When you’re starting to master French, there are a few expressions that might help you add to your knowledge. Alors que is a saying that can help you do just that as it is used to introduce ideas and show the contrast between two things. How would you use it to get your point across more efficiently?
What’s the meaning of this expression?
We can break down the meaning of this expression, “alors” is an adverb that helps us indicate time, it’s used to express time at the precise moment. And “que” is a conjunction that compliments a subject, an attribute, a noun, or an adjective.
Alors que is a conjunction that is used with the indicatif this is employed to mark opposition in a sentence and can be translated to “while” or even to “whereas“.
Ici on a froid, alors que là-bas on a chaud.
Here it’s cold, while over there is hot.
But, you need to keep in mind that this can also be used with the l’indicatif imparfait, and it takes on a different meaning.
While you’re using the Indicatif Imparfait, this marks a moment in time.
Alors qu’il était encore à l’école.
While he was still in school.
How to use Alors que?
To correctly use this in a sentence, you should just place it at the beginning of the clause that has the contrasted idea or situation.
Notre cliente est ici, alors que les deux sont en retard.
Our client is here, while the other two are late.
Son organisation persiste, alors que celle de son pére faibli.
His organization persists, while that of his father weakens.
Or if you want to give it the meaning of time, you would usually use it at the beginning of the sentence.
Alors que j’étais coincé chez moi.
While I was stuck at home.
Alors que tu étais occupé au travail.
While you were busy at work.
Read more about 3 French expressions for talking about time
Now you can use this as an everyday tool
This expression es a powerful tool because it can be used in several ways and help others understand what you’re saying with more clarity. Incorporating this saying into your vocabulary will help you get your point across and enhance your skills and knowledge as you get comfortable using it. So, go out, practice, and put your knowledge so you can get closer and closer to being a French native speaker.