B2 Collocation Neutro 3 min de leitura

engendrer des conséquences

to generate consequences

Literalmente: to beget consequences

Use this to explain the serious, logical results of an action in professional or thoughtful conversations.

Em 15 segundos

  • Used to describe how one action creates a ripple effect.
  • More sophisticated and 'weighty' than the simple verb 'causer'.
  • Perfect for professional, academic, or serious personal discussions.

Significado

This phrase describes how one action or event sets off a chain reaction of results. It’s like saying 'this will lead to that,' but with a bit more weight and seriousness behind it.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

In a business meeting about a new policy

Ce changement de stratégie pourrait engendrer des conséquences financières importantes.

This change in strategy could generate significant financial consequences.

💼
2

A doctor explaining health risks to a patient

Une mauvaise alimentation peut engendrer des conséquences sur votre santé à long terme.

A poor diet can lead to consequences for your long-term health.

👔
3

Texting a friend about a dramatic breakup

Leur rupture va engendrer des conséquences de fou dans notre groupe d'amis.

Their breakup is going to cause crazy consequences in our friend group.

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

The verb 'engendrer' comes from the Latin 'ingenerare,' meaning to implant or produce. In French history and literature, it was often used in genealogical contexts to describe lineages. Today, it has shifted into the intellectual sphere, used by journalists and thinkers to describe the inevitable 'birth' of social or economic outcomes.

💡

The 'Birth' Connection

If you struggle to remember 'engendrer', think of the English word 'engender' or 'generator'. They all share the root of 'bringing something into existence'.

⚠️

Don't Over-Drama

Avoid using this for trivialities. Saying 'Dropping my toast engendered consequences' is grammatically correct but will make you sound like a character in a Shakespeare play.

Em 15 segundos

  • Used to describe how one action creates a ripple effect.
  • More sophisticated and 'weighty' than the simple verb 'causer'.
  • Perfect for professional, academic, or serious personal discussions.

What It Means

Think of engendrer des conséquences as the sophisticated cousin of 'cause and effect.' The verb engendrer literally means to father or to procreate. When you use it here, you are saying that an action is giving birth to a series of results. It implies a logical, often unavoidable, progression. It’s not just about one simple result. It’s about the whole ripple effect that follows. If you skip a meeting, it might engendrer des conséquences for your whole team. It suggests that the outcome is significant and perhaps a bit complex.

How To Use It

You use this phrase just like you would use 'to cause' in English. The subject is usually the action or the event that starts everything. For example, Le manque de sommeil peut engendrer des conséquences graves. You don't need fancy grammar here. Just a subject, the verb engendrer, and the noun conséquences. You can add adjectives like positives, négatives, or imprévues to spice it up. It sounds great in both writing and speaking. It makes you sound like you’ve really thought about the situation.

When To Use It

This is a star in professional settings. Use it during a performance review or a strategy meeting. It’s also perfect for discussing social issues or politics. If you’re talking to a friend about a big life choice, it works there too. It adds a layer of maturity to your conversation. Use it when the stakes feel a bit higher than usual. It’s great for explaining why a rule exists. It helps people see the 'big picture' of their actions.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this for tiny, everyday accidents. If you drop a spoon, don't say it will engendrer des conséquences. That sounds way too dramatic! It would be like saying 'this spoon drop shall beget a legacy of sorrow.' People will think you’re being sarcastic or just very weird. Also, avoid it in very slang-heavy conversations with teenagers. They might find it a bit 'academic' or stiff. Stick to ça va faire des problèmes in those cases.

Cultural Background

French culture loves discussing the 'why' and 'how' of things. The verb engendrer has a biblical and biological history. It feels very 'Old World' and serious. By using it in modern French, you’re tapping into that sense of gravity. It reflects the French tendency to analyze the long-term impact of decisions. It’s a favorite in French news editorials and philosophical debates. It shows you value the logic of cause and effect.

Common Variations

You might hear entraîner des conséquences which is very similar. Provoquer des conséquences is another common one. If you want to be even more formal, try donner lieu à des conséquences. For something shorter, people often just say avoir des conséquences. But engendrer remains the most elegant choice for showing a direct birth of results. It’s the gold standard for B2 level learners looking to impress.

Notas de uso

The phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly effective in professional writing (emails, reports) and formal speaking, but can be used ironically in casual settings.

💡

The 'Birth' Connection

If you struggle to remember 'engendrer', think of the English word 'engender' or 'generator'. They all share the root of 'bringing something into existence'.

⚠️

Don't Over-Drama

Avoid using this for trivialities. Saying 'Dropping my toast engendered consequences' is grammatically correct but will make you sound like a character in a Shakespeare play.

💬

The French Logic

French speakers love using this in debates because it sounds very logical and structured. It implies that B follows A by necessity, which is a key part of French rhetorical style.

Exemplos

6
#1 In a business meeting about a new policy
💼

Ce changement de stratégie pourrait engendrer des conséquences financières importantes.

This change in strategy could generate significant financial consequences.

Here, it sounds professional and analytical.

#2 A doctor explaining health risks to a patient
👔

Une mauvaise alimentation peut engendrer des conséquences sur votre santé à long terme.

A poor diet can lead to consequences for your long-term health.

It conveys the seriousness of the medical advice.

#3 Texting a friend about a dramatic breakup
😊

Leur rupture va engendrer des conséquences de fou dans notre groupe d'amis.

Their breakup is going to cause crazy consequences in our friend group.

Using 'de fou' makes this formal phrase work in a casual text.

#4 A parent warning a child about a prank
💭

Tes bêtises vont finir par engendrer des conséquences que tu ne pourras pas gérer.

Your mischief will eventually lead to consequences you won't be able to handle.

It sounds stern and cautionary.

#5 A humorous observation about coffee addiction
😄

Oublier mon café ce matin a engendré des conséquences tragiques pour mon humeur.

Forgetting my coffee this morning generated tragic consequences for my mood.

The use of 'tragiques' with 'engendrer' creates a funny, over-the-top effect.

#6 Discussing environmental issues
💼

La pollution plastique engendre des conséquences dévastatrices pour les océans.

Plastic pollution generates devastating consequences for the oceans.

Standard way to discuss global or scientific issues.

Teste-se

Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the professional warning.

La négligence de ces protocoles de sécurité va ___ des conséquences juridiques.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: engendrer

We need the infinitive form 'engendrer' because it follows the near-future construction 'va'.

Complete the sentence with the most appropriate noun.

Le manque de pluie cet été a engendré des ___ pour les agriculteurs.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: conséquences

In the context of a drought, 'conséquences' (consequences) is the only logical result for farmers.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality Spectrum of 'Causing Results'

Informal

Used with friends for small things.

Ça va faire des histoires.

Neutral

Standard everyday use.

Ça a des conséquences.

Elevated / Formal

Professional or serious contexts.

Cela engendre des conséquences.

Where to use 'Engendrer des conséquences'

Engendrer des conséquences
💼

Office Meeting

Discussing a project delay.

📺

News Report

Explaining a new law.

🏥

Doctor's Office

Discussing lifestyle habits.

💬

Deep Talk

Discussing life decisions with a partner.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Not at all! While often used for problems, you can say engendrer des conséquences positives to describe a beneficial ripple effect.

Yes, if you're talking about something somewhat serious. It adds a touch of 'real talk' to the conversation.

Causer is very direct and simple. Engendrer suggests a more complex process of one thing 'birthing' another.

Usually, yes. We almost always say des conséquences because one action rarely leads to just one single result.

Absolutely. It's a 'level-up' phrase that shows you're moving past basic vocabulary into more nuanced, professional French.

Yes! For example: La tempête a engendré des conséquences désastreuses pour la ville.

Very often. It’s a favorite for authors describing the fate of their characters or historical shifts.

There isn't a direct opposite verb, but you might use empêcher (to prevent) to stop consequences from happening.

You don't usually say a person 'engendres' consequences directly; it's usually their *actions* or *decisions* that do.

No, it sounds educated and precise. It's very much alive in modern French media and business.

Frases relacionadas

entraîner des répercussions

avoir un impact sur

donner lieu à

provoquer une réaction en chaîne

Foi útil?
Nenhum comentário ainda. Seja o primeiro a compartilhar suas ideias!

Comece a aprender idiomas gratuitamente

Comece Grátis