French expressions & patterns
faire remarquer que vs. faire valoir quelque chose: how to choose
Both introduce a point in a conversation or argument, but the stance differs. 'Faire remarquer que' is neutral — you're drawing attention to a fact. 'Faire valoir' is assertive — you're actively promoting or defending a point, argument, or right, often your own.
The decision: Just drawing attention to a fact, neutrally? → faire remarquer que. Actively asserting a point, an argument, or a right — often in your own interest? → faire valoir.
The choices at a glance
| Choose | When to use it | Pattern and example |
|---|---|---|
| faire remarquer que | Neutrally pointing out a fact someone might not have noticed — informative, not necessarily arguing for anything. | Il a fait remarquer que le rapport contenait une erreur. |
| faire valoir quelque chose | Actively putting forward a point, argument, or right — asserting something, often in your own favor or in defense of a position. | Il a fait valoir son expérience pour obtenir le poste. |
Compare the meaning
Il a fait remarquer que la décision était injuste.
Il a fait valoir que la décision était injuste.
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Open faire remarquer que vs. faire valoir quelque chose in FKE