When you need to describe something is happening in a certain way, you may want to use “de manière que” in French.
As you study this lesson, you will learn how to use this conjunctive phrase, but also discover what stumbling blocks this seemingly simple phrase presents.
De Manière Que : Meaning
de manière que – ensuring that, in such a way (manner) that, in order that, in a way that
Let’s take a look at the example.
Le radiateur est placé audessus du support de manière que la surface rayonnante soit horizontale et le rayonnement dirigé vers le bas.
The radiator is placed on top of the support in a manner such that the radiating surface is horizontal and the radiation is downwards.
So far, it all looks quite straightforward, but there’s one difficulty, and you’ll find out which one as you read on.
Does de manière que Require the Subjunctive?
The answer is : It depends! Depending on whether the desired outcome was or wasn’t achieved, the subjunctive may be required.
- Followed by indicative
When de manière que indicates something has already happened, it is followed by an indicative.
For example…
Les radiateurs passifs sont disposés de manière que la vibration mécanique nette soit minimisée.
The passive radiators are arranged so that the net mechanical vibration is minimized.
- Followed by Subjunctive
When de manière que introduces a goal or possibility, it needs the subjunctive.
La marchandise doit être emballée de manière que toute ouverture non-autorisée soit immédiatement visible.
Goods are packed in such a way that improper opening is immediately visible.
Il parle de manière que Ses paroles sont clairement compris.
He speaks so that His words are clearly understood.
Different Variants of De manière
- de manière peu coopérative / uncooperatively
- de manière peu honorable / dishonorable
- de manière peu professionnelle / in an unprofessional manner
- de manière poignante / poignantly
- de manière proactive / proactively
- de manière prometteuse / promisingly
- de manière prévisible / predictably
- de manière rebelle / rebelliously
- de manière régulière / regularly
- de manière satisfaisante / in a satisfying manner
- de manière secrète / secretly
- de manière sombre / in a dark way
- de manière somptueuse / lavishly
To Wrap Up
Now that you know how to say “in such a way that” in French you’re ready to use it as a daily word in your sentences.
Keep in mind that it is important to understand the correct usage of “De manière que” in French to communicate effectively and accurately.
Now, it’s your turn to practice.