Mastering 'Puis': A French Punctuation Guide

The French language, much like any other, is rich with words that carry specific grammatical weight and stylistic implications. Among these, the word 'puis' holds a particular status. Often encountered in written and spoken French, its correct usage, especially concerning punctuation, can sometimes be a point of confusion. This article aims to clarify the role of 'puis', particularly when it begins a sentence or connects clauses, providing a comprehensive understanding with examples drawn from reputable sources.

Understanding 'Puis': More Than Just 'Then'

'Puis' functions primarily as a temporal adverb, equivalent to 'then' or 'afterwards' in English. However, its grammatical standing is more complex. As noted by the esteemed grammarian Grevisse, 'puis' is almost always employed in the context of coordination in common French usage. It is placed between the coordinated elements, leading many to classify it among coordinating conjunctions.

This dual nature – acting as both a temporal marker and a connector – influences how it is punctuated. When 'puis' begins a sentence, the convention is that it is rarely followed by a comma. However, this is not an absolute rule. As a 'temporal hinge', similar to 'ensuite' (afterwards), 'puis' can indeed be followed by a comma, particularly when it serves to create a distinct pause or emphasis.

Grevisse further elaborates that 'puis' can bear a tonic accent in spoken French, often accompanied by a pause. In written French, this pause is frequently represented by a comma. This explains why, despite the general tendency, the comma after 'puis' at the start of a sentence is not only permissible but sometimes stylistically necessary.

'Puis' in Action: Literary Examples

To illustrate these points, let's examine some examples from French literature that showcase the varied usage of 'puis':

• "Puis, il repart, avec une furie nouvelle, jetant un chiffre de la main à chaque enchérisseur, surprenant les moindres signes, les doigts levés, les haussement de sourcils, les avancements de lèvres, les clignements d’yeux […]"

  — ZOLA, Le Ventre de Paris, t. I, p. 154-155.

  In this example, Zola uses 'Puis' at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. This comma creates a distinct pause, effectively separating the introductory temporal marker from the subsequent action, thereby adding a dramatic effect.

• "[…] Morava­gine se signa longuement devant les icônes. Puis, il s’empara d’une assiettée de zakouskis et but une grande tasse d’alcool, retourna devant les icônes, commanda un borchtch, vint s’asseoir à ma table, alluma sa courte pipe en jurant, croisa ses jambes et entama un long monologue à haute voix."

  — B. CENDRARS, Morava­gine, in Œuvres complètes, t. IV, p. 165.

  Cendrars also employs 'Puis' followed by a comma to transition between a previous action (signing himself before icons) and the subsequent sequence of actions. The comma here helps to delineate the shift in focus and activity.

• "Quand il connut la nouvelle, le capitaine Raymond Dronne, du régiment de marche du Tchad, donna calmement ses ordres de départ à ses hommes. Puis, il décrocha le rétroviseur de son command-car et l’attacha à une branche de pommier. Et il entreprit de tailler sa florissante barbe rousse."

  — D. LAPIERRE et L. COLLINS, Paris brûle-t-il ?, p. 250.

  This example from Lapierre and Collins demonstrates the use of 'Puis' with a comma to link a series of events. The comma serves to separate the new action from the preceding one, creating a clear chronological flow.

  

'Puis' in Coordination: The Role of 'Et'

Complementing its temporal function, 'puis' is often used in conjunction with 'et' (and) in the best French usage, particularly when emphasizing a sequence of events. Grevisse highlights that "'puis' is employed in the best language with 'et'".

Consider these examples:

• "Le loup le quitte alors et puis il nous regarde" (Vigny, Dest., Mort du loup).

  Here, 'et puis' effectively links two sequential actions performed by the wolf, reinforcing the temporal progression.

• "C’est encore plus joli quand elles retombent. Et puis aussitôt elles se fondent" (A. Breton, Nadja, p. 99).

  In Breton's work, 'Et puis' introduces an immediate subsequent event, creating a sense of continuity and flow.

'Et puis' as an Additive: 'Besides' and 'Moreover'

Beyond its temporal meaning, 'et puis' can also function as an additive conjunction, similar to 'besides', 'moreover', or 'in addition' in English. In this sense, it is often followed by a comma.

Let's look at a dialogue illustrating this usage:

• "— Pourquoi aurait-elle fait l’amour si vite, quelques minutes après vous avoir rencontré ?

  — Je vous l’ai dit, à nos âges, ça se fait. Et puis, elle avait bu et fumé, ça désinhibe, c’est certain."

  — Karine TUIL, Les Choses humaines, p. 264.

  In this exchange, the second speaker uses "Et puis" followed by a comma to introduce an additional reason or explanation. The comma here clearly separates the additive phrase from the supporting detail.

The Comma Conundrum: Personal Perspectives

The usage of commas, especially with words like 'puis', can be subjective and influenced by individual reading habits and stylistic preferences. The inspiration for this article came from a colleague who found a particular comma usage "very bizarre", while another, upon reading an article, commented, "'Puis' without a comma seems... too naked!". These contrasting views highlight how our perception of language is shaped by our exposure and personal interpretation, underscoring the dynamic nature of grammatical conventions.

When to Use 'Puis': A Practical Scenario

Let's consider a practical scenario to solidify our understanding. Imagine Madame Jonquille meeting her best friend after two months. The narrative might unfold as follows:

"Madame Jonquille n’a pas vu sa meilleure amie depuis deux mois. Aujourd’hui, elles ont rendez-vous dans leur café habituel pour se raconter tout ce qui s’est passé dans leur vie depuis la dernière fois.

Madame Jonquille enfile sa veste, puis elle prend son sac avant de sortir de chez elle."

In this instance, 'puis' connects two sequential actions performed by Madame Jonquille: putting on her jacket and taking her bag. The comma after 'puis' is appropriate here, creating a slight pause that separates these two distinct, yet chronologically linked, actions. It guides the reader smoothly from one event to the next.

Frequently Asked Questions about 'Puis'

Q1: Can 'Puis' always start a sentence?

A1: Yes, 'puis' can start a sentence, often to indicate a sequence of events or a transition. Whether to use a comma after it depends on the desired emphasis and flow.

Q2: Is it grammatically correct to put a comma after 'Puis' at the beginning of a sentence?

A2: Yes, it is grammatically correct, especially when 'puis' acts as a temporal hinge and a pause is intended for stylistic effect or clarity. Literary examples support this usage.

Q3: What is the difference between 'puis' and 'et puis'?

A3: 'Puis' primarily functions as a temporal adverb ('then', 'afterwards'). 'Et puis' can also indicate temporal sequence but often carries an additive meaning ('besides', 'moreover', 'in addition'). 'Et puis' is more commonly followed by a comma when used in this additive sense.

Q4: How does 'puis' function in coordination?

A4: In coordination, 'puis' connects clauses or phrases, indicating a sequence. It is often placed between the elements it connects and can be considered a coordinating conjunction in this context.

Q5: Are there any strict rules about using 'puis' without a comma?

A5: While 'puis' at the start of a sentence is often not followed by a comma in common usage, there are no absolute prohibitions against it. The decision often rests on stylistic choice and the intended rhythm of the sentence.

Conclusion

The word 'puis' is a versatile element in the French language, serving as both a temporal marker and a connector. Understanding its nuances, particularly regarding punctuation, allows for more precise and stylistically effective writing. By observing its use in literature and applying the guidelines discussed, you can confidently incorporate 'puis' into your own French compositions, ensuring clarity and a natural flow.