What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of en raison de, which literally translates to "by reason of" or "due to" and circonstances imprévues, which means "unforeseen circumstances". The latter is made of the noun circonstances (circumstances) and the adjective imprévues (unforeseen/unpredicted).
Which one should you use?
While à cause de circonstances imprévues also means "because of unforeseen circumstances", the version using en raison de is considered more neutral and professional. In contrast, à cause de often carries a slightly more negative or causal connotation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase en raison de circonstances imprévues is highly formal. It is typically used in official announcements, business correspondence or public notices. For a less formal way to say there was an unexpected event, you might use Parce qu'il y a eu un imprévu. Another formal alternative is En raison d'incidents indépendants de notre volonté, which means "due to incidents beyond our control".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase circonstances imprévues, the adjective imprévues is in the feminine plural form to agree with the feminine plural noun circonstances.
Did you know?
- While raison means 'reason' here, it is also used in the common expression avoir raison, which means 'to be right'.
- In formal French bureaucracy, the phrase indépendants de notre volonté is often added to distance the speaker from the failure, implying the events were an act of fate.
- The word raison in this phrase shares a root with the English word 'ration'. Both come from the Latin 'ratiōnem', meaning a calculation or account.
Examples in context
- En raison de circonstances imprévues, la réunion de ce soir a été annulée jusqu'à nouvel ordre.Due to unforeseen circumstances, tonight's meeting has been cancelled until further notice.This sentence is useful for showing how to announce a meeting cancellation using en raison de circonstances imprévues.Tatoeba #1269315 by sacredceltic, translation #1269313 by eastasiastudent
- En raison de circonstances imprévues, la conférence a été reportée.Due to unforeseen circumstances, the conference has been postponed.
- Le vol est retardé en raison de circonstances imprévues.The flight is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.
- L'accès au bâtiment est limité en raison de circonstances imprévues.Access to the building is limited due to unforeseen circumstances.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking in a professional office setting.
- LéaPourquoi le projet est-il suspendu, Nathan ?Why is the project suspended, Nathan?
- NathanC'est en raison de circonstances imprévues.It is due to unforeseen circumstances.
- LéaEst-ce que cela affecte ton travail ?Does this affect your work?
- NathanOui, je dois tout réorganiser.Yes, I have to reorganize everything.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, en, raison, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
