Logical connectives (also called “logical articulators”) are words or groups of words in a sentence or text that mark the logical relations between two propositions or sentences. They can be conjunctions, adverbs, phrases or prepositions.
What are the logical connectors in French?
We can classify the logical connectors according to their nature:
- The conjunctions:
- Coordinating conjunctions: and, or, but, therefore, etc.
- Subordinating conjunctions: what, if, when, etc.
- Adverbs: like, also, after, less, more, etc.
- The phrases: because of, in view of, on one side…on the other, in the same way, but again, etc…
- Prepositions: under, in, on, to, for, from, in, by, to, without, with, or even to, etc.
When are logical connectors used?
Whether it is to tell, to argue, to explain, we use logical connectors to express ourselves. They help us relate our ideas better and organize them better.
What are the relations marked by logical connectors?
Logical connectors can also be classified according to the nature of the marked relationship:
- The bill : In addition, not only… but also…, also, …
- The alternative : Either… either, or… or, or, or…
- The goal : For fear of, in view that, so that, so that, …
- The cause / rationale : Given that, because of, because, since, indeed, because, …
- The comparison : As … as, as much, just as, …
- The conclusion : In summary, in short, in short, …
- The Condition / the Assumption : Provided that, unless, assuming that, …
- The consequence : So much … that, so much that, too much/enough … for, …
- Classification / enumeration : Last, finally, first, …
- The explanation : That is to say, in other words, in other words, namely, …
- artwork : For example, in particular, like, …
- The link : Then, then, then, thus, in fact, moreover, …
- Concession / Opposition : Whatever, although, on the other hand, while, on the other hand, in spite of, in spite of, …
- The restriction : Except, nevertheless, apart from, apart from, in default of, …
- Time :
- Anteriority : Until, until, before, …
- Simultaneity : When, when, while, ….
- The posteriority : As soon as, Then, …
- The duration : During, today, …
- Frequency : Every day, every week, never, …
- Breaking : Suddenly, it is then, one day, suddenly, …
How to connect sentences with a logical connector?
This varies depending on the nature of the logical connector and the marked relationship. Here are some examples to better illustrate them:
- He stayed up all night so thathe falls asleep standing up. (Result)
- This afternoon, I'm staying at home. (Time: duration)
- Everyone is working because you must not stay idle. (Cause/Rationale)
- Little children are screaming in the yard whereas other students need to concentrate. (Concession)
- I would travel if I had the means. (Condition)
- She spares no effort with a view tograduate. (Aim)
- Either we said something to her that upset her, either thatshe had a bad day. (Alternative)
- All exams are compulsory. except that of sports. (Restriction)
- As much I love fruits, as much I hate vegetables. (Comparison)
Note that for conjunctions, the conjugation mode and tense of the verbs must be respected.
