How to Use 'C'est-à-dire que' in French

"C'est-à-dire que" is a common French expression that learners often encounter.

This phrase, which translates to "that is to say" or "in other words," is crucial for clarifying or elaborating on ideas in French conversations and writing.

Understanding 'C'est-à-dire que'

"C'est-à-dire que" serves as a bridge between two statements, where the second statement explains or clarifies the first. It's similar to expressions like "in other words" or "meaning that" in English.

Usage and Grammar

When using "c'est-à-dire que," it's important to note that it does not require the subjunctive mood.

The verb following this phrase is conjugated in the indicative mood, as it typically expresses a factual statement or clarification.

Examples in Context

1. "Il est végétarien, c'est-à-dire qu'il ne mange pas de viande." (He's vegetarian, meaning he doesn't eat meat.)

2. "Je suis bilingue, c'est-à-dire que je parle couramment deux langues." (I'm bilingual, which means I speak two languages fluently.)

3. "Elle travaille de nuit, c'est-à-dire qu'elle dort pendant la journée." (She works at night, that is to say, she sleeps during the day.)

4. "Nous sommes en retard, c'est-à-dire que nous allons manquer le début du film." (We're late, which means we're going to miss the beginning of the movie.)

5. "Il est minuit, c'est-à-dire que je dois me coucher." (It's midnight, which means I need to go to bed.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don't confuse "c'est-à-dire que" with "c'est-à-dire" without "que." The latter is used in shorter clarifications without a full clause.

2. Avoid using the subjunctive after "c'est-à-dire que." Always use the indicative mood.

3. Don't overuse this phrase. While it's useful, too frequent use can make your speech or writing seem repetitive.

Alternatives to 'C'est-à-dire que'

To vary your language, consider these alternatives:

1. "En d'autres termes" (In other words)
2. "Autrement dit" (In other words)
3. "Cela signifie que" (This means that)
4. "Pour être plus précis" (To be more precise)

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding, try creating sentences using "c'est-à-dire que" with these prompts:

1. Explain what being an early bird means.
2. Clarify the concept of being a freelancer.
3. Describe what it means to be fluent in a language.
4. Explain the implications of living in a big city.
5. Clarify what it means to eat a balanced diet.

Conclusion

"C'est-à-dire que" is a valuable tool for clear communication in French.

Practice using it to enhance your language skills.