The circumstancial complement in French
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Tiphaine R.
30.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Benjamin R.
20.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Trécy N.
26.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Our offer
Lesson outline
Hide- 1.What is the CC in French ?
- 2.The circumstantial complement of time in French
- 3.The circumstantial complement of place in French
- 3.1.Examples
- 4.The circumstantial complement of way in French
- 4.1.Examples
- 5.The circumstantial complement of purpose in French
- 6.The circumstantial complement of consequence in French
- 6.1.Examples
- 7.The circumstantial complement of means
- 7.1.Examples
- 8.The position of a CC in French
- 9.The grammatical category of a CC
- 10.Exercises
- 10.1.Multiple choice questions about the CC in French
- 10.2.Multiple choice questions about the CC course in French
What is the CC in French ?
The circumstantial complements (French: les compléments circonstanciels) are words or group of words and indicate in which circumstance the action takes place: at what time, in what place, in what way, for what purpose, for what cause, with what or by what?
It completes the verb and can be deleted or moved.
There are many categories of circumstantial complements:
- The circumstantial complement of time
- The circumstantial complement of place.
- The circumstantial complement of way.
- The circumstantial complement of purpose
- The circumstantial complement of consequence
- The circumstantial complement of means.
Have a question?
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
- Native & verified teachers
- Free trial lesson
- Learning materials included
Michel Désiré B. 
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Olivier J. 
40.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Danea H.
20.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Andrea D. 
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Edith L. 
23.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Elise D.
45.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Amandine K.
30.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Cas A. 
12.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Jimmy Alfonso S. 
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Dr. Jade A. 
50.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
The circumstantial complement of time in French
The circumstantial complément of time (French: le complément circonstanciel de temps) is abbreviated CCT and makes the understanding more precise
- situate an action at a specific moment
- indicate the duration of an action
- express the repetition of an action
To find the CCT, you most often ask these questions after the verb or the complement:
- Quand ? (When ?)
- Pendant combien de temps ? (How long ?)
Examples
| CCT | Questions | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Je rentre demain matin. | Je rentre quand ? | (I am leaving tomorrow morning) |
| Pendant deux ans, j'ai vécu en Italie | J'ai vécu en Italie, pendant combien de temps ? | (I had lived in Italy for two years) |
| Les enfants partiront à l'école quand tu seras là | Les enfants partiront à l'école quand ? | (The kids will leave for school when you'll be here) |
The circumstantial complement of place in French
The circumstantial complement of place (French; le complément circonstanciel de lieu) is abbreaviated CCL and indicates where the action happens.
To find the CCL, it is most often to ask the question after the verb and the complement.
- Où ? (Where ?)
Examples
| CCL | Questions | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| En France, je suis très célèbre | Je suis très célèbre où ? | (In France, I'm very famous) |
| Samantha a dû partir chez sa mère | Samantha a dû partir où ? | (Samantha had to leave her mom's) |
| Pierre est venu me voir à l'école | Pierre est venu me voir où ? | (Peter came to see me at school) |
The circumstantial complement of way in French
The circumstantial complement of way (French: le complément circonstanciel de manière) is abbreviated CCM and indicates how the action takes place.
To find the CCM, it is necessary that you ask these questions after the verb and the complement.
- Comment ? (How ?)
- De quel facon ? (How ?)
- De quelle manière ? (How ?)
Examples
| CCM | Questions | Translations |
|---|---|---|
| Il mange au restaurant en criant | Il mange au restaurant comment ? | (He eats at the restaurant by yelling) |
| Les enfants jouent bruyamment | De quelle manière joue les enfants ? | (The children play loud) |
| Nous attendons la série avec impatience | Nous attendons la série comment ? | (We are waiting for the show eagerly) |
The circumstantial complement of purpose in French
The circumstantial complement of purpose (French: le complément circonstanciel de but) is abbreviated CCB and expresses the objective that someone intentionally wishes to achieve or, on the contrary, avoid.
To find the CC de but, is it necessary that you ask these question after the verb or the complement:
- Pourquoi ? (Why ?)
- Dans quel but ? (For what ?)
- En vue de quoi ? (For what ?)
| CC de but | Questions | Translations |
|---|---|---|
| Marie révise sa leçon parce qu'elle veut avoir une bonne note | Marie révise sa leçon pourquoi ? | (Marie is revising her lesson because she want to have a good mark) |
| Je viendrai plus tard pour le discours de ton père | Je viendrai plus tard dans quel but ? | (I will come later for your dad's speech) |
| Il s'entraîne chaque jour afin de devenir le meilleur | Il s'entraine chaque jour en vue de quoi ? | (He practise every day to become the best) |
The CC de but is usually introduced by prepositions like: pour, en vue de, afin de, dans l’intention de and many others.
The circumstantial complement of consequence in French
The circumstantial complement of cause (French: le complément circonstanciel de conséquence) is abbreviated CCC and expresses the result of an action.
This complement is used as the result of the cause which is also a circumstancial complement that indicates what happens first.
To find the CCC, it is necessary that you ask these questions after the verb and the complement:
- Avec quel résultat ? (What results ?)
- De manière à obtenir quel résultat ? (In order to get what ?)
- Pour quel résultat ? (For what ?)
Examples
| CC de cause | CC de conséquence | Questions | Translations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ils étaient trop malades pour aller à l'école | Ils étaient trop malades pour aller l'école | Ils étaient trop malades avec quel résultat ? | (They were so sick to go to school) |
| Ta soeur a couru au point d'avoir fait tomber son téléphone | Ta soeur a couru au point d'avoir fait tomber son téléphone | Ta soeur a couru de manière à obtenir quel résultat ? | (Your sister ran to the point of dropping her phone) |
| Je préfère dire la vérité à en perdre mon travail | Je préfère dire la vérité à en perde mon travail | Je préfère dire la vérité pour quel résultat ? | (I prefer to tell the truth even if I lose my job) |
The circumstantial complement of means
The circumstantial complement of means (French: le complément circonstanciel de moyen) is abbreviated CC de moyen to avoid the same abbreciation as the CCM. It indicates the tool, the utensil, the part of the body, the instrument, the means of displacement used to accomplish the action.
To find the CC de moyen, it is necessary that you ask these questions after the verb and the complement:
- Par quel moyens ? (How ?)
- Avec quoi ? (With what ?)
Examples
| CC de moyen | Questions | Translations |
|---|---|---|
| Je me rends à l'aéroport en métro | Je me rends à l'aéroport par quel moyen ? | (I am going to the airport by metro) |
| Versez 2cl de lait en remuant avec l'aide d'une cuillère en bois | Versez 2cl de lait en remuant avec quoi ? | (Pour 2cl of milk stirring with a wooden spoon) |
| Mon ami a réparé sa voiture avec la nouvelle batterie | Mon ami a réparé sa voiture avec quoi ? | (My friend repaired his car with the new battery) |
The position of a CC in French
To recognize a circumstantial complement, we must find a group of words that we can delete or move.
Example:
Le lundi, les étudiants vont à l'université. (On monday, students go to college)
- "le lundi" can be deleted, which is a CCT
- It can also be moved:
Les étudiants vont à l'université le lundi
Therefore, a circumstantial complement follow the verb or a complement. There can be two circumstantial complements in the same sentence
Je vais à l'école demain. (I am going to school tomorrow)
- "à l'école" is a circumstantial complement of place (CCL)
- "demain" is a circumstantial complement of time (CCT)
- The CCT can be also deleted.
The grammatical category of a CC
The grammatical nature of a circumstantial complement can be
- a noun
- a pronoun
- an adverb
- an infinitive verb
- a gerund
- a proposition
| Nature | Examples | CC | Translations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noun | La nuit, je me sens seule | CCT | (At night, I feel alone) |
| Pronoun | J'aimerais partir avec eux à Paris | CC de moyen | (I would like to go with them in Paris) |
| Adverb | Marchez discrètement ! | CCM | (Walk slowly !) |
| Infinitive verb | Mangeons sain pour avoir une meilleur santé | CCB | (Let's eat healthy for a better health) |
| Gerund | Il marche en chantant | CCM | (He walks by singing) |
| Proposition | Nous resterons jusqu'à ce que tu ailles mieux | CC de conséquence | (We will stay until you get better) |
Exercises
- Multiple choice questions about the CC in French
- Multiple choice questions about the CC course in French
Multiple choice questions about the CC in French
Multiple choice questions about the CC course in French
Exercises
- Multiple choice questions about the CC in French
- Multiple choice questions about the CC course in French
Multiple choice questions about the CC in French
Multiple choice questions about the CC course in French
What our students say
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Bonjour! Veux-tu apprendre français? ou l'améliorer?
My classes are structured according to my students' needs, I use different teaching methods and I rely on listening each of my students' expectations and goals. Dynamism and constant learning are my purposes in my classes.
I have worked as a French teacher for more than ten years.
I have academic studies in English and French from Montréal, Canada, where I lived for several years. I have a Bachelor in Teaching French as a foreign language from the Université de Bourgogne.
I learned French at an early age in immersion in a French-speaking region and I studied French formally for 11 years, obtaining a native level.
À bientôt!
Т. П.
Natalia will be really interested in you as a person, what your goals are, and motivation for you to learn the language. I liked how she was answering all my questions, were patient and positive on our lesson.
Natalia L.
Toma, your interest for the language and having learned other languages before will be very helpful for you, continue with your motivation for learning French!
Italian teacher for foreigners
G. P.
Beatrice is specialized in teaching Italian for all levels. She has language certificates from DITALS for Italian and CELTA for English. Other than her knowledge of the Italian language, she can also speak English, and Spanish. Her multilingual skills allow her to offer the students a chance for better communication during her classes. Beatrice’s teaching method depends on what fits your level. In her, you will find a well-prepared, expert, and friendly teacher. She relies on several books for teaching the Italian languagen, like: Dieci, Nuovo Contatto, Domani, Progetto Italiano, and Nuovo Magari. With Beatrice, you'll learn faster than you can imagine!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Beatrice B.
Bonjour! Veux-tu apprendre français? ou l'améliorer?
My classes are structured according to my students' needs, I use different teaching methods and I rely on listening each of my students' expectations and goals. Dynamism and constant learning are my purposes in my classes.
I have worked as a French teacher for more than ten years.
I have academic studies in English and French from Montréal, Canada, where I lived for several years. I have a Bachelor in Teaching French as a foreign language from the Université de Bourgogne.
I learned French at an early age in immersion in a French-speaking region and I studied French formally for 11 years, obtaining a native level.
À bientôt!
I. G.
I really enjoy my lessons with Natalia! She is a very talented teacher. So far she has helped me to improve a lot my vocabulory, grammaire and my conversational skills, in general. I like that all the time we talk in French, which is very useful if you already start from a certain language level (like my case). But also, she can explain in English , if I need. She chooses a lot of different topics for conversations, and for grammaire she uses the best learning materials which exist on the market! Thank you Natalia!
Hi Irina. Thank you very much for your comment. It has been a real pleasure to work with you these months and to see how you have improved your grammar as well as your oral and written expression. You have a very good level of French and I will help you to improve it in the way you need. See you soon!
I am a serious and reliable person: availability and professionalism are the qualities that best characterize me. I have already had experiences in the field of tutoring and I have also prepared several students to study for the Trinity/Cambridge, DELE and DELF exams.
I am perfectly competent in foreign languages, but I am also able to help students in other subjects (humanistic or not). I have got a Master's degree in Modern Languages and Literatures and my language skills are certified.
Lessons include conversations in the language chosen and I normally share teaching materials previously chosen according to the needs of the student. When necessary, we will start the lessons with a review of grammar and then address the topics requested by the student.
Lessons are mainly aimed at middle school and high school students, but I also provide preparation for university exams.
As a private teacher, I find it important to discuss with the student on issues related to the modality of the lessons and the objectives of they pursue. I am very patient and I use very flexible teaching methods.
G. P.
Laura is a young teacher with a degree in languages. Her teaching method is based on her university books, teachers' advice and direct experience with her students. The material she uses during the lessons is well-structured and planned. With her, you will be able to learn a new language very easily.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Alessia T.
Hello everyone, and welcome to my classroom. I hope you are all doing well. My name is Kimberley, and I live in South Africa. I have an honors degree in Environmental health. My hobbies include hiking, cooking, singing, participating in outdoor activities as well as 0reading books. I enjoy engaging in conversations with people whether old or young and have excellent interpersonal skills. In my classroom, I can help you with pronunciation of words, grammar and reading comprehension. My classes are never dull as I make it as interesting and practical as it can be. Lastly the motto of this classroom is practice makes perfect. I hope to see you in my lessons very soon.
G. P.
Kimberley is a friendly and professional teacher with excellent English books and an impeccable teaching method. She is perfect for those just starting out in the English language and highly recommended for school and college students.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Kimberley C.
Hi,
I m claudie , I m french and i have experience to teach french to foreign people.
I create in a school of langage in Spain a little faculty for my french lessons with a group from 15 years olds until 25.
The pupils were all the levels A1 until C2!
I was teaching as well with lillte children and adults in Spain and Rumania.
I m a very dynamic teacher with a lot of patient and empathy.
You will make a lot of progress!
L. T.
Highly recommended, very personable and the lessons are a lot of fun. Claudie is flexible when it comes to class topics. Adapts to your interests or profession. In my case, she adapted the lessons to my employer and integrated the homepage into the lessons (sales). We recommend!
Claudie S.
thank you very much, I really enjoyed the hours spent working French together on many topics and also our laughter !!
Do you want to learn Spanish with a kind and patient teacher? Someone to help you gain confidence and practice the language with topics according to your level and needs? In addition to that ... Do you want to get a study material and corrections? Well, I'm the right teacher for you . My name is Andrea and I'm from South America - Ecuador. I am a full-time Spanish teacher and I have a variety of resources to help you learn Spanish online.
I am currently studying French and I know how beneficial and fun it is to learn with a friendly and patient teacher who teaches you and helps you speak the language with confidence.
If you want to know a little more about me, I invite you to watch this video about reserving a hotel room.
https://youtu.be/d7F7mxOfKmA
G. P.
Andrea is a delightful and brilliant teacher. She has been teaching Spanish since 2018 and her study method is based on the student's level and the goals they want to achieve. In her you will find a prepared, experienced and friendly person. She relies on several books for teaching Spanish and her lessons are creative, very innovative and super interactive. With her you will never be bored.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Andrea H.
Degree in Teaching and in Geography and History, with certificate of French C1 by the Institut Français and by the Official School of Languages, I teach French and Spanish online since 2020.
I adapt to your level and your time needs, with maximum availability. I use my own materials and resources available on the internet, making the classes enjoyable and fun. I offer a free first class, do not hesitate to book it to meet us.
J. .
Blanca is an excellent teacher and very friendly. She adapts the lessons to my wishes. We laugh a lot and I hope that we will continue the lessons for a long time.
Blanca N.
Thank you Jolanda, you are very nice!
Hello,
Are you looking to learn or improve your French in a Fun and relaxed atmosphere?
Look no further !
My name is Anissa and I'm a French native and certified teacher.
Focusing on each student's individual level, interests, and goals, my online classes are effective to achieve impressive learning results in a shorter period of time. The courses will be based on your personal needs and during the class you will receive direct explanations, correction and feedback in order to instantly improve your language skills.
Whether you want to learn French for your own pleasure or preparing for an exam, an upcoming interview or a presentation at work, I will be happy to assist you in reaching your goals.
My online classes are available at any time! Choose a subject from my curriculum or request your own topic, date, time and start master your French!
I look forward to meeting you,
Anissa, your French (and nice) teacher :)
*Please note that I'm not offering a free trial anymore*
A. O.
As always, Anissa continues to excel. She is a pleasure to work with, helpful in every way. I always enjoy our lessons.
Anissa M.
Hello everyone!
My name is Wanda, I'm 27 and I'm French.
I have a Master's Degree in Teaching French as a Foreign Language from the University of Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, as well as 3 years of teaching experience (face-to-face, remote courses, or group classes).
I can teach you everything from grammar to culture, but I am particularly able to help you get a better pronunciation! Indeed, I also have a Master's Degree in Linguistics, for which I wrote a thesis about the pronunciation of people learning French as a foreign language =)
Regarding pronunciation, I'll help you without any judgment and only if you express the need to improve!
I studied one year in Japan (Osaka) where I gave French classes at the University of Kansai. During this time, I met a lot of people from various background and I became very open-minded and comfortable with different cultures.
What I like the most in teaching French is getting to meet and know people from different cultures =)
So, I'll be waiting for you! =)
See you soon,
Wanda
L. B.
Wanda is a fantastic teacher, she's always up to solve problems and doubts. She teaches from grammar to speaking, with a good emphasis on pronunciation and phonetics which are essential in French!
Wanda N.
Bonjour! Veux-tu apprendre français? ou l'améliorer?
My classes are structured according to my students' needs, I use different teaching methods and I rely on listening each of my students' expectations and goals. Dynamism and constant learning are my purposes in my classes.
I have worked as a French teacher for more than ten years.
I have academic studies in English and French from Montréal, Canada, where I lived for several years. I have a Bachelor in Teaching French as a foreign language from the Université de Bourgogne.
I learned French at an early age in immersion in a French-speaking region and I studied French formally for 11 years, obtaining a native level.
À bientôt!
I. M.
She is a very nice person and a great teacher. She is able to make you learn grammar while speaking and writing. I think that's amazing to find a teacher like her because learning becomes funny and seems to be easy. I hope to learn french as well as she speaks it. I found a teacher and at the same time a friend who lives far form me,that speaks another language and that I couldn't have found in any other way. I absolutely recommend her!
Irene is a great student, I have seen her French improving very fast. She is able to speak about many different topics and give her opinion in a very detailed way. We are working in improving her writing skills and I see how she is doing better and better very quickly. Congratulations for all your work Irene!
Hi,
I m claudie , I m french and i have experience to teach french to foreign people.
I create in a school of langage in Spain a little faculty for my french lessons with a group from 15 years olds until 25.
The pupils were all the levels A1 until C2!
I was teaching as well with lillte children and adults in Spain and Rumania.
I m a very dynamic teacher with a lot of patient and empathy.
You will make a lot of progress!
J. .
Claudie is a wonderful, dedicated and very patient teacher. My goal was to speak French, because before, during lessons in my own country, I didn't feel comfortable speaking French and I couldn't manage to speak French without blocking. With Claudie, it's totally different. For over eight months, I took lessons with Claudie almost every week. Claudie gives me self-confidence and I learned a lot. We are talking about everyday life, but also about cultural subjects. She always manages to find interesting topics to discuss. We laugh a lot and I hope we will continue the lessons for a long time.
Claudie S.
Hello everyone!
I am Manon, French by birth, currently living in Costa Rica.
I love meeting new people and I am curious to discover your life path and discuss what you are passionate about.
During a class, I take the time to take an interest in my students and help them to speak naturally.
The conversation can be about a topic you’d like to talk about, or we can use a video, an audio, or an image and discuss around this support.
I want you to feel comfortable so, no pressure, we’re here to have fun and learn.
I look forward to meeting you, so feel free to try a free trial course ;)
See you soon!
G. .
Manon is a lovely teacher. I really enjoyed the lessons with her and learned a lot of things. Thanks again!!!
Manon R.
Thank you very much Julia!! It was a real pleasure to know you, I too had a great time! Good continuation to you!