par conséquent
/paʁ kɔ̃.se.kɑ̃/
The English phrase 'as a result' is translated into French as par conséquent.
par conséquent is used to introduce a consequence or effect of a previously mentioned action or situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase par conséquent literally translates to 'by consequence'.
Which one should you use?
You can also use en conséquence to mean 'as a result' or de ce fait to mean 'by this fact' when conveying a consequence.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
par conséquent is a formal phrase. It is most appropriate in written French or professional contexts. Similarly, both en conséquence and de ce fait are considered formal expressions.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverbial phrase, par conséquent can typically be placed at the beginning of a clause to link it to the previous sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/paʁ kɔ̃.se.kɑ̃/
Did you know?
- While 'consequent' in English usually describes a result, the French adjective conséquent can be used to describe a person who is consistent or sensible.
- In casual spoken French, du coup has largely replaced more formal phrases for 'as a result' and is now one of the most ubiquitous expressions among young people.
- The preposition par in this phrase shares an ancestor with the English word 'per', used in phrases like 'per cent' or 'per annum'.
Examples in context
- La pluie était très intense. En conséquence , la route était inondée.The rain was very heavy, as a result, the road was flooded.
- Je suis arrivé en retard au rendez-vous, donc nous avons manqué le début du film.I arrived late for the appointment, so we missed the beginning of the movie.
- J'ai oublié mes clés chez moi, alors je suis resté dehors pendant une heure.I forgot my keys at home, so I stayed outside for an hour.
- Il a plu toute la nuit. Par conséquent, le match est annulé.It rained all night, as a result, the match is cancelled.
- Il a plu toute la nuit, par conséquent le match est annulé.It rained all night, as a result the match is cancelled.
- Elle a oublié ses clés, par conséquent elle est restée dehors.She forgot her keys, as a result she stayed outside.
- Le budget est limité, par conséquent nous devons faire attention.The budget is limited, as a result we must be careful.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are discussing their travel plans at a cafe.
- EmmaLe train est en retard, par conséquent nous allons rater l'avion.The train is late, as a result we are going to miss the plane.
- NathanC'est terrible, qu'est-ce que nous pouvons faire ?That is terrible, what can we do?
- EmmaNous devons prendre un taxi immédiatement.We must take a taxi immediately.
- NathanD'accord, je vais appeler un chauffeur.Okay, I will call a driver.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry par conséquent, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conséquent, par, CC BY-SA 4.0.
