Les phrases complexes – How to build complex sentences in French?

Key takeaways

• A complex sentence combines a main clause with one or more subordinate clauses.
• Subordinate clauses begin with words like que, quand, si, parce que.
• Mastering connectors helps build long, natural French sentences.
• Complex sentences add nuance, detail, and fluency to speech and writing.
• Practice with examples to transform simple phrases into advanced ones.

What Are Complex Sentences in French?

A complex sentence (phrase complexe) goes beyond short statements. It joins at least two ideas with a logical relationship.

Example:

• Je reste à la maison parce qu’il pleut. → I’m staying home because it’s raining.

The Structure of French Complex Sentences

A complex sentence typically has:

1. Main clause → complete thought.
2. Subordinate clause → depends on the main clause.

Example:

• Je ne suis pas sorti parce que j’étais malade. 
  Main clause: Je ne suis pas sorti. 
  Subordinate clause: parce que j’étais malade.

Types of Subordinate Clauses

1. Relative Clauses

Begin with qui, que, où, dont.

• Le livre que j’ai lu était passionnant. → The book that I read was fascinating.

2. Causal Clauses

Express reasons with parce que, puisque, comme.

• Je suis en retard parce que j’ai raté le bus. → I’m late because I missed the bus.

3. Temporal Clauses

Use quand, lorsque, dès que, pendant que.

• Je t’appellerai quand j’arriverai. → I’ll call you when I arrive.

4. Conditional Clauses

Use si.

• Si tu veux, on peut sortir ce soir. → If you want, we can go out tonight.

5. Concessive Clauses

Use bien que, quoique.

• Bien qu’il fasse froid, nous sortons. → Although it’s cold, we’re going out.

Connectors to Build Advanced French Sentences

Some useful linking words:

• Cause: parce que, puisque, car
• Contrast: mais, pourtant, cependant
• Addition: et, de plus, en outre
• Condition: si, à condition que
• Purpose: afin que, pour que

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Examples of Complex Sentences in French

• Je suis resté chez moi parce que j’étais fatigué. → I stayed home because I was tired.
• Elle a réussi à l’examen bien qu’elle n’ait pas beaucoup étudié. → She passed the exam although she hadn’t studied much.
• Il sortira dès qu’il aura fini ses devoirs. → He’ll go out as soon as he finishes his homework.
• Si nous avions plus de temps, nous voyagerions davantage. → If we had more time, we would travel more.

Simple vs Complex Sentences

Practice: Turn Simple into Complex Sentences

1. Add a reason

• Il étudie. → (add “because he wants to succeed”)

2. Add a condition

• Nous sortirons. → (add “if it stops raining”)

3. Add a concession

• Ils voyagent. → (add “although they are tired”)

Answers

1. Il étudie parce qu’il veut réussir.
2. Nous sortirons s’il arrête de pleuvoir.
3. Ils voyagent bien qu’ils soient fatigués.

Tips for Mastering French Complex Sentences

• Learn common conjunctions and subordinating words.
• Start with two short ideas and connect them with parce que, quand, si.
• Practice rewriting simple sentences into complex ones.
• Read advanced texts and highlight connectors.

For more structured learning, review our French verb tenses overview. For effective study tips, check learning French effectively. And to plan your goals, see how long it takes to learn French fluently.

Summary

Complex sentences in French combine a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. They use connectors like parce que, quand, si, bien que to express reasons, conditions, time, and contrast.

By exploring Talkpal’s guide on Complex Sentences and colanguage’s Complex Sentences, you can deepen your understanding. Over time, you’ll move from short, simple ideas to fluent, advanced French phrases as you learn French with Promova.