Subordinate clauses, including “that” phrases, are essential in both French and English (and many other languages) for various reasons. Here are some of the main purposes of subordinate clauses:
- Providing additional information: Subordinate clauses can be used to give extra details, explanations, or descriptions about a main clause. They help expand on the main idea and provide a more complete picture. For example:
- English: I know a woman who speaks five languages.
- French: Je connais une femme qui parle cinq langues.
- Expressing cause and effect: Subordinate clauses can indicate the cause or reason for something or show the consequences of an action.
| English | French |
|---|---|
| I believe that he is honest. | Je crois qu’il est honnête. |
| She said that she would come later. | [responsivevoice voice="Dutch Female" rate="0.8" buttontext="►"]Elle a dit qu’elle viendrait plus tard. |
| They know that we are coming. | Ils savent que nous venons. |
| It’s important that you study for the exam. | Il est important que tu étudies pour l’examen. |
| We hope that they will win the game. | Nous espérons qu’ils gagneront le match. |
| He realized that he had made a mistake. | Il a réalisé qu’il avait fait une erreur. |
| She told me that she loves to travel. | Elle m’a dit qu’elle aime voyager. |
| We heard that the concert was fantastic. | Nous avons entendu dire que le concert était fantastique. |
| I’m happy that you’re here. | Je suis content(e) que tu sois là. |
| It seems that it will rain tomorrow. | Il semble qu’il va pleuvoir demain. |
| He is aware that the situation is difficult. | Il est conscient que la situation est difficile. |
| I hope that they can come to the party. | J’espère qu’ils pourront venir à la fête. |
| She mentioned that she wants to learn French. | Elle a mentionné qu’elle veut apprendre le français. |
| It’s clear that he doesn’t like the idea. | Il est clair qu’il n’aime pas l’idée. |
| We are aware that there are challenges ahead. | Nous sommes conscients qu’il y a des défis à venir. |
| I’m afraid that I can’t help you. | J’ai peur de ne pas pouvoir t’aider. |
| He insists that he is innocent. | Il insiste sur le fait qu’il est innocent. |
| It’s a shame that they couldn’t come. | C’est dommage qu’ils n’aient pas pu venir. |
| We heard rumors that they are getting married. | Nous avons entendu des rumeurs selon lesquelles ils se marient. |
| She mentioned that she had already seen the movie. | Elle a mentionné qu’elle avait déjà vu le film. |