Practice FrenchB2
Purpose clauses and intent
At B2, French uses purpose clauses to explain why something is done. These clauses show intention, goal, or desired result.
Main patterns
- pour + infinitive: Il travaille pour gagner du temps.
- pour que + subjunctive: Il parle plus fort pour que tout le monde entende.
- afin de / afin que for a more formal purpose
- de peur de / de peur que for negative purpose or avoidance
Why it matters
Purpose clauses help French express intention cleanly, especially in writing and careful speech.
Watch out
Use the infinitive when the subject is the same. Use pour que when the subject changes and a finite clause is needed.
Try three examples
Example 1
Select the sentence that correctly expresses purpose with the infinitive.
- Il travaille pour gagne du temps.
- Il travaille pour gagner du temps.
- Il travaille afin que gagner du temps.
- Il travaille parce que gagner du temps.
Show answer
Il travaille pour gagner du temps.
He works to save time.
Example 2
Complete with the present subjunctive form of «entendre» that fits the sentence.
Il parle plus fort pour que tout le monde ___.
Show answer
entende
He speaks louder so that everyone hears.
Example 3
Identify the sentence with a formal purpose clause.
- Afin de mieux comprendre, il lit lentement.
- Afin mieux comprendre, il lit lentement.
- Afin que mieux comprendre, il lit lentement.
- Pour qu'il mieux comprend, il lit lentement.
Show answer
Afin de mieux comprendre, il lit lentement.
In order to understand better, he reads slowly.
Conjugate the verbs from this lesson
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