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lors — meaning in English: then

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lors
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effet
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'lors' when recounting events in chronological order. For example, a French speaker might say, 'Je suis arrivé à la fête, et lors de mon arrivée, tout le monde applaudissait,' meaning 'I arrived at the party, and then, upon my arrival, everyone was applauding.' This word is commonly found in both casual conversations and written narratives.
Synonyms & nuances
While 'lors' specifically denotes a moment in time ('then'), synonyms like 'à ce moment-là' or 'subséquemment' can also mean 'then' but tend to emphasize a more specific or formal timeframe. You might choose 'lors' for a conversational tone or narrative flow.
Culture
'Lors' comes from the Latin 'illorum,' which means 'of those' and highlights a connection to events in time. Interestingly, in the context of French literature, 'lors' is frequently used in storytelling to create a seamless flow between events, helping narrators guide their listeners or readers through a sequence of actions.
FAQ
Q.When should I use 'lors' in a sentence?
'Lors' is best used when you want to indicate a sequence of events or actions. It's particularly effective in storytelling or when explaining what happened after a specific moment.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'lors'?
One common mistake is using 'lors' in contexts where 'quand' (when) would be more appropriate. 'Lors' is used for a specific moment in time rather than a general time frame.
Q.Can 'lors' be used interchangeably with 'alors'?
'Lors' and 'alors' are not interchangeable. While both can mean 'then,' 'alors' is often used in a more conversational, casual context, whereas 'lors' is typically reserved for more formal situations or narratives.
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