Conjunctions with Sub

This grammar works by creating a hierarchy. You have a main clause that stands alone. Then, you add a subordinate clause. This second part depends on the first part. It cannot stand alone and make sense. The conjunction is the link between them. It sits right in the middle usually. It tells the listener the relationship between ideas. Some conjunctions explain a cause or reason. Others tell you exactly when something happens. Some words even explain a specific condition. In French, these words are very stable. They do not change for gender or number. They are like sturdy anchors in your sentence. You just need to pick the right one. Using them correctly makes you sound very smart. It shows you understand how ideas relate. This is like leveling up in a game. Your sentences become more powerful and detailed. You can finally share your logic with others.

1. 1Start with your main independent sentence.
2. 2Choose the correct subordinating conjunction word.
3. 3Add the subject for your next idea.
4. 4Finish with the verb and the rest.
5. 5Check if que needs an apostrophe.
6. 6Remember that que becomes qu' before vowels.
7. 7Place a comma if you start with the conjunction.
8. 8Keep the word order very simple and direct.
9. 9Do not drop the word que ever.
10. 10English speakers often drop "that," but French cannot.

Use these words when you want to explain. Use parce que to give a clear reason. It is the most common way to say "because." Use it when someone asks you "Why?" in French. You can use quand to talk about time. Use it for habits or future plans. For example, use it for "When I am home." Use si when you want to say "if." It is perfect for making simple deals. "If you come, I will be happy." Use que to link thoughts to verbs. Use it after verbs like "I think" or "I say." It is the most used conjunction in French. You will hear it in every single conversation. Use comme at the start of a sentence. It works well for "since" or "as" reasons. These words are perfect for ordering food. They are great for explaining why you are late. Use them to describe your typical daily routine. They help you tell a much better story.

Do not use these words without a verb. A conjunction needs a full clause after it. Do not use parce que to start a sentence. In formal writing, use comme for that purpose. Do not confuse si with the word oui. Both can mean "yes" in different specific contexts. But only si works for the word "if." Do not drop the word que in French. This is a very common mistake for beginners. In English, we often say "I think you are nice." In French, you must say "I think that..." Do not use these words to link nouns. Use prepositions like avec or pour for nouns. These conjunctions are strictly for linking full ideas. Do not overthink the tense at A1 level. Usually, the present tense works perfectly for both. Keep your sentences short and clear for now. There is no need for five conjunctions at once. One bridge per sentence is plenty for starters.

Many learners forget the mandatory apostrophe for que. You must write qu'il instead of que il. It sounds much better to a French ear. Another mistake is using pourquoi instead of parce que. Remember that pourquoi is only for the question. Parce que is strictly for the actual answer. Some people try to translate "that" as nothing. But French is very strict about keeping que. It is the most important rule to remember. Beginners often forget the comma after starting with quand. A small pause helps the listener understand you. Do not use si with the future tense yet. At A1, stick to the simple present tense. It is much easier and usually very correct. Some learners use car instead of parce que. Car is very formal and mostly for books. Stick to parce que in your daily chats. It sounds much more natural and friendly. Don't worry, even natives trip sometimes on these. Just keep practicing your basic sentence links daily.

Contrast parce que with the simple word pour. Pour is followed by a basic infinitive verb. Parce que is followed by a full subject. For example, "I run to lose weight" uses pour. But "I run because I am late" uses parce que. Contrast quand with the word lors de. Lors de is for a noun or event. Quand is for a full action with a subject. Contrast si with the word quand for timing. Si is about a possibility or a doubt. Quand is about a certainty in the future. Contrast que with the relative pronoun qui. Qui acts as the subject of the verb. Que is just the link to the object. This is a bit tricky for A1 students. Just remember that que always needs a subject. Finally, contrast mais with these subordinating words. Mais is a coordinating conjunction for equal ideas. Subordinating words make one idea depend on another. It is like a boss and an assistant. One carries the main load of the meaning.