dans l' hypothèse
dans the hypothèse
Literally: in the hypothesis
Use it to sound organized and professional when discussing 'what if' scenarios and backup plans.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'if' or 'in case'.
- Usually followed by 'où' and the conditional verb mood.
- Perfect for planning, business, and polite hypothetical scenarios.
Meaning
Think of it as a sophisticated way to say 'if' or 'in the case that.' It is used when you are weighing a specific possibility or planning for a 'what if' scenario.
Key Examples
3 of 6Planning a picnic with a friend
Dans l'hypothèse où il pleuvrait, on pourrait aller au cinéma.
In the event that it rains, we could go to the cinema.
A professional business meeting
Dans l'hypothèse d'un échec, quel est notre plan de secours ?
In the event of a failure, what is our backup plan?
Texting about a potential delay
Dans l'hypothèse où j'aurais du retard, commencez sans moi.
In the event that I'm late, start without me.
Cultural Background
This expression highlights the French 'esprit cartésien' (Cartesian mind), which values logical deduction and structured thought. It became popular in administrative and legal contexts before entering standard speech. It reflects a culture that prefers to anticipate problems rather than just reacting to them.
The 'Où' Rule
Always remember the 'où' when using a verb. It translates to 'where' literally, but here it means 'in which case'.
Avoid the Subjunctive
Many learners try to use the subjunctive here, but the conditional is the standard partner for 'dans l'hypothèse où'.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'if' or 'in case'.
- Usually followed by 'où' and the conditional verb mood.
- Perfect for planning, business, and polite hypothetical scenarios.
What It Means
Dans l'hypothèse is your go-to phrase for exploring possibilities. It functions like a formal version of si (if). When you use it, you are setting the stage for a specific condition. It sounds intellectual but remains very practical in daily life. You are essentially saying, 'Let’s assume this happens for a moment.' It invites your listener to consider a potential future event. It is less about certainty and more about preparation.
How To Use It
You will most often see it as dans l'hypothèse où. This specific structure is almost always followed by the conditional mood. For example, dans l'hypothèse où il pleuvrait (in the event that it might rain). You can also follow it with a noun phrase using de. Try dans l'hypothèse d'un retard (in the case of a delay). It acts as a logical bridge between a condition and a consequence. Just remember to keep your verbs in the conditional to sound like a pro.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you want to sound organized and thoughtful. It is perfect for business meetings when discussing strategy. It works well when planning travel or events with friends. If you are writing a formal email, it adds a nice touch of professional polish. You might use it at a restaurant if you are unsure about your order. 'In the hypothesis that you're out of steak, I'll take the fish.' It shows you are thinking ahead and have a plan B.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in high-intensity emotional moments or very casual slang. If you are shouting at someone in traffic, don't use this phrase. It is too wordy for a quick text to your best friend about grabbing water. Don't use it if the situation is 100% certain to happen. Using it for something obvious like 'in the hypothesis that the sun rises' sounds robotic. Keep it for things that are actually uncertain or need planning. It can feel a bit 'stiff' if used every five minutes.
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on logic and Cartesian thinking. This phrase reflects that love for structured reasoning. It stems from scientific and philosophical discourse where hypotheses are tested. Over time, it moved from the laboratory into everyday polite conversation. It suggests that the speaker is a rational person who considers all angles. It is a linguistic nod to the French appreciation for 'le bon sens' (common sense).
Common Variations
The most common twin is au cas où (in case). This is much more frequent in casual spoken French. Another variation is dans l'éventualité où, which is even more formal. If you want to be very brief, you can just use si. However, dans l'hypothèse remains the gold standard for sounding smart. It bridges the gap between simple speech and academic writing perfectly.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral to formal. The biggest mistake is using the indicative (present tense) instead of the conditional after 'où'.
The 'Où' Rule
Always remember the 'où' when using a verb. It translates to 'where' literally, but here it means 'in which case'.
Avoid the Subjunctive
Many learners try to use the subjunctive here, but the conditional is the standard partner for 'dans l'hypothèse où'.
The 'Au cas où' Shortcut
In a rush? Use 'au cas où'. It's the cooler, shorter cousin that French people use 90% of the time in the street.
Examples
6Dans l'hypothèse où il pleuvrait, on pourrait aller au cinéma.
In the event that it rains, we could go to the cinema.
Uses the conditional mood 'pleuvrait' to show uncertainty.
Dans l'hypothèse d'un échec, quel est notre plan de secours ?
In the event of a failure, what is our backup plan?
Followed by a noun phrase 'd'un échec' for brevity.
Dans l'hypothèse où j'aurais du retard, commencez sans moi.
In the event that I'm late, start without me.
A polite way to warn others of a possibility.
Dans l'hypothèse où je deviendrais riche demain, je vous invite tous !
Assuming I become rich tomorrow, I'm inviting you all!
Adds a slightly dramatic, humorous flair to a dream scenario.
Dans l'hypothèse où on habiterait ensemble, il faudrait un grand salon.
In the event that we lived together, we would need a large living room.
Used to test the waters of a serious topic gently.
Dans l'hypothèse où vous n'auriez plus de plat du jour, que proposez-vous ?
In the event that you don't have the daily special anymore, what do you suggest?
Very polite and structured way to ask for alternatives.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb form to follow the phrase.
Dans l'hypothèse où vous ___ (pouvoir) venir, prévenez-nous.
After 'dans l'hypothèse où', we use the conditional mood (pourriez).
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
Dans l'hypothèse ___ un changement de programme, je t'appelle.
When followed by a noun (un changement), we use 'de' (or 'd' before a vowel).
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Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'If' Expressions
Used with friends for simple conditions.
Si...
Common in spoken French for 'just in case'.
Au cas où...
The phrase 'dans l'hypothèse' sits here.
Dans l'hypothèse où...
Legal or highly academic contexts.
Dans l'éventualité où...
Where to use 'Dans l'hypothèse'
Office Strategy
Planning for market changes.
Travel Planning
Discussing flight delays.
Dinner Party
Planning for extra guests.
Scientific Lab
Proposing a new theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsNot exactly. 'Si' is a general 'if', while 'dans l'hypothèse' is more about exploring a specific, often professional or planned, scenario.
You should use the conditional mood, like dans l'hypothèse où il viendrait (in the event that he would come).
Yes, but it makes you sound very polite or slightly formal. It's great if you're texting a boss or someone you don't know well.
Generally no. While 'dans l'hypothèse que' can take the subjunctive, 'dans l'hypothèse où' (the most common version) takes the conditional.
It might be a bit stiff. Stick to si or au cas où unless you're trying to sound like a philosopher!
'Au cas où' is more casual and common in speech. 'Dans l'hypothèse' is more structured and common in writing or professional settings.
Yes! You can say dans l'hypothèse d'une victoire (in the event of a victory). Just use 'de' before the noun.
Very common. Journalists love it for discussing political possibilities or economic forecasts.
The 'h' is silent (h muet), so you must make the elision: l'hypothèse sounds like 'lee-po-tez'.
Absolutely. It's a great way to set the context at the beginning of a thought, e.g., Dans l'hypothèse où tout se passe bien...
Rarely. You would usually stick to the singular unless you are literally discussing multiple distinct hypotheses.
Related Phrases
Au cas où
En admettant que
Dans l'éventualité où
Sous réserve que
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