Formal French connectors: choose the job, then the register
Compare partant, nonobstant, au regard de and il ressort que in a short report. Check their structures, then choose a clear version for an email.
In short
Partant draws a consequence, nonobstant introduces a conceded obstacle, au regard de supplies an assessment criterion, and il ressort de…que presents a conclusion drawn from material. Choose the expression for that job, then decide whether its formality suits your reader.
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Which formal connectors do you use in a French report?
| Job | French | Plain meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Consequence | Les deux réponses se contredisent ; partant, une confirmation est nécessaire. | The replies conflict, so confirmation is needed. |
| Conceded obstacle | Nonobstant cette réserve, le comité approuve le projet. | Despite that reservation, the committee approves the project. |
| Assessment criterion | Au regard des objectifs annoncés, le résultat reste partiel. | Judged against the stated objectives, the result is still partial. |
| Conclusion from material | Il ressort des réponses que la date reste incertaine. | The replies show that the date remains uncertain. |
In the first sentence, the second statement follows from the first. In the second, approval survives a reservation. In the third, the stated objectives are the yardstick. In the fourth, the replies are the material from which the writer draws a conclusion.
Keep the words that complete the frame
nonobstant cette réservedespite this reservation
Focus: the obstacle acknowledged
nonobstant + groupe nominal
Nonobstant les difficultés signalées, le calendrier est maintenu.
Despite the reported difficulties, the timetable is maintained.
il ressort des réponses que…it emerges from the replies that…
Focus: the material and the conclusion drawn from it
il ressort de + source + que + proposition
Il ressort de ce seul échange que deux dates sont envisagées.
This exchange alone indicates that two dates are being considered.
The phrase de ce seul échange keeps the source narrow. Au regard des objectifs annoncés keeps the criterion visible. Removing either phrase makes the conclusion broader. Keep these details when you shorten the sentence.
Choose a version for a colleague
| Formal wording | Everyday written wording |
|---|---|
| Les réponses se contredisent ; partant, une confirmation est nécessaire. | Les réponses se contredisent. Il faut donc demander une confirmation. |
| Nonobstant cette réserve, nous maintenons la réunion. | Malgré cette réserve, nous maintenons la réunion. |
Partant is very formal. Nonobstant is especially associated with legal and administrative writing. Donc and malgré fit many practical emails. Keep the formal expression when it suits the document and helps the reader follow the relation.