Au fait, en fait, en effet (and other expressions) explained

Do you know the difference between “au fait”, “en fait”, and “en effet” in French? Do you know how to use them in a sentence? AND do you know how to pronounce them? (some of these expressions have a sounded final [t] whereas one has a silent final [t].

This question comes from Marian, a listener of the podcast. Marian also asked me to shed light on ” mettre à jour” vs “mettre au jour”…pun intended! ?

Are there other similarly looking expressions that confuse you? Let me know, I’d gladly explain them to you and you may be helping other students with them along the way!

au fait (pronounce the final T) = by the way

Au fait, ta mère a téléphoné! = By the way, your mum has called!

En fait (pronounce the final T) = in fact, actually

“Il faudrait trouver une idée de cadeau pour l’anniversaire de Jeanne. Que penses-tu d’un bouquet de fleurs? – En fait, j’avais pensé à un bon pour un massage”

“- Je peux te parler 5 minutes? – En fait, j’allais sortir pour la pause déjeuner. Ça peut attendre mon retour?”

– en effet (DON’T pronounce the final T) = indeed

Docteur: “En effet, vous êtes bien malade! Vous avez 40 de fièvre!”

“Pardon, c’est bien la direction du Louvre? – En effet, madame.”

mettre à jour = to update

mettre au jour = to uncover, to expose, to unearth

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The post FYW 175 : Au fait, en fait, en effet (and other expressions) explained appeared first on French Your Way.