Conditional of unconfirmed information (journalistic)

Conditional of unconfirmed information (journalistic) means “Conditional to report unverified news/rumor: 'reportedly, allegedly'”. In journalism, the conditional presents information that is not (yet) confirmed, equivalent to English 'reportedly' or 'allegedly': Le président serait malade (The president is reportedly ill). Formation: Sujet + conditionnel (information non vérifiée)

Conditional to report unverified news/rumor: 'reportedly, allegedly'

C1

Formation

Sujet + conditionnel (information non vérifiée)

Explanation

In journalism, the conditional presents information that is not (yet) confirmed, equivalent to English 'reportedly' or 'allegedly': Le président serait malade (The president is reportedly ill). Il y aurait dix blessés (There are said to be ten injured). The past conditional does the same for a completed event: Le ministre aurait démissionné. The speaker does not vouch for the fact.

Examples

Selon la presse, le ministre aurait démissionné.
According to the press, the minister has reportedly resigned.
L'accident aurait fait plusieurs victimes.
The accident has reportedly caused several casualties.

FAQ

Conditional of unconfirmed information (journalistic) — what does it mean and how is it used?

Conditional to report unverified news/rumor: 'reportedly, allegedly'. In journalism, the conditional presents information that is not (yet) confirmed, equivalent to English 'reportedly' or 'allegedly': Le président serait malade (The president is reportedly ill). Il y aurait dix blessés (There are said to be ten injured). The past conditional does the same for a completed event: Le ministre aurait démissionné. The speaker does not vouch for the fact.

Conditional of unconfirmed information (journalistic) — how do you form it?

Sujet + conditionnel (information non vérifiée)

Learn in the app →