parce
The French word parce is part of the expression used to introduce a reason.
parce is used as a component to explain the reason for something.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, parce is not a complete conjunction on its own and must be followed by que to function as because. Additionally, the phrase parce que elides to parce qu' when the following word begins with a vowel or a silent h.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the word parce alone when they actually need the full conjunction parce que to mean 'because'.
Did you know?
- When children are told parce que oui by a parent, it is a linguistic 'stop sign' that means the reason is the authority of the speaker and no further debate is allowed.
- Because it is a combination of 'par' (by) and 'ce' (this), the literal translation is 'by this'.
- While parce que is used to answer 'why', French speakers avoid using it to start a sentence in formal writing, preferring car or puisque instead.
Examples in context
- Je ne peux pas sortir ce soir parce que j'ai beaucoup de travail à faire.I can't go out tonight because I have a lot of work to do.
- Nous devons prendre une décision importante parce que notre avenir en dépend.We need to make an important decision because our future depends on it.
- Je ne viens pas parce que je suis fatiguée.I am not coming because I am tired.
- Elle rit parce qu'elle est très contente.She is laughing because she is very happy.
- Il a acheté ce livre parce qu'il l'adore.He bought this book because he loves it.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking about why Léa is late.
- LéaJe suis désolée d'être en retard.I am sorry for being late.
- NathanPourquoi es-tu en retard, Léa ?Why are you late, Léa?
- LéaJe suis en retard parce que j'ai raté le bus.I am late because I missed the bus.
- NathanCe n'est pas grave, Nathan comprend.It's not a problem, Nathan understands.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries parce, CC BY-SA 4.0.
