Opposition

alors que

StandardB1

What follows

alors que + a clause in the indicative

See the subjunctive entry →

Function

Opposition

Meaning

Contrasts two simultaneous facts, and can also mark TIME: the sentence decides.

Position and punctuation

within the sentence · a comma before

Example

Les inscriptions ont augmenté en ligne, alors qu'elles reculent au guichet.

Registrations have risen online, whereas they are falling at the counter.

In the DELF

the B2 essay · the B2 oral presentation

The trap

TWO MEANINGS, and that is the trap. Opposition: two facts compared. Time: at the moment when. Context alone decides, and the mood stays indicative in both cases.

Read the full lesson : Opposition and concession →

Same function

Pairs often confused