si c'est le cas
The English phrase "if so" is translated into French as si c'est le cas.
si c'est le cas is used to introduce a result or a consequence based on the assumption that a previously mentioned condition is true.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase si c'est le cas literally translates to "if it is the case".
Which one should you use?
While si c'est le cas is the standard way to say "if so", you can also use dans ce cas as a common alternative which means "in that case". For more elevated or highly formal contexts, you may use Si tel est le cas (if such is the case) or Dans l'affirmative (in the affirmative).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
si c'est le cas is the standard expression for both formal and neutral written and spoken French. The alternatives Si tel est le cas and Dans l'affirmative should be reserved for formal situations.
Did you know?
- While si usually means 'if', it is also used as a special way to say 'yes' when contradicting a negative statement. If someone says 'You aren't coming', you reply si to mean 'yes I am'.
- The word si meaning 'so' or 'thus' is a linguistic doublet of the word si meaning 'if'. Despite sounding and looking identical, they evolved from two different Latin words, sic and si.
- While 'if so' is a short conjunction in English, the French si c'est le cas requires a full miniature sentence containing a subject, a verb, and an article.
Examples in context
- Qu'est-ce qu'on devrait faire, si c'est le cas ?If so, what should we do?This sentence shows how to use si c'est le cas to ask for a course of action based on a condition.Tatoeba #353812 by suika, translation #1043669 by Brian255
- Avez-vous terminé ce rapport ? Si tel est le cas, je peux le réviser.Have you finished this report? If so, I can review it.
- Pouvez-vous assister à la réunion demain ? Dans l'affirmative, veuillez confirmer votre présence.Can you attend the meeting tomorrow? If so, please confirm your attendance.
- As-tu déjà visité Paris ? Si c'est le cas, quels sont tes endroits préférés ?Have you ever been to Paris? If so, what are your favorite places?
- Le train est annulé ? Si c'est le cas, je vais être en retard.Is the train cancelled? If so, I will be late.
- Il va pleuvoir demain ? Si c'est le cas, nous resterons à la maison.Is it going to rain tomorrow? If so, we will stay at home.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, cas, le, si, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
