Long sentences · eight decisions
1 · 1 · Find the main clause first
Identify the subject and its verb before adding punctuation. Length alone gives no reason to separate them.
La proposition présentée par les deux groupes reste valable.The proposal presented by the two groups remains valid.
2 · 2 · Use a semicolon for parallel claims
Each side can often stand as a sentence. A semicolon keeps the claims close while giving each its own boundary.
Le premier rapport insiste sur le coût ; le second souligne les bénéfices.The first report stresses the cost; the second highlights the benefits.
3 · 3 · Use a colon to introduce an explanation
The second part explains or specifies the first. Read the relationship as “here is why” or “here is what”.
Une difficulté subsiste : le financement reste incertain.One difficulty remains: funding is still uncertain.
4 · 4 · Let a colon announce a list
Use a complete introductory group, then list the announced items. A colon need not follow every verb before its object.
Le comité retient trois critères : le coût, le délai et l’accès au service.The committee retains three criteria: cost, timing and access to the service.
5 · 5 · Use semicolons inside a complex list
When items already contain commas, semicolons make the larger divisions visible.
Trois critères sont retenus : le coût, évalué sur un an ; le délai, fixé à six mois ; l’accès, mesuré chaque semaine.Three criteria are retained: cost, assessed over a year; timing, set at six months; access, measured weekly.
6 · 6 · Close an internal aside
Paired commas or dashes enclose a parenthetical clause within a sentence. Keep the subject and verb connected around it.
Cette réserve, précise la rapporteuse, concerne uniquement le calendrier.This reservation, the rapporteur explains, concerns only the timetable.
7 · 7 · Put supplementary details in parentheses
An internal parenthesis has an opening and a closing mark. Removing its contents should leave a complete sentence.
La proposition (déjà examinée en juin) sera soumise au vote.The proposal (already examined in June) will be put to a vote.
8 · 8 · Check capitals and French spacing
In these examples, the continuation after a colon or semicolon starts with a lower-case letter. Use a space before : and ;, and no internal spaces beside parentheses.
Le constat est simple : le délai est trop court ; une prolongation serait utile.The finding is simple: the time allowed is too short; an extension would be useful.