French language Q&A Forum

I know there are lots of exceptions in French! Is there one hiding behind the breaking of the symmetry of taking off two letters and adding one when forming participles (-er > -é, -ir > -i, but -dre > -du, rather than the simpler -re > -u) ?

In a sentence with a main clause and a si clause, the first uses the conditionell and the second the imparfait. For example, Je partirais si j'avais une voiture. Would it not make more sense to use the conditionelle for the si clause as well? After all, it also expresses a hypothetical situation. Why the different modes in the main clause and the si clause?

I’ve looked at the forum responses and still don’t understand why ‘je suis dix minutes en retard’ was marked as incorrect. More clarification please.

Would it be an alternative to say:  Ils ont du [accent] leur devoirs avant le diner [accent]" (which I believe translates to  "They must have finished their homework before dinner.")

Can you please explain how these are different?

“A corner-kick” would be a useful addition to the list !

Hi,

I was wondering if there was a list of the sports to know whether or not it is jouer or faire? i do know which ones are masculine and fem i just need to know how you determine which is faire or jouer.

thanks 

i had scrolled down and found Céline's answer and it made more sense.

nicole

Why is it "Elle fait exprès d'être en retard."  and not "Elle a fait exprès d'être en retard.

"Elle veut que tu fasses la grasse matinée demain matin."