many words.....
Adding an Idea (Addition)
et - and
de plus - moreover, furthermore
en outre - besides, moreover
en plus de cela - in addition to that
par ailleurs - furthermore, besides
également - also
ainsi que - as well as
non seulement... mais aussi/encore - not only... but also
Expressing a Contrast or Opposition (Opposition)
mais - but
cependant - however
toutefois - nevertheless, however
pourtant - yet, however
néanmoins - nonetheless
en revanche - on the other hand, in contrast
par contre - on the other hand (slightly more informal than en revanche)
au contraire - on the contrary
malgré - despite
bien que + subjonctif - although
sauf - except
excepté - excepted
à part - apart from
Expressing a Cause (Cause)
parce que - because
car - for, because (more formal/literary)
puisque - since, as
à cause de - because of (negative connotation)
grâce à - thanks to (positive connotation)
en raison de - due to, because of (formal)
du fait de - due to the fact of
Expressing a Consequence (Conséquence)
donc - so, therefore
alors - so, then
ainsi - thus, therefore
par conséquent - consequently
en conséquence - as a result
c'est pourquoi - that is why
de ce fait - as a result of this
si bien que - so that, with the result that
Structuring and Ordering Ideas (Organisation)
premièrement, deuxièmement... - firstly, secondly...
d'abord - first, firstly
ensuite - next, then
puis - then
enfin - finally, at last
finalement - finally, in the end
pour commencer - to begin with
pour conclure - to conclude
d'une part... d'autre part - on the one hand... on the other hand
Giving an Example (Exemple)
par exemple - for example
notamment - particularly, notably
entre autres - among others
comme - like, such as
tel que - such as
Expressing an Opinion (Opinion)
à mon avis - in my opinion
selon moi - according to me
d'après moi - in my view
je pense que - I think that
je crois que - I believe that
je trouve que - I find that
il me semble que - it seems to me that
personnellement - personally
pour ma part - as for me
1. Social Relationships (Les Relations Sociales)
La famille : un beau-père/une belle-mère (step-father/mother), un beau-frère/une belle-sœur (brother/sister-in-law), un demi-frère/une demi-sœur (half-brother/sister), les liens familiaux (family ties), élever des enfants (to raise children)
L'amitié et l'amour : un ami proche / un meilleur ami (a close friend / a best friend), la confiance (trust), la fidélité (loyalty), se fiancer (to get engaged), embrasser (to kiss), rompre (to break up), un conflit (a conflict)
La communauté : un voisin/une voisine (neighbor), un collègue/une collègue (colleague), s'entendre avec (to get along with), les normes sociales (social norms), les rapports humains (human relationships)
2. Communication & Media (La Communication et les Médias)
La technologie : un réseau social (social network), un mot de passe (password), un compte (account), naviguer sur Internet (to browse the internet), les données personnelles (personal data), une tendance (a trend)
Les médias : une source (a source), les actualités / les infos (the news), un journal (a newspaper), une émission (a show), un reportage (a report), la couverture médiatique (media coverage), la désinformation (disinformation)
La langue : s'exprimer (to express oneself), un accent (an accent), un dialecte (a dialect), communiquer (to communicate), avouer (to confess), un malentendu (a misunderstanding)
3. Global Issues (Les Questions Mondiales)
L'environnement : le réchauffement climatique (global warming), les espèces menacées (endangered species), la pollution (pollution), les déchets (waste), le développement durable (sustainable development), recycler (to recycle), une sécheresse (a drought)
Les conflits : la paix (peace), la guerre (war), un réfugié/une réfugiée (a refugee), un cessez-le-feu (a ceasefire), les droits de l'homme (human rights), la pauvreté (poverty), la faim (hunger)
La santé : un traitement (a treatment), une maladie (a disease), la santé mentale (mental health), un remède (a cure), la prévention (prevention), un vaccin (a vaccine)
4. Cultural Diversity (La Diversité Culturelle)
Les traditions : une coutume (a custom), une fête (a holiday/celebration), un rite (a rite), une cérémonie (a ceremony), le patrimoine (heritage)
L'identité : une minorité (a minority), l'immigration (immigration), l'intégration (integration), les origines (origins), la citoyenneté (citizenship), la tolérance (tolerance)
L'art et la langue : un dialecte (a dialect), la littérature (literature), les beaux-arts (fine arts), un chef-d'œuvre (a masterpiece), la diversité linguistique (linguistic diversity)
5. Science & Technology (Les Sciences et la Technologie)
Les découvertes : une innovation (an innovation), une percée (a breakthrough), une invention (an invention), la recherche (research), expérimenter (to experiment)
L'éthique : la responsabilité morale (moral responsibility), les OGM (GMOs), les cellules souches (stem cells), la vie privée (privacy), la surveillance (surveillance)
Le numérique : l'intelligence artificielle (IA) (Artificial Intelligence - AI), la réalité virtuelle (virtual reality), les données (data), pirater (to hack), une panne (a breakdown)
6. Health & Well-being (La Santé et le Bien-être)
Le mode de vie : une alimentation équilibrée (a balanced diet), faire du sport (to do sports), la forme (fitness), le bien-être (well-being), le stress (stress)
La médecine : un hôpital (a hospital), un médecin (a doctor), un chirurgien (a surgeon), une ordonnance (a prescription), les soins (care)
Les addictions : la dépendance (addiction), la toxicomanie (drug addiction), fumer (to smoke), sevrer (to wean off), une rechute (a relapse)
can you give me an extensive IB word list, seperated by theme, one section of connecting words like sauf etc
Of course. Here is an extensive IB French B word list, organized by theme and with a dedicated section for essential connecting words and phrases.
A key to success in the IB French B exam (especially in the Written Productive Skills and Reading) is moving beyond simple vocabulary to using a rich and varied lexicon. This list provides a strong foundation for that.
Part 1: Essential Connecting Words & Phrases (Les Mots de Liaison)
These are critical for structuring your arguments, making your writing flow, and achieving a higher mark in Criterion B (Language) and Criterion C (Message).
Adding an Idea (Addition)
et - and
de plus - moreover, furthermore
en outre - besides, moreover
en plus de cela - in addition to that
par ailleurs - furthermore, besides
également - also
ainsi que - as well as
non seulement... mais aussi/encore - not only... but also
Expressing a Contrast or Opposition (Opposition)
mais - but
cependant - however
toutefois - nevertheless, however
pourtant - yet, however
néanmoins - nonetheless
en revanche - on the other hand, in contrast
par contre - on the other hand (slightly more informal than en revanche)
au contraire - on the contrary
malgré - despite
bien que + subjonctif - although
sauf - except
excepté - excepted
à part - apart from
Expressing a Cause (Cause)
parce que - because
car - for, because (more formal/literary)
puisque - since, as
à cause de - because of (negative connotation)
grâce à - thanks to (positive connotation)
en raison de - due to, because of (formal)
du fait de - due to the fact of
Expressing a Consequence (Conséquence)
donc - so, therefore
alors - so, then
ainsi - thus, therefore
par conséquent - consequently
en conséquence - as a result
c'est pourquoi - that is why
de ce fait - as a result of this
si bien que - so that, with the result that
Structuring and Ordering Ideas (Organisation)
premièrement, deuxièmement... - firstly, secondly...
d'abord - first, firstly
ensuite - next, then
puis - then
enfin - finally, at last
finalement - finally, in the end
pour commencer - to begin with
pour conclure - to conclude
d'une part... d'autre part - on the one hand... on the other hand
Giving an Example (Exemple)
par exemple - for example
notamment - particularly, notably
entre autres - among others
comme - like, such as
tel que - such as
Expressing an Opinion (Opinion)
à mon avis - in my opinion
selon moi - according to me
d'après moi - in my view
je pense que - I think that
je crois que - I believe that
je trouve que - I find that
il me semble que - it seems to me that
personnellement - personally
pour ma part - as for me
Part 2: Thematic Vocabulary (Le Vocabulaire Thématique)
1. Social Relationships (Les Relations Sociales)
La famille : un beau-père/une belle-mère (step-father/mother), un beau-frère/une belle-sœur (brother/sister-in-law), un demi-frère/une demi-sœur (half-brother/sister), les liens familiaux (family ties), élever des enfants (to raise children)
L'amitié et l'amour : un ami proche / un meilleur ami (a close friend / a best friend), la confiance (trust), la fidélité (loyalty), se fiancer (to get engaged), embrasser (to kiss), rompre (to break up), un conflit (a conflict)
La communauté : un voisin/une voisine (neighbor), un collègue/une collègue (colleague), s'entendre avec (to get along with), les normes sociales (social norms), les rapports humains (human relationships)
2. Communication & Media (La Communication et les Médias)
La technologie : un réseau social (social network), un mot de passe (password), un compte (account), naviguer sur Internet (to browse the internet), les données personnelles (personal data), une tendance (a trend)
Les médias : une source (a source), les actualités / les infos (the news), un journal (a newspaper), une émission (a show), un reportage (a report), la couverture médiatique (media coverage), la désinformation (disinformation)
La langue : s'exprimer (to express oneself), un accent (an accent), un dialecte (a dialect), communiquer (to communicate), avouer (to confess), un malentendu (a misunderstanding)
3. Global Issues (Les Questions Mondiales)
L'environnement : le réchauffement climatique (global warming), les espèces menacées (endangered species), la pollution (pollution), les déchets (waste), le développement durable (sustainable development), recycler (to recycle), une sécheresse (a drought)
Les conflits : la paix (peace), la guerre (war), un réfugié/une réfugiée (a refugee), un cessez-le-feu (a ceasefire), les droits de l'homme (human rights), la pauvreté (poverty), la faim (hunger)
La santé : un traitement (a treatment), une maladie (a disease), la santé mentale (mental health), un remède (a cure), la prévention (prevention), un vaccin (a vaccine)
4. Cultural Diversity (La Diversité Culturelle)
Les traditions : une coutume (a custom), une fête (a holiday/celebration), un rite (a rite), une cérémonie (a ceremony), le patrimoine (heritage)
L'identité : une minorité (a minority), l'immigration (immigration), l'intégration (integration), les origines (origins), la citoyenneté (citizenship), la tolérance (tolerance)
L'art et la langue : un dialecte (a dialect), la littérature (literature), les beaux-arts (fine arts), un chef-d'œuvre (a masterpiece), la diversité linguistique (linguistic diversity)
5. Science & Technology (Les Sciences et la Technologie)
Les découvertes : une innovation (an innovation), une percée (a breakthrough), une invention (an invention), la recherche (research), expérimenter (to experiment)
L'éthique : la responsabilité morale (moral responsibility), les OGM (GMOs), les cellules souches (stem cells), la vie privée (privacy), la surveillance (surveillance)
Le numérique : l'intelligence artificielle (IA) (Artificial Intelligence - AI), la réalité virtuelle (virtual reality), les données (data), pirater (to hack), une panne (a breakdown)
6. Health & Well-being (La Santé et le Bien-être)
Le mode de vie : une alimentation équilibrée (a balanced diet), faire du sport (to do sports), la forme (fitness), le bien-être (well-being), le stress (stress)
La médecine : un hôpital (a hospital), un médecin (a doctor), un chirurgien (a surgeon), une ordonnance (a prescription), les soins (care)
Les addictions : la dépendance (addiction), la toxicomanie (drug addiction), fumer (to smoke), sevrer (to wean off), une rechute (a relapse)
Useful Verbs for All Themes
Permettre de - to allow to
Tenter de - to attempt to
Éviter de - to avoid
Souhaiter - to wish
Se rendre compte de - to realize
Inquiéter / s'inquiéter - to worry / to worry oneself (to become worried)
Devoir - must, to have to
Pouvoir - to be able to, can
Vouloir - to want
Expressions of Time (Pour situer dans le temps)
de nos jours - nowadays
à l'heure actuelle - currently
autrefois - in the past
désormais - from now on
dorénavant - henceforth
soudainement - suddenly
d'ici là - by then
au préalable - beforehand
1. "Faux Amis" (False Friends)
These words look like English words but have different meanings.
Actuellement - Does not mean "actually". It means "currently," "at the present time."
Confusion: "Actually" is en fait or à vrai dire.
Eventuellement - Does not mean "eventually". It means "possibly," "perhaps," "if the case arises."
Confusion: "Eventually" is finalement or à la longue.
Librairie - Does not mean "library". It means "bookstore."
Confusion: "Library" is bibliothèque.
Journée - Often confused with "journal". It means "day" (as in the duration of the day).
Confusion: "Journal" is journal (as in diary) or revue (as in magazine).
Blesser - Does not mean "to bless". It means "to wound" or "to injure."
Confusion: "To bless" is bénir.
Demander - Does not mean "to demand". It means "to ask."
Confusion: "To demand" is exiger.
Ignorer - Does not only mean "to ignore". A very common meaning is "to be unaware of," "not to know."
J'ignore ce qu'il a fait. (I don't know what he did.)
Sensible - Does not mean "sensible". It means "sensitive."
Confusion: "Sensible" is raisonnable.
Résumer - Does not mean "to resume". It means "to summarize."
Confusion: "To resume" is reprendre.
Car - Looks like the English "car" but is primarily a conjunction meaning "because," "for" (more formal than parce que).
2. Common IB Instruction & Concept Words
These words are frequently used in essay questions, written tasks, and oral exam prompts.
Cependant / Pourtant / Toutefois / Néanmoins - All mean "however" or "nevertheless," but with slight nuances of formality. Using them interchangeably is fine for IB, but cependant and toutefois are more formal.
D'ailleurs - A very common connector that doesn't have a direct English equivalent. It means "besides," "moreover," or "in fact," used to add a supporting point.
En effet - Used to confirm and elaborate on a previous statement. It translates to "indeed," "as a matter of fact."
Malgré / Bien que - Both mean "despite/although," but Bien que must be followed by the subjunctive mood.
Malgré la pluie, nous sortons. (Despite the rain, we are going out.)
Bien qu'il pleuve, nous sortons. (Although it is raining, we are going out.)
À moins que - "Unless". Also requires the subjunctive (and is often followed by ne explétif).
Je viendrai, à moins que je ne sois malade. (I will come, unless I am sick.)
Ainsi que - Means "as well as". It's more formal than et.
Selon / D'après - Both mean "according to." Selon moi is a very common phrase for "in my opinion."
Mener à / Conduire à - Both mean "to lead to" (a result). Conduire also means "to drive," which can be confusing.
Un enjeu - A crucial word. It does not just mean "a stake". It means "a challenge," "an issue," "what is at stake." It's often used for global issues.
Les enjeux environnementaux (Environmental challenges/issues).
Une mesure - Can mean "a measure," but often means "a step," "an action," or "a policy."
Prendre des mesures (To take steps/action).
3. Subtle Meaning & Usage Differences
Connaître vs. Savoir - Both mean "to know."
Savoir is for facts, information, and skills (savoir + infinitive = to know how to do something).
Connaître is for being familiar with or acquainted with a person, place, or thing.
Amener, Emmener, Apporter, Emporter
Amener / Emmener - for leading or taking people.
Amener: to bring someone (to a place).
Emmener: to take someone away (with you).
Apporter / Emporter - for bringing or taking objects.
Apporter: to bring an object (here).
Emporter: to take an object away.
An / Année - Both mean "year."
An is often used with numbers and in simple expressions (j'ai 20 ans).
Année is used to emphasize the duration, the events of the year, or with adjectives (une bonne année, toute l'année).
Jour / Journée - Both mean "day." (Same concept as an/année).
Jour refers to the date or unit.
Journée refers to the length or events of the day.
Devoir - The chameleon verb. Context is everything.
Je dois le faire. (I must/have to do it.)
Je devais le faire. (I was supposed to do it / I had to do it.)
J'ai dû le faire. (I must have done it / I had to do it.)
Il devrait le faire. (He should do it.)
Si - Can mean "if" or "so". This can cause confusion in complex sentences.
Je ne sais pas si il viendra. (I don't know if he will come.)
Il est si gentil ! (He is so nice!)
4. Small but Mighty Words (Prepositions & Pronouns)
Dont - A relative pronoun that causes endless trouble. It means "whose," "of which," "including," "about which." It replaces de + noun.
C'est l'homme dont je t'ai parlé. (That's the man whom I told you about.)
Voici le livre dont l'auteur est célèbre. (Here is the book whose author is famous.)
Il s'agit de - An essential impersonal expression. It means "it's about," "it's a question of," "the issue is."
Dans ce texte, il s'agit des problèmes sociaux. (In this text, it's about social problems.)
Faute de - "For lack of," "due to a lack of."
Faute de preuves, il a été libéré. (For lack of evidence, he was released.)
Grâce à vs. À cause de - Both introduce a cause.
Grâce à is for a positive cause ("thanks to").
À cause de is for a negative cause ("because of").
Chez - A versatile preposition with no direct English equivalent. It means "at the place of / in the world of."
Je vais chez le médecin. (I'm going to the doctor's.)
C'est une habitude chez les jeunes. (It's a habit among young people.)
5. "Filler" Phrases that Show Fluency
Using these correctly makes your French sound natural and sophisticated.
Pour ainsi dire - "So to speak," "as it were."
Quoi que ce soit / Qui que ce soit - "Anything at all" / "Anyone at all."
Il n'y a quoi que ce soit d'intéressant. (There isn't anything interesting at all.)
Il va sans dire que... - "It goes without saying that..."
Autant dire que... - "Which is to say that...", "You might as well say that..."
En quelque sorte - "In a way," "so to speak."