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French • Level 1 • GRAMMAR

simple clause (2)

💡 Grammar Rule

Circumstantial Complements in French

In French, a simple sentence is usually composed of a subject, a verb, and sometimes an object. However, we often add circumstantial complements (les compléments circonstanciels) to provide more detail. These elements are not essential to the grammar of the verb, meaning they can usually be moved around or removed without making the sentence incorrect.

What do they express?

Circumstantial complements provide extra information regarding the context of an action. The most common types are:

  • Place (Lieu): Answers the question "Where?"
    • Example: Je travaille à Paris. (I work in Paris.)
  • Time (Temps): Answers the question "When?"
    • Example: Nous partons demain. (We are leaving tomorrow.)
  • Cause (Cause): Answers the question "Why?"
    • Example: Elle pleure de joie. (She is crying out of joy.)
  • Opposition (Opposition): Shows a contrast or something happening despite an obstacle.
    • Example: Il sort malgré la pluie. (He is going out despite the rain.)
  • Purpose (But): Answers the question "For what goal?"
    • Example: Je révise pour réussir. (I am studying to succeed.)

Flexibility and Usage

Because these complements are optional "add-ons," you can often place them at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence to change the emphasis. For example, "Demain, nous partons" (Tomorrow, we are leaving) focuses more on the time than "Nous partons demain."

Where are you going tonight?
Où vas-tu ce soir ?
I’m going to the movies with Marie.
Je vais au cinéma avec Marie.
I’m working a lot today.
Je travaille beaucoup aujourd’hui.
Ah, so you’re resting tomorrow then.
Ah, tu te reposes demain alors.
Why is she late?
Pourquoi est-elle en retard ?
She’s arriving late because of the traffic.
Elle arrive tard à cause du trafic.
They are studying for the exam.
Ils étudient pour l’examen.
They are very serious.
Ils sont très sérieux.
Where do you all live now?
Où habitez-vous maintenant ?
We live in a small house.
Nous habitons dans une petite maison.
He walks despite the rain.
Il marche malgré la pluie.
He is a brave man.
C’est un homme courageux.
At what time are we eating?
À quelle heure mangeons-nous ?
We’re having dinner at eight.
Nous dînons à huit heures.
The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
Le chat dort sur le canapé.
He is really cute.
Il est vraiment mignon.
Why are you buying bread?
Pourquoi achetez-vous du pain ?
I’m buying bread for breakfast.
J’achète du pain pour le petit-déjeuner.
She’s leaving on vacation tomorrow.
Elle part en vacances demain.
She is very lucky.
Elle a beaucoup de chance.
Why is he crying?
Pourquoi pleure-t-il ?
He is crying with joy.
Il pleure de joie.
We’re eating at the restaurant tonight.
Nous dînons au restaurant ce soir.
That’s an excellent idea.
C’est une excellente idée.
When do you finish your work?
Quand finis-tu ton travail ?
I finish my work at five.
Je finis mon travail à cinq heures.
She smiles despite the tiredness.
Elle sourit malgré la fatigue.
She is always positive.
Elle est toujours positive.
Where are my keys?
Où sont mes clés ?
Your keys are on the table.
Tes clés sont sur la table.
I do sports for my health.
Je fais du sport pour ma santé.
It’s good for the morale too.
C’est bon pour le moral aussi.
When are you all coming?
Vous venez quand ?
We’re coming next Monday.
Nous venons lundi prochain.
The school is closed because of the snow.
L’école est fermée à cause de la neige.
The children are happy.
Les enfants sont contents.
Why are you going to the bank?
Pourquoi vas-tu à la banque ?
I’m going there to withdraw money.
J’y vais pour retirer de l’argent.
The flowers grow in the garden.
Les fleurs poussent dans le jardin.
They are magnificent.
Elles sont magnifiques.
Does it rain often here?
Est-ce qu’il pleut souvent ici ?
It rains a lot in autumn.
Il pleut beaucoup en automne.
We’re going out despite the wind.
Nous sortons malgré le vent.
Bundle up well then.
Couvrez-vous bien alors.

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