When learning a new language, it’s essential to understand how to express different ideas and concepts effectively. One common phrase you might come across is “based on.” In French, there are several ways to convey this notion, depending on the context, formality, and regional variations. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “based on” in French, providing you with useful tips and examples.
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Formal Expressions:
If you want to express “based on” in a formal context, such as in academic or professional settings, the following expressions can be used:
- D’après: This phrase translates to “according to” or “based on.” It is commonly used in formal writing to reference sources or cite information. For example:
“D’après les statistiques les plus récentes, le nombre d’étudiants poursuivant des études supérieures a augmenté.”
(“According to the most recent statistics, the number of students pursuing higher education has increased.”) - Sur la base de: This expression is a more formal alternative meaning “on the basis of.” It is often used to explain the rationale or justification behind a decision or conclusion. For example:
“Sur la base des données recueillies, nous pouvons conclure que cette mesure est nécessaire.”
(“Based on the data collected, we can conclude that this measure is necessary.”)
Informal Expressions:
In informal situations like everyday conversations or casual writing, you can use the following expressions as alternatives to “based on”:
- D’après (informal context): In addition to its use in formal language, “d’après” can also be used in a more relaxed manner in informal conversations. For example:
“D’après ce que j’ai entendu, le film était très bon.”
(“Based on what I’ve heard, the movie was very good.”) - Selon: This expression means “according to” and is commonly used to share personal opinions or beliefs. It can also be used to refer to information from less formal sources like media or popular culture. For example:
“Selon moi, la clé du bonheur réside dans la simplicité.”
(“According to me, the key to happiness lies in simplicity.”)
Regional Variations:
French is spoken in various regions worldwide, and slight variations in expressions may occur. The formal and informal expressions mentioned above are widely understood and used in most French-speaking countries. However, it’s worth noting that some regional differences exist. For instance:
- Au vu de (regional variation): This expression is more commonly used in Canadian French and means “in view of” or “based on.” It is used similarly to “sur la base de” in formal contexts.
Tips and Examples:
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you better understand how to use these expressions in different contexts:
Tips:
- When expressing “based on” in French, be careful with verb tenses and agreement. The preposition or expression you use may require specific conjugations or modifications.
- Pay attention to the gender and number agreement when using phrases like “d’après” or “selon” to ensure grammatical correctness.
- Consider the level of formality required by the situation, and choose the appropriate expression accordingly.
- If you’re unsure about the correct usage, consult a reliable French grammar guide or consult with a native speaker.
Examples:
“D’après les rumeurs, ce restaurant sert la meilleure pizza de la ville.”
(“Based on the rumors, this restaurant serves the best pizza in town.”)“Selon notre étude, 70% des clients sont satisfaits des services proposés.”
(“According to our study, 70% of customers are satisfied with the services offered.”)“Au vu des conditions météorologiques, le match de football a été reporté.”
(“Based on the weather conditions, the football match has been postponed.”)
Remember to practice using these expressions in both written and spoken French to become more comfortable and fluent in their usage. As with any language, the more you practice, the more natural it will become.
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “based on” in French, you can confidently express this concept with ease and precision in a variety of situations. Happy learning!
