French · C1 · Speaking · about 5 min
Give a conditional conclusion, admit the limit of the evidence, and avoid confusing a link with a cause.
‘À condition que’ introduces a condition and takes the subjunctive ‘confirment’. The claim stays appropriately cautious.
Say thisCette conclusion est plausible, à condition que d'autres données la confirment.
MeaningThis conclusion is plausible if other data confirm it.
When to use itStart the conversation naturally.
Say thisLes éléments sont convaincants, quoique encore limités.
MeaningThe evidence is convincing, though still limited.
When to use itAdd the detail the other person needs.
Say thisIl faut distinguer clairement corrélation et causalité.
MeaningWe must clearly distinguish correlation from causation.
When to use itFinish with a clear, polite line.
| Say this | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Cette conclusion est plausible, à condition que d'autres données la confirment. | This conclusion is plausible if other data confirm it. | Start the conversation naturally. |
| Les éléments sont convaincants, quoique encore limités. | The evidence is convincing, though still limited. | Add the detail the other person needs. |
| Il faut distinguer clairement corrélation et causalité. | We must clearly distinguish correlation from causation. | Finish with a clear, polite line. |
SituationThe result is plausible only if new data confirm it. How do you qualify the claim?
Say thisLe résultat est plausible, à condition que d'autres données le confirment.
WhyUse a condition rather than presenting a tentative result as certain.
SituationThe evidence is promising but limited. Which line keeps both ideas?
Say thisLes éléments sont prometteurs, quoique encore limités.
WhyA balanced claim acknowledges the strength and the limit of the evidence.
SituationTwo trends move together. What must you avoid claiming without more evidence?
Say thisCette association ne démontre pas, à elle seule, un lien de causalité.
WhyCorrelation alone does not establish causation.
SituationOne counterexample challenges your general rule. How do you respond precisely?
Say thisCe cas suggère que la règle ne s'applique peut-être que dans certains contextes.
WhyNarrow the claim when a counterexample limits its scope.
SituationWhat is the best closing line when the evidence is still incomplete?
Say thisUn échantillon plus large permettrait de vérifier si ce schéma se confirme.
WhySay what further evidence would resolve the uncertainty.
| Situation | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The result is plausible only if new data confirm it. How do you qualify the claim? | Le résultat est plausible, à condition que d'autres données le confirment. | Use a condition rather than presenting a tentative result as certain. |
| The evidence is promising but limited. Which line keeps both ideas? | Les éléments sont prometteurs, quoique encore limités. | A balanced claim acknowledges the strength and the limit of the evidence. |
| Two trends move together. What must you avoid claiming without more evidence? | Cette association ne démontre pas, à elle seule, un lien de causalité. | Correlation alone does not establish causation. |
| One counterexample challenges your general rule. How do you respond precisely? | Ce cas suggère que la règle ne s'applique peut-être que dans certains contextes. | Narrow the claim when a counterexample limits its scope. |
| What is the best closing line when the evidence is still incomplete? | Un échantillon plus large permettrait de vérifier si ce schéma se confirme. | Say what further evidence would resolve the uncertainty. |
Give a conditional conclusion, admit the limit of the evidence, and avoid confusing a link with a cause.
You accept a conclusion only with more evidence. What do you say?
The result is plausible only if new data confirm it. How do you qualify the claim?
Cette conclusion est plausible, à condition que d'autres données la confirment.
This conclusion is plausible if other data confirm it.
Start the conversation naturally.
Les éléments sont convaincants, quoique encore limités.
The evidence is convincing, though still limited.
Add the detail the other person needs.
Il faut distinguer clairement corrélation et causalité.
We must clearly distinguish correlation from causation.
Finish with a clear, polite line.