When learning a new language, understanding the role and usage of conjunctions is crucial for mastering sentence structure and coherence. One essential conjunction in many languages, particularly in French, is “et,” which translates to “that” in English. This tiny word serves a significant function in connecting ideas, introducing clauses, and adding depth to expressions.
What is a Subordinating Conjunction?
To fully grasp the importance of “et,” it’s necessary to understand what a subordinating conjunction is. Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, creating a complex sentence. They introduce the dependent clause and show the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. In essence, they help provide context, cause, condition, contrast, purpose, or time to the main clause.
Examples of subordinating conjunctions in English include words like “because,” “since,” “if,” “when,” and “although.” In French, “et” plays a similar role.
The Role of “et” in French
In French, “et” is often used to mean “that,” and it is integral in forming complex sentences. For example:
– Je pense que tu es intelligent. (I think that you are smart.)
– Il dit que c’est vrai. (He says that it is true.)
Here, “et” introduces the dependent clause and ties it to the independent clause, providing a complete thought. Without “et,” these sentences would be fragmented and lack coherence.
Using “et” to Introduce Indirect Speech
One of the most common uses of “et” is in indirect speech. Indirect speech is used to report what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. In English, we often use “that” to introduce indirect speech, and in French, “et” serves the same purpose.
For example:
Direct Speech: Marie said, “I am tired.”
Indirect Speech: Marie a dit qu‘elle était fatiguée. (Marie said that she was tired.)
In this example, “et” introduces the clause that reports what Marie said. Without “et,” the sentence would be incomplete and confusing.
Examples of Indirect Speech with “et”
Here are more examples of how “et” is used in indirect speech:
– Direct Speech: Jean said, “I will come tomorrow.”
– Indirect Speech: Jean a dit qu‘il viendrait demain. (Jean said that he would come tomorrow.)
– Direct Speech: She said, “I love this book.”
– Indirect Speech: Elle a dit qu‘elle aimait ce livre. (She said that she loved this book.)
– Direct Speech: The teacher said, “You must study hard.”
– Indirect Speech: Le professeur a dit qu‘il fallait étudier sérieusement. (The teacher said that we must study hard.)
In each of these examples, “et” is essential for connecting the dependent clause to the main verb, thereby completing the sentence.
Using “et” to Express Opinions and Beliefs
Another common use of “et” is to express opinions, beliefs, and desires. In English, we might say, “I think that…,” “I believe that…,” or “I hope that….” In French, “et” is used in similar constructions.
For example:
– Je pense qu‘il a raison. (I think that he is right.)
– Nous croyons qu‘elle viendra. (We believe that she will come.)
– J’espère qu‘il fera beau demain. (I hope that the weather will be nice tomorrow.)
In these sentences, “et” introduces the clause that contains the speaker’s opinion, belief, or desire. Without “et,” the sentences would be incomplete and the meaning unclear.
Examples of Opinions and Beliefs with “et”
Here are more examples of how “et” is used to express opinions and beliefs:
– Je pense qu‘il est important d’étudier. (I think that it is important to study.)
– Elle croit qu‘il est honnête. (She believes that he is honest.)
– Nous espérons qu‘ils réussiront. (We hope that they will succeed.)
In each of these sentences, “et” is essential for introducing the clause that follows the main verb, thereby completing the thought.
Using “et” in Relative Clauses
A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause. In English, relative clauses are often introduced by words like “that,” “which,” “who,” or “whom.” In French, “et” can serve a similar purpose, especially when introducing a clause that provides additional information about a noun.
For example:
– La maison qu‘il a achetée est grande. (The house that he bought is big.)
– Le livre qu‘elle lit est intéressant. (The book that she is reading is interesting.)
In these sentences, “et” introduces the relative clause that provides more information about the noun it follows. Without “et,” the sentences would be incomplete and lack specificity.
Examples of Relative Clauses with “et”
Here are more examples of how “et” is used in relative clauses:
– La voiture qu‘il conduit est rapide. (The car that he drives is fast.)
– Le film qu‘elle a vu était ennuyeux. (The movie that she saw was boring.)
– Le chien qu‘ils ont adopté est mignon. (The dog that they adopted is cute.)
In each of these sentences, “et” is essential for introducing the relative clause that follows the noun, thereby providing additional information and completing the thought.
Using “et” in Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences express a condition and its possible outcome. In English, we often use “if” to introduce the condition. In French, “et” can be used in a similar way to introduce the condition.
For example:
– Si tu penses qu‘il a raison, alors écoute-le. (If you think that he is right, then listen to him.)
– Si elle croit qu‘il viendra, alors elle doit l’attendre. (If she believes that he will come, then she should wait for him.)
In these sentences, “et” introduces the condition that must be met for the main clause to be true. Without “et,” the sentences would be incomplete and the condition unclear.
Examples of Conditional Sentences with “et”
Here are more examples of how “et” is used in conditional sentences:
– Si vous pensez qu‘il est important, alors faites-le. (If you think that it is important, then do it.)
– Si nous croyons qu‘il est possible, alors essayons. (If we believe that it is possible, then let’s try.)
– Si tu espères qu‘il viendra, alors invite-le. (If you hope that he will come, then invite him.)
In each of these sentences, “et” is essential for introducing the condition that must be met for the main clause to be true.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
While “et” is a relatively simple word, there are a few common pitfalls that language learners should be aware of.
Omitting “et”
One common mistake is omitting “et” when it is needed. This can lead to incomplete sentences and confusion. For example:
Incorrect: Je pense tu es intelligent.
Correct: Je pense qu‘tu es intelligent.
In the incorrect sentence, the omission of “et” makes the sentence incomplete and confusing. Always remember to include “et” when introducing a dependent clause.
Using “et” Incorrectly
Another common mistake is using “et” incorrectly. This can happen when learners confuse “et” with other conjunctions or prepositions. For example:
Incorrect: Je pense de tu es intelligent.
Correct: Je pense qu‘tu es intelligent.
In the incorrect sentence, “de” is used instead of “et,” making the sentence grammatically incorrect. Always use “et” to introduce a dependent clause.
Forgetting Agreement
In French, verbs and adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. When using “et,” it is important to remember this rule. For example:
Incorrect: La maison qu‘il a achetée est grand.
Correct: La maison qu‘il a achetée est grande.
In the incorrect sentence, “grand” does not agree in gender with “maison.” Always ensure that verbs and adjectives agree with the nouns they modify.
Practice Exercises
To help reinforce your understanding of “et,” here are a few practice exercises. Try to complete the sentences using “et” correctly.
1. Je pense ___ tu es intelligent.
2. Elle a dit ___ elle viendrait demain.
3. La voiture ___ il conduit est rapide.
4. Si vous pensez ___ il est important, alors faites-le.
5. Nous croyons ___ elle est honnête.
Answers:
1. Je pense qu‘tu es intelligent.
2. Elle a dit qu‘elle viendrait demain.
3. La voiture qu‘il conduit est rapide.
4. Si vous pensez qu‘il est important, alors faites-le.
5. Nous croyons qu‘elle est honnête.
Conclusion
Understanding the role and usage of “et” is essential for mastering French sentence structure and coherence. As a subordinating conjunction, “et” is used to introduce dependent clauses, express opinions and beliefs, create relative clauses, and form conditional sentences. By practicing the correct usage of “et” and avoiding common pitfalls, language learners can improve their fluency and comprehension in French. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing and soon you’ll be using “et” with confidence and ease.
