depends' or 'that depends on the circumstances.' This phrase is incredibly useful in social situations where you want to avoid being too definitive or when you need more information before providing a complete answer. The word selon originates from the Latin 'secundum,' which also means 'following' or 'according to.' This historical root highlights the word's function as a follower of a source or a rule. In the evolution of the French language, selon has maintained this core sense of alignment with an external point of reference. Whether you are reading a classic novel by Victor Hugo or a modern article in Le Monde, you will find selon performing its duty of organizing information and clarifying perspectives. It is a word that brings order to the chaos of multiple viewpoints, allowing the speaker to construct a logical and well-sourced narrative. For English speakers, the transition to using selon is usually straightforward because its usage patterns closely mirror 'according to.' However, the subtle shift toward 'depending on' in certain contexts is a key area for practice. By mastering both aspects, you will significantly enhance your ability to express complex thoughts and respond dynamically to various situations in French-speaking environments.

Using selon correctly in a sentence involves understanding its grammatical placement and the types of words it can precede. Most commonly, selon is followed directly by a noun or a stressed pronoun. It does not require any additional prepositions like 'de' or 'à'. This simplicity is one of its strengths, making it accessible even for beginners. For example, to say 'according to the teacher,' you simply say 'selon le professeur.' To say 'according to them,' you use the stressed pronoun: 'selon eux' or 'selon elles.' This direct connection between the preposition and the source is a consistent rule across all levels of French. When you want to introduce a personal opinion, 'selon moi' is the standard construction, though as mentioned before, it carries a slightly more objective tone than 'à mon avis.' It suggests that you are looking at yourself as a source of information among others. In more formal writing, such as journalism or academic essays, selon is often placed at the beginning of a sentence to set the stage for the information that follows. This is called a 'complément de phrase' and helps in organizing the flow of ideas. For instance, 'Selon une étude récente, le sommeil est essentiel pour la santé' (According to a recent study, sleep is essential for health). Here, selon immediately identifies the authority behind the claim, giving the sentence more weight and credibility. It can also be placed in the middle of a sentence, acting as a parenthetical insertion: 'Le projet sera terminé, selon le directeur, d'ici la fin du mois' (The project will be finished, according to the director, by the end of the month). This placement can emphasize the source or provide a slight pause in the sentence's rhythm.

Direct Object Following

Always follow selon with a noun, a name, or a stressed pronoun. Do not insert 'que' unless you are using the conjunction form 'selon que'.

Stressed Pronouns

When referring to people with pronouns, use: moi, toi, lui, elle, nous, vous, eux, elles. Example: 'Selon lui, tout va bien.'

Conjunction Usage

Use 'selon que' followed by a clause (subject + verb) to express a dependency on a condition. Example: 'Selon qu'il pleuve ou non, nous sortirons.'

Another important aspect of using selon is its role in expressing proportionality or correspondence. For example, 'Il est payé selon son travail' (He is paid according to his work/performance). In this sense, selon functions similarly to 'in accordance with' or 'proportionate to.' This is common in legal, financial, and professional contexts. It establishes a direct link between an action and its consequence or reward. Furthermore, selon can be used to describe the manner in which something is done, following a specific set of rules or traditions. 'Ils se sont mariés selon le rite traditionnel' (They were married according to traditional rites). Here, it indicates adherence to a specific protocol. When you are learning to construct more complex sentences, pay attention to how selon interacts with other parts of speech. It is a very stable word; it doesn't change gender or number, which simplifies its application. However, the choice of the word following it is paramount. If you are using a verb after selon, you must use the 'selon que' form or change the verb into a noun (nominalization). For instance, instead of saying 'selon il pleut' (which is incorrect), you would say 'selon la pluie' (according to the rain) or 'selon qu'il pleut' (depending on whether it rains). This distinction is a common hurdle for English speakers who might try to translate 'according to what he says' literally. In French, this would be 'selon ce qu'il dit' or 'selon ses paroles.' Mastering these structural nuances will allow you to use selon with the precision of a native speaker, ensuring your sentences are both grammatically correct and naturally phrased.

In the French-speaking world, selon is a word you will encounter daily, across all media and social strata. One of the most common places to hear it is during the news. Journalists use selon constantly to attribute reports to sources, especially when the information is not yet fully verified or when they want to maintain journalistic neutrality. You will hear phrases like 'Selon nos informations' (According to our information) or 'Selon des témoins oculaires' (According to eyewitnesses). This usage is vital for the integrity of reporting, as it clearly separates the news outlet's voice from the evidence provided by others. Similarly, in weather forecasts, the phrase 'Selon Météo France' is a staple, grounding the predictions in the authority of the national meteorological service. In the professional world, selon is used in meetings and reports to cite data, policies, or the opinions of colleagues. A manager might say, 'Selon les derniers chiffres, nous devons réduire les coûts' (According to the latest figures, we must reduce costs). This helps in making arguments that are based on evidence rather than just personal feeling. In legal and administrative contexts, selon is used to refer to specific articles of law or regulations: 'Selon l'article 4 du code civil...' (According to article 4 of the civil code...). This precision is essential in a system built on written codes and strict procedures.

Media and Journalism

Used to cite sources, agencies (AFP), or witnesses. It is the standard tool for objective reporting and distancing the reporter from the claim.

Weather and Science

Commonly used to attribute forecasts or scientific findings to specific organizations or studies, such as 'selon le rapport du GIEC'.

Everyday Conversation

Used to share hearsay or opinions. 'Selon Pierre, le film est génial' is a typical way to pass on a friend's recommendation.

In casual social settings, selon is often used to share gossip or second-hand information. If you're talking about a mutual friend, you might say, 'Selon Julie, Marc a quitté son travail' (According to Julie, Marc quit his job). This protects you from being the one blamed if the information turns out to be false. It's a way of saying, 'I'm just the messenger.' You will also hear it in debates or discussions about preferences. If someone asks where the best bakery in town is, a response might be, 'Selon moi, c'est celle près de la gare, mais selon mon frère, c'est celle du centre-ville' (According to me, it's the one near the station, but according to my brother, it's the one downtown). This highlights how selon facilitates the expression of multiple, sometimes conflicting, viewpoints. In literature and film, selon is used to build narrative perspective. A narrator might describe events 'selon le point de vue du protagoniste' (according to the protagonist's point of view), which immediately tells the audience that the information might be biased or limited. This depth of usage shows that selon is not just a dry, functional word, but a tool for storytelling and nuanced communication. Whether you're listening to a podcast, watching a movie, or chatting at a café, keep an ear out for selon. You'll hear it in the way people justify their choices, cite their sources, and acknowledge the complexity of the world around them. It is a small word that carries the weight of authority, the flexibility of opinion, and the clarity of attribution.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using selon is trying to follow it with a preposition, specifically 'à' or 'de'. In English, we say 'according TO,' so there is a natural tendency to want to say 'selon à' or 'selon de.' However, in French, selon is a direct preposition. You must say 'selon le livre' and never 'selon au livre.' This error is common among beginners but can persist if not corrected early. Another common pitfall involves the use of 'selon moi.' While grammatically correct, using it too frequently can make your speech sound a bit stiff or overly formal. French speakers often prefer 'à mon avis' (in my opinion) or 'd'après moi' for personal viewpoints. 'Selon moi' can sometimes sound like you are citing yourself as an official source, which might come across as slightly arrogant or overly clinical depending on the context. It's better to vary your expressions of opinion to sound more natural. A third mistake is confusing selon with 'suivant.' While both can mean 'according to' or 'following,' 'suivant' is more often used for physical following or following a chronological order, whereas selon is used for attribution or dependency. For example, you would say 'suivant le chemin' (following the path) but 'selon la loi' (according to the law).

Incorrect Preposition Addition

Mistake: 'Selon à mon père'. Correct: 'Selon mon père'. Never add 'à' or 'de' after selon.

Confusing 'Selon' and 'D'après'

While often interchangeable, 'd'après' is slightly more common for personal opinions or informal sources, while selon is preferred for official or scientific sources.

Misusing 'Selon que'

Mistake: 'Selon qu'il pleut'. Correct: 'Selon qu'il pleut ou qu'il fait beau'. 'Selon que' usually requires a contrast between two possibilities.

Another nuance to be aware of is the difference between selon and 'en fonction de.' While both can translate to 'depending on,' 'en fonction de' is often used for more technical or mathematical dependencies. For example, 'Le prix varie en fonction de la distance' (The price varies as a function of distance). selon is more general and can be used for people's choices or broader circumstances. Furthermore, be careful with the phrase 'c'est selon.' It is a complete sentence on its own, but learners sometimes try to add 'de' or 'que' after it. If you want to specify what it depends on, use 'ça dépend de...' instead. 'C'est selon' is best kept as a standalone idiomatic response. Finally, remember that selon is a preposition of attribution, not cause. Do not use it to mean 'because of.' For 'because of,' use 'à cause de' or 'en raison de.' For example, 'Il est en retard selon son réveil' would mean his alarm clock says he is late, not that he is late because of his alarm clock. If you want to say he is late because of his alarm, say 'Il est en retard à cause de son réveil.' Understanding these distinctions will help you avoid the most common errors and speak French with greater clarity and accuracy. Pay attention to how native speakers use these words in context, and you will soon develop an intuitive feel for which one is appropriate in any given situation.

While selon is a versatile and common word, French offers several alternatives that can add variety and precision to your speech. The most direct synonym is 'd'après.' In many contexts, 'selon' and 'd'après' are interchangeable. For example, 'selon le journal' and 'd'après le journal' both mean 'according to the newspaper.' However, 'd'après' is often perceived as slightly less formal and is very common in spoken French. It is also frequently used with personal pronouns: 'd'après moi,' 'd'après lui.' Another alternative is 'suivant,' which can mean 'according to' when referring to a set of rules, a plan, or a sequence. For instance, 'suivant les instructions' (following/according to the instructions). 'Suivant' carries a stronger sense of following a path or a logical progression. For expressing dependency, 'en fonction de' is a powerful alternative. It translates to 'depending on' or 'as a function of' and is particularly useful in professional, scientific, or technical contexts. It suggests a more direct, often measurable, relationship between two variables. For example, 'Le salaire est fixé en fonction de l'expérience' (The salary is fixed based on/depending on experience).

Selon vs. D'après

'Selon' is more formal and objective, often used for official sources. 'D'après' is more common in everyday speech and personal opinions.

Selon vs. Suivant

'Selon' attributes information or dependency. 'Suivant' implies following a sequence, a physical path, or a set of guidelines.

Selon vs. En fonction de

'En fonction de' is more technical and indicates a direct correlation or calculation, whereas 'selon' is more general.

In more formal or literary French, you might encounter 'conformément à,' which means 'in accordance with' or 'in compliance with.' This is very common in contracts and official documents. For example, 'conformément au règlement' (in accordance with the regulations). Another sophisticated option is 'aux dires de,' which literally means 'to the sayings of.' It is used to attribute information to people, often with a slight hint of skepticism or distancing. For example, 'Aux dires de ses voisins, il était très discret' (According to his neighbors, he was very discreet). For personal opinions, besides 'à mon avis,' you can use 'pour ma part' (for my part) or 'en ce qui me concerne' (as far as I'm concerned). These phrases help you avoid repeating 'selon moi' and allow you to express your thoughts with different shades of emphasis. Finally, if you want to express dependency in a more idiomatic way, you can use 'cela dépend de.' While selon is a preposition, 'dépendre de' is a verb, giving you more flexibility in how you structure your sentence. For example, 'Cela dépend de votre budget' (That depends on your budget). By learning these alternatives, you not only expand your vocabulary but also gain the ability to tailor your language to the specific context, whether it's a casual conversation with friends or a formal presentation at work. Each of these words and phrases has its own unique flavor, and mastering them will make your French sound more nuanced, natural, and expressive.