sans l' hypothèse
sans the hypothèse
Literally: without the hypothesis
Use it to strip away assumptions and focus on the core reality of a situation.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'without the assumption' or 'excluding the theory'.
- Used to simplify complex logical or professional arguments.
- Best for meetings, debates, or serious problem-solving sessions.
Meaning
This phrase means 'without the hypothesis' or 'excluding the assumption.' You use it when you want to set aside a specific theory or 'what if' scenario to focus on the facts at hand.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Sans l'hypothèse d'un nouveau financement, le projet s'arrête.
Without the hypothesis of new funding, the project stops.
Discussing a hypothetical travel plan
Sans l'hypothèse du beau temps, que ferons-nous ?
Without the assumption of good weather, what will we do?
A scientific discussion
Sans l'hypothèse de départ, les résultats sont nuls.
Without the starting hypothesis, the results are void.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the French 'esprit critique' or critical spirit, which is taught early in schools. It originates from formal scientific and philosophical discourse but has trickled down into professional and intellectual daily speech. It highlights the French preference for structured, deductive reasoning during discussions.
Sound like a pro
Use this phrase when you want to sound analytical. It's a favorite of French engineers and managers.
Don't overdo it
If you use it too much in casual conversation, you might sound like you're lecturing your friends.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'without the assumption' or 'excluding the theory'.
- Used to simplify complex logical or professional arguments.
- Best for meetings, debates, or serious problem-solving sessions.
What It Means
Imagine you are building a Lego castle. You assume you have all the pieces. Sans l'hypothèse is what happens when you take that assumption away. It means looking at a situation without any guesses. You are stripping away the 'maybe' to see the 'is.' It is a way to simplify a complex problem. You are basically saying, 'Let's stop pretending this one thing is true for a second.'
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the start of a sentence to set the stage. It acts like a filter for your thoughts. You can also use it mid-sentence to pivot. It is very common in logical arguments or scientific debates. However, you can use it in daily life too. Use it when a friend is overthinking a text from a crush. It helps clear the mental clutter. It is like hitting the 'reset' button on a brainstorm.
When To Use It
Use it during a meeting when a project depends on a big 'if.' It is perfect for risk assessment. Use it when talking to your bank or a lawyer. It works well when you are debating a movie plot with friends. It feels smart and precise. It shows you are thinking three steps ahead. Use it when you want to be the voice of reason in a chaotic group chat.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a loud party or a club. It is a bit too 'academic' for a dance floor. Avoid it if you are just trying to say 'no.' It is not a synonym for a simple refusal. If your mom asks if you want soup, do not say sans l'hypothèse. That would just be weird. Also, avoid it in very high-stress emotional fights. It might sound like you are being cold or robotic.
Cultural Background
French culture loves logic and the 'Cartesian' way of thinking. This phrase stems from the tradition of formal debate and philosophy. In France, being able to dissect an argument is a social skill. It is not just for scientists; it is for anyone at a dinner table. It reflects a cultural value of intellectual rigor. Even a baker might use logical structures when discussing the weather!
Common Variations
You might hear en dehors de cette hypothèse which means 'outside of this hypothesis.' Another one is si l'on écarte l'hypothèse, meaning 'if we set aside the hypothesis.' These are slightly more wordy. Sans l'hypothèse is the punchy, direct version. It gets straight to the point without the fluff. It is the 'espresso' of logical transitions.
Usage Notes
This is a B1-level collocation that leans toward a formal or neutral register. It is perfect for structured arguments but should be used sparingly in purely social, relaxed settings.
Sound like a pro
Use this phrase when you want to sound analytical. It's a favorite of French engineers and managers.
Don't overdo it
If you use it too much in casual conversation, you might sound like you're lecturing your friends.
The Cartesian Secret
French people value 'la clarté' (clarity). Using this phrase helps you provide the structure they appreciate in a conversation.
Examples
6Sans l'hypothèse d'un nouveau financement, le projet s'arrête.
Without the hypothesis of new funding, the project stops.
Used here to show a hard reality in a professional setting.
Sans l'hypothèse du beau temps, que ferons-nous ?
Without the assumption of good weather, what will we do?
Planning for a 'worst-case' scenario with friends.
Sans l'hypothèse de départ, les résultats sont nuls.
Without the starting hypothesis, the results are void.
Very literal use in a research context.
Sans l'hypothèse qu'il ment, son histoire est bizarre.
Without the assumption that he's lying, his story is weird.
Casual way to analyze someone's behavior.
Sans l'hypothèse des aliens, comment expliques-tu ma chaussette perdue ?
Without the alien hypothesis, how do you explain my lost sock?
Using a formal structure for a silly topic.
Sans l'hypothèse d'un futur ensemble, pourquoi essayer ?
Without the assumption of a future together, why try?
Used to question the foundation of a relationship.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the logical deduction.
___ d'une augmentation, je ne peux pas acheter cette voiture.
You use 'Sans l'hypothèse' to express that if the condition (the raise) is removed, the result (buying the car) is impossible.
Complete the sentence for a professional context.
Le plan échoue ___ d'un accord mutuel.
In a professional context, 'sans l'hypothèse' fits the logical structure of a failing plan.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Sans l'hypothèse'
Rarely used, sounds a bit stiff.
Talking about dinner.
Good for serious discussions with friends.
Debating a movie.
Perfect for work and writing.
Business reports.
Where to use 'Sans l'hypothèse'
Boardroom
Analyzing budget cuts.
University
Writing a philosophy essay.
Legal Office
Discussing contract clauses.
Coffee Shop
Debating a complex theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is common in professional or intellectual circles, but less so in very casual slang-heavy talk. You'll hear it in news debates or meetings like Sans l'hypothèse de la grève....
Not really. Saying Sans l'hypothèse du sel sounds like a science experiment. Just say Sans le sel for your fries.
Si on oublie (if we forget) is much more informal. Sans l'hypothèse sounds more rigorous and calculated.
No, it is usually followed by 'de' or 'que' depending on the structure, such as sans l'hypothèse d'un succès.
In the right context (work/debate), it sounds intelligent. In a bar, it might sound a bit 'pretentious' if used for small talk.
Yes, it is excellent for professional emails. For example: Sans l'hypothèse d'un retard, nous livrerons demain.
Yes, Sans les hypothèses... if you are discarding multiple theories at once.
You could say Même si on ne compte pas... (Even if we don't count...).
Not necessarily. It just means you are choosing to ignore it for the sake of the current argument.
Yes, especially in detective novels or philosophical texts to narrow down possibilities.
Related Phrases
Dans l'hypothèse où
Partir du principe que
Sous réserve de
À supposer que
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