French conjunctive phrases

A conjunctive phrase is a conjunction made up of more than one word. It acts in the same way as regular conjunctions such as et and ou, and is used to link two clauses together.

Below you’ll find some common conjunctive phrases used in French. Notice how many of them end in que, which can be a sign that you’re dealing with a conjunctive phrase.

The conjunctive phrases above are all followed by verbs in the indicative mood.

Below you’ll find a list of conjunctive phrases followed by verbs in the subjunctive mood. (For more information about when we use the subjunctive, be sure to check out Lesson 30 of The Complete French Course.)

* These phrases require the "ne" explétif. Find out more about this in Lesson 31 of the Complete French Course.

Now let’s take a look at a few examples.

Nous partirons aussitôt que vous serez prêts - We will leave as soon as you are ready

Elles lisent pendant que tu fais tes devoirs - They are reading while you are doing your homework

On fera une balade à vélo à condition qu'il fasse beau - We will go for a bike ride as long as the weather is nice

Il est sorti bien qu'il fasse froid - He went out although it was cold

Elle n'a pas réveillé le chien de crainte qu’il ne se mette à aboyer - She didn’t wake up the dog for fear he would start barking