alors/a.lɔʁ/
adverb / interjection · A2 · Frequency 107
adverb
Meanings
then (at that time)
An adverb indicating a past or specific point in time.
so, hence (as a consequence)
A conjunction or adverb expressing causal relationship.
Examples
Alors, je travaillais encore dans une petite librairie de quartier.
Back then, I was still working in a small neighborhood bookshop.
Il vivait alors chez ses parents et poursuivait ses études.
At that time, he lived with his parents and continued his studies.
Le train a été supprimé, alors nous avons pris un autobus.
The train was canceled, so we took a bus.
Collocations
- jusqu’alorsuntil then
Common mistakes
alors que
alors
‘alors’ and ‘alors que’ have different meanings; ‘alors’ indicates time or cause, while ‘alors que’ indicates contrast, which learners often confuse.
Related words
interjection
Meanings
so, well, well then (interjection)
Used as an interjection to express acceptance, transition, or to introduce a topic.
then, at that time (adverb)
Indicates a point or period in the past.
so, therefore (conjunction)
Used to connect clauses indicating cause or consequence.
Examples
Alors, on commence la réunion ?
So, shall we start the meeting?
Alors ! Tu as enfin trouvé la solution.
Well then! You finally found the solution.
Alors, qu'est-ce qu'on fait maintenant ?
So, what do we do now?
Collocations
- alors voilàso, there you go
- à ce moment-là, alorsat that moment, then
- alors quewhile, whereas
Common mistakes
alors que
alors
Confusing the conjunction alors que with the interjection alors.
alors
à ce moment-là
Using alors to indicate a specific time point is often incorrect; a more precise time expression should be used.
Related words
- synonymdonctherefore, so
synonymalors même queeven though, even if