French Phrase
Les gaz retiennent la chaleur dans l'atmosphère.
Meaning
The sentence means “The gases trap heat in the atmosphere.” It is a concise way to describe the greenhouse‑gas effect that drives global warming.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about climate change, environmental science, or any discussion about how gases affect Earth’s temperature. It works well in both formal presentations and casual conversations about the planet.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lesgazretiennentlachaleurdansl'atmosphère.
Les (definite article, plural)
Used before a plural noun to indicate a specific group; here it introduces "gaz".
gaz (masculine plural noun)
Means “gases”. In French, most nouns ending in -z are masculine.
retiennent (present tense of retenir)
Third‑person plural form; means “retain” or “trap”. The stem is retenir + -ent.
la chaleur (noun phrase)
Literally “the heat”. "Chaleur" is feminine, so it takes the article "la".
dans (preposition)
Means “in” or “within”. It introduces the location where the heat is kept.
l'‑atmosphère (elided article + noun)
The definite article "la" elides before a vowel, giving "l'". "Atmosphère" is feminine singular.
🗨In Conversation
Les gaz retiennent la chaleur dans l'atmosphère.
The gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
C’est pourquoi les températures augmentent chaque année.
That’s why temperatures are rising every year.
✕Common Mistakes
Les gaz retient la chaleur dans l'atmosphère.
The verb must agree with the plural subject "gaz"; use the plural form "retiennent".
Les gaz retiennent le chaleur dans l'atmosphère.
"Chaleur" is feminine, so the article must be "la".
Les gaz retiennent la chaleur dans l'atmosphére.
The accent on the final "e" is incorrect; the correct spelling is "atmosphère".
↔Alternatives
Les gaz capturent la chaleur dans l'atmosphère.
The gases capture the heat in the atmosphere.
Les gaz maintiennent la chaleur atmosphérique.
The gases maintain atmospheric heat.
Les gaz emprisonnent la chaleur dans l'atmosphère.
The gases imprison the heat in the atmosphere.
Cultural Tip
In French media and political debate, the term "gaz à effet de serre" (greenhouse gases) is frequently used. When discussing climate issues, a slightly more formal register is preferred, so you’ll often hear "les gaz retiennent la chaleur" in news reports, scientific articles, and environmental NGOs’ statements.