C1
Hedging and discourse markers
At C1, learners need to sound precise without sounding blunt. French often does this with hedging and discourse markers.
Useful patterns
- il semble que: it seems that
- à vrai dire: to tell the truth
- en quelque sorte: in a way
- du moins: at least
- par ailleurs: moreover / besides
- sans doute: probably / no doubt, depending on context
Watch out
These are not filler words. They change the tone and logic of the sentence, so use them only when the meaning really needs them.
Try three examples
Example 1
Choose the sentence that softens the claim.
- Il semble que le plan soit prêt.
- Il sait que le plan est prêt.
- Il veut que le plan soit prêt.
- Il faut que le plan soit prêt.
Show answer
Il semble que le plan soit prêt.
It seems that the plan is ready.
Example 2
It seems that she is ready: *Il ___ qu'elle soit prête.*
Il ___ qu'elle soit prête.
Show answer
semble
It seems that she is ready.
Example 3
To tell the truth, I don't agree: *___, je ne suis pas d'accord.*
___, je ne suis pas d'accord.
Show answer
À vrai dire
To tell the truth, I do not agree.
Practise this lesson
Continue with the interactive exercise set and save your progress.