Hello
I have often noticed that sentences in French begin with 'Et'. Is this considered 'good' French, as in English it would be considered very poor grammar?
Furthermore, I have often noticed the use of a comma before 'et'. Once again, in English this would be considered poor grammar. Is this optional or required in French?
I look forward to your response.
Thank you for your fantastic lessons!
Reading B1, Politics, History & Economics, Language & Education, Listening or Seeing B2
Bonjour Belinda,
We're really happy that you're enjoying our lessons and content so much!
You can be used "et" at the beginning of a sentence to emphasise an opposition or a feeling, to underline a succession of ideas or to increase the rhythm of a dialogue or a story (and it is often used in spoken/everyday French). However, many grammarians (purists) do not recognise this use of "et".
You can also see the use of a comma (actually two commas) after "et", especially in a story:
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !
Bonjour Belinda,
In this very instance ('Ensuite, Maria a emmené son visiteur au restaurant sur la place du village, et ils ont déjeuné en terrasse.'), "et" can be preceded by a comma to emphazise the last statement / a consequence (sharp break) in the sentence or to create a clear end (dramatic effect) to the sentence.
Take a look here for more details (comparing English and French use of commas with a succession of items):
Comparing French and English Styles and Punctuation Patterns
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !
Bonjour Céline
Thank you for your prompt response!
Your examples regarding the commas are as they would also be used in English.
I was specifically referring to cases where I have seen a comma before 'et'.
I managed to find a specific example: (Taken from : 'Une Promenade en Ville)
'Ensuite, Maria a emmené son visiteur au restaurant sur la place du village, et ils ont déjeuné en terrasse.'
In English there would not be a comma before 'et'.
In an instance where not having the comma is being highlighted as a fault this then indicates that the comma is required, as was the case in that exercise.
I will look out for your response.
Thanks again.
Hi Belinda,
just a comment to the English: a comma before the and of the last item in a list is perfectly OK (it's called the Oxford comma): wine, beer, and whisky.
Even a comma before a conjunction joining two complete sentences is fine and generally even required.
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