Practice FrenchC1
Counter-argument framing and concession
Concede, then qualify
Certes acknowledges a point that the writer accepts; mais introduces the limitation or stronger counterpoint. The concession does not disappear: both propositions remain part of the argument.
Certes, le projet est coûteux, mais il répond à un besoin réel.
Change perspective or reject an inference
Cela dit introduces a reservation about the preceding point. Loin de là rejects an inference strongly; it is not a neutral equivalent of mais. Identify what is being conceded and what is being rejected before choosing a connector.
Le plan est solide. Cela dit, son financement reste incertain.
Je ne suis pas hostile au projet, loin de là.
Deny a possible reason
Non pas que takes the subjunctive when dismissing a supposed reason. The following mais clause supplies the real reason or correction. This differs from a factual concession with certes.
Je refuse, non pas que l’idée soit mauvaise, mais parce que nous manquons de temps.
Try three examples
Example 1
Select the sentence that concedes one point before making a contrast.
- Certes, le projet est ambitieux, mais il reste réaliste.
- Certes, le projet est ambitieux, donc il reste réaliste.
- Le projet est ambitieux, certes il reste réaliste.
- Certes, le projet est réaliste, parce qu'il est ambitieux.
Show answer
Certes, le projet est ambitieux, mais il reste réaliste.
Certainly, the project is ambitious, but it remains realistic.
Example 2
Complete with the present subjunctive form of «être» that fits the sentence.
Non pas que nous ___ convaincus, mais nous restons ouverts.
Show answer
soyons
Not that we are convinced, but we remain open.
Example 3
Complete with the past participle form of «dire» that fits the sentence.
Cela ___, il faut rester prudent.
Show answer
dit
That said, we must remain cautious.
Practice this lesson
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